AGP Executive Report

Solar Power Push: Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy awarded contracts for 309 solar PV projects totaling 455 MW in the sixth authorization round, far above the 200 MW target, with plants spread across governorates from Gabès and Kébili to Sousse, Sfax and Kasserine. Renewables Planning: Kébili officials reviewed the environmental and social impact assessment for a wind project in the Tabbaga area, covering about 7,138 hectares, under Tunisia’s renewables strategy to reach 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035. Agriculture & Water Stress: Tunisia’s veterinary services warned of heat stress risks for livestock—especially poultry, rabbits and dairy cows—between Sept. 7 and 13, urging farmers to boost cooling, ventilation and clean water access. Food Prices Bite: Tunisia’s inflation rose again in August to 5.4%, driven mainly by food, with sharp jumps in poultry, meat, fruit and fish prices. Energy Markets: Brent crude climbed above $98 a barrel on renewed Hormuz navigation talks involving Iran and Oman, keeping supply disruption fears in focus. Maritime Security: Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 kicked off in La Goulette, bringing Tunisia, the U.S. and partners together to strengthen southern Mediterranean maritime security and commerce protection. Film & Creative Industry: Tunisia-linked Gaza Cinema Academy launched at Venice with support from Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania and others, aiming to build sustainable filmmaking education and production in Gaza. Business & Finance: Tunisia’s Central Bank data highlights that leasing and other SME-linked credit products carry the highest effective rates, while long-term and short-term loans are cheaper.

Solar Push: Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy awarded contracts for 309 solar PV projects totaling 455 MW in the sixth authorization round, far above the 200 MW target, with projects spread across governorates including Kébili, Gabès, Gafsa, Sidi Bouzid and others, and power sold to STEG under long-term PPAs. Wind Expansion: In Kébili, officials reviewed the environmental and social impact assessment for a wind plant in the Tabbaga area, covering about 7,138 hectares, as part of the national renewables strategy to reach 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035. Energy Cooperation: Libya and Tunisia opened a new bid round for cross-border offshore oil and gas work tied to the Zarat discovery, with packages covering further exploration and development under unitisation and production-sharing frameworks. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Tunisia–ACSAD talks focused on expanding technical and research cooperation for arid-zone agriculture, including climate adaptation and improved livestock breeds suited to harsh conditions. Food Inflation Watch: Tunisia’s inflation climbed to 5.4% in August, driven mainly by food prices, with sharp annual increases in poultry, meat, fruit and fresh fish. Heat Stress Alert: Veterinary services warned livestock farmers of a hot spell (Sept 7–13) with temperatures up to 41°C, urging stronger cooling, ventilation and clean water for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows. Maritime Security: Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 kicked off at La Goulette, bringing Tunisia and partners together to strengthen southern Mediterranean maritime security and cooperation. Industry Linkages: Tata’s €3.82bn Iveco takeover could reshape African commercial-vehicle distribution networks that already include Tunisia, as the deal targets overlapping product lines and service coverage.

Renewables & Power Markets: Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy approved 309 solar PV projects in the sixth licensing round, totaling 455 MW—far above the 200 MW initially sought. The selected IPPs will sell power to STEG under long-term power purchase agreements, with tariffs ranging from TND 0.217/kWh (up to 1 MW) down to TND 0.142/kWh (2–10 MW). Consumer & Inflation Watch: Tunisia’s inflation rose to 5.4% in August 2026 (from 5.1% in July), driven mainly by faster food price growth (+7.8% vs +6.8% in July), including sharp increases in poultry, mutton, fruit, beef and fresh fish. Education Costs: Back-to-school spending for 2026–2027 climbed about 8%, with households feeling the pinch most through schoolbags, sportswear, shoes and other supplies—while textbooks and subsidized notebooks remain unchanged. Finance: Banque de Tunisie reported H1 2026 net income of TND 95.6 million (+12.5%), supported by higher operating income and stronger net banking income. Agri-Industry & Trade Risk: The Philippines imposed a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and meat products from 23 countries including Tunisia, citing WOAH-confirmed outbreaks—raising compliance and market-access pressure for exporters. Industry & Logistics: OPEC+ kept October 2026 oil output unchanged after a virtual review, a move that can ripple into Tunisia’s energy and transport cost outlook.

