Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) continues its projects aimed at preserving the historical and cultural heritage in Syria such as the recently completed “The Umayyad Mosque Infrastructure Development Project”.
The Project included providing aluminium expandable safety barriers as well as wooden separators with embroidered islamic motifs on, in harmony with the historical character of the Mosque. This new arrangement aims to better organize the circulation paths for male and female congregants in the courtyard and interior spaces without compromising the mosque’s historical and aesthetic value.
Additionally, new shoe racks were installed to provide convenience, particularly during prayer times and periods of high visitor traffic.
A field programme on community-based disaster management was carried out in Southern Thailand through the cooperation of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), Thailand’s National Health Commission Office (NHCO), and Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
The programme brought together NHCO Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Waranyou Satayavongtip, Deputy Secretary-General and Director of the NHCO Regional Office Somkiat Pitakkamolporn, Director of the NHCO Global Collaboration Department Nanoot Mathuraphot, NHCO officials, and experts from AFAD and TİKA for field visits in Songkhla and Satun provinces. The delegation examined community-based disaster management practices, public participation mechanisms in decision-making processes, and coordination systems at district and provincial levels while exploring opportunities to strengthen disaster management cooperation between Türkiye and Thailand.
During the three-day programme, the delegation participated in meetings hosted by the Institute of Public Policy at Prince of Songkla University. The delegation subsequently visited Ban Khuan Santi Community in Hat Yai District of Songkhla Province and Ban Kota Community in La-ngu District of Satun Province, where community-based flood management practices have been implemented following the devastating floods that struck Southern Thailand in 2025. The programme also included a visit to La-ngu Hospital, where participants received briefings on local disaster preparedness and emergency response practices and exchanged professional experience with Thai counterparts.
Nanoot Mathuraphot, Director of the NHCO Global Collaboration Department, stated that NHCO addresses complex social challenges through its “Triangle that Moves the Mountain” approach, which brings together academia, government institutions, and civil society organizations. She noted that Thailand has experienced increasingly frequent and severe disasters over the past two decades, including floods, tsunamis, and emerging infectious diseases. She emphasized that strengthening community-based disaster management, improving data infrastructure, and developing policy recommendations aligned with international standards have therefore become national priorities.
Eyüp Kınacı, Head of the Search and Rescue Operations Working Group at AFAD, stated that the launch of a Community-Based Disaster Management Programme in Thailand would help establish a long-term and sustainable disaster management framework. AFAD expert Osman Güleşen introduced Türkiye’s integrated emergency management system for flood and earthquake disasters, highlighting the country’s standard operating procedures covering early warning, evacuation, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery. He underlined that these procedures have enabled effective inter-agency coordination and shared Türkiye’s experience with Thai stakeholders.
Chakrit Pocharuang, representative of the Songkhla Community Foundation, stressed that the cooperation between AFAD, TİKA, NHCO, and local institutions aims to strengthen communities’ capacity to respond independently during the initial phase of disasters. He noted that the field visits revealed local strengths, inter-institutional cooperation potential, and actual community needs, providing a solid foundation for the development of projects tailored to regional priorities.
Wirat Omanee, Head of Ban Kota Village, explained that a local disaster coordination centre and a volunteer network had been established based on lessons learned from previous floods. He added that GPS technology and the COPI software system are being used to register the locations of vulnerable groups, improve evacuation planning, and support the expansion of the model across the province.
Representatives of Ban Khuan Santi Community also shared their experiences from the major floods of 2025, noting that inadequate preparedness and transportation difficulties had significantly hampered emergency response operations. They emphasized that communities should be equipped with basic rescue equipment to enable self-response until external assistance arrives.
The NHCO and Turkish delegation also met with Songkhla Deputy Governor Jirawat Maneechot, Director of the Songkhla Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office Sophon Thongsai, local government officials, and municipal representatives to discuss opportunities for strengthening community-based disaster management systems.
During the meetings, the Songkhla Deputy Governor and the Director of the Songkhla Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office expressed their full support for the Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM) approach. They noted that disaster preparedness training and community response planning have been implemented throughout the province for many years and emphasized that sustainable action plans, strengthened community capacity, and close coordination among all stakeholders are essential for effective disaster management.
