AGP Executive Report

Tunisia Tax Calendar: The General Directorate of Taxes set key August deadlines: Aug 20 for monthly tax returns by legal entities using the remote declaration/payment system, Aug 25 for annual income tax returns for people earning from agricultural or fishing activities, and Aug 28 for legal entities not covered by the online filing system. Foreign Investment Watch: Tunisia’s international investment reached about TND 1.93bn in H1 2026 (+11.5% y/y), with foreign direct investment dominating; manufacturing led (72%) and energy followed (19%), while portfolio investment jumped 81.3% to TND 17.7m. Food Industry Signals: Tunisia’s food trade posted a surplus of TND 1.01bn in the first seven months of 2026, as exports rose (+23.4%) slightly faster than imports (+23.6%); olive oil exports drove the gain (+43.4%). Energy & Power: National electricity production rose 5% by end-June 2026 to 9,550 GWh, with renewables self-generation contributing 9.2% and STEG still producing 91% of output. Water Infrastructure: Sousse’s seawater desalination plant has entered trial phase; it’s fully completed and testing, targeting 50,000 m³/day with potential expansion to 100,000. Rail Modernisation: SNCFT launched a call for consultancy applications for a high-performance north-south railway feasibility study, with submissions due Sept 24, 2026. Global Input Costs: Wheat buyers are bracing for tighter supplies as Black Sea grain infrastructure attacks disrupt shipments, pushing prices higher and forcing rerouting.

Foreign Investment Momentum: Tunisia attracted about TND 1.93bn in international investment in H1 2026 (+11.5% y/y), with foreign direct investment dominating and manufacturing leading (72%) alongside energy (19%). Food & Agriculture Trade: The food trade balance posted a TND 1.01bn surplus in the first seven months of 2026; exports rose (+23.4%) and olive oil exports jumped (+43.4%) even as cereal imports also increased. Energy & Power: National electricity production rose 5% by end-June 2026 to 9,550 GWh; renewables contributed 9.2%, while peak demand climbed 5% to 4,750 MW. Water Infrastructure: Sousse’s seawater desalination plant has reached 100% completion and entered testing, targeting 50,000 m³/day (expandable to 100,000) to ease drinking-water shortages. Rail & Logistics Planning: SNCFT launched a call for consultancy firms for a high-performance north-south railway feasibility study, with applications due Sept 24. Social Protection Reform: A ministerial working session began drafting legal texts to reform Tunisia’s social security system, focusing on pension adaptation and extending coverage to informal workers and platform-economy workers. Skills & Mobility: Germany approved 86,600 recognition cases for foreign professional qualifications in 2025; Tunisia ranked among the top source countries for recognized qualifications.

Rail & Infrastructure: Tunisia’s SNCFT has launched a general call for consultancy firms to shortlist bidders for a high-performance north–south railway feasibility and preliminary engineering study. Applications are due by Sept 24, 2026. Renewables & Power: Tunisia says national electricity production rose 5% to 9,550 GWh by end-June 2026, with STEG still producing 91% and renewables at 9.2%; peak demand also climbed 5% to 4,750 MW. Water Security: In Sousse, a seawater desalination plant has entered its trial phase after reaching 100% completion, targeting 50,000 m³/day (expandable to 100,000) to ease drinking-water shortages and reduce bottled-water price pressure. Electric Mobility: ANME set Sept 18 as the deadline to apply for a 10,000-dinar subsidy for electric taxis (individual licenses), under a GEF/UNIDO-backed rollout of 47 taxis. Energy Transition Goal: Tunisia targets 30% of electricity production from renewable energy. Aviation Business: Tunisair reported 1.196 million passengers in H1 2026 (+3.5%) and revenue up to TND 724.7m (+2.2%), but fuel costs surged 93% amid Gulf conflict disruptions. Social Policy Reform: A ministerial working session began drafting legal texts to reform Tunisia’s social security system, prioritizing pension adjustments and expanding coverage for informal workers, agriculture/fisheries employees, self-employed and platform-economy workers. Tourism & Culture: BilAraby’s regional tour concluded with events in Damascus, Amman and Djerba, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees, while cultural programming like “Postcards from the Mediterranean” highlights Mediterranean heritage through colour and craft.

