I'm delighted to share insights from our recent workshop on March 5th, focusing on implementing a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) within Tunisia's Energy Transition Fund (FTE). This session, made possible by the invaluable support and work of key members, showcased the expertise and dedication of our team. Stephane de la Rue du Can, the technical lead of the EE4D program, Carolyn S., our USAID EE4D program's expert on revolving loan funds, and Ezzedine Khalfallah, our esteemed Local Project Coordinator and Energy expert in Tunisia, brought a wealth of experience to the table, guiding us through this pivotal workshop. I'm proud to have been part of such a dynamic and impactful team effort.
This collaborative effort, made possible by the partnership between Berkeley Lab, and ANME, brought together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Energy, the Banking and Financial Council (CBF), local banks, and industry experts. Together, we delved deep into tangible case studies from nations like Thailand, China, Mexico, and various US states, exploring pathways for applying similar models to the Tunisian context, particularly within the framework of national energy efficiency programs like PROMO-ISOL and mosque initiatives.
The exchange of ideas and insights was truly enriching, as we navigated through practical modalities for setting up an RLF in Tunisia presented by Carolyn. I also want to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Mme. Zeineb Kassab, Responsable RSE at STB, and Mr. Walid Akrout, Responsable Trésorerie & Funding at UBCI. Their participation highlights the collaborative effort across sectors, crucial for driving sustainable development initiatives forward. Drawing from Tunisia's energy conservation foundations and successful experiences of local banks, both public and private, this workshop set the stage for crafting a tailored RLF model to address Tunisia's unique needs.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and dedication towards accelerating Tunisia's energy transition. The discussion was incredibly productive and informative, with all stakeholders sharing thoughtful ideas to help foster the project and adapt a suitable model to the Tunisian context. Special thanks are owed to our Berkeley Lab team Stephane de la Rue du Can, Carolyn S. and Ezzedine Khalfallah, whose invaluable contributions were pivotal to the success of this workshop and partnership between USAID-Berkeley Lab and ANME.
Our ongoing collaboration, supported by everyone's expertise and dedication, is poised to deliver real results, bringing us closer to achieving Tunisia's NDC and building a sustainable future.