AGP Executive Report

Digital Security: INTERPOL’s Operation Shams II, coordinated in Tunis, used AI to extract 108,076 facial images from jihadist content, narrowing to 6,362 high-quality faces and identifying 126 foreign terrorist fighters so far. Tech & Policy: TICON Africa’s 4th conference in Zambia (23-25 Sept) will focus on AI rollout, digital governance, cybersecurity, and skills pipelines for Africa’s digital economy. Science & Skills: Tunisia is among the international participants at South Africa’s Eskom Expo ISF (29 Sept-2 Oct), where 316 young scientists will present research, including AI and machine learning for health and disability solutions. Agribusiness: Tunisia’s Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency says incentive committees approved 1,643 agricultural investment projects worth TND 267.9m in the first eight months of 2026, targeting jobs and farm inputs. Housing & Construction: Tunisia’s housing committee is pushing an organic bill on sports structures and, separately, officials are urging stronger private developer roles in social housing, with more energy-efficient building methods and rainwater reuse. Automotive Industry: 13 South Korean automotive parts firms plan a mid-October visit to Tunisia to explore sourcing, industrial partnerships, and investment. Industrial Investment: China’s Kunshan Chemitec is considering a nearly €3m Tunisia plant (4,000 sqm) that could create 30-50 jobs. Energy & Water: A new debate is emerging on how AI and digital growth depend on water and power—resources Tunisia and the region already strain. Fisheries: Tunisia’s fishers are adapting after invasive blue swimming crabs disrupted catches, with gear changes and new market efforts. Critical Minerals: Tunisia’s critical minerals sector is attracting global interest but has seen no projects for a decade, with governance and slow procedures flagged as the main bottlenecks.

Agribusiness Finance: Tunisia’s Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency says incentive committees approved 1,643 agricultural investment projects worth TND 267.9m in the first eight months of 2026, expected to create 1,569 permanent jobs, with services tied to agriculture and fisheries and fisheries among the top categories. Energy & Water Stress: A report on Tunisia’s summer “discontent” links rolling electricity cuts to water shortages and daily-life disruption, underscoring how power and water strain hit households and businesses hardest. Automotive Supply Chain: Tunisia is set to welcome 13 South Korean auto parts firms in mid-October to explore sourcing, partnerships and investment, while a Chinese supplier, Kunshan Chemitec, is considering a near-€3m plant in Tunisia for 30–50 jobs. Housing & Construction: The housing and industry ministry discusses boosting private developers’ role in social housing and pushing energy-efficient building methods, including rainwater reuse. Industrial Investment Climate: Tunisia’s Investment Authority flags critical minerals as a high-potential sector that still attracts no projects, blaming governance and slow procedures more than geology.

Fisheries & Food Security: Tunisia’s Djerba fishers are adapting to the invasive blue swimming crab, learning to build and repair new traps with support from the government and FAO—but the work still lacks social protection, leaving families exposed if the resource declines. Agribusiness & Investment: Tunisia’s Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency reports 1,643 approved projects worth TND 267.9 million in the first eight months of 2026, expected to create 1,569 permanent jobs, with agriculture-related services and fisheries among the top beneficiaries. Energy & Water Stress: A new analysis links Tunisia’s summer crisis—rolling blackouts, water shortages, and rising demand—to the same pressure points that also threaten digital systems, arguing that AI and industry can’t run without reliable water and power. Industry & Manufacturing: APII says China’s Kunshan Chemitec is considering a nearly €3 million automotive components plant in Tunisia (about 4,000 m²), potentially creating 30–50 jobs. Housing & Construction: The Ministry of Equipment and Housing discusses boosting private developers’ role in social housing (Foprolos) and pushing energy-efficient building methods plus rainwater reuse. Trade & Mining Outlook: Tunisia’s Investment Authority flags critical minerals as a globally hot sector, but says Tunisia has attracted no projects for a decade due to governance and execution gaps. Aviation & Connectivity: OAG data ranks Africa’s top airport gateways by scheduled outbound seats, with Cairo leading in September 2026 as capacity rises across the continent.

