Tunisia
68 articles
Egypt, Tunisia weigh tighter microfinance oversight
Egypt and Tunisia are comparing microfinance rules as lending grows. Egypt reported more than EGP 101 billion in outstanding enterprise financing in the second quarter of 2026.
Tunisia's Farmworkers Face Abuse as Decree Stalls
Women make up the active majority of Tunisia's agricultural workforce, says activist Shaima Qasimi. Many face exploitation and struggle to reach services as a 2024 social protection decree awaits implementing regulations.
Tunisia sets 10-million-ton phosphate goal
Tunisia wants to raise annual phosphate production to 10 million tons and process 60% to 70% into higher-value products. CPG produced about 3.9 million tons in 2025, while major investment and infrastructure needs remain.
Tunisia's External Deficit Widens as Reserves Fall
By end-August 2026, Tunisia's current-account deficit had climbed to TND 4.694 billion, up 72% year on year. Energy imports rose 28.5%, while import cover fell to 92 days.
Tunisia Holds Rate at 7% as Energy Bill Climbs
The Central Bank of Tunisia held its key rate at 7% on October 7. September inflation hit 5.6%, while energy import costs rose about 28% and the current-account deficit reached 2.5% of GDP.
Tunisia sentences blogger to 26 months over Facebook post
A court imposed the term over a Facebook Live video about a raid near Majel Bel Abbes. Her lawyer appealed, but available reporting does not confirm the appeal's outcome or whether she remains detained.
Tunisia and Algeria launch studies for a proposed 1.4 GW gas plant
A Tunisian technical team will discuss the proposed combined-cycle plant with Algeria's Sonelgaz. No investment cost, construction date or final project structure has been announced.
Tunisia's Dinar Moves Above 3 per Dollar
On October 5, the Central Bank of Tunisia's reference rate put the dollar at 3.0062 dinars, its first move above 3 since May 2025. The weaker dinar means higher local-currency costs for dollar-priced imports and debt payments.
Tunisia's shortages expose the cost of managed scarcity
People in Tunisia report shortages of everyday goods as water and power cuts disrupt daily life. Trade figures and infrastructure data show the pressure behind tighter import controls, while comparisons with Algeria need care.
Tunisia's Blackouts Turn Heat Into a Public Health Crisis
Rolling blackouts during Tunisia's extreme summer heat disrupted hospital care and water supplies. Human Rights Watch says the failures put lives at risk, while disputed death estimates, grid shortfalls and renewed water interruptions raise questions about accountability.
Orange Tunisia and Focus Team Up on Local Cloud Services
Orange Tunisia and Focus plan to offer Tunisian businesses cloud and infrastructure services hosted in the country. The companies have not disclosed pricing, capacity or a launch timetable.
Tunisia cuts first-offence prison penalty under cybercrime law
An amendment that took effect on 30 September replaces prison with fines for first offences under Article 24 of Tunisia's cybercrime decree. Repeat offences can still bring jail time, and rights groups say wider press-freedom concerns remain.
Reported Kremer appointment puts World Bank's Tunisia role in focus
Alexander Kremer is reported to have been appointed World Bank Group Country Manager for Tunisia, succeeding Alexander Arrobbio. Available official search results do not confirm the appointment or announce new financing commitments.
Tunisia inflation hits 5.6% as food costs accelerate
Tunisia's annual inflation rate reached 5.6% in September, while food prices rose 8.4% year on year. Food's large share of household spending helps explain where the pressure is landing.
Tunisia and Japan Set a Commercial Agenda for 70 Years of Ties
At a Tokyo ceremony during Tourism Expo Japan 2026, officials from Tunisia and Japan discussed investment and renewable energy. An investment agreement was still nearing completion in late September and early October, with a bilateral business forum planned for December 2026.