Following the field visits, a review meeting was held at NHCO Headquarters in Bangkok to evaluate the lessons learned. During the meeting, Dr. Porntep Siriwanarangsun, President of the National Emergency Fund under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, presented representatives of TİKA and AFAD with the Royal Princess’s commemorative insignia.
A separate project development meeting focusing on project feasibility, proposal preparation, and risk management was attended by NHCO Secretary-General Dr. Suthep Petchmark, NHCO Chief Advisor and former President of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) Ureerat Chareontoh, together with senior NHCO officials. The meeting explored concrete steps for advancing future cooperation on community-based disaster management between Türkiye and Thailand.
The “Cezeri Laboratory Techniques and Applications Training” organized within the framework of the Cezeri Laboratory established by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in the governorate of Tataouine, Tunisia, has been successfully completed.
The training program brought together academics and students from the Tunisian City of Sciences, the Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Tataouine, and the Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts. Throughout the program, participants received both theoretical and practical training in digital manufacturing technologies, design thinking, innovation, and hands-on production processes.
The training aimed to strengthen participants’ skills in innovative thinking, problem-solving, design development, and practical production. Thanks to the technical infrastructure provided by the Cezeri Laboratory, participants had the opportunity to transform their ideas into tangible projects using modern manufacturing technologies.
At the end of the program, certificates were awarded to 26 academics and students who successfully completed the training. Through the knowledge and skills gained during the course, participants enhanced their competencies in the fields of technology, manufacturing, and innovation.
The Cezeri Laboratory established in Tataouine contributes to helping young people and academics adapt to digital transformation processes while also promoting a culture of innovation and production in the region. Through its training, research, and practical activities, the laboratory serves to strengthen the technology-oriented capacities of local human resources. The Cezeri Laboratory and the training activities conducted within its framework support local development and the enhancement of human capital by equipping young people with the technical skills required in today’s world.
Located in the southernmost part of Tunisia and considered one of the country’s relatively less developed regions, Tataouine faces various challenges, including youth unemployment and limited access to qualified technical education opportunities. In this regard, the project aligns with the Tunisian government’s priorities of promoting regional development and equal opportunities, while contributing to the expansion of technology- and innovation-focused educational opportunities to the country’s inland and disadvantaged regions.
In line with Tunisia’s development priorities, TİKA continues to support projects aimed at strengthening technology-, innovation-, and production-oriented skills and competencies, while helping young people prepare for the professions of the future.
Women struggling with substance addiction in Tunisia face serious challenges in their post-rehabilitation reintegration into society due to social stigma, economic deprivation, and a lack of professional skills. The limited availability of women-specific rehabilitation services further restricts this vulnerable group’s participation in both social and economic life.
Within this framework, a fully equipped training kitchen, as well as hairdressing and beauty workshops, were established at the Tanit Women’s Rehabilitation Center, which operates under El Razi State Hospital in the Manouba Governorate of Tunisia. These facilities aim to provide vocational training in culinary arts, hairdressing, and beauty services for women battling addiction. In addition, all necessary equipment and consumable materials were supplied.
Established in 2023, the Tanit Women’s Rehabilitation Center has supported more than 150 women to date, offering comprehensive rehabilitation services through its diagnostic and psychological counseling units, therapy and hobby rooms, and social spaces. As of 2025, the Center has been designated as the national pilot center for the implementation of Methadone treatment for heroin addiction.
Training programs at the newly established vocational workshops are delivered in groups of 10–12 participants by expert instructors in their respective fields. The training process is organized by the Tunisian Association for Addiction (STAdd) and implemented with the active involvement of the Tanit Center’s health, psychosocial, and educational staff. Through these programs, it is aimed to strengthen beneficiaries’ economic independence by equipping them with professional skills and to ensure their sustainable reintegration into everyday life.
As a pilot initiative, the project aims to serve as a model for women’s empowerment, the reduction of social inequalities, and the increased participation of vulnerable groups in economic life. Reintegrating these women—one of the most fragile segments of society, who face multidimensional barriers both in overcoming addiction and gaining social acceptance—is of great importance for sustainable development and social cohesion.
