AGP Executive Report

Tunisia Innovation: Researchers in Tataouine turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in just 30 minutes under simulated sunlight, using a faster microwave-assisted process that avoids hazardous acid-leaching. Press Freedom Under Pressure: A Tunisian judge ordered the detention of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi on charges including illicit enrichment and money laundering, a move critics say further erodes independent media. Human Rights Watch Alarm: HRW says Tunisia’s crackdown on civil society has intensified since 2024, citing arrests, long pretrial detentions, financial probes and suspensions of associations. Insurance Results: Assurances Maghrebia reported a 7.4% rise in H1 2026 consolidated net profit to TND 25.6m, with premiums up and claims costs increasing. Household Costs: Tunisia’s consumer watchdog estimates back-to-school spending for 2026-27 rose about 8%, driven by items beyond textbooks and notebooks, with calls to buy more locally made goods. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia took the Arab League Council presidency in Cairo, with focus on Gaza, regional crises and economic cooperation. Business & Finance: Banque de Tunisie (BT) posted H1 2026 net income of TND 95.6m (+12.5%), supported by higher operating income and net banking income.

Tunisia-Arab League Diplomacy: Tunisia is set to chair the Arab League Council at ministerial level in Cairo (166th session), with FM Mohamed Ali Nafti leading talks on Gaza, regional crises and Arab cooperation, while also holding bilateral meetings to turn joint outcomes into faster trade and investment. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia’s civil society and independent journalism have faced worsening, systematic repression since 2024, including arrests, long pretrial detention and NGO suspensions; separately, journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained over alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering, prompting the SNJT to demand his release. Banking & Insurance Watch: Banque de Tunisie reports H1 2026 net income up to TND 95.6m; Assurances Maghrebia posts H1 2026 net profit up 7.4% to TND 25.6m, with premiums rising but claims costs also climbing. Household Costs: Back-to-school spending in Tunisia is up about 8%, with non-textbook items like bags, shoes and sportswear driving the increase. Energy & Safety: STEG mourns the death of an employee after a workplace accident in Mateur. Regional Business Link: Tunisia-Egypt push to boost trade and explore new investment opportunities. Sports Business: Club Africain urges fan discipline ahead of CAF action, while CS Sfaxien’s continental match ends in a 1-0 loss for Tunisia’s side in Nigeria.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained after police stopped him as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges cited around illicit enrichment and money laundering; the SNJT and rights groups warn this fits a wider crackdown on independent media. Human Rights Watch: HRW says Tunisia’s rights situation has worsened into systematic repression targeting civil society, journalists, political opponents and migrants since Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab. Cybersecurity Push: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri issued a circular to harden national digital systems in public institutions, including mandatory HTTPS, multi-factor authentication, annual security audits and tighter hosting rules for official platforms. Banking & Insurance Results: Banque de Tunisie reported higher H1 2026 net income, while Assurances Maghrebia posted a 7.4% rise in consolidated H1 profit; both point to improving performance amid rising claims and investment growth. Household Costs: Back-to-school expenses rose about 8% year-on-year, with consumer groups blaming broader costs beyond textbooks and the weight of imported goods. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia took over the Arab League Council presidency in Cairo, with the agenda focused on Iranian attacks, Gaza and multiple regional crises. Sports Business Link: Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun called for stronger Tunisia-Ogun ties in grassroots and institutional football development ahead of CAF Confederation Cup action.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained after police stopped him as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges cited as illicit enrichment and money laundering; the SNJT and rights groups warn this fits a wider crackdown on independent media and civic space. Human Rights Watch Alarm: HRW says Tunisia’s repression has hardened into systematic targeting of civil society, journalists, lawyers and migrants since Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab, including arrests, long pretrial detentions and prison sentences for legitimate activities. Judicial & Civil Society Fallout: The threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt, the association behind Inkyfada, is raising fresh concerns over freedom of association and expression as authorities use administrative and financial pressure alongside prosecutions. Business & Consumer Watch: Assurances Maghrebia reported a 7.4% rise in H1 2026 net profit to TND 25.6m, while consumer groups say back-to-school costs climbed about 8% as households face higher prices for items beyond subsidized textbooks. Banking Performance: Banque de Tunisie posted H1 2026 net income of TND 95.6m (+12.5%), supported by stronger operating activity and loan growth. Digital Security Push: The Prime Minister issued a circular requiring stronger cybersecurity controls across public institutions, including hosting rules, HTTPS and multi-factor authentication. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia took the rotating presidency of the Arab League Council in Cairo, with the agenda covering Palestine and Iranian attacks.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian authorities detained investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges cited as illicit enrichment and money laundering; the SNJT and rights groups say the case reflects shrinking civic space and intimidation. Judicial Clampdown: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld prison sentences of up to 45 years in a major conspiracy case involving opposition figures, lawyers and businessmen, a ruling lawyers say is final and unappealable. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch warned of systematic repression of Tunisia’s civil society since 2024, citing arrests, prosecutions, financial investigations and threats of dissolution. Cybersecurity Push: The Prime Minister issued a circular requiring stronger protection of public institutions’ digital systems, including hosting rules, HTTPS, multi-factor authentication and annual security audits. Banking & Finance: BNA reported a 14% rise in H1 net profit to about TND 156m, supported by higher deposits and investment income. Tourism & Remittances: Tunisia’s tourism revenues and remittances continued to support foreign-currency reserves, with August end figures showing year-on-year gains. Energy & Industry: The El Fahs 75MW wind farm was selected for Japanese support under the JCM, while olive oil production is expected to drop sharply in 2026–27.

