AGP Executive Report

Tunisia-EU Connectivity: The ViaTunisia subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, boosting high-capacity, secure digital links between Europe and North Africa. Tunisia Economy & Finance: Tunisia’s central bank kept its key interest rate at 7%, while reports say the current account deficit narrowed to 1.5% of GDP by end-April 2026 and structural debt reduction accelerated in Q1. Judicial & Political Developments: Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to life in Tunisia’s “secret apparatus” terror case, with defense statements condemning the process. Public Services & Governance: A 4+4 committee meeting in Tunisia began with a UN envoy in attendance, as authorities discuss cooperation and implementation priorities. World Cup Focus (Tunisia angle): Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is framed around Group F rivals Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, with squad and tactical previews circulating ahead of the June 11 kickoff. Security & Online Safety: Separate coverage warns about fake online casino ads and urges users not to click social media scams.

Central Banking Watch: Tunisia’s Central Bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 7% on June 3, citing inflation risks and a “prudent” monetary stance to protect price stability and macro balances. Public Projects Oversight: The Prime Minister chaired a restricted ministerial council reviewing progress on major public programs, pushing faster execution, better project preparation, and tighter procurement to meet deadlines. Macroeconomy: Tunisia’s current account deficit narrowed to 1.5% of GDP by end-April 2026, helped by stronger services (tourism) and remittances despite a wider energy-driven trade gap. Business & Finance: Société Accumulateur ASSAD reported a Q1 revenue drop, with domestic growth offset by a sharp export slowdown and continued debt clean-up. Tech & Sovereignty: TABC launched ST2A, a pan-African consortium led by Tunisian ICT firms to back digital infrastructure, sovereign cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and connectivity projects across Africa. Politics & Justice: Opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to life in Tunisia’s “secret apparatus” terror case, with multiple Ennahdha figures receiving long prison terms. World Cup Focus (Tunisia): Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi says the team’s defence will be tested in Group F against Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands, as preparations continue amid broader tournament logistics.

World Cup Countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 with 48 teams across the US, Canada and Mexico, and Tunisia’s group is set in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, with Tunisia’s opener against Sweden on June 15. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisia’s squad includes Sheffield Wednesday right-back Yan Valery, expected to start at right-back as Tunisia aims to reach the knockout stage for the first time. Sports & Safety: NPR warns many host cities face dangerously hot, humid conditions, with multiple matches at high heat risk—raising concerns for players, officials and fans. Tunisia Politics: Former Tunisian intelligence chief Kamel Guizani alleges President Kais Saied’s circle spied on opponents and helped fabricate cases to imprison them. Tunisia Tech/Trade: ViaTunisia’s subsea segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached Ready for Service, boosting direct digital connectivity between Europe and North Africa. Regional Migration: The Netherlands and Italy agreed to restart returns under EU rules, with cooperation involving routes through Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.

World Cup 2026, Tunisia angle: Tunisia’s Group F campaign is set to kick off with Sweden vs Tunisia on June 14 (9pm local/3am BS), with Tunisia aiming to upset bigger names as the tournament expands to 48 teams across the US, Canada and Mexico. Public health and safety: An NPR analysis warns that more than one-third of World Cup matches face dangerous heat risk, raising concerns for players and officials even as FIFA says it’s committed to protecting everyone at games. Regional diplomacy and trade: Tunisia and Libya have begun implementing their free trade agreement, including electronic certificates of origin and renewed joint customs crossings, alongside steps to curb smuggling and ease truck movement at borders. Tunisia’s economy and policy: The Central Bank of Tunisia kept its key interest rate at 7% and said external inflation pressures are expected to push prices higher. Courts and politics: A Tunis court issued a detention warrant against lawyer Khaled Krichi over alleged financial corruption and forged-document charges. Human rights: Tunisia’s opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi and other Ennahda figures received long jail terms, including life sentences, in a terrorism-related “secret apparatus” case. Health cooperation in the Maghreb: A Maghreb smoking forum in Tunis called for a unified regional strategy to cut smoking’s health and economic costs.