Agribusiness & Jobs: Tunisia’s Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency says incentive-granting committees approved 1,643 agricultural investment projects worth TND 267.9 million in the first eight months of 2026, with total approved agri investments reaching TND 291.8 million across 4,096 projects expected to create 1,569 permanent jobs. Fertiliser Supply: In parallel, Tunisia’s policy push on farm inputs continues as authorities cleared large fertilizer import volumes for the rice season, aiming to prevent shortages amid seasonal pressure. Industry & Investment Pipeline: APII reports Chinese auto-parts maker Kunshan Chemitec is considering a nearly €3 million Tunisia plant (about 4,000 sq m), potentially creating 30–50 direct jobs initially. Energy & Infrastructure: Switzerland rejected public backing for Transitgas’s 292-km Alpine hydrogen pipeline network, citing uncertain demand and supply risks tied to North Africa, including Tunisia. Construction & Housing: Tunisia’s housing sector talks with private developers focus on expanding social housing delivery (including Foprolos) and pushing energy-efficient building methods and rainwater reuse. Corporate Watch: Carthage Cement’s H1 2026 results show revenue down 5.7% and net profit down 10.7%, though debt costs eased. Trade & Governance: Tunisia’s critical minerals sector is attracting attention globally, but a Tunisia Investment Authority review says governance and slow procedures have blocked projects for years.

Tunisia Real Estate & Housing: Minister Slah Zouari met Hechmi Miliani of the National Chamber of Property Developers to push more private-sector involvement in social housing, with focus on Foprolos projects plus energy-efficient building methods and rainwater reuse. Automotive Manufacturing: APII says Kunshan Chemitec Automotive Components is considering a nearly €3m, 4,000 sq m Tunisia plant that could create 30–50 jobs. Critical Minerals Investment Gap: Tunisia Investment Authority notes critical minerals are the world’s 2nd most attractive sector for 2026, yet Tunisia has seen no projects in the past decade, blaming governance and slow procedures more than geology. Energy & Industry Performance: Tunisia’s energy independence rate fell to 34% by end-July 2026 (down from 37% a year earlier), while Carthage Cement reported weaker H1 2026 results with net profit down ~10.7% amid lower sales. Regional Tech Cooperation: ECOWAS and Tunisia agreed to deepen ties in technology, security, sustainable development and infrastructure, including transport, energy and connectivity. Libya Oil Disruption (regional impact): Libya’s NOC halted production at three fields after guards forcibly shut a main pipeline valve, warning of possible force majeure. Green Industry Link: Libya’s Green Industry Centre signed a MoU with Rob Rockefeller Standard Carbon–Tunisia to support carbon neutrality strategies and industrial decarbonisation.

Tunisia-ECOWAS Tech & Security Push: ECOWAS and Tunisia agreed to deepen cooperation in technology and digitalisation, security, sustainable development and infrastructure, with a focus on knowledge-sharing and investment in transport, energy and connectivity. Energy Watch: Tunisia’s energy independence rate fell to 34% by end-July 2026 (down from 37% a year earlier), while the primary energy balance deficit widened to 3.8 Mtoe (+9%), with renewables still a small share of primary resources (about 5%). Electricity Debate: An energy consultant says renewables can help Tunisia’s power cuts, but not solve the whole issue, pointing to delays and a supply gap as peak demand rises above 6,500 MW. Automotive Supply Chain: Thirteen Korean automotive components firms are set to visit Tunisia in mid-October, exploring sourcing and potential investment with Hyundai Mobis and Tunisian industry partners. Industrial Investment Signals: APII says Chinese firm Kunshan Chemitec is exploring a Tunisia production facility for wiring harnesses, with an estimated €3m investment and 30–50 jobs if it proceeds. Agriculture & Water Planning: Siliana plans 155,000 hectares of cereals for 2026-2027, including durum wheat, soft wheat, barley and certified seed distribution, while the Agriculture Ministry oversees major water-focused projects across the country. Corporate Results: TPR reported H1 2026 revenue down 13.2% to TND 96m, with net income broadly stable thanks to investment income and lower financial expenses. Green Industry Link (Region): Libya’s Green Industry Centre signed a carbon cooperation MoU with Rob Rockefeller Standard Carbon–Tunisia, aiming at carbon neutrality strategies, training and industrial decarbonisation.