Tunisia's phone searches turn cybercrime law into a tool against dissent
Police have used seized phones and private data in cases involving activists, journalists and political opponents under Tunisia's Decree-Law No. 54. A September 2026 amendment replaced prison with fines for a first Article 24 offence, but repeat offenders still face jail and the law's data-access rules remain unchanged.
Souilem calls for Tunisia to lift investment to 25%
Mohamed Salah Souilem says Tunisia needs to raise investment from around 15% of GDP to at least 25% to lift growth and create jobs. Debt and budget pressures limit the state's ability to invest and attract private capital.
IsDB approves €335.49 million for northwest Tunisia highways
The Islamic Development Bank approved €335.49 million for a highway project in El Kef and Jendouba. The financing forms part of a $938 million package for six member countries, but the bank has not announced the route or construction timetable.
Tunisia's Ennahda condemns media curbs on political prisoners
Ennahda says prison authorities have restricted political prisoners' access to independent media as Ahmed Nejib Chebbi begins an open-ended hunger strike. The protest renews calls for prisoners' release and an end to political trials, amid wider debate over press freedom and the 2022 cybercrime decree.
Tunis Talks Connect Italian and Tunisian AI Startups with Energy Efficiency
At the third Innovation Talks in Tunis, Italian and Tunisian startup founders discussed how AI and other technologies could improve industrial monitoring and energy efficiency. The event took place as energy and innovation ties between the two countries continue to grow.
Tunisia replaces jail terms with fines for first false-news offences
A September 2026 amendment to Tunisia's cybercrime law sets fines of 10,000 to 20,000 dinars for a first covered offence. Repeat violations can still bring prison time and a much higher fine.
Tunisia seeks a bigger role in the global halal economy
Tunisia has about 40 halal-certified companies, and halal-sector export operations are estimated at TND 1.3 billion, led by food products. At a September forum, officials and businesses outlined plans to widen certification, improve logistics and financing, and build a larger regional role.
US transfers nearly $1m in security equipment to Tunisia
On 30 September, US Ambassador Bill Bazzi handed equipment to two Tunisian security directorates. The embassy says it will help train and certify officers in crisis response and specialised security skills.
Tunisia's shortages expose the limits of its recovery
Tunisia's economy grew 2.4% in the first half of the year, but shortages of staple foods and bottled water persist. Import and distribution delays, tight public finances, and recurring water and power disruptions continue to strain household supplies.
Tunisia targets phosphate output nearly triple its decade average
CPG and GCT are preparing a 2.7 billion-dinar plan to raise commercial phosphate output to 9.4 million tons by 2035. Production has been depressed for years, and transport problems, water shortages and company finances remain major constraints.
Two dead, at least six missing after boat sinks off Tunisia
Sea-Watch says its vessel Aurora rescued 28 people after a rubber dinghy sank off Tunisia and recovered two bodies, including a child. At least six people remain missing. Lower arrivals in Italy have not meant fewer reported deaths and disappearances in the Mediterranean.
Tunisia Risks Shortages With New Import Curbs
Kais Saied's order to curb imports comes as Tunisia's trade and energy deficits deepen. Without stronger domestic production, restrictions could push scarcity into informal markets instead of easing the country's dependence on imports.
Nigeria's Ambassadors Present Credentials in Three Capitals
Nigerian envoys presented credentials in Greece, Tunisia and Belgium in September 2026. Talks in Tunis covered trade, investment and cooperation across several sectors, while a proposed drone facility in Bauchi State remained an idea, not an agreed project.
Tunisia's tax burden is more than twice Africa's average
World Bank figures put Tunisia's tax revenue at 26.1% of GDP in 2025, while Lotfi Ben Aïssa estimates the tax burden at 35.5%. He says reform should ease the load without abandoning social commitments, but the two figures measure different things.
Tunisia's gender gap persists despite gains in education and health
Tunisia scored 65% and ranked 125th among 145 economies in the World Economic Forum's 2026 Global Gender Gap Index. Near-parity in education and health sits alongside persistent gaps in employment, income and political representation.
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