Tunisia Has Expanded Its Global Olive Oil Reach
The country has targeted West African markets to grow the international distribution of its olive oil exports.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Organic Food
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Tunisia held an economic summit in Dakar, Senegal, to promote its agricultural output and forge new trade partnerships. The initiative aims to leverage the region as a gateway to broaden the geographic distribution of Tunisian olive oil.
Why it matters
By diversifying export destinations, Tunisia seeks to capitalize on its massive olive tree cultivation to secure new international business opportunities. This strategy shifts the focus from traditional trade routes toward emerging markets across West Africa.
Official reports for the 2025-2026 season show Tunisia exported 380,000 tonnes of olive oil, generating nearly 5 billion Tunisian dinars. These figures reflect a large-scale agricultural infrastructure, supported by a stock of 147 million trees across 2 million hectares.
The players
Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development
The national government body responsible for regulating trade policy and expanding international market access for Tunisian products.
Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX)
A public institution dedicated to assisting Tunisian businesses in their international growth and establishing trade infrastructure abroad.
The details
The strategy focuses on building partnerships for distribution, packaging, and joint ventures to make Tunisian olive oil more accessible in foreign markets. By using Dakar as a strategic hub, the Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development aims to streamline logistics for West African consumers. This approach moves beyond simple bulk exports by fostering localized business ties that integrate Tunisian production with regional supply chains.
Timeline
The trade office in Dakar has operated since 2023.
The most recent export season ran from November 2025 to August 2026.
The economic event in Dakar took place from October 7 to 9, 2026.
Health Landscape
Tunisia maintains one of the largest olive-growing footprints in the world, with production capacity that consistently impacts global supply trends. This move follows the historical arc of agricultural exporters seeking to stabilize trade volumes by tapping into emerging regional markets.
As high-quality olive oil becomes more widely available through new distribution channels, shoppers may see greater variety in their local markets. You can continue to prioritize heart-healthy fats by choosing oils labeled with clear origin information, which helps ensure transparency in the supply chain.
The takeaway
Tunisia is actively expanding its agricultural reach to ensure its massive olive oil production finds new global audiences. When selecting oils for your diet, continue to look for high-quality, cold-pressed varieties that indicate their specific region of origin.
Further reading
Learn more about sustainable cultivation and global trade in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by APAnews - African Press Agency.
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