Tunisia Energy Watch: Tunisia’s energy independence rate fell to 34% by end-July 2026, while the primary energy balance posted a 3.8 Mtoe deficit (up 9% year-on-year), with domestic oil and gas still driving 71% of resources and renewables at just 5% of the mix. Power & Renewables Debate: An energy consultant says renewables can help but won’t solve Tunisia’s electricity crisis alone, pointing to STEG peak-demand outpacing production and calling targets ambitious yet feasible (35% renewables by 2030, 50% by 2035, 80% by 2050). Trade Pressure: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to TND 17.85bn by end-August 2026, hurt mainly by energy products, raw materials and capital goods, while exports rose 8% helped by mechanical/electrical and agri-food (notably olive oil). Automotive Links: A Tunisian roadshow is set to bring 13 Korean automotive components firms to Tunisia in mid-October, following talks with Hyundai Mobis on sourcing and investment partnerships. Agriculture Planning: Siliana plans 155,000 hectares of cereals for 2026-2027, with certified seed allocations and fertilizer deliveries underway as rainfall supports seedbed preparation. Green Industry: Tunisia’s Green Industry Centre joined a Libya green economy roadmap workshop in Tunis, focusing on circular economy, green industries, mining, renewables and sustainable transport. Regional Connectivity: Libya says it’s ready to invest with Tunisia in Tunis-Carthage airport upgrades or a new airport, citing over 3 million Libyan tourists annually.

Tunisia’s Water Push: The Agriculture Ministry says it is managing over 90 major projects, with 67 large-scale ones, and puts water at the top of the agenda—2.064 billion dinars total budget, including 1.251 billion for dams, drinking water supply, desalination and rural distribution. Electricity & Renewables: An energy consultant warns renewables are part of the fix, not the whole fix, as STEG power cuts reflect peak demand outpacing production; Tunisia targets 35% renewables by 2030 and up to 80% by 2050. Trade Pressure: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to TND 17.85 billion by end-August 2026, driven mainly by energy, raw materials and capital goods, while exports rose 8% (notably agri-food and olive oil). Industry & Finance Watch: TPR reported weaker H1 2026 revenue (down 13.2%) but net income held near last year, supported by higher investment income and lower net financial expenses. Green Industry Cooperation: Tunisia’s Green Industry Centre joined a Libya green economy roadmap workshop in Tunis, focusing on circular economy, green industries, mining, renewables and sustainable transport. Aviation & Infrastructure Links: Libya’s National Development Authority says it is ready to invest with Tunisia in upgrading Tunis-Carthage Airport or building a new airport, citing strong Libyan tourist flows. Skills & Engineering Mobility: ENSIT will send 13 students to China for advanced training in AI, industrial big data and generative AI, plus hands-on projects with electric vehicle and tech firms. Energy Security Shock: With oil above $100 and Hormuz risks in the headlines, Tunisia’s energy trade deficit (TND 8.93 billion in the first eight months) is again in focus. Regional Business Diplomacy: 22 Austrian companies are set to visit Tunis on Sept. 29 for B2B meetings, with energy, hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure and environmental technologies at the center. Workplace Health Study: A Tunisia-led study links extremely low frequency EMF exposure at power plants with poorer sleep and higher depression, anxiety and stress reports, urging safer workplace practices.

Tunisia–Aviation & Energy: Libya says it’s ready to invest with Tunisia in Tunis-Carthage Airport upgrades or a new airport, citing over 3 million Libyan tourists annually and offering European-backed technical capacity. Maritime Risk & Oil Costs: With oil still above $100 and global inventories falling, attacks near the Strait of Hormuz keep shipping economics under pressure—Tunisia’s energy trade deficit hit TND 8.93bn in the first eight months of 2026. Renewables & Power: Tunisia awarded 455 MW of solar projects in its sixth authorization round, while weather forecasts point to autumn thunderstorms that could support the agricultural start and groundwater recharge. Industry & Skills: ENSIT will send 13 engineering students to China for AI, machine learning, industrial big data and generative AI training with hands-on projects in electric vehicle and advanced tech firms. Business & Investment: 22 Austrian companies plan Tunis B2B meetings on Sept. 29 focused on green energy, hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure, industrial cooperation and environmental technologies. Digital Infrastructure: Cameroon’s World Bank-linked airport connectivity push awarded WLAN/SD-WAN installations (relevant for regional logistics and services ecosystems).

