Our
mission
Tech216
What is Tech216?
If you are seeking dependable and efficient IT partners and experts, Tech216 is here to assist you. Engaging with Tunisia’s digital ecosystem presents an excellent opportunity for those embarking on IT projects and seeking specialized professionals.
Tech216 streamlines access to Tunisia’s tech experts, companies, and markets, facilitating the successful execution of outsourcing or nearshoring activities. Trusted by numerous international companies, Tech216 has facilitated the implementation of IT projects with Tunisian tech firms and the establishment of local expert teams. Our matching and support services are free of charge.
Tech216 receives support from the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition,” Invest for Jobs, sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Digital Transformation Center of the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
Story of Tech216
Start of Tech216
Tech216 was initiated by GIZ and its partners as part of the Digital Transformation Program within the framework of the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
First data base of Tunisian “IT Sourcing Ready” companies
The first database of Tunisian IT service providers was set up. 30 startups and SMEs were put through a special Due Diligence Process.
First Ecosystem Tour in Tunisia for BMW
BMW visited established companies and five innovative startups that are using technology including artificial intelligence (AI).
Creation of the Advisory Board
Among the supporters and advisors are Jörn Bousselmi (AHK Tunisia), Dr. Andreas Bootz (BMW) and Dr. Andreas Reinicke (Ambassador a.D.)
Pilot Project with BMW
BMW has successfully completed several IT projects with Tunisian partners like Think-IT and WEVIOO and has been able to implement digital products for customers as well as internal business processes.
“Tunisia – The hidden champion of Africa’s digital economy”
More than 200 participants came together at the digital conference to learn more about the potential of Tunisia’s IT market, to share ideas for collaboration, and to establish new contacts for future business endeavours.
Second Pilot with Wevioo
New Pilot with Sofiatech
A fixed-price software delivery contract was signed off between the Tunisian software provider Sofiatech and a German metrology manufacturer in the rail industry.
"Outsourcing Destination Guide Tunisia"
The new “Outsourcing Destination Guide Tunisia” was published.
New offer: Nearshoring for international companies
Tech216 now supports not only outsourcing but also nearshoring activities of international companies in Tunisia with a variety of tailored services.
Startup Explorer #1
Through this new event series, Tech216 provides European companies with exclusive insights into the Tunisian startup ecosystem.
Advisors board
Our advisory board
Dr. Andreas Reinicke
Ambassador (ret.)
Dr. Andreas Reinicke was the German Ambassador to Tunisia, Syria, and Palestine between 2014 and 2020. Prior to that, he was the EU’s Special Representative to the Middle East Peace Process. From 2021 to 2022, he acted as the Senior Advisor for the Digital Cooperation with North Africa at BMZ.
Dr. Andreas Bootz
Senior Manager at BMW
Andreas Bootz has served BMW in several capacities since 2003. He is mainly specialised in the areas of R&D and Project Management, in which he has managed projects with ZF, Bosch, Continental, and thyssenkrupp. He also has experience in German-Tunisian collaboration
Kamel Saadaoui
Head of national office at Ministry of ICT
Kamel Saadaoui has served as the head of the Tunisian Internet Agency (ATI), president of the National Telecommunications Authority, and general manager of the CNI. Additionally, he is a member of several global forums on internet issues, including IGF, ICANN and NETMundial.
Team
Our core team
Saoussen Sahbani
Head of Business & Invest Services
Saoussen leads Business & Investment Unit at the Digital Transformation Center in Tunisia. She has an extensive 20 years of international experience in finance and business management with the private sector. Throughout her tenure at the DTC, Saoussen has played a pivotal role in developing and managing numerous projects that have made a significant impact on Tunisia’s digital transformation landscape. Notable projects under her guidance and with her assistance include Tech216 and the innovation hub The Dot in Tunis.
Mohamed Dhab
Digital Transformation Expert
Mohamed is a Digital Transformation Expert. He has extensive experience in Europe, Africa, and Asia, particularly in ERPs and financial systems. In Tunisia, he spearheaded projects with government bodies, including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministries of Communication Technologies, Health, Social Affairs, and Energy. Besides Tech216, he contributed to Tunisian initiatives such as the public HR Information System, the National Cloud Strategy, and the National Epidemiological Surveillance System.
Ahmed Bouden
Digital Transformation and Outsourcing Expert
Ahmed is a Digital Transformation and Outsourcing Expert based in the Digital Transformation Center in Tunisia, participating and leading many successful projects. He is experienced in internal and external digital strategy development for companies and holds a Master’s degree in digital management. With a strong commitment to promoting employment in Tunisian IT, he has led many training projects to help the Tunisian youth, including the project Digital Works. At Tech216, Ahmed is responsible for the outsourcing activities.
Zohra Bouzid
Digital Transformation and Nearshoring Expert
Zohra is a Digital Transformation and Nearshoring Expert at the Digital Transformation Center in Tunisia. With a degree in chemistry from the Faculty of Science in Tunis and her practical experience, she advises numerous partner companies on how to find, create and establish tech teams in Tunisia with skilled experts – through outsourcing and nearshoring. At Tech216, she succ initiates and oversees cooperation between Tunisian companies in the IT sector and European companies in need of support in this field.
Khaled Khalifa
Digital Transformation Specialist
Khaled, a Digital Transformation specialist with over 15 years of experience in software engineering and development, has held various positions throughout his career. As Founder & CEO of iPalm, a start-up mainly focusing on digital transformation in Tunisia, he is passionately committed to promoting digital literacy and digital inclusion. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in information technology and living complexity, his focus is on the convergence of AI ethics with sustainability and democratic values.
Magda Mahjoub
Digital Transformation Specialist
Magda is a digital transformation specialist at the GIZ Digital Transformation Center in Tunisia. She serves as the primary liaison between GIZ and The Dot project, the country’s first hub for innovation and digital transformation. In her role, she oversees activity implementation and nurtures direct relationships with stakeholders. Magda actively contributes to the development of the Tunisian entrepreneurial ecosystem and its international representation, while also focusing on communication strategies and optimising communication structures.
Advisors
Our advisors
Bassant Helmi
Business Developer Tech216
Bassant is Co-Founder and CEO of MENA Business GmbH, as well as co-Chair of the Digital Arabia Network and Secretary General of the German-MENA Women in Business Network.
Amel Saidane
Tech216 Startup Scout
Amel is president of TunisianStartups, Co-Founder of Betacube a venture builder in Fintech, and Mobility and Co-Founder of Digital2Value, a digital transformation platform for SMEs.
Tech216 Outsourcing Expert
With more than 20 years of IT experience, Mehdi has been delivering IT projects for German and European clients such as Stadwerke München, Bundesagentur für Arbeit and DB Fernverkehr.