Electric Mobility Push: Tunisia’s National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) set September 18 as the deadline to apply for a 10,000-dinar subsidy to buy an electric taxi (individual taxi), under a program for 47 electric taxis funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with UNIDO and the Ministry of Environment. Power & Energy Watch: Tunisia reported national electricity production up 5% by end-June 2026 to 9,550 GWh, with STEG still driving output (91%) and renewables at 9.2%, while peak demand rose 5% to 4,750 MW. Airline Performance: Tunisair logged 1.196 million passengers in H1 2026 (+3.5%) and TND 724.7m in passenger revenues (+2.2%), but fuel costs jumped 93% to 164 MD amid Gulf disruption. Hydrocarbons Pressure: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit widened 35% YoY to 7 billion dinars by end-June 2026, as crude oil output fell 6% and gas liquids declined 12%. Consumer Market Alert: As Mouled nears, Tunisian consumer groups say zgougou prices are stable year-on-year at 45–50 dinars/kg, but still high versus household purchasing power. Bottled Water Rumor Check: Algeria’s beverage producers association denied claims that Algeria exported mineral water to Tunisia, as Tunisia faces regional bottled-water shortages linked to heat-driven demand and rising bottle plastics costs. Tourism & Industry: UNESCO’s listing is driving a surge of visitors to Sidi Bou Said, boosting hopes for local tourism income while raising preservation responsibilities.

Electric Mobility Push: Tunisia’s National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) set September 18 as the deadline to apply for a 10,000-dinar subsidy for an electric taxi, under a program to add 47 electric taxis nationwide, with applications open to active individual taxi license holders and requiring bank/lease approval or proof of self-financing. Energy Watch: Tunisia’s energy trade gap widened sharply: by end-June 2026, the energy deficit hit 7 billion dinars (+35% year-on-year), while crude oil output fell 6% and gas liquids production declined 12%. Macro Snapshot: Tunisia’s economy grew 2.3% in Q2 2026 (INS preliminary data), with gains led by agriculture (+5.5%), services and construction, while energy/mining value added fell. Digital Administration: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on Tunisia’s digital transformation, including the National Investor Platform and digitalization of investment procedures and enterprise transactions, aiming to cut corruption and improve service delivery. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s World Heritage listing is driving a surge of visitors to Sidi Bou Said, boosting hopes for local tourism income while raising preservation responsibilities.

Tunisia Energy Watch: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit widened 35% year-on-year to TND 7 billion by end-June 2026 as exports rose 38% but imports climbed 36%, with crude output also down (oil production -6% to 587 kt). Libya Power Reliability: GECOL reported gradual power restoration after triple blackouts, urging patience as parts of the grid operate in “island mode” while technicians rebuild and synchronize supply. Tunisia Growth Snapshot: Tunisia’s economy grew 2.3% in Q2 2026 (vs Q2 2025), led by agriculture (+5.5%) and services, while energy/mining/water fell 1.7%. Renewables & Industry: Scatec has started construction of the 120 MW Sidi Bouzid II solar plant, adding momentum to Tunisia’s power pipeline. Tourism & Heritage: Sidi Bou Said’s UNESCO listing is already expected to boost visitor flows and local business for craftsmen and vendors. Digital Administration: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed Tunisia’s digital transformation push, including the National Investor Platform and more digital investment procedures. Environment & Fisheries: Warming seas are accelerating invasive species into the Mediterranean, threatening fisheries and reshaping food chains.

Tunisia Energy Watch: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit widened 35% year-on-year to TND 7 billion by end-June 2026, as exports rose 38% and imports 36%, with the export-to-import coverage ratio staying below 18%—a sign of mounting pressure on the hydrocarbons balance. Digital Transformation: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed Tunisia’s digital transformation push, stressing measurable indicators for projects like the National Investor Platform and the digitalization of investment procedures and company registry transactions. Pharma Industry: SIPHAT reported an operational recovery in H1 2026, with total revenue up 13% to TND 4.6 million and production at Fondouk Choucha up 61%, alongside a sharp rebound in sales to private pharmacies. Tourism & Heritage: Sidi Bou Said’s UNESCO listing is already driving a surge in international visitors, with local craftsmen and vendors hoping for higher tourism revenue while preservation responsibilities grow. Energy Security in the Region: Libya’s Zawiya power facility explosion triggered a blackout across Tripoli and western coastal cities, underlining how fragile regional grid stability remains.