Renewable Energy Deal: Tunisia’s El Fahs 75 MW wind farm in Zaghouan was selected for Japanese support under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), with funding potentially covering up to 50% of eligible costs—though the exact amount wasn’t disclosed. Banking Watch: Banque de Tunisie reported H1 2026 net income of TND 95.6m (+12.5%), while BNA posted H1 2026 net profit of TND 156.3m (+13.8%), highlighting stronger deposits and lending to the economy and agriculture. Inflation & Household Pressure: Tunisia’s inflation rose to 5.4% in August 2026, driven mainly by faster food price growth (notably poultry, mutton, fruit, beef and fresh fish), while edible oil prices fell. Education Spending: Back-to-school costs climbed about 8% for 2026-2027, with higher prices for schoolbags, sportswear and shoes; the ministry also plans 23 new institutions and 100,000 new two-seater desks. Agri Outlook: Olive oil production is expected to drop sharply in 2026-2027 (300,000 tons vs 500,000 last season), though revenue may hold up thanks to higher international prices. Trade & Logistics Angle: A wider push for Tunisia’s trade corridors and regional commerce remains in focus as logistics bottlenecks and infrastructure gaps are flagged across Africa. Mobility & Delivery Markets: Uber’s Africa strategy is shifting after exiting Nigeria’s ride-hailing, while positioning to re-enter via Glovo through its Delivery Hero acquisition—covering markets including Tunisia.

Tunisia Inflation Watch: Tunisia’s inflation climbed to 5.4% in August 2026 (from 5.1% in July), driven mainly by faster food price growth (+7.8% vs +6.8%). Poultry (+16.5%), mutton (+14.7%), fruit (+14.4%), beef (+13.6%) and fresh fish (+10.9%) pushed the food bill up, while edible oil fell (-4.3%). Education & Local Industry: The education ministry says the 2026-2027 school year is ramping up with 23 new institutions opening in mid-September, about 300 new/expanded spaces, nearly 1,200 renovations, and 100,000 new two-seater desks—good news for construction and school-supplies demand. Renewables & Energy Finance: The 75 MW El Fahs wind farm (Zaghouan) was selected for Japanese support under the JCM, aiming to boost low-carbon power generation for STEG. Banking: Banque de Tunisie reported H1 2026 net income of TND 95.6m (+12.5%), with net loans rising to TND 6.587bn (+9.6%). Agri-Trade Pressure: Olive oil output is expected to drop sharply in 2026-2027 (300,000 tons vs 500,000 last season), while Europe faces wheat price anxiety linked to Black Sea disruptions—risks that can ripple into Tunisia’s food costs. Mobility & Logistics: Uber’s planned $16.9bn acquisition of Delivery Hero would bring Glovo back under Uber in multiple African markets, including Tunisia, pending approvals.

EU Trade & Compliance: EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis warned Pakistan that the next GSP+ phase will hinge on measurable implementation on human rights, labour, environment and governance—not just laws on paper—raising pressure on export-dependent economies. Tunisia Inflation Watch: Tunisia’s inflation climbed to 5.4% in August 2026, driven mainly by faster food price growth (notably poultry, meat, fruit and fresh fish), while edible oil prices fell. Banking Results: Banque de Tunisie reported H1 2026 net income of TND 95.6m (+12.5%), supported by higher operating income and loans; BNA also posted a 14% H1 profit rise to TND 156.3m, with deposits strengthening. Renewables & Energy Projects: Tunisia’s El Fahs 75 MW wind farm was selected for Japanese grant support under the JCM, boosting low-carbon generation plans. Agri-Food Pressure: Tunisia’s olive oil output is expected to drop sharply in 2026–2027 (300,000 tons vs 500,000), while Andalusia faces price distortion from rising Tunisian imports. Logistics & Trade Corridors: A Black Sea grain disruption risk is growing as attacks and blockades threaten shipping routes—an issue that can ripple into food supply chains reaching North Africa. Digital Commerce Deal: Uber’s planned $16.9bn acquisition of Delivery Hero would bring Glovo operations back under Uber across African markets including Tunisia, pending regulatory approvals. Back-to-School Costs: Tunisia’s 2026–2027 school year costs rose about 8%, with households feeling the impact through schoolbags, shoes and other supplies. Education Infrastructure: The education ministry is preparing new institutions, desks and renovations for the 2026–2027 school year, including 23 new schools and 100,000 two-seater desks. Textile Sustainability: Tunisian dyeing tech startup PigmentOco won at Avantex Fashion Pitch Awards in Paris for supercritical CO₂ dyeing, targeting water-intensive pollution hotspots.

