AGP Executive Report

Tunisia–U.S. Phosphate Push: The U.S. Embassy in Tunis launched a $1.5m+ funding opportunity to back transparent private investment in Tunisia’s phosphate sector, with a single grant of $1.0m–$1.536m and an 18–24 month implementation window. Energy & Industry Governance: Tunisia’s state appointed new board representatives across strategic firms, including the Tunisian Chemical Group and Gafsa Phosphate Company (CPG), plus a new Agriculture ministry representative at STEG—moves that could shape phosphate and power-sector priorities. Transport Hiring Drive: Transtu opened external recruitment for 580 jobs (drivers, technical staff, engineers, security and cleaning), with applications via its website from Aug. 12 to Sept. 8. Automotive Market Snapshot: Tunisia’s official dealerships sold 35,440 vehicles (+17.7%) while the parallel market rose to 14,777 (+23%), with Asian brands driving growth. Tourism Earnings: Tunisia’s tourism revenues reached TND 5.3bn in the first seven months of 2026 (+5.2%), supporting foreign-currency inflows. Corporate Moves: SOTUVER’s takeover process continues as a mandatory tender offer is set after a shareholder threshold was crossed, with key details kept off the market.

Water & Power Protests: Tunisia’s July heatwave and worsening water cuts triggered road blockades and demonstrations in several northern areas, while rotating electricity cuts to protect the grid also sparked anger and business disruption. Phosphate & Energy Governance: The state reshuffled board representatives across the Tunisian Chemical Group, Gafsa Phosphate Company (CPG) and STEG, with new ministry appointees covering finance, economy, environment and agriculture. Phosphate Investment Push: The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia launched a $1.5m+ funding opportunity to support transparent private investment in the phosphate sector, with a grant up to $1,536,511 and an application deadline of Sept. 2, 2026. Transport Hiring Drive: Transtu opened external recruitment for 580 positions, including 336 bus driver-conductors, with applications via its website from Aug. 12 to Sept. 8. Automotive Market Snapshot: Tunisia’s official car sales rose 17.7% in H1 2026, but the parallel market also grew, now nearing 30% of activity; Kia, Hyundai and Isuzu led. Tourism Earnings: Tunisia’s tourism revenues surpassed TND 5.3bn in the first seven months of 2026, up 5.2% year-on-year, supported by foreign arrivals and diaspora transfers. SOTUVER Takeover Mechanics: A mandatory public tender offer was set for SOTUVER shares at 13.390 dinars, but a shareholders’ stance suggests the outcome is largely pre-decided. Regional Trade & Industry: A Tunis–India business forum on Aug. 20 targets B2B deals and investment across agri-food, textiles, automotive components, renewables and digital services. Mining Output Watch: Mining exports fell 19% by end-June 2026, linked to a 5.5% drop in domestic phosphate production.

Phosphate & U.S. Funding: The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia launched a $1.5m+ call for projects to back transparent private investment in Tunisia’s phosphate sector, with a single grant of $1,000,000–$1,536,511 and an 18–24 month timeline. Energy Transition for SMEs: ANME kicked off the “CHEMS” solar photovoltaic project, financed by the African Development Bank, to help Tunisian SMEs finance self-consumption solar and cut electricity costs. State Oversight in Strategic Firms: Tunisia issued board appointments across the Tunisian Chemical Group, Gafsa Phosphate Company (CPG) and STEG, reshuffling ministry representatives. Phosphate Output Pressure: Tunisia’s domestic phosphate production fell 5.5% in H1 2026 (to 1.7m tonnes by end-June), weighing on mining exports. Transport Hiring: Transtu opened external recruitment for 580 positions (drivers, technicians, engineers, security and cleaning) via its website from Aug 12 to Sep 8. Tourism Cash In: Tunisia’s tourism revenues surpassed TND 5bn by end-July 2026, up 5.2% year-on-year to 5,300m dinars for the first seven months. Automotive Market Shift: H1 2026 vehicle sales rose, with the parallel market nearing 30% of activity, led by Asian brands.