Digital Administration Push: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on digital transformation projects across public services and the economy, including the National Investor Platform and digitalization of investment procedures and enterprise registry transactions, with a focus on measurable impact and better use of public funds. Energy Balance Watch: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit rose 35% to TND 7.0bn by end-June 2026, as exports grew 38% but imports climbed 36%, with Brent price pressures and Strait of Hormuz risks feeding costs. Pharma Recovery Signals: State-owned SIPHAT reported operational improvement in H1 2026, with revenue up 13% to TND 4.6m and production at Fondouk Choucha up 61%, driven by a sharp rebound in pharmacy sales. Trade Gap Widening: Tunisia’s trade deficit hit TND 14.96bn in the first seven months of 2026, as imports grew faster than exports; energy remained the main drag while agri-food (notably olive oil) helped cushion results. Agroecology Support Call: APIA and GIZ launched applications for Tunisian MSMEs under the “Soil Matters” project, backing soil health and agroecology solutions with €2.3m funding and a deadline of Aug 30, 2026. Regional Risk From Shipping: A wider MENA growth forecast hinges on Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with BMI projecting a 2027 rebound after a deep 2026 slump, warning of knock-on effects for shipping, insurance, tourism, and food reserves.

Digital Governance Push: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on digital transformation projects across administration, investment procedures and the National Register of Enterprises, with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri stressing measurable indicators, anti-corruption gains and “smart administration” goals. Energy Balance Watch: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit climbed 35% to TND 7bn by end-June 2026, as exports rose 38% but imports rose 36%, with Brent price pressure and regional tensions linked to higher costs. Trade Gap Widens: New INS data shows Tunisia’s overall trade deficit reached TND 14.96bn in the first seven months of 2026, driven mainly by energy imports (+35.7%); exports rose 9.9% on agro-food, olive oil and mechanical/electrical gains. Pharma Recovery Signals: SIPHAT reported operational improvement in H1 2026, with revenue up 13% and production at Fondouk Choucha up 61%, though the company still faces heavy structural financial burdens. Agroecology Support Call: Tunisia launched applications for MSMEs under the “Soil Matters” project, backing businesses offering agroecology and soil-health services/products with €2.3m funding via GIZ and APIA. Business Mission: TABC announced a multisectoral Tunisian mission to Guinea (Oct 6–11) targeting opportunities in infrastructure, energy, water, industry, IT, logistics and construction.

Digital Governance: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting (Aug 15) reviewed progress on digital transformation across administration, investment procedures and enterprise registration, with a push for clear performance indicators to cut corruption and improve service delivery. Energy & Trade: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit jumped 35% to TND 7.0bn by end-June 2026, as exports rose 38% but imports rose 36%, with higher Brent prices and Middle East shipping risks weighing on costs. Trade Balance Watch: The overall trade deficit widened to TND 14.96bn in the first seven months of 2026 (from TND 11.90bn), driven by faster import growth (+13.7%)—especially energy and food—while exports rose 9.9% on agro-food, olive oil and refined products. Pharma Industry: SIPHAT reported an operational recovery in H1 2026, with revenue up 13% to TND 4.6m and production at Fondouk Choucha up 61%, though the company still carries a heavy financial burden. SME & Agriculture: A call for Tunisian MSMEs under the “Soil Matters” project seeks agroecology and soil-health solutions, with applications due Aug 30 and €2.3m funding via GIZ and APIA. Business Mission: Tunisia Africa Business Council plans a multisector mission to Guinea (Oct 6–11) targeting energy, water, industry, logistics, construction and digital services. Policy & Savings: A new analysis warns Tunisia has had negative net saving for five straight years, arguing the country is consuming capital instead of replacing it.

