AGP Executive Report

Electricity & Water Rights: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia failed to ensure reliable power and water during extreme summer heat, leaving hospitals and water pumping stations without electricity and worsening drinking-water shortages, while authorities blamed sabotage and cracked down on protesters. Elections & Electoral Rules: Tunisia’s ISIE reviewed preparations for the 2027 parliamentary and municipal elections and approved updates to its legal framework, including changes tied to the 2022 Constitution. Housing Crisis Spotlight: UN-Habitat warned that 3.4 billion people worldwide lack secure, safe housing, stressing affordability, services, and access—not just a roof. World Bank Tunisia: The World Bank Group appointed Alexander Kremer as its new Tunisia representative to push inclusive growth, jobs, and private-sector development. Budget 2027: The Finance Committee received the finance ministry’s mid-2026 budget execution report and is awaiting a response ahead of discussions on 2027 assumptions. Remittances & Tourism: Tunisia’s central bank reports remittances and tourism revenues topping TND 13.2bn by end-September, while reserves edged down. Water Losses & Infrastructure: Tunisia is also seeking modern solutions to curb water losses from dams.

Tunisia’s Money & Tourism: The Central Bank says workers’ remittances and tourism receipts topped TND 13.2bn in the first nine months of 2026, covering 142% of external debt service, while reserves slipped to 23.6bn dinars (92 days of imports). Economic Outlook: Former BCT monetary policy chief Mohamed Salah Souilem warns Tunisia needs higher investment and cheaper financing to lift growth, noting growth is still below pre-2010 potential. Jobs & Business Climate: A new labor-code anniversary review highlights Tunisia’s SMIG at 490 dinars versus Morocco’s much higher level, while arguing labor rigidity and other factors weigh on investment appeal. Housing Recognition: UN-Habitat presented the 2026 Scroll of Honour to winners including Tunisia, spotlighting progress toward adequate housing. Public Health & Water: Niger’s water utility faces a harsh audit over contamination, leaks and procurement failures—an urgent reminder of the region’s water risks. Sports & Tunisia: Tunisia’s friendly vs Mali was cancelled amid injury concerns and FIFA-ranking worries; meanwhile, Espérance de Tunis beat Libya’s Union Militaire Libyenne 3-1 in a friendly. Culture & Youth: Tunisia-linked stories also include a UN-Habitat housing spotlight and a Tunisia adult education teachers update from the government.

Fuel Subsidy Reform: Italy’s Nova reports Libya’s subsidized fuel is being smuggled in bulk, with 6,000 liters seized on the Jalu–Awjila road; the 0.15 dinar/liter official price fuels black-market profits and cross-border trafficking to Tunisia and other neighbors, while reform remains politically costly. Water Disruptions: SONEDE says drinking-water cuts will hit multiple Tunis delegations for 36 hours from 1 a.m. Tuesday Oct 6, with gradual restoration from 1 p.m. Wednesday, linked to works to protect La Marsa from flooding and cover the Ettabek wadi. Transport & Investment: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €335.5m loan to extend Tunisia’s highway network toward Kef and Jendouba, with studies completed and construction expected to start soon. Economy & FX: Tunisia’s central bank reports workers’ remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 13.2bn in the first nine months of 2026 (+4.7%), covering 142% of external debt service. Health & Training: Tunisia’s Health and Higher Education ministries open a dentistry residency recruitment exam (45 posts) starting Dec 4 in Monastir. Energy Diplomacy: Algeria’s energy minister met Tunisia’s industry/energy counterpart to reaffirm support for energy supplies and deepen STEG–Sonelgaz cooperation.

