AGP Executive Report

Tunisia’s Seismic Watch: Two tremors were recorded in Zarzis (Mednine) on Wednesday—4.2 at 2:41 p.m. and an aftershock of 2.6 at 10:38 p.m.—as the National Institute of Meteorology said 51 tremors have been logged in Tunisia since the start of 2026. Tunisia Finance: Afreximbank approved a $500m loan to Tunisia to help repay trade debts, fund essential imports, and ease foreign-currency liquidity pressures. Anti–Terror Financing Oversight: Tunisia’s Financial Analysis Commission reported suspicious transaction reports nearly tripled for terrorist financing concerns between 2020 and 2025, with banks and the National Post Office dominating reporting. Public Transport in Sfax: Sfax’s regional transport company received four new articulated buses (about 2.5m dinars) to expand safer, modern public mobility. Regional Trade Push: COMESA’s secretary-general visited Tunisia to boost Tunisian participation in the bloc, including a Women in Business forum and trade fair. Local Development with Italy: A €1.8m Italy-funded project (ZAFIT) was launched in Siliana to support dairy farmers and tackle drought, input costs, and resource pressures. World Cup Noise, Not Politics: Tinder activity surged in host cities during matches, including a spike during Sweden–Tunisia.

Anti-Money Laundering Watch: Tunisia’s Financial Analysis Commission says suspicious transaction reports nearly tripled from 2020 to 2025, rising from 446 to 1,334, with banks and the National Post Office still dominating reporting. Public Transport Upgrade (Sfax): The Sfax regional transport company received four new articulated buses worth nearly 2.5 million dinars to modernize mobility. Regional Integration (COMESA): COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe is in Tunisia to deepen participation in the bloc, with forums and a Women in Business event aimed at boosting trade and investment. Tunisia-Italy Cooperation (Siliana): A €1.8m project funded by Italy’s development cooperation launches in Siliana to support dairy livestock farmers with practical solutions to drought, input costs and resource pressure. Human Rights & Justice: Tunisia’s rights landscape remains tense as a journalist and prominent defender face long sentences, while a football federation figure, Wadie Jary, was released pending a new October appeal hearing. Governance & Civil Society: A report highlights Tunisia’s civil society being criminalised, adding to concerns about shrinking civic space. Environment: A sea-turtle specialist warns of vigilance during peak nesting season, noting key nesting areas like the Kuriat Islands and Chebba.

Human Rights Under Pressure: Tunisia’s civil society is facing criminalisation, with rights defender Sihem Bensedrine sentenced to 25 years and journalist Sonia Dahmani hit with another conviction over criticism of prison conditions and anti-migrant policies, as authorities lean on cybercrime and restrictive laws. Economic Policy Watch: Tunisia’s central bank kept the Money Market Average Rate (TMM) steady at 6.99% for a fifth straight month in June, while reaffirming its focus on monetary stability and modernising the financial system. Digital Infrastructure: Orange Tunisia moved ahead with the operational launch of the MEDUSA submarine cable, aiming to boost international bandwidth and resilience for the country’s digital transformation. Security & Border Readiness: Tunisia received 48 armored vehicles from the U.S., meant to strengthen border protection, counter smuggling and terrorism, and support joint exercises. Energy Transition in Fisheries: WWF North Africa backed Tunisia’s first solar-powered electric propulsion pilot for an artisanal fishing boat in Djerba, linking decarbonisation with marine protection.

Tunisia’s Connectivity Push: Orange Tunisia has operationally launched the MEDUSA submarine cable, aiming to boost international bandwidth, resilience, and faster links to European digital hubs. Security & Border Readiness: Tunisia received 48 U.S.-made armored vehicles (Humvees) to strengthen border protection, counter terrorism and smuggling, and support rapid-response missions. Energy Transition for Coastal Livelihoods: WWF North Africa backed Tunisia’s first pilot artisanal fishing boat using solar-powered electric propulsion in Ajim, positioning it as a practical decarbonisation model for Tunisia’s blue economy. Human Rights in the Spotlight: Tunisia’s courts upheld a 25-year prison sentence against rights defender Sihem Bensedrine, keeping international pressure on the country’s justice record. Culture & Media Support: The Doha Film Institute announced spring 2026 grants backing 48 projects across 39 countries, including Tunisia-based filmmakers. Sports, With Tunisia in the Mix: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign ended after a tough group stage, while the broader knockout picture continues to reshape the tournament.