Energy & Trade: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit climbed 35% to TND 7.0bn by end-June 2026, as energy exports rose 38% but imports jumped 36%, with higher Brent prices and Strait of Hormuz shipping risks weighing on costs. Trade Balance Watch: The wider trade gap also widened to TND 14.96bn in the first seven months of 2026 (imports up 13.7% to TND 55.60bn vs exports up 9.9% to TND 40.64bn), driven mainly by energy (deficit TND 7.95bn) while food still provided a TND 1.01bn surplus. Pharma Industry: SIPHAT reported a recovery in 2026, with H1 revenue up 13% to TND 4.6m and Q2 sales up 33%, led by a sharp rebound in private-pharmacy business; production at Fondouk Choucha rose 61% in H1. Agro & Soil Services: Tunisia launched applications for MSMEs under the “Soil Matters” project, backing agroecology and soil-health advisory and product/service providers (deadline Aug 30, 2026). Women in Industry: At SICAM, National Women’s Day recognition highlighted that contributions across operations, technical roles, supervision and management matter regardless of job title. Weather Risk for Operations: Forecasts point to more localized, sometimes intense thunderstorms between Aug 15–22, with hail and strong gusts in western/mountain areas—something manufacturers and logistics teams may want to factor into planning.

Tunisia Trade Watch: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to TND 14.96bn in the first seven months of 2026 as imports rose faster than exports (exports +9.9% to TND 40.64bn; imports +13.7% to TND 55.60bn), with the energy gap the main driver (energy deficit TND 7.95bn, up from TND 6.04bn) while food still provided a cushion (food surplus TND 1.01bn). Agro & Soil Innovation: A new call for Tunisian MSMEs under the “Soil Matters” project seeks agroecology and soil-health advisory, products or services; applications are open until Aug 30, 2026, with €2.3m funding via GIZ and APIA. Auto Sector Signals: Tunisia’s car dealership results show uneven momentum: four listed distributors posted solid 2025 figures while one disappeared from listings, and cash pressure is emerging even where profits held up. Business Outreach: The Tunisia Africa Business Council plans a multisector mission to Guinea (Oct 6–11, 2026) covering infrastructure, energy, water, industry, IT, logistics, construction and services, with B2B meetings and ministerial talks. Local Projects: In Sousse, cultural infrastructure work is progressing—Bab Jedid Institute is ~95% complete and Bouhsina open-air theatre ~90%, targeting completion by end-August/early 2027. Women at Work: SICAM marked Tunisia’s National Women’s Day by recognizing women across operational, technical, supervisory and management roles, stressing that recognition doesn’t depend on job title.

Trade & Energy: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to TND 14.96bn in the first seven months of 2026 as imports grew faster than exports, with the energy balance driving most of the gap (energy deficit TND 7.95bn, up from TND 6.04bn). Exports rose 9.9% to TND 40.64bn, supported by mechanical/electrical industries, agro-food and energy exports, while imports jumped 13.7% to TND 55.60bn, including energy imports up 35.7% and food imports up 23.6%. Business Diplomacy: Tunisia’s Africa push continues with a multisectoral mission to Guinea (Oct 6–11, 2026) led by the Tunisia Africa Business Council, targeting deals in infrastructure, energy, water, industry, IT, logistics, construction and services, with B2B meetings and participation in the FOCIA Forum. Automotive Sector: Four Tunisian car dealerships posted results for 2025, while one disappeared from the listed market, highlighting pressure from quotas and foreign-exchange controls. Industry & Skills: University of Manouba spotlighted how it embeds sustainability into research and teaching, linking campus action to national SD priorities. Local Projects (Sousse): Cultural infrastructure work in Sousse is nearing completion, with Bab Jedid Institute ~95% and Bouhsina open-air theatre ~90%, aiming for end-2027 and end-August deadlines respectively. Women in Industry: SICAM marked Tunisia’s Women’s Day by stressing recognition across operational, technical, supervisory and management roles, not job titles.

