Tunisia’s yacht exports reached approximately $558 million in 2025, highlighting the country’s growing role in the global boatbuilding industry.
The North African nation is now looking to double its exports by 2030. Its manufacturers are also moving beyond supplying parts to building complete luxury vessels.
According to Business Insider Africa and Reuters, Tunisian companies have even supplied components used in football star Cristiano Ronaldo’s superyacht.
Tunisia’s yacht industry sees rapid growth
Tunisia’s yacht and pleasure-boat exports reached around €500 million ($558 million) in 2025, according to the country’s Marine Industries Association.
The industry has grown significantly over the past decade.
Ten years ago, Tunisia had around 20 companies operating in the sector. Today, that number has risen to approximately 75.
Moreover, more businesses are now owned and managed by Tunisians.
The country’s location near Europe has helped attract international manufacturers. Its skilled workforce and competitive production costs have also supported growth.
Tunisian firms supply Ronaldo’s superyacht
Tunisia’s yacht industry has gained attention through its connection to Cristiano Ronaldo’s luxury vessel.
Reuters reported that manufacturers in Menzel Jemil, near Bizerte, supplied components used in the footballer’s superyacht.
However, the entire yacht was not built in Tunisia.
Instead, the contract shows how Tunisian manufacturers are becoming part of international luxury boat supply chains.
European companies have played an important role in developing the sector.
Italian manufacturers helped transfer technical knowledge, while French companies, including Groupe Beneteau, established operations in Tunisia.
As a result, local businesses have gained experience in building more advanced vessels.
Local companies build complete luxury yachts
Tunisian manufacturers are now moving from producing individual parts to constructing complete boats.
Some companies handle design, production, interior finishing and customer support.
For example, a family-owned business led by Tarek Rassas in Bizerte produces around 10 yachts each year.
The company operates five boatyards and employs approximately 60 workers.
Its vessels range from seven to 25 metres in length. Some catamarans and smaller yachts cost up to $446,000.
Meanwhile, the company plans to double production.
Depending on its size, a luxury catamaran can take at least two months to complete.
Tunisian catamaran wins international award
Tunisia’s growing boatbuilding industry has also received international recognition.
The Tunisian-built WAMA 42XL won its category at the 2026 Multihull of the Year awards.
According to Business Insider Africa, the vessel received 31.27% of the vote in the power-under-45-feet category.
The award highlights Tunisia’s ability to compete in specialised areas of luxury boat manufacturing.
However, Italy remains the dominant player in the global yacht industry.
Tunisia is instead focusing on competitive costs, skilled workers and specialised production.
Tunisia targets $1.1bn in yacht exports
Tunisia’s Marine Industries Association wants to double the country’s yacht and pleasure-boat exports by 2030.
If achieved, annual exports could rise from approximately $558 million to around $1.1 billion.
However, industry leaders say further support is needed.
They are calling for better training facilities, tax incentives and policies that encourage investment.
In addition, companies face shortages of specialised workers.
Despite these challenges, Tunisia’s yacht industry continues to expand.
For the country, the sector offers opportunities to create jobs, increase exports and develop African-owned luxury boat brands.