Judicial Crackdown in Tunisia: Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Islamist Ennahda movement, was sentenced to life in prison in a terrorism-related case, with his deputy Ali Larayedh also receiving 42 years; the court said the charges involved a “secret apparatus,” and convictions came alongside additional long terms for other defendants and post-sentence administrative supervision. Tunisia’s Economy & Industry: Omar Bouzouada was installed as chairman and CEO of the Gafsa Phosphate Company and the Tunisian Chemical Group, under a June 1 decree, as the government pushes to revive phosphate and chemical fertilizer production. Migration & Rights: Tunisian academics and rights advocates rejected claims blaming Morocco for irregular migrant flows into Tunisia, saying the geography and routes don’t match the allegations and that the narrative is politically driven. World Cup Build-Up (Tunisia): Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is set to kick off in mid-June, with the team facing Sweden first, after a qualification run without conceding in 10 matches; meanwhile, Tunisia also played a World Cup warm-up against Austria that ended in a narrow defeat. Infrastructure & Connectivity: ViaTunisia, the Medusa subsea cable segment linking Marseille and Bizerte, has been declared ready for service, supported by an EU grant.

Tunisia Court Rulings: Tunisia’s court sentenced Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi and other officials in the “secret apparatus” terrorism case, with terms ranging from 10 years to life plus decades, including life plus 30 years for Ghannouchi and life plus 42 years for Ali Laarayedh. World Cup Warm-ups (Tunisia): Tunisia lost to Austria in a World Cup preparation friendly in Vienna, despite early chances including a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick hitting the crossbar; Austria won 1-0 even after a red card reduced them to 10 men. World Cup Warm-ups (Belgium): Belgium beat Croatia 2-0 in Rijeka as Romelu Lukaku scored on his return after more than a year, while Youri Tielemans opened the scoring. Migration Policy (EU): The EU approved a provisional returns deal allowing deportation and offshore confinement of undocumented migrants in third countries, with Tunisia listed among “safe” destinations. Health & Environment (Bizerte): Bizerte authorities launched thermal fogging campaigns to curb “Chironomidae” insects around Lake Ichkeul areas including Menzel Bourguiba, Tinja and Mateur, saying the treatment is not a public health risk. Education: Ahead of the 2026 baccalaureate, Tunisia’s parents’ association urged candidates to stay calm, noting a rise of about 10,000 candidates overall and warning that the mathematics stream is shrinking.

Baccalaureate Update: Tunisia’s 2026 Baccalaureate main session opens Wednesday with 162,435 candidates, 5,988 exam centers nationwide, and results due June 23; the Ministry says logistics are ready and special measures cover candidates needing enlarged-print and Braille papers. Judicial Affairs: Rached Ghannouchi and Ali Larayedh were sentenced in the “secret apparatus” terrorism case, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to long prison terms for multiple defendants. Agriculture & Finance: The Central Bank of Tunisia set rules to reschedule drought-affected farmers’ debts for 2023-24 and 2024-25, excluding irrigated areas, with coverage for certain seasonal and investment loan installments. Local Health Response: Bizerte authorities launched thermal fogging campaigns against Chironomidae insects in Menzel Bourguiba, Tinja and Mateur, saying the treatment is safe for residents. Business/Justice: Hatem Chaabouni was released after depositing a 60 million dinar financial guarantee. World Cup Build-Up: Belgium beat Croatia 2-0 in a warm-up featuring Romelu Lukaku’s late return goal; Belgium host Tunisia Saturday.

Tunisia-Judiciary Under Pressure: Women Journalists Without Chains condemned Tunisia’s “systematic assault” on judicial independence, citing prosecutions and prison sentences targeting judges and lawyers who defend the rule of law. Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s foreign minister held talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including Tunisia, to expand cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security and development. Africa-Korea Partnership Push: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti urged a “renewed model” of fair Africa-Korea cooperation, focusing on technology transfer, digital and green transitions, infrastructure financing, and food and energy security. Korea-Libya Business Move: South Korea asked Libya to back a bigger role for Korean firms, especially in oil and refining, while noting the Korean embassy in Libya is set to fully reopen. World Cup Focus (Tunisia): Austria beat Tunisia 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly; Sheffield Wednesday’s Yan Valery started and played the full match as Tunisia heads toward its June 15 opener vs Sweden. Tunisia Economy Watch: Tunisia’s money market rate stayed at 6.99% in May, and the tax calendar for June 2026 lists key filing deadlines (June 15, 22, 25, 29, 30).

