AGP Executive Report

Tunisia Energy & Tenders: Tunisia’s National Agency for Energy Management has launched a call for tenders to draft an energy-efficiency action plan by 2040, aiming to cut demand for conventional fuels and set sector priorities via TUNEPS. Water Security: Tunisia inaugurated the Gargour seawater desalination plant in Sfax (100,000 m³/day, expandable to 250,000), supported by JICA, with plans to redirect water to Sahel and Cap Bon. Power Links to Europe: Prysmian received the go-ahead for the Elmed Italy–Tunisia HVDC interconnector (600 MW, 220 km, €460m), a first direct current link between Europe and Africa. Telecoms Growth: Tunisia’s telecom sector turnover rose to 313.6m dinars in April 2026; 5G FWA subscribers climbed to 298,717. Private Health Sector Pressure: Tunisia’s private biologists’ syndicate urges CNAM to clear overdue payments, warning delays now exceed seven months. Business & Investment: RoboCare (precision agriculture AI) secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand across Africa and the Middle East; EmTech’s EmergingTech Ventures Fund II also won Proparco support for Francophone Africa startups. Governance & Skills: The Order of Tunisian Engineers warns that broken ties with engineers abroad are a development loss and proposes a digital platform to reconnect expertise. Regional Diplomacy: Nabil Fahmy was appointed Arab League Secretary General amid rising regional insecurity and distrust. EU Migration: The EU migration and asylum pact entered into force on 12 June, with major implications for MENA migration routes including Tunisia.

EU Migration Pact: The European Parliament’s EU Migration and Asylum Pact entered into force on 12 June 2026, a move critics say strengthens “Fortress Europe” and could enable long-term residents to be deported to other countries. Tunisia Energy & Water: Tunisia launched a call for tenders for an energy efficiency action plan by 2040, while the Gargour seawater desalination plant in Sfax (100,000 m3/day, expandable to 250,000) was commissioned with JICA support. Power Links to Europe: Prysmian received the go-ahead to build the Elmed Italy–Tunisia submarine interconnector (600 MW, 220 km, 200 km undersea). Finance & Telecom: Afreximbank signed a $500m term loan with Tunisia’s central bank to back socio-economic priorities, and Tunisia’s telecom revenues rose in April 2026 as 5G FWA subscribers climbed. Tax & Industry: Tunisia’s tax police opened a probe into suspected price manipulation in the salt sector involving foreign firms. Health Milestone: WHO validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Agri-Tech Investment: RoboCare secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand its AI precision agriculture platform across Africa and the Middle East.

Tunisia Development Push: The Cabinet approved measures to speed up public project delivery, including mandatory registration of projects on the monitoring platform, continuous data updates, and an early-warning interface to flag stagnation and procurement or budget risks. Public Investment Execution: PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri urged ministries to ensure projects are fully prepared and feasible before construction, stressing that the main challenge is turning funding into on-schedule results. Parliament & Investment Rules: MPs are set to examine draft laws on real estate regularisation and revisions to the investment legal framework. Food Trade Snapshot: Tunisia’s food trade balance posted a 943.4-million-dinar surplus by end-May 2026, with exports growing faster than imports. Labor Rights Watch: A new ITUC report warns of systematic weakening of democracy through attacks on workers and unions, placing the U.S. on a new watchlist. Aviation Asset Dispute: Aeolus Engine Services won a court ruling to repossess two CFM56-3 engines leased to Tunisia’s Express Air Cargo, following a long-running debt and return dispute. Energy & Trade Routes: Europe is rethinking energy and trade routes as Iran-related tensions keep pressuring fuel markets and shipping lanes. World Cup Economy Angle: Tunisia’s World Cup exit is being framed alongside broader tournament-related spending and media deals, while the group stage continues to reshape national football narratives.

Public Investment Push: Tunisia’s Cabinet approved measures to speed up development projects, including mandatory registration of public projects on a monitoring platform, continuous data updates, and an early-warning interface to flag stagnation and procurement risks. PM Execution Drive: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri urged ministers to ensure projects are fully prepared and feasible before construction, stressing that the challenge is turning rising public investment budgets into on-time delivery. Food Trade: Tunisia posted a 943.4-million-dinar surplus in food trade by end-May 2026, with exports growing faster than imports and a 127.1% coverage rate. Tax Pressure Debate: A new analysis argues Tunisia’s 2025 budget looks better on paper but still hits households through higher indirect taxes like VAT, excise and customs duties. World Cup Fallout: Tunisia was eliminated after a 4-0 loss to Japan, reigniting calls for accountability in Tunisian football. Business & Trade Policy: Parliament is set to review key texts, including investment code reform and laws on real estate regularisation and agricultural projects. Energy & Industry: Tunisia’s renewable electricity momentum continues, while regional business news also highlights new partnerships and market activity.