Cybersecurity Push: Tunisia’s Prime Minister issued a circular making tighter protection of public digital systems mandatory, including hosting rules, HTTPS, multi-factor authentication, and annual information-system audits. Civil Society Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch warns of systematic repression of Tunisia’s civil society since 2024, while Al-Khatt’s threatened dissolution over independent investigative work raises fresh alarms for civic space and media freedom. Opposition Sentences Upheld: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld prison terms up to 45 years in a mass conspiracy case against opposition figures, lawyers and businessmen, with critics saying the judiciary is not independent. Banking Results: BNA reported a 14% jump in H1 profit to about TND 156m, supported by higher deposits and stronger investment income. Tourism & FX: Remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 11.6bn by end-August, with net foreign currency reserves around 99 days of imports. Energy & Renewables: El Fahs’ 75 MW wind farm was selected for Japanese grant support under the JCM, boosting low-carbon generation plans. Agriculture Outlook: Olive oil production is expected to fall sharply in 2026–27, with forecasts of 300,000 tons versus 500,000 last season.

Tunisia Politics & Courts: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld final prison sentences of up to 45 years for 40 opposition figures, closing a three-year mass case over alleged conspiracy to overthrow President Kais Saied; lawyers and families say the judiciary is not independent and that several defendants were effectively “silenced,” with many sentenced in absentia. Civil Society & Rights: A joint statement by UGTT, the Bar Association and the League for Human Rights warns of a deep political, economic and social crisis, citing restrictions on unions and civil society, alleged manipulation of the judiciary, and worsening conditions in prisons and detention. Banking & Regulation: Tunisia’s Central Bank (BCT) and the Financial Market Council (CMF) signed a cooperation and information-sharing agreement to strengthen integrated supervision, align with international standards, and improve oversight of risks including AML/CFT. Banking Results: Attijari Bank reported H1 2026 net profit of 123 million dinars (+5.9%) and higher net banking income, while noting tighter lending selectivity. Energy & Business Impact: Coverage of STEG power cuts highlights how firms are shifting to self-generation, with knock-on costs and potential demand for generator imports. Renewables Deal: Japan’s Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism will support Tunisia’s 75 MW El Fahs wind project, alongside other commissioned solar plants. Trade & Agriculture: Tunisia’s fishery trade posted a TND 66.7m surplus in H1 2026, with Italy the top destination. Regional Trade Risk: EU officials warn Russia’s Black Sea blockade could trigger another food-security shock affecting grain exports to countries including Tunisia. Fashion & Industry: Tunisian textile firm PigmentOco won an Avantex Fashion Pitch award for low-water dyeing using supercritical CO₂, signaling export-facing innovation in Tunisia’s value chain.