Wheat & Food Supply Shock: Europe is bracing for higher inflation pressure as wheat prices for December on Euronext topped €255, driven by intensified attacks on energy and port infrastructure around the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz—raising fears of a structural grain shortfall. Tunisia School Costs: Tunisia’s back-to-school bill is up about 8% for 2026-2027, with households feeling the hit in bags, uniforms, shoes and extra notebooks, while textbooks and subsidized notebooks stay unchanged. Education Rollout: The ministry says 23 new institutions will open in mid-September, alongside about 300 new/expanded learning spaces, nearly 1,200 renovations, and 100,000 two-seater desks. Banking Results: Banque de Tunisie (BT) reported H1 2026 net income of TND 95.6m (+12.5%), supported by higher operating income and stronger lending and deposits. Renewables Finance: The 75 MW El Fahs wind farm in Zaghouan was selected for Japanese support under the JCM, aiming to expand low-carbon generation for STEG. Olive Oil Outlook: Tunisia’s olive oil production is expected to fall sharply in 2026-2027 (300,000 tons vs 500,000 tons), though higher global prices may cushion revenues. Energy Reliability & Business: Power cuts are pushing Tunisian firms to self-generate and store electricity, with STEG trust reportedly damaged—likely boosting demand for generators and related services. Textile Sustainability Win: Tunisian dyeing tech startup PigmentOco won at Avantex Fashion Pitch for supercritical CO₂ dyeing, targeting water-heavy pollution in garment production.

Tunisia Energy & Renewables: Japan selected Tunisia’s 75 MW El Fahs onshore wind farm for support under the Joint Crediting Mechanism, adding momentum to the country’s renewable build-out and STEG supply plans. Tunisia Agriculture & Food: Olive oil output is expected to drop sharply in 2026–2027 (300,000 tons vs 500,000 last season), while fishery products posted a H1 surplus of TND 66.7m as exports rose in volume. Tunisia Banking: BNA reported a 13.8% H1 profit jump to TND 156.3m, driven by higher investment income and deposit growth. Tunisia Power Crunch: Business leaders are adapting to STEG power cuts by investing in backup generation, signaling a shift toward self-reliant energy planning. Tunisia Trade & Industry: A Tunisian trade-corridor push is framed as the missing link to boost intra-African commerce. Regional Logistics Shock: Ukraine’s grain exports face new disruption as Moldova’s rail operator blocks the Kuchurgan corridor, raising food-route fragility concerns. Global Policy Watch: The Philippines moved to ban FMD-susceptible animal imports from 23 countries, including Tunisia, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks. Mobility & Travel: easyJet logged its busiest-ever day and added more services including Tunisia routes, while Emirates unveiled an electric Premium Economy seat for Africa-bound flights. Fashion & Textiles: Tunisian dyeing tech startup PigmentOco won an Avantex Fashion Pitch award for supercritical CO₂ textile dyeing, targeting water-heavy production steps.

Renewables & Climate Finance: Japan’s Embassy in Tunisia says the 75 MW El Fahs onshore wind project won a grant under the Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism (Article 6), with earlier MCC support for Tozeur and Sidi Bouzid PV plants and more solar projects in the pipeline. Energy Reliability & Business Costs: A new report on Tunisia’s power cuts says trust in STEG is broken, pushing firms to self-generate and store electricity—an approach that will boost a generator-and-import equipment market. Public Enterprise Reform: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri calls for faster structural reform of public enterprises, focusing on clearer performance targets, better asset and HR management, stronger oversight, and more digitalisation. Trade & Agribusiness: ONAGRI reports Tunisia’s fishery products trade balance posted a TND 66.7m surplus in H1 2026, with exports up in volume and Italy leading as importer. Finance for Industry: Tunisia’s Central Bank data shows business loans rose by TND 2.199bn in H1 2026, led by services, with industrial lending also improving. Food Waste Strategy: Tunisia’s National Consumer Institute says household food waste is about 5% of food spending, as a national strategy to cut waste is expected by end-November. Civil Society Pressure: Human Rights Watch warns Tunisia’s NGO crackdown is intensifying, with prosecutions, detentions, and suspensions tied to the broader effort to shut civil society. Fashion & Tech (Tunisia in spotlight): At Texworld Apparel Sourcing’s Avantex Fashion Pitch, Tunisian startup PigmentOco won for supercritical CO₂ textile dyeing, aiming to cut water-heavy pollution in garment production.

