Tunisia
24 articles
Tunisia faces blackout and water crisis as state capacity unravels
Tunisia's summer was defined by rolling blackouts and water shortages, exposing the government's inability to maintain essential services amid record heat, mounting debt, and a population losing faith in President Kais Saied's leadership.
Zenith Energy disputes Tunisia arbitration, citing tribunal conflict
Zenith Energy is taking its $130 million dispute with Tunisia to the European Court of Human Rights, alleging the arbitration process was compromised by undisclosed ties between the tribunal president and Tunisia's legal counsel.
Tunisia opens social housing pipeline to private developers
Tunisia is moving to bring private real estate developers into its social housing programmes, aiming to diversify supply for low- and middle-income households and accelerate delivery through greener construction and reduced bureaucracy.
Tunisia targets drug trafficking networks with overhaul of narcotics law
Tunisia is preparing a sweeping revision of its 1992 narcotics law to counter the rapid evolution of drug trafficking networks, as seizures of cocaine and synthetic tablets reach record highs and cross-border smuggling routes adapt to new technologies.
Tunisia's trade deficit hits record high as energy imports surge
Tunisia's trade deficit reached TND 17.85 billion by August 2026, driven by rising energy and raw material imports that have outstripped export growth. The widening gap is putting new strain on the country's external finances.
Tunisia weighs ties with UAE after Algeria's diplomatic break
Tunisia is reconsidering its relationship with the United Arab Emirates after Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Abu Dhabi. As Tunis strengthens its partnership with Algiers, signs point to a possible shift in Maghreb alliances.
Tunisia rises in global investment rankings but still trails regional peers
Tunisia has moved up twelve places to 105th in the 2026 Global Attractiveness Index, showing some improvement but still falling behind North African neighbors like Morocco and Algeria. The country is still rated as medium-low in its ability to attract investment and talent.
Zenith Energy takes Tunisia arbitration fight to Swiss and European courts
Zenith Energy's subsidiary is challenging a $130 million arbitration loss to Tunisia, alleging tribunal bias and undisclosed contacts. The company is now appealing to Switzerland's top court and the European Court of Human Rights, raising the stakes for energy arbitration in the region.
Tunisia's prison deaths rise as heatwave exposes crisis behind bars
At least 23 prisoners have died in Tunisia during a severe heatwave, with rights groups blaming overcrowded, poorly ventilated cells and demanding independent investigations. The government has yet to release official figures or allow external monitoring.
Gaza flotilla activists begin hunger strike in Tunisian prison
Four Gaza flotilla activists held in Tunisia have started a hunger strike, raising the stakes as a court considers whether to extend their pre-trial detention. The case has drawn criticism of Tunisia's growing pressure on international NGOs.
STIP swings to profit as cash strain and falling sales cloud outlook
STIP has posted a net profit of TND 4.7 million for 2025 after a year of deep losses, but the recovery is overshadowed by a sharp revenue drop, negative cash flow, and mounting liabilities that threaten the company's stability.
Tunisia's offshore banks abandon local lending as profits and purpose fade
Tunisia's non-resident banks, once intended to channel foreign capital into the domestic economy, now account for just 3.5% of sector assets and are shifting their focus abroad, with declining profits and minimal impact on local financing.
UBCI accelerates asset and profit growth in Tunisia banking sector
UBCI has posted double-digit growth in assets, loans, and deposits for H1 2026, with net profit up nearly 10 percent. The bank's expansion signals renewed confidence in Tunisia's financial sector and its role in supporting economic activity.
Tunisia Faces Rising Debt as Fitch Maintains B Minus Rating
Fitch Ratings has kept Tunisia's sovereign rating at B minus with a stable outlook, highlighting the country's ability to withstand external shocks but warning of persistent fiscal deficits and mounting government debt that far exceed regional peers.
Tunisian journalists rally as Mohamed Yousfi faces charges over critical reporting
The arrest of Mohamed Yousfi, editor of Al-Qatiba, has triggered protests in Tunis and drawn condemnation from rights groups, as journalists warn that fabricated charges are being used to silence critical reporting under President Kais Saied.
US Africa Command launches Phoenix Express 2026 in Tunisian waters
Phoenix Express 2026 has commenced at the Port of La Goulette in Tunisia, uniting Moroccan, Tunisian, US and European naval personnel in a high-stakes exercise to sharpen maritime security operations across the southern Mediterranean.
Tunisia plunges to record low in global investment freedom ranking
Tunisia has fallen to 164th out of 175 countries in the 2026 Investment Freedom Index, scoring just 20 points and highlighting severe obstacles for investors as regional competitors surge ahead.
Tunisia and Germany Seek Reset on Economic and Education Ties
President Kais Saied used a high-profile meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to demand a fundamental overhaul of Tunisia's economic relationship with Europe, calling for fairer agreements and a shift from debt to investment.
Libya Courts Tunisian Investors to Boost Local Building Materials Industry
Libya's Ministry of Housing and Reconstruction is seeking to accelerate domestic building materials manufacturing by leveraging Tunisian investor expertise, aiming to reduce import reliance and strengthen the country's construction sector.
Algeria U21 Wins Gold at Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games
Algeria's U21 football team secured gold at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after defeating Tunisia 2-0, capping an undefeated run. The result highlights a new generation of Algerian talent with implications for future national squads.
Wildfire Response Intensifies on Jebel Boulmane in Siliana
Authorities in Siliana are working to contain a wildfire on Jebel Boulmane, mobilising forestry, civil protection, and regional equipment teams to protect natural resources and ensure the safety of local residents.
Contract Dispute Over Youcef Belaïli Triggers Complaint in Tunisian Football
Étoile Sportive du Sahel has formally challenged the eligibility of Youcef Belaïli in a recent match against Espérance de Tunis, citing unresolved contractual issues involving MC Alger. The case could impact the official result.
Temperatures Rise Slightly as Showers Expected Across Tunisia
Tunisia will see a slight increase in temperatures on Friday, with the National Institute of Meteorology forecasting cloudy skies and localised rain and hailstorms in the northwest and central regions. Moderate winds and sea conditions are also expected.
STEG warns of possible rolling power cuts across Tunisia on 19 August
The Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) has announced that rolling power cuts may be introduced in several regions on 19 August to safeguard the national grid, citing high demand and ongoing maintenance. Citizens are urged to reduce electricity use during peak hours.