Phosphate & critical minerals: The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia launched a $1.5m+ grant to back transparent private investment in Tunisia’s phosphate sector, aiming to support technical standards for advanced production and more resilient supply chains, with a single $1.0m–$1.536m grant and a Sept 2, 2026 deadline. State oversight in industry: Tunisia renewed board representation across key strategic firms: new ministry appointees were named for the Tunisian Chemical Group and Gafsa Phosphate Company (CPG), and a new Agriculture ministry representative joined STEG’s board. Energy transition for SMEs: ANME kicked off the “CHEMS” solar project to help SMEs finance photovoltaic self-consumption, supported by the African Development Bank and involving major public and financial partners. Transport hiring: Transtu opened external recruitment for 580 positions (drivers, technicians, engineers, security and cleaning), with applications via its website from Aug 12 to Sept 8. Tunisia’s market signals: Inflation eased to 5.1% in July 2026, while tourism revenues topped TND 5bn by end-July and H1 2026 car sales showed strong growth in the overall market alongside a large parallel-market share.

Phosphate & Energy Governance: Tunisia’s State renewed board representation across key strategic firms, appointing new ministry representatives to the Tunisian Chemical Group (CPG) and STEG, including Finance, Economy/Planning, Environment, and Agriculture roles—an update that matters for how phosphate and power projects move. Private Investment Push: The US Embassy in Tunis launched a grant call to support transparent private-sector investment in Tunisia’s phosphate value chain, with $1m–$1.536m awards over 18–24 months. SME Solar Finance: ANME rolled out “CHEMS,” a photovoltaic self-consumption financing mechanism for SMEs, backed by the African Development Bank, aiming to cut electricity costs and boost competitiveness. Renewables & Industry Finance: Al Baraka Bank Tunisia joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), stepping up climate transparency in its lending portfolio. Tourism & Consumer Signals: Tourism revenues topped TND 5bn by end-July, while Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.1% in July as food pressures softened and services rose. Automotive Market: Tunisia’s car sales showed mixed momentum: dealerships up 17.7% while the parallel market grew faster, now near 30% of activity. Construction Trade Link: Tunisian firms were invited to the Benghazi International Construction Fair (Sept 21–24) to expand partnerships across construction, equipment, and real estate.

Phosphate & energy governance: Tunisia’s state has renewed board representation across key firms, appointing new ministry nominees to the Tunisian Chemical Group (CPG) and Gafsa Phosphate Company, and naming a new Agriculture ministry representative to STEG, with decrees published in the Official Gazette on Aug. 4. Phosphate sector push: The U.S. Embassy in Tunis launched a grant call for “Securing US Critical Mineral Supply Chains – Tunisia,” targeting transparent private investment and technical standards in the phosphate value chain. Solar for SMEs: ANME launched the “CHEMS” photovoltaic project to help small and medium-sized enterprises finance self-consumption solar generation, backed by the African Development Bank. Automotive market snapshot: Tunisia’s car sales rose in H1 2026, with official dealerships up 17.7% and the parallel market up 23%, while “affordable” car sales dipped slightly. Tourism receipts: Tourism revenues surpassed TND 5 billion by end-July 2026, up 5.2% year-on-year, as foreign-currency inflows support public finances. Inflation trend: Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.1% in July 2026, with food price growth slowing while tobacco and restaurants/hotels accelerated. Corporate finance: The CMF set conditions for a mandatory tender offer tied to the SOTUVER glassmaker takeover, but a shareholders’ agreement keeps control effectively locked. Climate & water: Tunisia’s dam and major hydraulic works authorities inspected the northern water transfer system and pushed urgent fixes, including at the El Harka pumping station, while activists urged scientific assessments before reforestation after wildfires.

Energy Transition & SMEs: Tunisia’s ANME launched the “CHEMS” solar project to help SMEs finance photovoltaic self-consumption, backed by the African Development Bank, aiming to cut electricity costs and boost competitiveness. Renewables Policy Push: UTICA’s National Photovoltaic Chamber urged faster procedures and stronger incentives (including customs/VAT exemptions for PV equipment) to speed up the energy transition. Water Infrastructure: The Agriculture ministry inspected key northern water transfer works in Bizerte, including urgent fixes at the El Harka pumping station and efforts to accelerate the Douimis dam to secure drinking and irrigation supplies. Banking & Climate Finance: Al Baraka Bank Tunisia joined PCAF, aligning with global standards to measure and disclose emissions tied to its lending portfolio. Trade & Mining Investment: The US Embassy in Tunis opened a call for grants to support transparent private investment in Tunisia’s phosphate sector, with projects focused on standards and resilient supply chains. Macroeconomy Watch: Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.1% in July; monthly prices rose 0.2%, with food down and services up. Business Performance: Tunis Stock Exchange listed companies’ H1 2026 revenue rose 4.2% to TND 12.7bn, led by the financial sector and major agri-food groups.