Renewables & Climate Finance: Japan’s Embassy in Tunisia says the 75 MW El Fahs onshore wind project (Eurus Energy Holdings–Scatec JV) was selected for a grant under the Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism, with other MCC solar projects in Tozeur and Sidi Bouzid already commissioned and more PV capacity in the pipeline. Power & Business Continuity: Tunisia’s summer power cuts are pushing firms to self-generate, with STEG trust eroding and generator imports likely to boost a new local energy-supply market. Public Enterprise Reform: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri calls for faster structural reform of public enterprises, focusing on measurable performance, stronger oversight, asset management, digitalisation and accountability. Banking & Credit: Central Bank data shows business loans rose by TND 2.199bn in H1 2026, led by services, while agriculture and fisheries also gained. Food & Waste: Tunisia’s National Consumer Institute says household food waste is about 5% of food spending, and a national strategy is due by end-November. Agribusiness Trade: ONAGRI reports a TND 66.7m surplus in fishery products trade at end-June 2026, with exports up in volume and Italy leading as importer. Mining: PhosCo confirms high-grade phosphate hits at its Gasaat Kasserine zone, supporting plans for an integrated phosphate and fertilizer project. Digital Commerce Shockwave: Uber’s $16.9bn Delivery Hero deal would take over Glovo’s Sub-Saharan Africa operations, including Tunisia, pending approvals.

Energy & Business Continuity: STEG’s power cuts have shattered business confidence, pushing firms toward self-generation and storage—an expensive shift that will likely boost demand for generators and related imports. Renewables Deal: Japan’s Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism grant was secured for Tunisia’s 75 MW El Fahs onshore wind project, with more solar projects under the same mechanism. Public Finance Oversight: An audit flagged major lapses in 25 MDAs worth over N1.34trn, including unsupported payments, irregular contracts, and cash advances not retired. Banking & Credit: Bank loans to businesses rose by TND 2.199bn in H1 2026, led by services, while industry and agriculture/fisheries also improved. Agrifood Trade: Tunisia recorded a TND 66.7m surplus in fishery products by end-June 2026, with exports up and Italy the top destination. Food Waste Strategy: Tunisia’s consumer authority says household food waste is about 5% of food spending, with a national strategy due by end-November. Mining Update: PhosCo reported high-grade phosphate hits at its Gasaat project in Kasserine, supporting plans for an integrated phosphate and fertilizer push. Governance Reform: The PM outlined six priorities to tighten governance and performance in public enterprises, including digitalisation and clearer accountability.

Public Enterprise Reform: Tunisia’s Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri set six priorities to speed up structural reform in public enterprises, pushing clearer targets, measurable performance, stronger oversight, asset management, digitalisation and transparency. Power & Water Disruptions: STEG warned of intermittent power cuts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in multiple regions as Tunisia’s heatwave keeps electricity demand at record levels and worsens water supply reliability. Business Finance: Central Bank data shows business loans rose by TND 2.199 billion in H1 2026, with services leading (+TND 1.684 billion) and industry returning to growth. Food & Waste Policy: Tunisia is finalising a national strategy to cut food waste, expected by end-November, while the National Authority for Food Safety confirmed drinking water from public networks meets health standards. Mining & Industry: PhosCo reported high-grade phosphate hits at its Gasaat project in Kasserine, strengthening the case for an integrated phosphate-fertiliser push. Civil Society Pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia’s NGO crackdown is intensifying through prosecutions, detentions and suspensions amid power and water shortages. Regional Industry Links: Egypt and Oman discussed joint industrial zones to deepen supply chains and investment cooperation. Gold Market Watch (Sfax): Sfax jewellery artisans report falling gold prices and a wait-and-see trading mood as buyers track dollar moves.