Tunisia Economy & Investment: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri used the 22nd Tunisia Investment Forum to tout a rebound: GDP growth at 2.6% in 2025, FDI up over 30%, and 4,296 foreign firms now in Tunisia, alongside a 2026-2030 development plan and a push to fully digitise investment procedures via a new National Investment Platform. Municipal Governance: Tunis municipality continues its fight against unauthorized street installations, signaling ongoing pressure on local order and enforcement. Human Rights & Justice: Tunisia’s courts upheld a harsh 25-year prison term for prominent rights defender Sihem Bensedrine, keeping international scrutiny on the country’s treatment of activists. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Italy and Tunisia challenge Libya’s maritime claims in a fresh legal push, while EU officials condemned Tunisia over the conviction of a rights activist. Culture & Media: Doha Film Institute announced 48 Spring 2026 grants across 39 countries, including Tunisia-based filmmakers, underscoring continued regional cultural funding. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia’s World Cup campaign ended as it failed to progress, while the broader tournament spotlighted Africa’s rise—Tunisia being the notable exception among African teams reaching the knockouts.

Tunisia Investment Forum: PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri told investors Tunisia’s growth improved (GDP 2.6% in 2025), foreign direct investment rose by over 30%, and the state is pushing the 2026-2030 plan with digital reforms via a new National Investment Platform, plus changes for startups, foreign exchange, hydrocarbons and mining, alongside energy sovereignty projects like ELMED and renewables. Municipal Enforcement: The Municipality of Tunis carried out a field campaign near Salah Azaïz Institute, Hédi Raïs Hospital and La Rabta Hospital to remove unauthorized kiosks and street installations blocking traffic and access to health facilities, saying such actions will continue. Consumer Protection: Tunisia’s consumer guidance body urged regulators to urgently verify tomato paste quality on the market, warning of reported quality gaps and calling for transparent publication of inspection results, using the Brix index as a key standard. Human Rights & Justice: Tunisia’s rights defender Sihem Bensedrine was sentenced to 25 years, with coverage highlighting the case as an injustice. International Diplomacy: A Tunisia–Serbia friendship delegation met in Belgrade to discuss EXPO 2027 and cooperation in digitalisation, education and the economy, while also addressing the situation of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija. Regional Security: Italy and Tunisia formally challenged Libya’s unilateral maritime claims at the UN, as Greece and Israel ran a joint aerial refueling exercise south of Crete.

Tunisia Digital Governance: The National Business Register confirmed its shift to fully digital services from July 1, urging firms to secure a digital identity now to access “DIGIGO” for legal entities and “Hawiya” for individuals, aiming to keep filings and transactions running smoothly 24/7. Tunisia Human Rights: Tunisia upheld a 25-year prison sentence against prominent rights defender Sihem Bensedrine, renewing pressure on the government over its treatment of activists. Tunisia Health Transparency: Transparency International’s multi-country project is also active in Tunisia, targeting integrity and accountability in sexual and reproductive health services, with monitoring at union-level health centres. Regional/International Context: CAF president Patrice Motsepe hailed Africa’s World Cup breakthrough as nine of 10 African teams reached the knockout stage—Tunisia was the only one eliminated.