Adult Education Teachers: Tunisia’s government says it’s improving adult education teachers’ pay via a 2024 decree, but full status regularization is complex because they must be slotted into the social education teaching corps. EU Asylum Rules: The EU has named seven “safe countries of origin” for 2026, including Tunisia and Morocco, meaning asylum cases may move faster under EU procedures. Water & Infrastructure: SONEDE announced 36 hours of drinking-water cuts starting Tuesday Oct. 6 in several Tunis delegations, tied to works to protect La Marsa from flooding. Dam Water Losses: A water observatory warns dam evaporation can reach 650,000–750,000 m³/day, pushing Tunisia to adopt modern fixes like photovoltaic covers. Transport Finance: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €335.5m loan to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Kef and Jendouba. Economy Watch: Tunisia’s central bank reports workers’ remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 13.2bn in the first nine months of 2026. Health Careers: Tunisia will recruit 45 dental residents starting Dec. 4, with a small share reserved for senior general dentists. Sports: Espérance de Tunis began with a 3-1 friendly win under new coach Pablo Franco, ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Road & Connectivity: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €335.5m loan to extend Tunisia’s highway network toward Kef and Jendouba, aiming to boost mobility, road safety, and regional economic integration. Industry & Jobs: German auto supplier Kromberg & Schubert inaugurated “Beja 2,” investing about TND 300m and planning to raise its Beja workforce to around 7,500 by 2029. Water Security: SONEDE announced 36-hour drinking-water disruptions starting 1 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in several Tunis-area delegations, linked to works to protect La Marsa from flooding and cover the Ettabek wadi. Water Losses: Tunisia’s Water Observatory warns evaporation from dams can reach 650,000–750,000 m³ per day, pushing calls for modern solutions like photovoltaic panels to cut losses. Economy Watch: Central Bank data says workers’ remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 13.2bn in the first nine months of 2026 (+4.7%), covering 142% of external debt service. Business Results: SOTUVER reported H1 2026 net profit of TND 7.9m, up from TND 2.1m, driven by an exceptional gain after a January fire and strong domestic sales. Sports: Espérance de Tunis welcomed new coach Pablo Franco in Tunis and is set for a friendly against Al-Ittihad Al-Askari.

Infrastructure Boost: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €335.5 million loan to extend Tunisia’s highway network toward Kef and Jendouba, with studies finished and construction expected to start soon. Jobs & Industry: German supplier Kromberg & Schubert opened its second Beja plant (“Beja 2”), investing about TND 300 million and aiming to raise staffing to around 7,500 by 2029. Water Pressure: SONEDE announced 36 hours of drinking-water cuts starting 1 a.m. Tuesday Oct. 6 in parts of La Marsa, Le Kram, Carthage, La Goulette, La Soukra and more, with gradual restoration from 1 p.m. Wednesday. Water Loss Fixes: Tunisia is looking at modern ways to curb dam evaporation, including pilot ideas like photovoltaic systems, after estimates put daily evaporation losses at roughly half of national drinking-water use. Business Update: SOTUVER reported H1 2026 net profit rising to TND 7.9 million as revenue climbed nearly 30%, helped by an exceptional gain tied to a January fire. Sports: Espérance de Tunis welcomed new coach Pablo Franco and is set for a friendly against Al-Ittihad Al-Askari. Law & Media: Tunisia softened its “false news” cybercrime penalties, replacing prison for first-time offenders with fines.

Cybercrime & Media Freedom: Tunisia softened its “false news” cybercrime decree: first-time offenders now face fines of 10,000–20,000 dinars instead of up to five years in prison, while repeat cases can still lead to jail. Public Finance & Banking: The Central Bank of Tunisia says the average money market rate (TMM) stayed at 7% in September; meanwhile, “honor loans” are set to launch Oct. 1 via banks’ digital platforms, but four banks are not eligible because they didn’t make profits in 2025. Regional Development: The Islamic Development Bank approved €335.49m to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Le Kef and Jendouba, aiming to boost connectivity and road safety. Digital Health: Tunisia is hosting “TeleHealth Connect Tunisia 2026” in Tunis, with a planned “Tunis Declaration” on equitable, safe digital health and stronger cybersecurity. Trade & Industry: Nabeul recorded 340 economic violations in September after 1,530 inspections, with price increases the top issue. Energy Cooperation: Tunisia is part of the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor push, with partner ministers signing a joint declaration in Algiers. Sports: Tunisia’s Slimane was reported injured and Tunisia cancelled a Mali friendly amid FIFA-ranking concerns; Tunisia also drew 2-2 with Botswana in AFCON 2027 qualifying.

Cyber & Rights: Tunisia softened its “false news” cybercrime decree, replacing up to five years in prison with fines of 10,000–20,000 dinars for first-time offenders, while repeat cases can still face jail—an important shift after criticism from media and rights groups. Politics & Prisoners: Ennahda condemned restrictions on political prisoners’ access to media, saying the move reverses post-revolution gains and isolates detainees from outside information. Energy & Regional Cooperation: Energy ministers from Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria and Germany signed the Algiers Ministerial Declaration for the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor, targeting exports of 4 million tons annually to Europe. Legislation & Economy: Tunisia’s general legislation committee set near-daily meetings to push bills on tax advisers, notaries and drug control, aiming to speed up reforms. Sports (Tunisia): Tunisia’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign continues to wobble after a 2-2 draw with Botswana, while injury concerns also surround a Tunisia friendly with Mali.