TİKA continues to implement projects in Tunisia aimed at improving the quality of life of disadvantaged groups and strengthening social inclusion.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA) has modernized the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force as part of the security cooperation between the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of The Gambia.
The Unit, which plays an important bridging role in the security and training cooperation processes carried out between Türkiye and The Gambia, also coordinates the preparatory processes and Turkish language training of Gambian police officers who will pursue undergraduate and postgraduate education in Türkiye, in addition to its operational duties.
Within the scope of the project implemented by TiKA on behalf of the Republic of Türkiye, the information technology infrastructure, office equipment, workstations, and essential administrative equipment needs of the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force were met. The project aims to strengthen the Unit’s technical capacity, make its working environment more functional, and enhance its institutional efficiency.
The handover ceremony for the equipment provided under the project was held at Kairaba Police Station. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia; Ali Kerim, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator; Gendarmerie Colonel Volkan Karalı, Interior Counsellor; Mustafa Dirier, Representative of the Türkiye Maarif Foundation in The Gambia; Talip Erdoğan, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre; Commissioner Famara Jobarteh, Head of the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force; and Ebrima Bah, Assistant Inspector General of Police for Administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia, emphasized the strong friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and The Gambia, stating that institutional cooperation in the field of security constitutes an important dimension of bilateral relations. TiKA The Gambia Coordinator Ali Kerim highlighted the longstanding cooperation between TiKA and The Gambia Police Force, noting that the support was intended to strengthen the institutional capacity of the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force. Commissioner Famara Jobarteh, Head of the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force, expressed his appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye and TiKA, stating that the support provided by TiKA represents an important contribution to the Unit’s operational capacity. Ebrima Bah, Assistant Inspector General of Police for Administration, also thanked the Republic of Türkiye and TiKA on behalf of The Gambia Police Force. He underlined the importance of using the equipment provided effectively and with due care, and also expressed his satisfaction with the training activities carried out and planned to be carried out in the near future with the support of TiKA.
Through this support, TiKA aims to further strengthen the working capacity and institutional sustainability of this strategic centre, where Turkish language courses are also conducted within The Gambia Police Force. TiKA continues to support the public institutions of friendly and brotherly The Gambia, strengthen administrative infrastructure, and reinforce the bonds of friendship between the two peoples through sustainable projects.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has completed the “Livelihood Empowerment of Women through Sustainable Beekeeping Training and Capacity Building Program in Gilgit-Baltistan”, aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment and supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Implemented in cooperation with the Honeybee Research Institute (HBRI) of the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) and the Gilgit-Baltistan Agriculture Department, the program provided four days of theoretical and practical training on modern beekeeping techniques to 30 women beneficiaries from Gilgit. The training covered topics such as colony management, honey harvesting and processing, disease control, value addition of bee products, and the use of modern hive systems.
The closing ceremony was held at the Directorate of Agriculture Extension in Gilgit. The event was attended by Mr. Rahim Gul, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department Gilgit-Baltistan; Mr. Muhammad Naseem, Chief Foreign Aid Gilgit-Baltistan; Mr. Iqbal Hussain, Director Agriculture Extension; and Ms. Saliha Tuna, TİKA Country Coordinator in Pakistan.
During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to the participants who successfully completed the training. In addition, each beneficiary received two modern beehives, along with essential beekeeping equipment and starter kits provided by TİKA to help them begin their beekeeping activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, TİKA Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna emphasized the importance of initiatives that diversify income-generating opportunities for women farmers in a region where only 1.2 percent of the land is suitable for agriculture and where agricultural activities are largely carried out by women.
One of the most inspiring participants of the program was Nausheen Barkat, who had previously attended a similar TİKA-supported beekeeping training four years ago. After further developing her beekeeping enterprise, Barkat went on to receive the Daraz Best Emerging Seller 2023 Award and the Shark Tank Pakistan 2025 Award. Returning to this year’s program as a community leader, she shared her experience and provided mentorship to newly emerging women beekeepers.
Director Agriculture Extension Iqbal Hussain expressed his satisfaction with the renewed cooperation with TİKA after several years and voiced his hope that collaboration aimed at developing the beekeeping sector would continue in the future.