Energy & Utilities: Tunisia’s heatwave is hitting hard: STEG warns of periodic power cuts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in multiple regions, while separate reporting says rotating outages are already disrupting water supplies and stressing hospitals. Disaster Response: Wildfires in Kairouan and Siliana forced the evacuation of over 100 families, with military aircraft and civil defense deployed to contain fast-moving blazes. EU–Tunisia Cooperation: President Kais Saied met Germany’s FM Johann Wadephul, agreeing on nearly €100m in financing and focusing on energy transition, water management, and digitalisation, alongside calls to rebalance EU–Tunisia ties. Food Safety: Tunisia’s food safety authority confirmed drinking water distributed via public networks is safe and compliant, citing ongoing lab monitoring and residual chlorine checks. Industry & Investment: Tunisia’s insurance sector turnover rose 13% in H1 2026, while broader regional business coverage highlights Tunisia’s role in manufacturing depth and industrial participation. Mobility Tech (Global): North Carolina’s NCDOT is using dashcam imagery for smarter traffic operations—an example of how real-time visual data is moving into infrastructure management.

Energy & Utilities Disruption: STEG warned of intermittent power cuts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 1 across Greater Tunis, North, Northwest, Central Tunisia, Sfax, South and Southwest, urging businesses to plan for IT, refrigeration and payment system continuity. Heatwave & Water Stress: Tunisia’s extreme heat near 50°C is worsening electricity demand and triggering rotating cuts that cascade into water supply failures, with hospitals and bottled-water production hit. Wildfires & Evacuations: More than 100 families were evacuated in Kairouan and Siliana as fast-moving wildfires, driven by strong winds, threatened homes; military aircraft and civil defense were deployed. EU-Tunisia Cooperation: President Saied met Germany’s FM Johann Wadephul, calling for a more balanced EU partnership and signing/pledging nearly €100m for SMEs, energy transition, water management and digitalisation. Insurance Sector Growth: Tunisia’s insurance turnover rose 13% in H1 2026 to 2,529.2m dinars, led by life insurance (+19.4%) and motor as the biggest non-life line. Food Safety: Tunisia’s National Food Safety Authority confirmed drinking water from public networks is safe and compliant after bacteriological and physicochemical checks. Industry & Trade Context: A World Bank-linked analysis highlights manufacturing depth in North Africa, noting Tunisia among the few economies exceeding 10% deeper manufacturing participation in specific sectors.

Energy & Utilities Crisis: Tunisia is again hit by extreme heat near 50°C, with rotating power cuts by STEG cascading into water shortages as electric pumps fail, leaving hospitals under strain and bottled-water production disrupted. Wildfires & Rural Safety: Authorities evacuated 100+ families in Kairouan and Siliana as wind-driven blazes flared near homes; military aircraft and civil protection teams were deployed, with no reported deaths. EU-Med Energy Talks: Germany’s FM Johann Wadephul visited Tunisia and Algeria, pushing for stronger energy cooperation and noting Algeria’s gas role as Germany seeks to diversify amid low gas-storage levels. Bilateral Business & Funding: Tunisia and Germany agreed to strengthen cooperation across SMEs, energy, environment, digital transition and regional development, with nearly €100m in signed financing contracts. Tunisia’s Insurance Market: The insurance sector grew in H1 2026, with turnover up 13% to 2,529.2m dinars, led by life insurance and motor insurance remaining the biggest non-life line. Industry & Skills for Africa: Tunisia’s engineers are set to pitch an “engineering offer for Africa” in Tunis on Sept. 12, aiming to bundle consulting, construction, technology and financing for regional infrastructure and energy projects. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A new look at post-2011 price dynamics shows the dinar’s slide and sharp supermarket increases for staples like tomatoes, chicken and cooking oil.

Tunisia–Germany Diplomacy: President Kaïs Saïed met Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul, stressing a more balanced EU partnership and pushing for cooperation in higher education, vocational training, energy and tech innovation. Energy & Water Strain: Tunisia’s heatwave is again colliding with rotating power cuts and water disruptions, while bottled-water shortages spark “Wild West” scenes that point to deeper trust and infrastructure problems. Insurance Sector: Tunisia’s insurance turnover rose 13% in H1 2026 to 2,529.2m dinars, led by life (+19.4%) and motor insurance still the biggest non-life line. Renewables Supply Chain: Africa’s solar additions are set to hit 17 GW in 2026, driven by a surge in Chinese panel imports, with only a small share manufactured locally. Engineering for Africa: Tunisia’s engineers are set to pitch an “engineering offer for Africa” on Sept. 12, aiming to bundle consulting, construction, tech and financing for regional projects. Agriculture & Weather: Wildfire risk remains high after winds over 100 km/h reignited Mount Boulmane, while Monday forecasts call for thunderstorms and possible hail.