Energy Shock Watch: France’s near-zero growth is a direct risk for Tunisia, since it takes about 23% of Tunisian exports and supports nearly 170,000 jobs via French-linked firms, while Tunisia’s energy imports jumped 28.5% in the first eight months of 2026—raising the odds of a double hit from weaker demand and a heavier energy bill. Shipping & Oil Prices: Attacks near the Strait of Hormuz keep oil above $100 and add pressure to alternative routes; the IEA says global oil inventories fell 507 million barrels since February, with tanker traffic affected. Regional Security: Yemen’s Houthis claim Saudi delivered 58 airstrikes in 24 hours, while they also say Bab el-Mandeb shipping is moving normally. Aviation & Infrastructure: Libya signals readiness to invest with Tunisia in Tunis-Carthage airport upgrades or a new airport. Tech & Education: ENSIT will send 13 engineering students to China for AI, machine learning, industrial big data and generative AI training plus company projects. Business & Finance: Poulina Group Holding posts a 29.4% jump in H1 2026 net profit to 94.9 million dinars. Weather for Agriculture: September thunderstorms are expected to support the start of the agricultural season and recharge groundwater. Green Power: Tunisia allocates 455 MW of solar in its sixth licensing round. International Trade: 22 Austrian companies plan a Tunis visit on Sept. 29 for B2B talks in green energy, hydrogen, renewables and environmental tech.

Energy Security: An attack on an Iranian commercial vessel near Qeshm Island has pushed oil back above $100, with Brent at $104.61 and Tunisia’s energy trade deficit hitting TND 8.93bn in the first eight months of 2026—making shipping risks a direct cost issue for the Tunisian economy. Shipping & Regional Tensions: Yemen’s Houthis say passage through Bab el-Mandeb is “safe” and normal, while Bahrain says it will not join any ministerial meeting on Hormuz with Iran until ties are restored. Business & Trade Links: A delegation of 22 Austrian companies is set to arrive in Tunis on Sept. 29 for B2B meetings focused on green energy, hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure and environmental tech. Corporate Performance: Poulina Group Holding reports a 29.4% jump in H1 2026 net profit to 94.9m dinars, while Tunisia’s entrepreneurs flag early growth signals but warn inflation and depleted reserves still constrain investment. Power & Industry: Tunisia’s solar push continues with new licensing/awards for PV capacity, alongside a Tunisian university project on low-water IoT cooling for PV modules in arid climates. Agriculture & Weather: September rains are expected to support the start of the agricultural season and recharge groundwater, with thunderstorms locally heavy across several governorates.

Tunisia-Austria Business Push: A delegation of 22 Austrian companies is set to arrive in Tunis on Sept. 29 for a Tunisian-Austrian business forum and B2B meetings, with green energy and hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure/industrial cooperation, and environmental technologies at the center of talks. Tunisia’s Energy Pipeline: Tunisia has allocated 455 MW of solar PV in its sixth authorization round, signaling continued momentum in renewables licensing. Corporate Earnings Watch: Poulina Group Holding reported a 29.4% jump in H1 2026 net profit to 94.9 million dinars, with revenues up to 1.866 billion dinars, while margins held despite higher costs. Entrepreneurs on the Ground: The National Entrepreneurs Organization says Tunisia’s early growth signals (2.3% Q2 growth and higher industrial output) are still not a full takeoff, as inflation rose to 5.4% and many firms start the new season with depleted reserves. Agriculture & Weather: September rains are expected to support the start of Tunisia’s agricultural season and recharge groundwater, while autumn disturbances bring locally heavy thunderstorms. Solar Tech Research: Tunisian researchers developed an IoT-controlled jute evaporative cooling system for PV modules in arid climates, aiming to cut module temperature and enable off-grid solar performance. Regional Shipping Risk: Yemen’s Houthis say passage through Bab el-Mandeb is normal, while government forces report strikes near Mocha—an important reminder for trade routes tied to the region.

Austrian Business Push: 22 Austrian companies are set to travel to Tunis on Sept. 29 for a Tunisian-Austrian business forum and B2B meetings, with energy and industrial cooperation at the center—green energy and hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure, and environmental technologies. Scientific Skills for Industry: An IACE analysis warns Tunisia’s “scientific capital” is being eroded, arguing that stronger math and core science skills must be treated like strategic infrastructure to boost innovation and productivity. Energy & Tech in the Region: Tunisia’s solar push continues as a new PV licensing push awards 455 MW, while a Tunisian university team reports an IoT-controlled, jute-based evaporative cooling system for PV modules in arid climates. Agriculture & Water Outlook: September rains are expected to support the start of Tunisia’s agricultural season and recharge groundwater, with thunderstorms locally heavy across several governorates. Business Performance Watch: Poulina Group Holding posts a 29.4% jump in H1 2026 net profit, while Gouiaa (entrepreneurs) flags improving growth signals but warns many firms are entering the new season with depleted resources. Agri-Investment Pipeline: ONAGRI says 3,798 approved agriculture and fisheries investment operations were cleared by end-July 2026, totaling 277.1 million dinars. Corporate Turnaround: STIP returns to profit in 2025, but revenue fell and cash remains under pressure. Global Shipping Risk: Houthi officials say Bab el-Mandeb passage is “safe” and normal, after operations near the strait—an issue that can still affect regional trade and insurance costs.

