Actis has announced a significant investment in Université Centrale Group (Université Centrale), a leading provider of private tertiary education in Tunisia.

Rick Phillips, Partner and Head of North Africa at Actis, said: "There is a clear growth in demand for high quality tertiary education across emerging markets. Actis has invested behind this trend repetitively across Asia and Latin America. We are delighted to be partnering with the Ben Turkia family and joining the next stage of Université Centrale's successful journey."

Founded and managed by Mr and Mrs Ben Turkia, the university’s four schools offer courses across medical, legal, engineering and business disciplines.

Slah Ben Turkia and Chedia Ben Turkia said: "Actis has a deep understanding of the education sector and is a specialist in emerging markets. Its experience of education investments in Asia and Latin America will help Université Centrale's next phase of growth. We are delighted to have Actis on board and look forward to its support in institutionalising our business and enhancing the quality of education."

Actis has built up extensive knowledge in the education sector; backing the trend for emerging market consumers to secure their – and their children’s - future quality of life by investing in their education.

Actis has invested over $400m in recent years in the education sector in businesses including China PSE and EIC Group in China; and Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul and CNA in Brazil.