Trade & Industry: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to 14.96bn dinars by end-July 2026 as imports grew faster than exports, with the energy trade gap rising to 7.95bn dinars and food imports also up; exports rose 9.9% to 40.64bn dinars, supported by mechanical/electrical, agro-food and energy shipments, while the EU stayed the main partner (70.4% of exports, 45.3% of imports). Energy & Infrastructure: Scatec has started construction of the 120 MW Sidi Bouzid II solar plant, adding to a busy pipeline of major projects. Water & Consumer Supply: Tunisia seized 147,000+ litres of bottled water over pricing/transaction transparency violations amid a continuing shortage linked to heatwave demand and power outages. Local Construction: Sousse governorate reports Bab Jedid Institute at 95% completion and Bouhsina open-air theatre at 90%, targeting full delivery by end-August/early 2027. Research & Sustainability: Manouba University highlights how it embeds sustainability into campus life through its SD policy and research structures. Weather Risk: Forecasts point to more unstable conditions mid-August, with localized thunderstorms (15–22 Aug) in western/mountain areas, bringing hail and strong gusts.

Tunisia Water & Bottled Supply: Tunisia’s mineral water shortage may drag on until September as power outages disrupted production units and depleted strategic stocks; the Trade Union Chamber says demand is now outstripping available output. Energy Projects: Tunisia’s Major Projects Commission has fast-tracked the Borj El Amri power plant expansion, adding a third gas turbine (250–400 MW) at a cost near 600 million dinars, targeting service in summer 2027 to curb load shedding. Renewables Investment: Scatec has started construction of the 120 MW Sidi Bouzid II solar plant (about €96m), with operations due in the second half of 2027. Industrial Power Use: ANME says around 400 large industrial firms drive nearly 70% of Tunisia’s industrial energy consumption; energy audits and cogeneration are cutting bills by ~30% and primary use by 35%. Waste Sector Jobs: ANGED opened recruitment for 11 roles (engineers, administrators, senior technicians), with applications due Aug. 24. Mining/Phosphate Finance: The U.S. has granted Tunisia over $1.5m to support phosphate investment, while state boards were refreshed for key phosphate and energy-linked entities. Trade & Safeguards: President Trump’s Section 201 safeguard adds a four-year tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products from Aug. 15, with over-quota duties potentially reaching 50% after quarterly allocations. Regional Security Coordination: Kuwait urged stronger Arab cooperation on airport and border security in Tunis, targeting smuggling, trafficking and illegal migration. Tunisia-Ukraine Business: Tunis and Kyiv discussed expanding trade and agricultural cooperation, plus higher education links for Tunisian students.

Tunisia Energy & Infrastructure: Tunisia’s Major Projects Commission has moved to expand the Borj El Amri power plant, adding a third gas turbine (250–400 MW) at a cost of nearly 600 million dinars, while also greenlighting completion works for the Category B regional hospital in Thala (Kasserine) and the Ennahli Digital City project. Renewables Investment: Scatec has started construction of the 120 MW Sidi Bouzid II solar plant in Tunisia, a €96m project with Aeolus (50/50), backed by EBRD/EIB financing, targeting operations in the second half of 2027. Agri-Food Industry Deal: Poulina Group Holding (PGH) submitted a binding offer to buy a majority stake in dairy and cheese specialist Land’Or from Maghreb Private Equity Fund IV, valuing the equity at TND 204.8m (TND 14.860/share), subject to CMF and Competition Council approvals. Waste & Jobs: ANGED launched an external recruitment competition for 11 roles, including engineers (civil, IT, mechanical/electromechanical), administrators (finance, accounting, public law) and senior technicians (environmental/biological sciences, chemistry, agriculture, food industries). Phosphate & Trade Links: Tunisia’s foreign minister discussed with Ukraine’s counterpart ways to boost trade and cooperation, especially in agriculture, and to keep Black Sea shipping routes open for food security. Energy Efficiency Push: ANME says about 400 large industrial firms drive nearly 70% of Tunisia’s industrial energy use, with mandatory audits and cogeneration cutting energy bills by ~30% and primary consumption by 35%.