During her visit, TİKA Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna also held meetings with senior officials of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Mr. Riaz Ahmed, Secretary Planning and Development; Mr. Sibtain Ahmad, Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment; Mr. Rahim Gul, Secretary Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; and Mr. Muhammad Naseem, Chief Foreign Aid, as well as representatives of various public institutions and the Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme (GBRSP), to explore potential areas of future cooperation.
Through the project, TİKA aims to promote the wider adoption of modern beekeeping practices, increase women’s participation in productive economic activities, and contribute to sustainable rural development and household income generation across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), within the framework of the Quality Infrastructure Support Programme (KALDEP), organized the “National Awareness and Capacity Building Programme on Halal Standards and Quality Infrastructure” in The Gambia in cooperation with the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), the Halal Accreditation Agency, and The Gambia Standards Bureau (TGSB).
The programme, held in Banjul from 1 to 5 June 2026, was officially opened at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center. Representatives of Gambian public institutions, policymakers, sector representatives, academics, certification bodies, private sector stakeholders, and relevant partners attended the programme.
Organized under the theme “Fostering a Sustainable and Internationally Recognized National Halal Quality Infrastructure in The Gambia,” the programme aimed to support technical knowledge sharing and institutional capacity building in the fields of Halal standards, conformity assessment systems, certification, accreditation, and international recognition.
During the opening ceremony, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia Türker Oba, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator Ali Kerim, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) İhsan Övüt, Director General of The Gambia Standards Bureau Papa Secka, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment Abdoulie Jammeh, and Chairman of the Board of The Gambia Standards Bureau Dr. Ernest Aubee delivered remarks.
Within the scope of the programme, SMIIC experts provided technical training on OIC/SMIIC Halal standards, general requirements for Halal food, permitted additives and chemicals in Halal food, traceability and compliance requirements, requirements for restaurants, catering and food service facilities, as well as hygiene, storage, and serving conditions.
In the following sessions, TGSB experts received comprehensive training on conformity assessment requirements for Halal certification bodies, certification schemes for Halal products, accreditation processes, assessment procedures, and mechanisms for international recognition.
Through this programme, TiKA aims to contribute to strengthening The Gambia’s Halal quality infrastructure, supporting the implementation of internationally recognized standards, developing certification and accreditation capacity, and enhancing the competitiveness of Gambian products and services in the global Halal market. The programme is expected to serve as an important step toward increasing consumer confidence, facilitating trade, strengthening the investment environment, and supporting compliance with international standards in The Gambia.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established a modern beeswax foundation sheet production unit at the Honey Bee Research Institute (HBRI) of the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), operating under the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
Traditional manual production methods commonly used in Pakistan’s beekeeping sector often result in non-standard and unhygienic wax foundations, leading to lower productivity and increased risks of diseases within bee colonies. The newly established facility, with a production capacity of 450 wax foundation sheets per hour, is the first modern unit of its kind in Pakistan.
Established with Turkish technology, the facility aims to improve beekeepers’ access to hygienic, standardized, and high-quality wax foundations, thereby increasing honey production efficiency, reducing disease risks, and lowering production costs.
Through the project, Türkiye’s technical expertise and know-how in beekeeping technologies have also been shared with Pakistan. Following the introduction of Turkish-style beehives in previous years, the modern Turkish-type wax foundation production system has now also been introduced to Pakistan’s beekeeping sector.
Since 2017, TİKA and HBRI-NARC have been cooperating closely through training programs, technology transfer initiatives, and capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s beekeeping ecosystem.
The project also highlights the crucial role of bees not only in honey production but also in agricultural productivity, biodiversity, pollination, and the protection of ecological balance. In this regard, the initiative is expected to contribute to sustainable rural development in Pakistan.
On the occasion of World Bee Day, celebrated on 20 May, TİKA also released a short documentary film highlighting the project and the ongoing cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan in the field of beekeeping.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA) continues its efforts to strengthen the capacity of emergency healthcare services in The Gambia.
Within the scope of the Emergency Medicine Capacity Building Programme (ATKAP), launched by TiKA in 2021 in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of The Gambia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, practical training activities for healthcare personnel in the country continued.
