Tunis: A forum on "Investing in Sports Infrastructure for Higher Competitiveness" commenced at the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) premises. Organized by TAP news agency, the event aligns with the Sports Information Day and is part of the agency's 65th-anniversary celebrations. The forum underscores TAP's initiative in enhancing national sports and nurturing a culture of excellence.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse - English, TAP CEO Najeh Missaoui emphasized that the forum reflects the agency's commitment as a public institution to support national sports not only through media coverage but also via initiatives and in-depth discussions. These discussions aim to address the critical issues impacting the sports sector, particularly infrastructure and equipment, areas President Kas Saed prioritizes due to their significance in advancing elite sports and enabling sports achievements.
Missaoui highlighted that the forum is set against a backdrop of regional and international events, including the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, alongside numerous other competitions. This context necessitates collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to develop and maintain sports infrastructure effectively and sustainably. TAP believes sports media play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges by promoting an investment culture and highlighting successful experiences that benefit Tunisian sports.
Investment in sports infrastructure is deemed essential, with Missaoui stating that professionalism and competitiveness in sports are unattainable without adequate facilities and modern infrastructure that meet international standards. Chief of Staff to the Minister of Youth and Sports Narj¨s Bellatifa stressed the importance of focusing not only on achievements and results but also on an integrated system that includes training, governance, financing, and infrastructure, which are central to enhancing sports performance.
Bellatifa further pointed out that global successes are not solely due to individual talent and determination but result from a clear vision, smart investment, modern infrastructure, and sound governance. Investment efforts should focus on rehabilitating existing facilities and creating new ones, including upgrading stadiums such as the Olympic stadium of Sousse and the Taeb Mhiri stadium in Sfax. The El Menzah Olympic stadium's reconstruction is planned for the second half of 2026, along with grassroots sports investments to strengthen elite sports.
Kamel Farrah, President of the Committee on Education, Vocational Training, Scientific Research, Youth, and Sports at the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP), remarked that sports facilities are vital for youth and sports systems, serving as economic development levers that attract investments and generate jobs. He noted that Tunisia's sports infrastructure faces structural challenges, particularly a legislative framework that struggles to keep pace with changes, resulting in inadequate maintenance and limited financial resources.
Farrah advocated for a legislative overhaul to encourage investments, balancing the State's social role, efficient investment, and sustainable development needs. The forum's agenda includes presentations on various topics, such as "the Governance of Sports Infrastructure in Tunisia," "the Development of Sports Infrastructure and its Role in Preventing Injuries," and "the Experience of An Draham International Sports Complex as a Sports Investment Hub." Discussions will also cover "The Role of Sports Legislation as an Investment Support Mechanism" and the "Role of Media in Promoting a Culture of Preserving Sport Facilities."