Cybercrime Reform: Tunisia’s President Kais Saied eased penalties under the 2022 cybercrime decree, replacing prison terms for first-time offences with fines (10,000–20,000 dinars), after rights groups warned the law was used to curb dissent. Food & Water Pressure: Despite 2.4% growth, Tunisia is still hit by shortages of staples and bottled drinking water, blamed on public finance strain, distribution disruptions, and heat-driven demand spikes. Finance & Business Climate: Tunisia’s Finance Bill guidance points to no new tax hikes for businesses in 2027, with possible targeted incentives to spur new firms and investment. Energy & Industry Links: Tunisia is part of regional green-energy momentum as Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria and Germany push the SoutH2 hydrogen corridor, aiming to move 4 million tons of green hydrogen annually toward Europe. Security Support: The US delivered nearly $1m in security equipment to Tunisia’s intervention units and national guard to boost crisis-response and counter-terrorism training. Regional Tech & Innovation: Italy–Tunisia Innovation Talks in Tunis focused on using AI for energy efficiency and industrial monitoring. International Court: Tunisia’s Slim Laghmani was sworn in alongside Judge Bimal Patel at the UN tribunal for the law of the sea in Hamburg.

Cybercrime Reform in Tunisia: President Kais Saied eased penalties under the 2022 cybercrime decree, replacing prison terms for first-time “false news” offences with fines of 10,000–20,000 Tunisian dinars, while repeat offenders can still face jail. US–Tunisia Security Boost: The United States handed Tunisia nearly $1m in security equipment for crisis response and training for intervention units and the National Guard. E-Invoicing Still Stalled: Tunisia’s electronic invoicing rollout remains under discussion in parliament, with lawmakers citing unresolved concerns and dependence on the Central Bank’s position. Energy & Industry Watch: Austrian OMV is exploring expansion in Tunisia after decades of operations, discussing future upstream investment with Tunisian officials. Tunisia Economy Snapshot: The Central Bank kept the average money market rate (TMM) steady at 7% in September. Food & Water Pressure: Tunisia faces shortages of key food items and bottled drinking water despite reported economic growth, linked to supply and distribution strains. Regional Energy Deal: Tunisia is part of the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor talks in Algiers, targeting 4 million tons a year from Algeria to Europe via a 3,000 km network. Sports Note: Tunisia cancelled its friendly against Mali due to injuries and FIFA ranking concerns.

Cybercrime Reform: Tunisia amended its cybercrime decree to replace prison terms for first-time false-information offenses with fines of 10,000–20,000 dinars, while repeat offenders still face jail (Reuters). Sports & Diplomacy: Tunisia cancelled its Oct. 3 friendly against Mali due to an injury shortage and worries that the result could hurt its FIFA ranking as it struggles in AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Regional Energy Talks: Algeria will host a second SoutH2 Corridor energy ministers meeting on Oct. 1, with Tunisia, Italy, Germany and Austria to advance plans to ship green hydrogen from Algeria to Europe. Finance & Development: The IsDB board approved a US$938m package for Nigeria and five other member countries, targeting clean energy, water, food security, health, transport and sanitation. Banking Policy: Tunisia’s “honor loan” platform is set to launch Oct. 1, offering 0% interest financing up to 25,000 dinars with up to two years to repay. Education Opportunities: Tunisia’s embassy in Budapest opened applications for Slovakia scholarships, with a webinar scheduled for Oct. 2.

Criminal Justice Update: Tunisia has published Decree-Law No. 2 of 2026 in the Official Gazette, tightening rules on criminal reconciliation by allowing provisional deals with at least 50% payment and a remaining balance due within up to two years, while also reshaping how reconciliation proceeds are allocated. Football & FIFA Stakes: Tunisia cancelled their friendly against Mali just days before kick-off, citing an injury crisis and fears a result could harm Tunisia’s FIFA ranking as they struggle in AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Banking & Small Borrowers: Tunisia’s “honor loan” platform is set to launch Oct. 1, offering 0% interest financing with simplified conditions—up to 5,000 dinars for individuals, 10,000 for small project owners, and 25,000 for SMEs/community companies—with repayment over two years. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s foreign minister met the UN envoy on Libya, reiterating support for a UN-led, Libyan-owned political settlement and pushing for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Education Abroad: Tunisia’s embassy in Budapest opened scholarship applications for Slovak programs, with a webinar on Oct. 2 and a deadline of Oct. 30. Tunisia–EU Energy Link: Algeria will host a SoutH2 Corridor energy ministers meeting focused on exporting green hydrogen to Europe, including Tunisia as a partner.