Judicial Independence Under Pressure: Women Journalists Without Chains condemns Tunisia’s escalating repression of judges and independent legal voices, citing cases tied to judicial association leadership and prison sentences, warning of a wider dismantling of rule-of-law safeguards. Migration and Asylum Hardening: The EU is set to tighten asylum rules from June 12, with faster returns, longer detention and “return hubs” that could involve Tunisia and Egypt as cooperation partners. Tunisia’s Economy Watch: Tunisia’s money market rate held steady at 6.99% in May for the fourth straight month, while the telecom sector hit TND 1.03bn turnover in Q1 2026 as 5G and fixed-line services expand. Business and Policy Calendar: Tunisia’s tax calendar for June 2026 lists key deadlines for individuals, companies, and wealth tax filings, and parliament hears CONECT on a draft Exchange Code aimed at reshaping exchange rules and the business climate. Africa-Korea Partnership: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti urges a fairer Africa-Korea partnership focused on tech transfer, digital/green transitions, and preferential trade access for African countries. World Cup Focus (Tunisia): Tunisia’s Group F campaign is set with matches including Sweden (June 15) and warm-up preparations featuring Yan Valery as a likely right-back starter.

Parliament & Finance: Tunisia’s Finance and Budget Committee will hear CONECT on June 1 at 2:30 p.m. on the draft Exchange Code law (115/2025), a move that could reshape exchange rules and affect business climate, investment and trade flows. Telecom Growth: Tunisia’s telecom sector crossed TND 1 billion turnover in Q1 2026, reaching TND 1.03 billion, driven by fixed-line expansion, 5G rollout and higher capacity services. Diplomacy & Trade: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti urged South Korean firms to expand into Africa, calling Tunisia a “strategic gateway” to diversify supply chains amid global disruptions. World Cup Focus: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign continues to draw attention as Japan prepares for Group F without Kaoru Mitoma, while Tunisia’s own squad is set under Sabri Lamouchi after a near-perfect qualifying run. Civil Society & Gaza: Hundreds marched in Tunis in solidarity with Palestinians, denouncing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and criticizing Arab governments’ perceived silence. Digital Services for Cities: An IFC report highlights how digital tools can cut waste collection costs in Tunisia, citing route analytics and telematics that reduced collection times and fuel use.

Gaza Solidarity in Tunis: Hundreds marched through central Tunis to denounce Israel’s blockade and bombardment, with protesters chanting “Normalization is treason!” and using an empty cooking pot to symbolize hunger. Tunisia’s World Cup Focus: Japan beat Iceland 1-0 in their final warm-up, with Koki Ogawa scoring in the 87th minute; Tunisia is in Japan’s Group F alongside the Netherlands and Sweden. Local Transport Update: Tunis Transport Company will run an experimental partial change to bus line 28E from June 1, extending the route via Jardins de Carthage and Lac stops, with fares kept at 1 dinar. Money Market Watch: Tunisia’s central bank says the money market rate held steady at 6.99% in May for the fourth straight month. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti is in Seoul for the second Africa–South Korea foreign ministers meeting, reviewing economic, trade, and tech cooperation. Culture & TV: Egyptian actress Sawsan Badr joined the cast of the series “Bent Wedad,” while Tunisia’s “Momken” drama started airing on May 31.

Eurasian Trade Push: The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has begun free-trade talks with Tunisia, aiming to cut Tunisia’s import duties to about 4% and position the country as a gateway to Africa. Digital Rules at Home: Tunisia’s parliament committee will review a bill regulating marketing and promotions on websites and social media, with a June 2 meeting set to discuss recommendations before further debate. Central Bank Cash Snapshot: Tunisia’s banknotes and coins in circulation hit a record 29.7 billion dinars, up sharply year-on-year, with Eid al-Adha demand boosting cash withdrawals and underlining the ongoing cash-heavy economy. Banking & Business Moves: Ennakl Automobiles mobilized 150 million dinars to meet Central Bank requirements, while Tunisia’s generative AI use rose to 13.5% of working-age people, ranking 8th in Africa. Food Safety Alert: After a Meknassi tragedy sparked watermelon rumors, authorities ruled out watermelon as the cause, but hygiene and proper storage for cut fruit remain key. World Cup Buzz (Tunisia in Group F): Tunisia is listed among Group F teams as the 2026 tournament nears, with live updates and warm-up coverage filling the sports cycle.