Governance & Health Integrity: Transparency International Global Health-backed TIB launched a multi-country project in Tunisia to strengthen transparency and accountability in sexual and reproductive healthcare, with pilots at 16 union health and family welfare centres and community monitoring to flag service-delivery problems. Water & Daily Life: SONEDE reported a sudden breakdown on the main pipeline feeding Sejnane’s treatment station in Bizerte, disrupting drinking water across the area from 11 a.m.; repairs are underway with gradual restoration expected from 4 p.m. Monday. Labour Oversight Hiring: Tunisia’s Ministry of Social Affairs opened an external application-based competition to recruit six medical labour inspectors for 2026, aimed at improving occupational health and safety monitoring. Human Rights & Justice: Prominent Tunisian rights defender Sihem Bensedrine was sentenced to 25 years, drawing renewed EU and international condemnation. Sports & National Mood: At the World Cup’s knockout threshold, Africa hit a historic milestone with nine of 10 teams reaching the Round of 32, while Tunisia was the only African side eliminated after a winless group stage.

Human Rights Under Pressure: The EU condemned Tunisia’s 25-year prison sentence for prominent rights defender Sihem Bensedrine, calling for restored pluralism and independent voices after a politically charged conviction. Judicial Crackdown: Tunisia’s appeals court upheld a one-year prison term for independent journalist Zied el-Heni after he criticised judges over wrongful convictions, with critics linking the case to the wider post-2021 crackdown. Labour Oversight: Tunisia’s Ministry of Social Affairs opened an external application-based competition to recruit six medical labour inspectors in 2026, aimed at strengthening workplace health and safety monitoring and risk prevention. Maritime Diplomacy: Italy and Tunisia challenged Libya’s unilateral EEZ claims at the UN, strengthening Greece’s position in the Mediterranean maritime dispute. World Cup, Politics by Other Means: Tunisia’s only African exit from the 2026 World Cup group stage stood out as nine of ten African teams reached the Round of 32, with DR Congo and Algeria among the latest qualifiers.

Human Rights Under Pressure: The EU condemned Tunisia’s 25-year prison sentence for prominent rights defender Sihem Bensedrine, calling for restored pluralism and independent voices after NGOs said the case is politically motivated. Justice System Watch: Tunisia’s appeals court upheld a one-year prison term for journalist Zied el-Heni over remarks criticizing judges, underscoring continued pressure on media critics since President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab. Criminal Reconciliation Commission: Saied appointed members of the Criminal Reconciliation Commission at Carthage Palace, framing it as a renewed path to accountability and possible releases for those in prison or abroad. Public Utilities Finance: STEG’s debts hit about 7.356 billion dinars as of June 23, with unpaid receivables around 6.061 billion dinars; lawmakers discussed two guarantee agreements to support continuity and projects. Economic Signals: The Central Bank urged faster reforms to protect stability—on inflation, the exchange rate, reserves, and external risks—while calling for investment, exports, and non-debt inflows. Industry & Jobs: Autoliv inaugurated an 84-million-dinar extension in El Fahs, localizing steering-wheel production; Tunisia also highlighted ongoing industrial hiring and strategy moves.

Criminal Reconciliation Commission: President Kaïs Saïed appointed the members of the Criminal Reconciliation Commission at Carthage Palace, naming Ali Abbas as chairman, and said reconciliation is back on track for those in Tunisia and abroad—while stressing accountability and equality before the law. Human Rights Under Pressure: Tunisia’s court sentenced prominent human rights defender Sihem Bensedrine to 25 years in prison, drawing condemnation from Amnesty as a “travesty of justice” and another sign of judicial repression against civil society. Electoral Track in Libya (UNSMIL): UNSMIL reported that Libya’s 4+4 mini-dialogue committee reached consensus on key presidential-election law milestones, with a fifth round of talks planned for early next month. Tunisia in the World Cup: The Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 in Group F, sending the Oranje to the Round of 32 and ending Tunisia’s campaign after conceding 12 goals. Seismic Update: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology recorded a magnitude 3.3 tremor south of Gaâfour in Siliana.