Tunisia Trade & Energy: President Kais Saied ordered tighter import curbs and moves to cut energy dependence after a $6bn trade deficit hit in the first eight months of 2026, warning of “corruption” behind imports—an approach analysts say echoes Algeria’s shortages and isolation. Digital Health in Tunis: Tunisia hosted the International Telehealth Connect Summit 2026, bringing together health leaders and tech experts to push digital health partnerships, AI and teleradiology, with focus on cybersecurity and sustainable financing. Honor Loans Rollout: Tunisia’s interest-free “honor loans” platforms for applications go live from Oct. 1, with banks’ eligibility tied to 2025 profit capacity and rules on how requests are ranked. Morocco Leadership Watch: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as prime minister, the first woman to lead the government, after PAM won 97 seats—setting up coalition talks. Regional Sports: AFCON 2027 qualifiers delivered shocks for Nigeria (0-3 vs Guinea-Bissau) and Ghana (2-4 vs The Gambia).

Digital Health & AI in Government: Tunisia kicked off the International Telehealth Connect Summit 2026 in Tunis, with officials pushing telemedicine, AI in medicine, data governance and cybersecurity, while the Finance Ministry moves to integrate AI into taxation, customs and accounting to speed services for citizens and businesses. Economy & Trade: A Tunisian economist warns the trade deficit is set to widen again in 2026, as the tax burden is estimated around 35.5%—well above the African average. Tourism Outlook: Tunisia slipped to 82nd in the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, reflecting slower progress versus peers. Sports (AFCON Qualifiers): Tunisia’s AFCON 2027 campaign stays stuck in draws after a 2-2 home result vs Botswana in Rades; Botswana twice responded, with Tunisia winless in eight games. Regional Business Links: India’s ambassador met Sfax fair officials to boost trade and export ties, including via a new business centre aimed at connecting Tunisian firms to partners.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Tunisia’s “Eagles of Carthage” are still stuck without a win after a 2-2 draw with Botswana in Radès, following a 1-1 home draw against Uganda. Hazem Mastouri scored twice to turn the game around, but Lebogang Ditsele equalised for Botswana, leaving Tunisia with two points from two matches in Group H. Education Safety: Tunisia’s Ministry of Education has banned students from leaving schools during breaks and free periods starting October 1, aiming to protect children from violence, addiction, drugs and other risks. Energy & Industry: The Tunisian Order of Engineers unveiled an “Energy Roadmap for Tunisia” focused on meeting peak demand, not just installed capacity, after summer 2026 difficulties. Separately, Turkish AKSA Composites signed a deal to invest about $5m in Tunisia’s aerospace supply chain, targeting production from 2028. Business & Trade: Tunisia-Algeria trade jumped 166% over five years to about $2.76bn, with mechanical and electrical goods leading exports. Innovation Funding: ANAVA’s fund-of-funds model committed $4m to Qatar’s Rasmal Innovation Fund I to connect Tunisian startups with wider MENA investment networks.

Education Safety: Tunisia’s Ministry of Education has banned students from leaving schools during breaks and free periods starting October 1, aiming to protect children from violence, addiction, drugs and other harmful risks while adding educational and awareness activities. Energy Planning: The Tunisian Order of Engineers unveiled an “Energy Roadmap for Tunisia,” warning that last summer’s power difficulties were a system-capacity problem at peak demand, and calling for coordinated action across generation, gas supply, maintenance, grids, renewables, storage, financing, governance and demand management. Foreign Policy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti told the UN General Assembly Tunisia rejects unilateral Israeli moves in Jerusalem, warned against undermining UNRWA and called for an end to violence in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. AFCON Qualifiers: Tunisia’s AFCON 2027 campaign continues as they host Botswana in Radès, with matchday 2 fixtures also featuring other key clashes across Africa. Detained Activists: Health concerns are rising for detained Tunisian Global Sumud Flotilla activists amid hunger strikes and extended pretrial detention, after a court rejected a challenge to detention extensions.