Tunis: Tunisia is entering an intensive phase of investment in road infrastructure in 2026, with the launch of 16 new projects at a cost of nearly 2.8 billion dinars, alongside 80 ongoing national projects valued at 4.2 billion dinars. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the Ministry of Public Works' plan for bridges and roads is expected to reach nearly 7 billion dinars in 2026, as indicated by Minister of Public Works and Housing Slah Zouari during a dialogue session at the National Council of Regions and Districts. These figures reflect a clear bet on infrastructure as a lever for economic growth, particularly given the need to stimulate economic activity, boost growth, and respond to citizens' demands for improved mobility between regions and districts, as well as better road safety. The year 2026 is set to be a pivotal milestone, not only with the completion of dozens of projects but also in terms of the state's ability to turn infrastructure into a lasting engine of growth. In this context, th e government seeks to enhance the attractiveness of regions to attract investment, boost growth and employment, strengthen the competitiveness of economic institutions, and reduce regional disparities through these road investments. Such projects would facilitate mobility for economic actors and citizens alike, enabling access to work and to health, social, educational, and cultural services, thereby improving quality of life, creating livelihoods, and combating poverty. Among the most important projects set to start soon is the doubling of National Road No. 2 between Enfidha and Kairouan, at a cost of 300 million dinars. Construction is expected to effectively begin during the first half of the year after completion of contractual procedures with contractors. The doubling of National Road No. 13 also represents a strategic economic corridor linking Kasserine to Sidi Bouzid and extending to Sfax, with an estimated cost of 1.4 billion dinars. A call for tenders will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the Minister of Public Works. Efforts are not limited to new projects. They also include the reinforcement of around 188 km of classified roads in various governorates and the construction of seven bridges. The Ministry of Public Works is currently working on launching calls for tenders for several reinforcement projects, notably in Mahdia and Gafsa Governorates, in addition to projects related to rural tracks. In 2026, nearly 7 billion dinars have been programmed under the ministry's bridges and roads plan for all road-related projects. According to the minister, 2026 will also see the completion of 65 road projects. Reflecting the importance of the roads, bridges, and rural tracks sector, the government's strategy focuses on maintaining existing infrastructure and developing the motorway, road, and rural track networks. There are several challenges that the sector faces, including insufficient resources allocated for infrastructure maintenance and the absence of a dedicated fund to finance the mainten ance of roads and rural tracks. There are also difficulties related to land acquisition and issues related to the relocation of public utility networks. The 2026 programme focuses on continuing the development of motorways, classified roads, and rural tracks, while giving greater attention to maintaining existing infrastructure. Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri confirmed that priority in 2026 would be given to the implementation of ongoing projects, including the Tunis-Jelma motorway. The planned and ongoing projects aim to ease movement nationwide and improve access to public services. Key programmes for 2026 include completing motorway projects, linking regional governorates, and upgrading classified roads to meet international standards. The government also seeks to improve mobility quality and develop scientific research in the field of materials used in road construction and maintenance. An innovative step includes applying the circular economy concept in the construction sector by reusing construc tion and demolition waste. This project is being implemented in cooperation with a French centre and the Ministry of Equipment and Housing, and includes scientific partnerships with the National Engineering School of Tunis and the National Chamber of Cement Producers. The aim is to develop local cement use and process on-site materials, thereby reducing costs and the environmental impact of new roads.