MENA Credit Watch: Moody’s warns sovereign credit fundamentals across the Middle East and North Africa have flipped from stable to negative as conflicts disrupt shipping and hit growth forecasts for 2026. Tunisia Water Infrastructure: Tunisia’s Agriculture ministry inspected key northern water-transfer assets in Bizerte, including urgent fixes at the El Harka pumping station and plans to accelerate Douimis dam works to boost drinking and irrigation supplies. Inflation Update: Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.1% in July (from 5.3% in June), with food price pressure slowing while tobacco and restaurant/hotel costs rose. Energy & Grid Risk: STEG said rotating power cuts may occur Tuesday in several regions, with outages limited to up to two hours depending on grid conditions. Renewables Push: UTICA’s photovoltaic chamber urged faster procedures and tax relief for solar equipment, plus support for household storage to speed Tunisia’s energy transition. Trade & Digitalization: SOTUMAG continues rolling out electronic invoicing across wholesale markets, starting with Teboulba on Aug. 15, aiming for better traceability and food-security data. Business Performance: Tunis Stock Exchange-listed companies’ total revenue rose 4.2% in H1 2026, while SIAME reported weaker turnover amid export disruption tied to regional trade shocks.

Water Infrastructure: Tunisia’s Agriculture ministry inspected the northern water transfer system in Bizerte, flagging faults at the El Harka dam pumping station and pushing urgent fixes to restart pumping, while work at Douimis dam is set to be accelerated to secure drinking and irrigation supplies. Energy & Grid Stability: STEG warned of possible rotating power cuts in Greater Tunis and parts of northern Tunisia on Tuesday, with interruptions up to two hours between 11:30 and 5 pm, depending on grid conditions. Inflation Watch: Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.1% in July 2026 (from 5.3% in June), helped by slower food and beverage price growth, while tobacco and restaurants/hotels rose faster. Renewables Push: UTICA’s National Photovoltaic Chamber urged faster administrative steps and stronger fiscal incentives (customs/VAT exemptions for PV components) to speed Tunisia’s energy transition. Agri Trade Digitalisation: SOTUMAG continues rolling out electronic invoicing across wholesale markets, with the next launch at Teboulba set for Aug. 15. Finance & Markets: Tunis Stock Exchange-listed companies’ total revenue rose 4.2% in H1 2026 to TND 12.7bn, with banks and agri-food groups among the key contributors. Circular Economy: WWF North Africa launched a Tunisia initiative to turn marine waste into circular-economy value by removing abandoned fishing gear and improving traceable waste handling.

Tunisia–Libya Economic Push: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti spoke by phone with Libya’s Taher Al-Baour to prepare the next Libyan-Tunisian Joint High Committee, with a focus on expanding economic, technical and energy cooperation, including renewables. Energy Transition Pressure: UTICA’s National Photovoltaic Chamber urged urgent reforms to speed Tunisia’s energy transition, calling for faster permits, fully digital procedures, and tax/customs incentives for PV equipment plus support for household storage. Power Reliability Watch: STEG warned of possible rotating power cuts Tuesday (11:30-17:00, up to two hours) across Greater Tunis and parts of Cap Bon and Zaghouan. Inflation Trend: Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.1% in July (from 5.3% in June), with food price growth slowing while tobacco and restaurants/hotels rose faster. Wholesale Digitalization: SOTUMAG continues rolling out electronic invoicing across wholesale markets after a pilot in Moknine, with Teboulba set for Aug. 15 and a traceability system for agri products. Business & Markets: Tunis Stock Exchange-listed companies’ H1 2026 revenue rose 4.2% to TND 12.7bn; the Arab Monetary Fund also flagged TSE as the top-performing Arab market in Q2. Tourism Investment: Tunisia’s tourism ministry met Spain’s ambassador to push Spanish hotel-chain investment, citing 6% growth in Spanish arrivals to 18,600 by end-July.

