The company was born out of necessity. As an arid country, Tunisia faces increasing challenges due to climate change. The World Bank has identified it as one of the Mediterranean nations most exposed to climate risks, with prolonged droughts between 2017 and 2020 exacerbating the crisis. By 2050, projections indicate the country could lose 75% of its coastal water resources due to over-extraction and declining water quality. 

This water scarcity brings another problem: the lack of transparency in the management of water resources can generate mistrust and, therefore, tensions. Without reliable data on water availability, consumption, and demand, planning becomes fragmented, making it difficult to implement effective strategies. Ensuring open access to information fosters accountability and helps build trust among stakeholders, ultimately contributing to more equitable and sustainable water distribution. 

For this reason, these five engineers from the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT) in Tunisia decided to take action. The team envisions a Mediterranean region where industries and communities utilize innovative, data-driven solutions to ensure sustainable water use. By harnessing advanced technology, the company empowers businesses to transition from traditional, wasteful water consumption models to efficient, accountable and sustainable practices that align with regulatory and environmental standards. 

At the heart of Watersec’s mission is a sophisticated water management system that integrates smart IoT sensors with AI-driven analytics. This technology provides clients with comprehensive monitoring, allowing them to detect leaks, track usage patterns, and gain real-time visibility over their water consumption. 

Watersec has earned widespread recognition for its groundbreaking contributions to sustainable water management. The startup was honored by the Tunisian Prime Minister and ranked among the Top 10 WaterTech Projects worldwide at the prestigious World Water Challenge Prize Award. It secured First Prize in the “Green Innovation” category at the APII National Innovation Competition and emerged as the Winner in the Innov’Up category of the Startupper of the Year Challenge by Total Energies. These accolades underscore Watersec’s impact in revolutionizing water efficiency through innovation and technology. 

Beyond real-time monitoring, Watersec delivers actionable knowledge, enabling industries to make informed decisions on water conservation strategies. To illustrate the practical benefits of its solutions, Pluxee, a company that prioritizes various aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), serves as a compelling example of how businesses can integrate sustainability into their operations. In a success story shared on Watersec website site, Mohamed Jemaa, Marketing and Product Manager at Pluxee, highlights how the enterprise technology has streamlined the company’s water management efforts. 

Take a look at WaterSec’s Smart Industry Dashboard in the video below:

The most significant challenge, however, was market acceptance. With water still relatively inexpensive in Tunisia, convincing businesses to invest in a water management system was an uphill battle. Recognizing this, the team shifted their focus from the hospitality sector to industries with stricter regulatory requirements, such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. This strategic pivot led to partnerships with ports, hospitals, and major industrial players, ensuring WaterSec’s growth and expansion. 

Today, Watersec has established key partnerships in Morocco and the south of France, with ambitious plans to enter the Southern European and Middle Eastern markets—regions where water scarcity is an urgent concern. 

For those aspiring to create meaningful environmental impact through entrepreneurship, Slim Bouakez and his team offer a valuable lesson: success is built on shared values and resilience.

“Surround yourself with a team that believes in the mission. In times of uncertainty and challenge, knowing why you are doing this will be your greatest strength.” 

Interested in learning more about their products and services? Discover how Watersec is driving real change in water management worldwide through their website and social media channels LinkedIn, FB, and IG.