Tunisia Football Fallout: Tunisia’s World Cup run ended after a 4-0 loss to Japan, with the Carthage Eagles failing to win in Group F and now facing a new post-elimination reset. Coaching Shake-up: The defeat followed Tunisia’s earlier decision to sack Sabri Lamouchi after the Sweden loss and appoint Hervé Renard, underscoring how quickly results are driving change. Tax & Resources Watch: Tunisia’s tax police have launched investigations into suspected price manipulation in the salt sector, with field inspections targeting operators amid claims of major state losses. Energy & Industry Signals: Tunisia’s electricity production is reported up, while solar momentum continues with Scatec’s Sidi Bouzid II project reaching financial close and construction moving forward. Trade & Finance: Afreximbank is preparing a $500m financing facility tied to the 2026 Finance Law, while Tunisia’s external commitments are said to be honored by the central bank. Business Travel: Jet2 announced new Tunisia routes from UK airports for summer 2027, adding to growing tourism-linked demand.

Tunisia Economy & Governance: Tunisia’s tax police launched investigations into suspected price manipulation in the salt sector, with field inspections and audits targeting operators over alleged tax evasion and state losses. World Cup Impact on Business: Tunisia’s World Cup exit after a 4-0 loss to Japan is fueling renewed public anger and adds uncertainty for local football-related spending and sponsorship momentum. Food Security Risk: A new Phenix Center report warns the Arab region remains highly exposed to food shocks tied to the U.S.–Israeli war dynamics and risks around energy, fertilizer and shipping disruptions, even as the Strait of Hormuz shows signs of reopening. Trade & Finance: Tunisia has honored all external financial commitments, according to the Central Bank of Tunisia, while Afreximbank is preparing a $500m facility linked to the 2026 Finance Law. Energy & Industry: Scatec is moving forward on Tunisia’s Sidi Bouzid II solar project, reaching financial close and starting construction on the 120MW plant. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Jet2 announced new Tunisia routes for summer 2027, adding capacity from multiple UK airports to Enfidha–Hammamet, signaling continued recovery in travel demand.

World Cup Pressure on Tunisia: Tunisia and Japan played out a 0-0 draw in Group F in Monterrey, a result that leaves Tunisia’s chances of advancing hanging by a thread after their opening 5-1 loss to Sweden. Match Turning Points: Japan had taken an early lead in the same Group F clash narrative before the final outcome settled at 0-0, underscoring how finely balanced the tie is for both sides. Coach Shake-up: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign has been rocked by a rapid coaching change, with Hervé Renard stepping in after the Sweden defeat, leaving little time to reshape tactics ahead of the next Group F games. Tunisia Development Watch: Tunisia’s Ministerial Council adopted measures to speed up public development projects, including mandatory registration on a project monitoring platform and an early-warning system to flag implementation risks sooner. Digital Cities & Waste: A World Bank Group report highlights how digital tools can help municipalities cut waste costs, improve recycling, and strengthen service reliability—relevant for Tunisia’s urban management agenda.

Tunisia World Cup Reset: Tunisia fired Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 Sweden defeat and appointed Hervé Renard, who says Tunisia must rely on discipline and unity ahead of the 1,000th World Cup meeting vs Japan in Monterrey. Group F Stakes: Sweden’s 5-1 rout of Tunisia puts the spotlight on Saturday’s Netherlands vs Sweden clash in Houston, with both sides chasing qualification momentum. Tunisia Trade Update: Tunisia’s agriculture and food industries posted a 87.1m dinar trade surplus at end-May 2026, with exports up on olive oil gains and stronger sales to the EU and the US. Energy & Finance: The Central Bank of Tunisia signed a $500m Afreximbank facility to finance imports of strategic goods, especially in energy and food. Phosphate Watch: Parliament heard plans to revive the phosphate sector, targeting 9.4m tonnes by 2035, while citing bottlenecks like transport and water needs. Health & Local Industry: A Tunisian oncology specialist urged stronger support for local drug manufacturing to cut cancer treatment costs and protect foreign-currency reserves. Renewables Debate: A renewed push for renewable concessions is drawing resistance, with critics warning it may deepen energy dependency. Sports & Inclusion: Sousse hosted the opening of the first phase of the 10th Special Olympics MENA Games, with beach sports and swimming set to begin.