Tunisia–Egypt Diplomacy & Industry: Tunisian FM Mohamed Ali Nafti met Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty in Amman, reaffirming momentum from the 18th Joint High Commission and pushing cooperation in electricity, renewable energy, infrastructure and investment. Finance Bill Focus: PM Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri chaired a restricted Cabinet meeting reviewing the 2027 Finance Bill, aiming to protect the fiscal balance while funding social support, investment, jobs, and boosting food, water and energy security via agriculture, storage, water management and renewables. Power & Heat Pressure: STEG warned of rotating power cuts in parts of Greater Tunis and northern regions (11:30am–5pm, up to two hours), while Attaqa.net says load shedding is not expected to resume after the recent heatwave. Trade & Digitalization: SOTUMAG is expanding electronic invoicing across wholesale markets after a Moknine pilot, with Teboulba set for Aug. 15 and a traceability system planned. Agriculture Hit: A heatwave damaged farmland in Sidi Bouzid, with losses reaching 100% for some crops, and irrigation disruptions blamed. Tourism Push: Tunisia’s tourism ministry says major Spanish hotel chains are considering expanding, citing rising Spanish arrivals (18,600 by end-July, +6%). Circular Economy at Sea: WWF launched a Tunisia project to turn marine waste into circular-economy inputs by recovering lost fishing gear and routing it for legal treatment and upcycling.

Power & Grid Watch: STEG says rotating power cuts may hit several Tunisian areas on Tuesday, Aug. 4, between 11:30 am and 5 pm, with each interruption lasting up to two hours, urging residents to protect sensitive appliances. Wholesale Market Digitalization: SOTUMAG is expanding Tunisia’s electronic invoicing rollout to wholesale markets after a pilot at Moknine, with the Teboulba launch set for Aug. 15 and plans to extend to markets like Kairouan and Gabès to boost transparency and traceability. Industrial Performance: SIAME’s H1 2026 turnover fell to 20m dinars (-11.6%) as domestic private demand rose but exports dropped sharply after shipments to Iraq were suspended. Agri-Food & Climate Stress: A heatwave in Sidi Bouzid damaged farmland, with losses reaching 100% for some crops and risks of future shortages and price hikes. Marine Circular Economy: WWF North Africa launched a Tunisia project to turn marine waste into circular-economy inputs by removing abandoned fishing gear and routing recovered polymers into upcycling. Energy Outlook: Attaqa.net reports Tunisia’s load-shedding programme is not expected to resume for the rest of the summer, citing improved conditions and ongoing grid maintenance. Investment & Trade Push: Tunisia’s ambassador in Ankara urged Turkish firms to invest, highlighting incentives and Tunisia’s role as a gateway to African markets.

Electricity & Agriculture: Tunisia’s load shedding is not expected to resume for the rest of the summer, after a heatwave-driven grid strain eased, but the fallout is still hitting farms—Sidi Bouzid reported heatwave damage up to 100% on some crops, with irrigation disruptions blamed. Energy Policy & Markets: Tunisia’s natural gas outlook shows supply down 14% year-on-year and a 33% drop in fiscal royalties from Algerian gas transit, with most royalties allocated to STEG—raising pressure on power and export planning. Power Grid Pressure: Separate reporting highlights structural causes behind the crisis, including sharply lower STEG investment and stalled generation projects since 2018. Agri-Food Resilience: A regional push on agrifood co-ops in the Near East and North Africa focuses on market access and inclusive services for women and young producers. Tech for Industry: Tunisian startup My Industry AI, backed via FasterCapital, is advancing an AI diagnostic system for industrial machines aimed at Tunisian clients. EV Exports: Bako Motors exported its first electric cars batch to Germany after receiving EU CoC certification, pointing to growing Tunisia automotive components capacity. Trade & Investment: Tunisia urged Turkish firms to invest during a Tunisia–Turkey forum, spotlighting energy, industry, agri-food, textiles, logistics and services. Finance: The Tunis Stock Exchange led Arab market gains in Q2 2026, with a strong index rise and market-cap growth.

