Although the Sahel has gained prominence in policy circles due to its strategic importance and the urgency of the threats that are rampant in the region, the countries of the Maghreb have received relatively step-motherly treatment in recent years, despite the important role they could play in stabilising the region and promoting economic development. In this conversation, we look at the Maghreb region, the developments in Tunisia after the Arab Spring, and the lessons that today's South Africa could learn from them. Finally, we look at where Tunisia stands in comparison to North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.