Eurasian Trade Push: The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has begun free-trade negotiations with Tunisia, positioning the country as a “gateway” to Africa and hinting that Tunisia’s import duties could drop to around 4% once an agreement is reached. Digital Marketing Law: Tunisia’s parliament committee will review a draft law regulating marketing and promotional activity on websites and social media, with Conect expected to share business observations ahead of the June 1 hearing. Banking & Cash Watch: Tunisia’s banknotes and coins in circulation hit a record 29.7 billion dinars as Eid al-Adha boosts cash demand, while Ennakl Automobiles mobilized 150 million dinars to meet Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) requirements tied to import guarantees. AI Adoption: Tunisia ranks 8th in Africa for generative AI use, with 13.5% of working-age people adopting the tools. Security & Institutions: Tunisia’s Ministry of Defense reiterated the army’s neutrality, denying attempts to pull it into political disputes. Sports Spotlight: World Cup fever continues as Tunisia’s presence in the wider North America 2026 build-up grows, with major venue and travel coverage circulating alongside squad updates.

EAEU–Tunisia Trade Talks: The Eurasian Economic Union has kicked off negotiations with Tunisia on a free trade zone, with Russian officials saying Tunisia’s import duties could drop to about 4% after an agreement. Civic Space Under Pressure: Tunisia is intensifying its crackdown on NGOs, with suspensions and dissolution proceedings hitting groups including LTDH and Inkyfada. Tunisia’s Telecom Boom: Tunisia’s telecom sector turnover topped 1.0249 billion dinars in Q1 2026, driven by rapid fixed 5G growth. Finance Outlook: The AfDB warns Tunisia to diversify financing partners and lean more on multilateral guarantees as reforms lag and debt pressures build. Business & Housing: Demand for home renovation loans is rising, while an ITCEQ AI report flags a gap between companies’ tech ambitions and actual innovation. Agriculture Exports: CEPEX will organize a Tunisian olive oil promotion mission in Senegal (July 8–10) to boost AfCFTA-linked partnerships. World Cup Link: Tunisia’s World Cup preparations get a boost as Sheffield Wednesday’s Yan Valery is set for the squad and warm-up matches in Europe.

AfDB Finance Outlook: Tunisia is urged to diversify financing partners and lean more on multilateral guarantees, blended finance and diaspora mobilisation as risks mount from slow reforms, weak European demand, public debt pressure, energy price volatility and climate shocks. Telecom Growth: Tunisia’s telecom turnover hit 1.0249 billion dinars in Q1 2026, driven by fixed-line expansion and a surge in fixed 5G wireless access subscribers. Housing Credit Shift: Demand for home renovation loans reached 11.3 billion dinars in 2025, up 315 million dinars, as credit for new homes fell and interest-rate cuts were attempted. AI in Business: An ITCEQ report finds a big gap between tech ambition and real innovation: 86% see new tech as an innovation driver, but only 19% say they have innovated and 11% use public R&D incentives. Consumer Rights in Mobility: OTIC launched the “Tunis Declaration” to defend visa applicants’ rights amid rising fees, intermediaries and outsourcing. Water Access in Gafsa: AfDB-funded projects in Sidi Aïch (El Kerba and El Aouansia) completed upgrades to supply networks, benefiting hundreds of subscribers. Olive Oil Exports: CEPEX will organise a Tunisian olive oil promotion mission in Senegal (July 8-10) to boost AfCFTA-linked B2B partnerships. World Cup Link: Tunisia’s place in Group F is reiterated as Japan’s Tomiyasu returns from injury, with Tunisia set to face the Netherlands on June 25.

Foreign Exchange Reform: Tunisia’s Parliament’s Finance and Budget Committee will hear CONECT on June 1 to discuss the new Foreign Exchange Code bill (No. 115/2025), aiming to modernize rules and make cross-border transactions easier for firms. Water & Rural Services: In Gafsa’s Sidi Aïch, AfDB-funded drinking-water projects are finished in El Kerba and El Aouansia, targeting 850 and 1,140 subscribers with new reservoirs, pumps, pipelines and household connections. Tourism Push to China: Tunisia’s National Tourist Office is promoting the destination at ITB China 2026 in Shanghai, meeting Chinese tour operators and digital platforms like Xiaohongshu to boost visibility and partnerships. Agriculture Calendar: Zaghouan has set early-June start dates for cereal harvest and collection—June 1 for barley and triticale, June 8 for durum and soft wheat—based on moisture checks. Regional Economy & Trade: Russia’s Eurasian bloc is expected to start talks with Tunisia on a free trade agreement, as Tunisia-Russia trade and tourism ties keep growing. World Cup Context for Tunisia: Tunisia is listed among Group F teams for the 2026 World Cup, with matchups including Tunisia vs Netherlands on June 25.