As part of the 2026 implementation programme, the Introduction to Emergency Response Training (ADG+) was delivered by Gambian doctors who had previously received training under the “training of trainers” model. Medical training equipment provided by TiKA also contributed to the sustainability of the programme through local capacity.
A total of 22 emergency medicine personnel were trained at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in the capital, Banjul. Participants received theoretical and practical training on emergency response, basic life support, trauma management, disaster and emergency preparedness, and effective teamwork during crisis situations.
Through the activities carried out under ATKAP, the programme aims to strengthen the human resource capacity of emergency healthcare services in The Gambia, improve the case management skills of healthcare personnel, and enhance rapid, effective, and coordinated response capacities in critical situations.
TiKA continues to support the strengthening of The Gambia’s healthcare system through training programmes that prioritize local capacity, while maintaining its cooperation in the health sector.
A handover ceremony was held for the Vocational Training Centre established by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA) at Mile II Prison, The Gambia’s largest correctional facility. The ceremony also included the presentation of certificates to the centre’s first graduates.
The ceremony was attended by Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Defence of the Republic of The Gambia; Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology of the Republic of The Gambia; Ali Kerim, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator; prison administration officials; representatives of relevant institutions; representatives of the project partner Insight Training; trainees; and invited guests.
Located in the capital city, Banjul, Mile II Prison is the largest correctional facility in The Gambia. The vocational training activities carried out within the institution aim to support inmates in returning to society as productive individuals after their release, increasing their employment opportunities and reducing the risk of reoffending.
According to the prison administration, earlier vocational training activities conducted with limited resources produced positive results. Building on this experience, a comprehensive vocational training centre was constructed within the prison. TiKA established and equipped the new centre by providing machinery, training equipment, tools and workshop materials.
Through the project, TiKA established a modern vocational training infrastructure at Mile II Prison to provide practical training in solar energy and electrical installation, construction, masonry and reinforced concrete foundation works, plumbing, tailoring and sewing, hairdressing and basic personal care services.
As part of the ceremony, the vocational training centre was officially handed over, while certificates were presented to the first trainees who completed their training. In addition, inmates who voluntarily worked in the establishment of the centre were granted a cash reward by H.E. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, stated that everyone deserves a second chance in life and expressed his satisfaction at seeing such an opportunity being offered to inmates through vocational training. Gomez emphasized that the centre is not only a place for acquiring technical skills, but also an important initiative that supports human dignity, social rehabilitation and the determination to rebuild lives.
Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Defence of the Republic of The Gambia, attended the ceremony on behalf of H.E. President Adama Barrow and personally read President Barrow’s message of appreciation to TiKA. In the message, satisfaction was expressed regarding Türkiye’s support for The Gambia’s development priorities, while the importance of the Mile II Prison Vocational Training Centre was highlighted in terms of reintegrating inmates into society and preparing them for productive lives.
In his remarks, Ali Kerim, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator, stated that TiKA attaches particular importance to vocational training and skills development projects in The Gambia. Kerim noted that TiKA’s support to welding and tailoring workshops at Kanilai Vocational and Technical Education Centre, the strengthening of learning environments at Mansakonko Rural Development Institute, the establishment of a modern pastry workshop at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, and the support provided to the welding workshop at the University of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology are concrete examples of this approach.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA) has launched the “Zero Waste on Campus Project at the University of The Gambia” at a ceremony held at the university.
The event was attended by H.E. Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia; Mr. Ali Kerim, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator; Prof. Ousainou Sarr, Dean of the School of Education; Prof. Lamin K. M. Fatty, Dean of the School of Agriculture; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Malang Fanneh, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; along with academic staff, students, members of the press and invited guests.
The project has been developed under TiKA’s 2026 Zero Waste Programme in The Gambia, aiming to strengthen environmental awareness, promote a culture of recycling and support sustainable waste management practices among young people.
Within the scope of the project, recycling containers, waste separation units and waste collection equipment have been provided for use across the University of The Gambia campus. The equipment is expected to facilitate waste separation at source, contribute to a cleaner and more organized campus environment and help establish a systematic waste management culture within the university.
