Our
mission
What is Tech216?
Tech216 is a trusted partner for companies from Europe and IT providers from Tunisia.
We help you find and collaborate with high-quality Tunisian IT providers, facilitate your access to Tunisia’s tech talent and support successful outsourcing project specification and implementation.
Tech216 is made possible by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Tunisia through its 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).
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.
Startup Explorer #1
Through this new event series, Tech216 provides European companies with exclusive insights into the Tunisian startup ecosystem.
Team
Our core team
Meryem Richter
Project Manager Tech216
Meryem is Project Manager for Tech216 and the Digital Transformation Centre in Tunisia. Her focus is on Industry 4.0, Digital Entrepreneurship and IT Sourcing. Meryem is based in Munich, Germany.
Ahmed Bouden
Digital Transformation Expert
Ahmed is digital transformation expert based in the digital transformation centre in Tunisia. He is experienced in internal and external digital strategy development for companies and holds a Master’s degree in Digital Management.
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.
Advisors
Our advisors
Dr. Andreas Reincke
Ambassador (ret.)
Dr. Andreas was the German Ambassador to Tunisia, Syria and Palestine between 2014 to 2020. Prior to that, he was 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.