Heatwave hits farming in Sidi Bouzid: A Tunis Afrique Presse report says scorching temperatures and power cuts damaged crops across about 820 hectares of cucurbits (70–100% losses), 2,015 hectares of seasonal peppers (50–70%), 670 hectares of vineyards (20–70%) and 525 hectares of citrus (10% oranges, ~40% lemons), with fig trees also hit (70–90%). Power stability update: Attaqa.net, citing official sources, says Tunisia’s load-shedding programme has ended and is not expected to return for the rest of summer, helped by maintenance and STEG monitoring. Grid strain and governance debate: Another analysis links repeated outages to structural energy-sector imbalances, including a sharp fall in STEG power-generation investment and stalled projects. Radès environmental pressure: President Kais Saïed inspected flood-risk works at Oued Meliane, sanitation networks and pollution/waste issues along Radès beach, after residents raised daily-life concerns. Electric mobility export breakthrough: Bako Motors exported its first electric-car batch to Germany after receiving EU Certificate of Conformity, highlighting Tunisia’s growing auto-components base and EV incentives. Natural gas figures: ONEM reports Tunisia’s natural gas supply at 698 ktoe end-May 2026 (down 14% y/y) and a 33% drop in fiscal royalties from Algerian gas transit. Desertification know-how: China’s desert-control experience is being shared via a Ningxia-based cooperation center, with techniques like straw checkerboards—relevant for Tunisia’s land and water stress. UNESCO spotlight: Tunisia’s Village of Sidi Bou Saïd is among 25 new UNESCO World Heritage additions, boosting cultural-industry visibility.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites after a committee meeting in South Korea, including Tunisia’s Village of Sidi Bou Saïd alongside major cultural and natural picks across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Urban Planning & Agriculture: Tunisia’s Hammam Chott urban development plan delays persist as the Agriculture Ministry says land reclassification and neighbourhood integration depend on technical committees and are still in the early revision phase under municipal authority. Environment & Public Services: President Kaïs Saïed inspected Radès in Ben Arous, flagging flood-risk works at Oued Meliane, sanitation network problems, beach pollution, fishermen’s issues, and waste accumulation. EV Industry: Bako Motors exported its first electric cars to Germany after receiving a European Certificate of Conformity, highlighting Tunisia’s growing automotive components base and new incentives for EVs. Energy Resilience: STEG approved low-voltage customers to use battery storage with hybrid inverters to support households and businesses during heat-driven outages. Transport & Industry Access: Transtu launched bus route 511 linking Hay Ezzayatine to the Charguia industrial zone with a 1 dinar fare. Agrifood & Climate Risk: Co-ops are being promoted to strengthen agrifood systems across North Africa and the Near East, while Tunisia’s heat and wildfires continue to expose weak infrastructure and farm vulnerability. Trade & Finance: Tunisia’s natural gas outlook shows lower overall resources and a 33% drop in fiscal royalty from Algerian gas transit, while debt concerns resurface amid new borrowing.

EV Exports & Industrial Upgrading: Tunisia’s Bako Motors shipped its first batch of solar-powered electric cars to Germany after receiving a European Certificate of Conformity, with the ministry highlighting around 280 automotive components firms, 95,000 jobs, and incentives under the 2026 Finance Law. Energy & Gas Revenues: Tunisia’s natural gas supply (including fiscal royalties) fell 14% year-on-year to 698 ktoe by end-May 2026, while fiscal royalty from Algerian gas transit dropped 33%, with STEG taking about 87% of the allocated royalty volume. Power Grid Resilience: STEG approved home battery storage for low-voltage customers using hybrid inverters, aiming to help households and businesses keep essential services running during planned outages amid heat-driven demand spikes. Transport for Industry: Transtu will launch bus route 511 on Aug 3, linking Hay Ezzayatine to the Charguia industrial zone with a 1 dinar flat fare to ease worker commuting. Agribusiness & Trade Policy: Tunisia opened a tariff quota for importing 16,500 tonnes of potato seeds for 2026-2027, while an Enfidha agricultural complex corruption case saw detainees released and the trial postponed to November. Climate Risk: The African Union urged El Nino preparedness as forecasts point to intensifying extreme weather from August, with Tunisia already seeing temperatures above 49°C and wildfire impacts across North Africa.