In his remarks, Ambassador Türker Oba noted that the Zero Waste Project was launched on 27 September 2017 under the leadership of H.E. Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye and has since evolved into a significant environmental movement at both national and international levels. He also emphasized that the designation of 30 March as International Zero Waste Day and the recognition by the United Nations Development Programme reflect the global acceptance of this initiative.
Speaking at the ceremony, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator Mr. Ali Kerim underlined that the project goes beyond the provision of equipment. He highlighted the critical role of universities in shaping environmental awareness and social responsibility among younger generations, adding that the initiative aims to foster a lasting zero waste culture among students.
The project at the University of The Gambia follows the recent launch of the “Zero Waste Workshop Project in Gambian Schools,” initiated by TiKA at Gunjur Senior Secondary School. Implemented at Gunjur Senior Secondary School and Türkiye Maarif Foundation School in the capital, the programme includes three-day practical training sessions for high school students covering waste separation at source, recycling processes, environmental cleanliness, sustainable consumption habits and the reuse of materials.
As the third phase of TiKA’s 2026 Zero Waste activities in The Gambia, the establishment of zero waste stations at Bijilo Nature Park is also planned. This phase will focus on environmental protection within a natural ecosystem, promoting waste separation and cleanliness practices in one of the country’s key public nature areas.
Through these three initiatives, TiKA aims to implement its 2026 Zero Waste Programme in The Gambia through complementary interventions across schools, higher education institutions and a public natural area. The projects are designed to enhance environmental awareness among students and the wider community, promote recycling practices and contribute to sustainable development.
The inauguration ceremony of the projects implemented at the Sectoral Training Center in Tunisia’s Nabeul Governorate and at the Training and Apprenticeship Center in Kelibia was held with high-level participation. The ceremony was attended by Tunisia’s Minister of Vocational Training and Employment, Riyad Chaoued, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmet Misbah Demircan, Nabeul Governor Hana Chouchani, Director General of the Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training, Ilyes Cherif, and members of the press.
In recent years, Tunisia has entered a period marked by increasing demand for a qualified workforce, driven by technological and economic transformations in the labor market. In this context, enhancing the employability of the young population and training individuals equipped with the technical skills required by industry have become key priorities of the country’s development policies. Strengthening the vocational education infrastructure stands out as one of the most important tools in this transformation process.
Within the scope of these projects, a modern training and certification platform focusing on environmentally friendly technologies in the field of refrigeration and air conditioning has been established in Nabeul. Through this platform, it is aimed to train young people with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed in the sector. At the same time, the training content developed in line with environmental sustainability principles is intended to contribute to Tunisia’s green transition process.
At the Training and Apprenticeship Center in Kelibia, a Computer-Aided Textile Design Laboratory has been established to enhance digital production and design capacity in the textile sector. Thanks to this laboratory, students are expected to graduate with proficiency in modern software and production techniques, which will both increase their individual employment opportunities and strengthen the competitiveness of Tunisia’s textile sector—one of its traditional yet strategic industries.
In his speech at the ceremony, Tunisia’s Minister of Vocational Training and Employment, Riyad Chaoued, emphasized that cooperation with Türkiye has produced concrete and high-quality outcomes in the field of vocational education, noting that these projects are aligned with Tunisia’s national policies aimed at developing human capital. He also highlighted that previously established photovoltaic systems and diesel engine diagnostic platforms in the Sfax region have made significant contributions to youth employability, and that further progress is expected in areas such as electric mobility and industrial safety with the new projects.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmet Misbah Demircan, stated that these projects are a strong reflection of the deep-rooted cooperation between Türkiye and Tunisia. He noted that since 2013, Türkiye has implemented more than 200 projects in Tunisia, 20 of which are in the field of vocational education, covering sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and culture. Emphasizing that theoretical knowledge alone is not sufficient in vocational training, he underlined that practical skills play a decisive role in young people’s integration into the labor market.
The implemented projects are expected to contribute to Tunisia’s green transition and digitalization goals, support the reduction of youth unemployment, and enhance the availability of a skilled workforce.
TİKA continues to carry out projects in line with Tunisia’s national development priorities, particularly focusing on strengthening human capital, increasing youth employment, and advancing vocational education.