Tunisia Agribusiness Investment: Tunisia’s National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI) approved 3,798 investment operations worth TND 277.087m by end-July 2026, with incentives up 15% to TND 74.267m and financing via self-funding (TND 118.184m) and loans (TND 84.636m) also rising. Corporate Results: Poulina Group Holding reported a 29.4% jump in H1 2026 net profit to TND 94.9m on higher revenues and improved margins, despite rising purchases and personnel costs. Banking & Finance: UBCI confirmed profitable growth in H1 2026 as assets reached TND 6.218bn (+9.3%) and customer loans rose 11.6% to TND 4.031bn, while deposits climbed 8.5% to TND 4.271bn. Energy & Industry Tech: Tunisia’s solar push continues as FIPA-Tunisia and the Tunisia Investment Authority back Mediwood Studios, aiming to attract nearly $5m for a Saudi historical series and boost related sectors like logistics, construction and technical services. Business Climate Watch: The UGTT warned of worsening economic and social crises and authorized a campaign that could include a general strike, citing mounting pressure on workers and marginalized regions.

Solar Power Push: Tunisia’s sixth solar authorization round approved 309 projects totaling 455 MW, far above the 200 MW target, with most schemes capped at 1–2 MW and all selling to STEG under long-term PPAs—an SME- and landowner-friendly “middle lane” for renewables. Coastal Infrastructure: Environment Minister Habib Abid says Tunisia plans development works across the whole coastline from Bizerte to Djerba, including a Bizerte Corniche beach redevelopment estimated at ~100 million dinars (first phase ~40 million), with groynes and large-scale sand nourishment. Agriculture Investments: ONAGRI reports 3,798 approved investment operations worth 277.087 million dinars by end-July 2026, with incentives up to 74.267 million dinars. Banking Performance: UBCI confirms strong H1 2026 growth, with assets at 6.218 billion dinars and customer loans up 11.6% to 4.031 billion dinars. Banking Sector Watch: A Central Bank review highlights Tunisia’s non-resident (offshore) banks’ shrinking role—now just 3.5% of assets—while activity shifts away from financing the domestic economy. Energy/Industry Tech: Tunisian researchers developed an IoT-controlled, low-water jute evaporative cooling system for PV modules, targeting arid-climate performance and preparing a megawatt-scale industrial pilot. Labor Pressure: UGTT warns of a worsening economic and social crisis and authorizes a campaign that could include a general strike. A/V Investment: FIPA-Tunisia and the Tunisia Investment Authority back Mediwood Studios in Hammamet, expecting nearly $5 million over three months for a Saudi historical series, aiming to spur logistics, construction, accommodation and technical services.

Tunisia’s Solar Push: The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy approved 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW in the sixth authorization round, with most aimed at small and medium investors and selling power to STEG under long-term PPAs. Coastal Infrastructure Plan: Environment Minister Habib Abid says Tunisia will develop the full coastline from Bizerte to Djerba, with a first phase for Bizerte’s Corniche beach estimated at about 40 million dinars and using dredged sand plus groynes and a promenade. Banking Momentum: UBCI reported strong H1 2026 results, with assets above 6.2 billion dinars and customer loans up, while another report flags Tunisia’s non-resident banks as a shrinking offshore tool. Trade & Construction Links: CEPEX will take Tunisian BTP and construction-material firms to Cameroon (Yaoundé and Douala) for Oct. 27–29 partnership meetings. A/V Investment in Hammamet: FIPA-Tunisia and the Tunisia Investment Authority visited Mediwood Studios, expecting nearly $5 million over three months for a Saudi historical series—aiming to boost logistics, construction, accommodation and technical services. Labor Pressure: UGTT authorized a campaign that could include a general strike, citing worsening economic and social conditions.