Tunisia’s finance watchdogs: Tunisia’s Central Bank (BCT) and the Financial Market Council (CMF) signed a cooperation and information-sharing deal to tighten financial sector supervision, align with international standards, and improve coordination on risks including anti-money laundering. Banking results: Attijari Bank reported H1 2026 net profit of TND 123m (+5.9% y/y), with net banking income up to TND 374.7m, driven by a surge in investment portfolio revenues. Energy squeeze on firms: Power cuts have pushed businesses toward self-generation, with STEG trust “broken” and companies planning for generators as a new operating cost. Trade and jobs signals: Tunisia’s fishery trade posted a TND 66.7m surplus in H1 2026, while an El Fahs 75 MW wind project secured a Japanese government grant under the Paris Article 6 carbon credit mechanism. Civil society pressure: Rights groups warn Tunisia is widening its crackdown on civil society, with prosecutions, long detentions and prison sentences affecting activists and journalists. Regional risk to food: A renewed Black Sea blockade linked to Russia-Ukraine tensions is raising fears of another global food shock, with knock-on effects for Tunisia and nearby importers.

Tunisia’s lending momentum: Bank loans to businesses rose by TND 2.199 billion in the first half of 2026, with the services sector driving most of the increase (TND 1.684 billion), according to the Central Bank’s Economic Outlook report. Public-sector reform: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri urged faster structural reforms for public enterprises, setting six priorities including clearer performance targets, stronger oversight, and better asset and HR management. Civil society under pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia is escalating a crackdown on NGOs, citing prosecutions, preventive detention beyond legal limits, and mass suspensions, warning the aim is to shut civil society down. Food waste plan: Tunisia’s National Consumer Institute says household food waste is about 5% of total food spending, and a national strategy is expected by end-November. Phosphate update: PhosCo reported high-grade phosphate intersections at its Gasaat project in Kasserine, supporting plans for an integrated phosphate and fertilizer push. Transport service: SNCFT published long-distance train schedules valid Sep 1, 2026–Jun 30, 2027 (excluding Ramadan). Gold prices in Sfax: The Sfax jewellery market sees a drop in gold prices, with scrap 18-carat trading around 280–300 dinars/gram. Regional business links: Egypt and Oman are exploring joint industrial zones to deepen industrial integration and supply chains.

Public Finance & Governance: Tunisia’s Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri urged faster structural reform of public enterprises, pushing clearer performance targets, stronger oversight, asset management, digitalisation and transparency to restore efficiency and financial sustainability. Civil Society Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia is escalating its crackdown on NGOs and activists, citing prosecutions, preventive detention beyond legal limits, financial investigations and mass suspensions, warning the aim is to shut down civic space. Regional Industry Integration: Egypt and Oman are exploring joint industrial zones using Egypt’s “industrial developer” model to deepen investment links and supply chains. Transport & Mobility: SNCFT published long-distance train schedules from Sept 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (excluding Ramadan), including Tunis–Kalaat Khasba, Tunis–Annaba/Bizerte and Tunis–Tozeur/Métlaoui–Redeyef/Nabeul. Finance & Markets: Tunisia’s money market rate rose to 7% in August, while a separate report ranks the Tunisian dinar among Africa’s strongest currencies against the US dollar. Sports Tech: CAF is reportedly preparing to introduce VAR in the CAF Champions League group stage, starting with the 2026/27 edition. Energy & Water Crunch: Tunisia’s power cuts are again disrupting water supplies, adding pressure on businesses and daily operations. Humanitarian & Rights: A Brazilian activist renewed calls for the release of four Tunisian colleagues linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained again after a prior release.

Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia has intensified pressure on civil society since 2024, with arrests, long preventive detention, financial probes, mass suspensions and convictions, warning the civic space is being “shut” through abusive prosecutions and threats of dissolution. Power & Business Continuity: STEG warns of intermittent power cuts on Sept 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Greater Tunis, North, Northwest, Central Tunisia, Sfax and parts of the South—an operational risk for IT, refrigeration and production. Monetary Policy Watch: Tunisia’s money market rate edged up to 7.00% in August (from 6.99%), ending five months of stability and potentially nudging variable loan costs. Tunisia–Germany Ties: President Saied met German FM Johann Wadephul, calling for a more balanced EU–Tunisia partnership and signing/pledging nearly €100m in financing, with focus on energy transition, water and digitalisation. Food Prices in Sfax: Local market checks show peppers and tomatoes at 1.9 dinars/kg, chicken at 8.9, lamb at 60, and sea bass at 26. Tourism Signals: Tunisia’s tourism performance is described as positive in 2026, with arrivals surpassing 6 million by early August and Spanish hotel groups moving toward project implementation.

Tunisia–Germany Diplomacy: President Kais Saied met German FM Johann Wadephul in Tunis, urging a more balanced EU–Tunisia partnership and discussing cooperation in higher education, research, vocational training, energy transition, water management and digitalisation, with nearly €100m in financing agreements signed. Power & Business Continuity: Tunisia’s split-shift return starts Sept. 1, while STEG warns of intermittent power cuts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Greater Tunis, North, Central regions and Sfax/South—an operational headache for IT, refrigeration and production. Banking Rates: Tunisia’s money market rate edged up to 7% in August, after 6.99% in July, keeping the BCT key policy rate at 7%. Food Prices Watch (Sfax): Market prices in Sfax showed peppers/tomatoes at 1.9 dinars/kg, chicken 8.9, lamb 60, and sea bass 26. Fish Trade Update: Tunisia’s fishery exports rose in H1 2026 to ~14,000 tonnes worth 329m dinars; Italy led destinations with 37%. Press Freedom: CPJ urged Tunisia to release imprisoned journalists Zied el-Heni, Mourad Zghidi and Borhen Bsaies amid heatwave-related prison deaths. Migration & Security: Germany’s FM linked migration pressure to Sahel instability and smuggling networks after talks with Tunisian officials. Regional Context: Libya’s rival camps signed a UN-mediated “4+4” roadmap aiming for elections within 24 months.

Tunisia–Germany Cooperation: President Kais Saied met German FM Johann Wadephul at Carthage, agreeing to strengthen ties in higher education, research, vocational training, energy and tech innovation, and to review the Tunisia–EU partnership for a more balanced deal; the two sides also signed financing contracts worth nearly €100m for SMEs, energy, environment, digital transition and regional development. Tunisia Economy & Finance: The Central Bank of Tunisia reported the money market rate edging up to 7% in August (from 6.99% in July), keeping the policy rate at 7% since late July. Business & Markets: Tunisia’s insurance sector grew in H1 2026, with direct insurers’ turnover up 13% to 2,529.2m dinars, led by life insurance and motor still the biggest non-life line. Tax Compliance: The General Directorate of Taxes published Tunisia’s September 2026 tax calendar, listing key deadlines from Sept 15 to Sept 28 for individuals and companies. Social Pressure & Governance: A new wave of unrest is resurfacing five years after Saied’s parliament suspension, with Tunisians citing water cuts, power outages, price hikes and medicine shortages. Media Rights: CPJ urged Tunisia to release imprisoned journalists Zied el-Heni, Mourad Zghidi and Borhen Bsaies amid reports of prisoner deaths during the heatwave. Migration & Diplomacy: Wadephul called for tackling migration root causes in Africa after meeting Tunisian officials, blaming smuggling networks for deaths along routes through Tunisia and beyond.

