Tunisia's capital hosted the Grand Prix for the first time in 2010 but political turmoil in the country meant the event was then moved to Baku in Azerbaijan.

Efforts to return have been ongoing ever-since and IJF President Marius Vizer signed a three-year deal with Tunisian Judo Federation counterpart Skander Hachicha in January of last year.

"The goal of the IJF is to develop judo on all continents and in all countries and we are now at a level where we can organise an annual Grand Prix in Africa," Vizer said at the time.

"This was a long-term objective of the IJF and it opens the door to make judo a driving force in Tunisia and on the continent. 

"The IJF World Judo Tour reflects the universality of our sport and we look forward to the first edition of this event in 2018."

Action in Tunis is the first major judo competition of 2018 but points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are not yet available.

Star names who are set to compete include Slovenia's reigning Olympic champion Tina Trstenjak in the women's under-63 kilograms division.

Dutch world number one Michael Korrel will be in action in the men's under-100kg class with Czech Lukas Krpalek competing at over-100kg.

Krpalek is seen as a possible threat to all-conquering Frenchman Teddy Riner, the ten-time world champion who has not lost since 2010.

Riner is not in action in Tunis.

Panama's double World Championship medallist Miryam Roper will look to make a mark in the women's under-57kg class.

The three-day Grand Prix runs until Sunday (January 21).