Tunisia Football: Hervé Renard was appointed Tunisia head coach after Sabri Lamouchi’s one-game stint ended with a 5-1 Sweden defeat, with Renard urging discipline and unity ahead of the next Group D/phase showdown. World Cup Context: Japan’s coach said the Tunisia match is a different challenge after their opener, while the tournament’s early rule tweak is already shaping group outcomes. Tunisia Economy & Energy: Tunisia’s electricity production is reported up 7%, and renewable generation from end-April rose sharply, alongside updates on solar projects including Scatec’s Sidi Bouzid II. Finance & Markets: The Central Bank of Tunisia says the country has honored all external financial commitments, while banking coverage points to a shakeout in offshore lenders. Trade & Development: Afreximbank is preparing a Tunisia branch and a $500m financing facility, as Tunisia also pushes deeper trade implementation under AfCFTA. Tourism & Connectivity: Jet2 is expanding Tunisia holidays for summer 2027 with flights from five UK airports, and tourism narratives highlight a gradual return of arrivals. Digital Governance: Togo’s ISOC-Togo hosted a forum on digital sovereignty and AI governance, reflecting regional policy momentum relevant to Tunisia’s tech agenda.

Phosphate Justice: Tunisia’s financial corruption crackdown hit Gafsa Phosphate Company hard, with the criminal chamber handing down prison terms of 5 to 12 years and fines to more than 20 defendants over alleged misappropriation and abuse of office. Sector Reform: In parallel, the Finance and Budget Committee heard CPG and Tunisian Chemical Group plans to rescue the phosphate chain, including a 2026 production target of 4.5m tonnes and a roadmap aiming for 9.4m tonnes by 2035, plus TND 2.7bn in projects and work on phosphogypsum valorisation. Energy Update: Tunisia reported electricity output up 7% by end-April 2026 to 5,945 GWh, with renewables rising 48% and rooftop solar capacity expanding across residential and industrial users. Trade & Finance: Afreximbank is preparing a $500m financing facility for Tunisia, while the Central Bank said Tunisia has honored all external financial commitments. Business Climate: Swiss electronics group Cicor will exit Tunisia and consolidate North Africa production in Morocco, selling its Tunis facility for about €1.3m. Aviation & Tourism: Jet2 launched Tunisia services from Birmingham and Leeds Bradford for summer 2027, adding more direct leisure links to Hammamet and nearby resorts.

Tunisia’s macro resilience: The Central Bank of Tunisia says it has honored all external financial commitments, kept foreign-exchange reserves at a comfortable level, and is maintaining exchange-rate stability as it signs a $500m Afreximbank financing facility to support 2026 Finance Law imports, especially in energy and food. African trade finance: The same Afreximbank deal underlines confidence in Tunisia’s modernization and reform path, with the BCT framing it as a signal to investors and partners. Energy investment: Tunisia also keeps momentum on renewables, with Scatec reaching financial close and starting construction on a 120MW solar project (Sidi Bouzid II). Oil & gas research: At PetroAfrica 2026 in Tunis, the National Oil Corporation and subsidiaries accounted for over 70% of scientific papers, highlighting exploration, refining, renewables and AI. Tourism connectivity: Jet2 expands UK–Tunisia leisure links, launching direct flights from Birmingham to Tunisia for Summer 2027 (twice weekly), with package holidays to major resorts.

Renewables & Energy Finance: Scatec has reached financial close and started construction of the 120MW Sidi Bouzid II solar plant in Tunisia, a €96m project backed by EBRD/EIB lending plus EU grants and guarantees; commercial operations are due in the second half of 2027 under a 25-year PPA with STEG. Industrial & Corporate Moves: Swiss electronics group Cicor plans to sell its Tunisian production site in Borj Cédria (about 90 jobs) as part of a wider restructuring aimed at improving margins. Business Performance: Tunisian conglomerate ARTES Group reported 2025 results with revenue up 10.3% to 339m dinars and net profit at 41.6m dinars, supported by vehicle and spare-parts demand. Tourism & Connectivity: Jet2 is adding Tunisia to its UK summer 2027 programme (from Enfidha–Hammamet), while the Tunisian Navigation Company launched the first summer crossing Marseille–La Goulette with ferry Tanit carrying nearly 1,300 passengers and 660 vehicles. Trade & Policy: Parliament’s Finance and Budget Committee is pushing ahead with the Exchange Code after complaining about delays and “silence” from the Central Bank of Tunisia.