Central Banking: Tunisia’s money market rate inched up to 7% in August, up from 6.99% in July, as the BCT kept its key policy rate unchanged at 7% on July 29. Tax Compliance: The September 2026 tax calendar sets key deadlines for individuals (Sept 15) and legal entities (Sept 21 and Sept 28), plus provisional instalments due Sept 25 and Sept 28 depending on the taxpayer category and filing method. Insurance Sector: Tunisia’s insurance market grew in H1 2026, with direct insurers’ turnover rising 13% to 2,529.2m dinars; life insurance gained share while motor and health remained key growth drivers. Energy & Water Crisis: Tunisia is again hit by extreme heat, with power cuts and water disruptions adding pressure to hospitals and households, while bottled-water shortages have triggered queues and rationing. Diplomacy & Investment: Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul met President Kaïs Saïed and called for a more balanced EU partnership, while also pushing cooperation on energy, renewables and regional stability. Regional Trade & Aviation: Air Canada cancels its Montréal–Algiers route, while Libyan Express plans new direct flights to Malta, Rome and Milan from 6 September.

Tunisia Power & Water Crisis: A new heatwave pushed Kairouan to 49.8°C and coincided with rotating electricity cuts and water disruptions, while an independent doctors group warned of an “unprecedented” rise in heatstroke deaths and hospital pressure. Central Bank Watch: A new Central Bank bulletin shows Tunisia’s state financing is increasingly coming from the whole monetary system, with Central Bank direct advances to the Treasury surging sharply. Energy/Environment Project: An integrated gas extraction and treatment unit at the Errahma controlled landfill in Nabeul is about 90% complete, aiming to cut emissions and later generate green electricity from captured methane. Finance for SMEs: The EBRD expanded its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m and added an ESG financing line to support corporate investment in energy efficiency, renewables and waste reduction. Construction Costs: Cement prices in Libya-linked markets eased after the AUCC Zliten factory restarted, with the average price reported around LD 82 per quintar. Trade & Business Links: Germany’s foreign minister Wadephul is set to visit Tunisia for talks with Nafti and business meetings, highlighting energy cooperation and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Global Markets: Gold slid on Fed hawkish signals while oil rose amid Strait of Hormuz tensions, a reminder of how shipping disruptions can hit energy and food costs.

Tunisia Power & Heat Emergency: A severe heat wave is pushing Tunisia’s health system to breaking point, with an independent doctors’ group reporting an “unprecedented” rise in heatstroke cases and deaths, urging an immediate health emergency as hospitals in Sfax and elsewhere face extreme pressure. Energy Crisis Watch: The electricity crisis is worsening alongside water disruptions, with poorly coordinated power cuts leaving households and businesses without reliable electricity, water pumping and even bottled drinking water access. Construction Costs: Cement prices in Libya-linked supply chains show relief: the Zliten Al-Ittihad factory cement price reportedly fell to LD 82 per quintar after restarting operations. Finance & Cash Economy: Tunisia’s cheque law is again under scrutiny as a lawmaker warns it has boosted cash circulation beyond 30 billion dinars and expanded informal payments. Banking & State Funding: Central Bank figures point to a “money printing press” effect, with direct advances to the Treasury rising sharply and commercial banks’ claims on the state climbing. Private-Sector Support: EBRD expands its risk-sharing with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m, plus a new €8.6m ESG facility to back corporate climate and social investments. Trade & Exports: CEPEX opens registrations for a Tunisia business mission to EXPO BÉTON in Kinshasa (Oct 7-10) to target construction and infrastructure buyers. Markets: The Tunis Stock Exchange ended July 2026 higher, with Tunindex up 0.88% despite lower transaction value.