Wetskills-Tunisia 2025

Case 1: Food Security and Migration Nexus

Case owner: Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands to Tunisia

The Netherlands seeks to explore innovative ways to incorporate food security in its growing partnership with Tunesia. Central to this is the catalyzing role the agricultural sector and improvements to food security have in job creation for young individuals. Additionally, the Netherlands encourages opportunities for nearshoring relating to food (in)security. Communities face challenges from climate change and economic shifts, impacting agricultural productivity and livelihoods. This challenge invites ideas for integrated approaches that enhance food security, promote diverse and sustainable livelihood opportunities beyond traditional agriculture, and build climate resilience to help communities adapt to environmental changes. How can new concepts lead to foster economic stability, improve local living conditions, and create lasting livelihoods opportunities, supporting a stable and prosperous future for Tunisia?

Case 2: Innovative Catalysts for affordable Green Hydrogen Production

Case owner: Nelson Mandela University (Gqeberha) & Department of Water and Sanitation of South Africa

Green hydrogen is a clean fuel with the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but its production through water electrolysis is costly due to expensive catalysts like iridium. Research is exploring more affordable alternatives by combining iridium with cheaper metals such as ruthenium, titanium, and gold. Using innovative synthesis methods, these new catalysts are designed to maintain performance while lowering costs. Advanced characterisation techniques evaluate their efficiency, durability, and suitability for integration into electrolysers. The ultimate goal is to create a practical, cost-effective green hydrogen production system that combines sustainable technology with renewable energy. This approach could make hydrogen more accessible, supporting the transition to cleaner energy and promoting sustainable industrial development globally.

Case 3: Citizen Science for Water Stewardship in Tunisia

Case owner: The Tunisian Observatory of Water

The Tunisian Observatory of Water (OTE) invites young water innovators to rethink citizen participation in Tunisia’s water management. OTE’s mobile platform already enables citizens to report and map water disruptions across the country. The next challenge is to transform this data into stronger dialogue, smarter decisions, and greater trust between communities and authorities. How can citizen insights drive faster responses, behavioral change, and more transparent water governance? Participants are encouraged to co-create creative communication campaigns, digital tools, or engagement models that strengthen the link between people and policy—contributing to a more participatory and sustainable water future for Tunisia.

Case 4: Private financing mechanisms to offset corporate water use in Tunisia

Case owner: Water Footprint Implementation (WFI)

Private financing has the potential to act as a key contributor for the financing of water projects. In most countries however, the extent to which the private sector is involved in the financing of water projects is limited and largely unknown. This case explores existing private financing mechanisms for water projects in Tunisia and evaluates their effectiveness in mobilizing investments for water projects. How can Water Footprint Implementation strategically introduce the Water Footprint Compensation framework to stimulate sustainable, transparent, and scalable private-sector participation and so contributing to both water security and responsible water management?