Tunisia–Mauritania Diplomacy: President Kais Saied met Mauritanian FM Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, reaffirming Tunisia’s commitment to deepen ties in economy, trade, culture, education and research, after receiving a written message from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani. Oman–Tunisia Business: The Oman-Tunisia Business Forum in Tunisia pushed new private-sector partnerships and B2B meetings across food industries, renewable energy, textiles and agriculture. Tunisia–Malaysia Cooperation: Tunisia’s foreign ministry received Malaysia’s new ambassador, highlighting cooperation in education, technology, digitalisation, automotive and electronic components, plus boosting Tunisian exports like olive oil, dates and halal products. Passport Services for Tunisians Abroad: The Interior Ministry announced faster passport issuance for citizens abroad (including a dedicated space at headquarters and offices on the Carthage and Tanit ferries) to ease summer travel. Human Rights in Focus: Amnesty warned Tunisia’s appeals court hearing on 19 June could re-examine the conviction of anti-racism defender Saadia Mosbah and Mnemty colleagues, calling the charges unjust and part of a crackdown on civil society. World Cup & Media: BeIN renewed Wimbledon rights across MENA until 2030, including Tunisia, while Tunisia’s football story remains dominated by the coach change to Hervé Renard after the Sweden defeat.

Tunisia’s Development Plan: The Council of Ministers reviewed the draft law approving Tunisia’s 2026–2030 Development Plan, framed as a shift toward economic growth plus social and regional justice, with a “bottom-up” approach starting from local levels. World Cup Shock Move: Tunisia appointed Hervé Renard as head coach after sacking Sabri Lamouchi following a heavy opening defeat to Sweden, with Renard stressing “life” in the remaining group matches. World Cup Day 7 (Tunisia angle): Wednesday’s schedule features Portugal vs DR Congo, England vs Croatia, Ghana vs Panama, and Uzbekistan vs Colombia, as Tunisia’s tournament campaign continues under the new coach. Energy Trade Flows: Libya’s crude is finding new buyers across Africa; Nigeria imported Libyan oil for the first time in documented data, while Tunisia has also increased purchases in recent months. Textiles & Cotton Value Chains: Cameroon’s agriculture chamber discussed with Tunisia’s CETTEX how to develop Cameroon’s cotton-to-textile chain, drawing on Tunisia’s textile know-how. EU Migration Policy: EU ministers back funding for “return hubs” and deportation centres outside the bloc, with Tunisia referenced in regional voluntary return efforts. Business Expansion in Tunisia: Pusterla 1880 opened a second luxury packaging plant in Tunisia (Sousse), investing £4m to serve beauty, fragrance and premium drinks clients.

Tunisia’s World Cup shake-up: The Tunisian Football Federation sacked Sabri Lamouchi after the 5-1 opening defeat to Sweden and appointed Hervé Renard as head coach through the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with talks on a longer deal to follow based on sporting goals. EU migration financing: EU member states backed plans to use the bloc’s next budget to fund “return hubs” and other measures aimed at safer, dignified, and effective returns, as Brussels tightens rules on irregular migration. EU-US trade green light: The European Parliament gave final approval to EU tariff changes tied to the 2025 EU–US statement, including duty removals on US industrial goods and updated lobster exemptions, with a sunset clause set for end-2029. Tunisia–Togo cooperation: Tunis and Lomé signed an MoU to institutionalize foreign-ministry consultations, with AfCFTA trade priorities plus digital health, higher education, and research in a 2026-2027 work program. Industrial investment in Tunisia: Pusterla 1880 opened a second Tunisia plant in Sousse (near Monastir), investing £4m to expand luxury packaging capacity for global beauty, fragrance, and premium drinks brands.

Tunisia Development Planning: The Council of Ministers, chaired by PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, reviewed a draft law to approve the 2026–2030 Development Plan, aiming to rebalance growth with social and regional justice and using a “bottom-up” approach starting from local levels. Tunisia Football & Economy: Tunisia sacked Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 World Cup opener loss to Sweden and appointed Hervé Renard as head coach until the end of the 2026 tournament, with talks on a longer-term deal to follow. AfCFTA Trade Push: AfCFTA signed an action plan with Tunisia to speed up implementation and boost intra-African trade, including more certificates of origin to support exports. Small Business Support: In Aiken, a Meta-sponsored “Launchpad” pop-up storefront inside the chamber offers local micro-entrepreneurs free space to test products and reduce early business failures. Tunisia Finance Signals: Reports highlight Tunisia’s BCT stance amid payment and cash-flow pressures, including checks collapsing and bills of exchange rising. World Cup Business Buzz: FIFA’s World Cup trophy display in Miami and fan-festival watch parties underline how the tournament is driving local services and tourism demand.