Human Rights Under Pressure: Tunisia’s rights defender Sihem Bensedrine was sentenced to 25 years in prison, a move Human Rights Watch says is retaliation for her work and part of a wider crackdown on civic space. Energy & Infrastructure: Terna and STEG awarded Hitachi Energy a roughly €770 million contract for Elmed HVDC converter stations—Italy and Tunisia sites included—marking the first direct-current electricity interconnection between Europe and North Africa. Security Operations: Kasserine saw a major security campaign with 37 arrests targeting drug trafficking, smuggling, wanted suspects, and other public-order violations. Economy & Trade Costs: Tunisia warned that higher global shipping costs and insurance premiums could raise import/export expenses and feed inflation, given that over 90% of foreign trade moves by sea. Governance & Elections (Regional): UNSMIL said Libya’s 4+4 mini-dialogue committee reached consensus on key presidential election law milestones, with a fifth round planned next month. World Cup Politics & Tunisia’s Exit: Tunisia’s campaign ended after conceding 12 goals, while the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to top Group F; the match also drew attention to FIFA’s anti-discrimination stance amid a “Pride Match” controversy in Seattle.

Human Rights Under Pressure: A Tunisian court sentenced prominent human rights defender Sihem Bensedrine to 25 years in prison over alleged irregularities tied to the Truth and Dignity Commission’s final report, drawing fresh condemnation over judicial independence and the shrinking space for civil society. EU-Tunisia Rights Debate: A new appeal to the EU calls for a “reset” of the EU approach after the 2023 EU-Tunisia MoU, arguing migration cooperation has sidelined rule of law, press freedom, and abuses against asylum seekers and migrants. Tunisia-Italy Trade Momentum: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri said Tunisia’s economic ties with Italy are expanding, citing trade of about TND 20.5bn in 2025, nearly 8% growth in early 2026, and over 1,072 Italian-invested companies. World Cup Politics in the Spotlight: Tunisia’s World Cup ended with a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands, while the match was refereed by Mexican official Katia Itzel Garcia, a milestone for women in elite officiating.

Tunisia Investment & Business Climate: The 22nd Tunisia Investment Forum opened in Tunis with about 1,200 participants, as PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri said growth rose to 2.6% in 2025 and foreign direct investment jumped by over 30%, with 4,296 foreign firms now operating and total investments reaching 53 billion dinars. Health Policy: Tunisia’s private pharmacies say they will suspend the third-party payment system from July 1, citing CNAM’s failure to repay accumulated debts under an agreed schedule. World Cup Politics & Diplomacy: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign ends with the Netherlands match in Kansas City, while FIFA’s expanded tournament keeps spotlighting Tunisia in Group F’s final-day stakes. Sports Governance & Representation: Mexican referee Katia Garcia is set to officiate Tunisia vs Holland, a milestone as she becomes the first Mexican woman to referee a men’s World Cup match. Regional Development: A separate Tunisia-focused report highlights the push to accelerate development projects, but the key question remains implementation.

Tunisia Investment Push: Tunisia’s Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh says foreign direct investment rose about 25% in the first four months of 2026, with the government aiming for 4 billion dinars by year-end; the Tunisia Investment Forum opens with Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri and is set to draw around 1,200 participants, including a quarter from abroad. World Cup Politics & Tunisia’s Exit: Tunisia’s campaign ends as the Netherlands look set to finish top in Group C and Tunisia face a last-ditch match against the Dutch on June 25; across the tournament, 13 teams have already booked Round of 32 spots while Tunisia is among those eliminated. Regional Security & Migration: The League of Arab States and UNODC held a Cairo meeting to coordinate action against drugs, transnational crime and terrorism across Arab states, as Europe’s migration debate intensifies around return policies. Governance Watch: A Tunisian legal case remains in focus as Tunisia upholds an eight-year jail term for an anti-racism activist, with a lawyer contesting the decision. Sports Logistics: Kansas City organizers plan more buses for World Cup match days after earlier transport and safety bottlenecks around Arrowhead Stadium.

Tunisia Human Rights & Courts: A Tunisian court upheld an eight-year prison sentence against anti-racism activist Saâdia Mosbah, with Amnesty and rights groups denouncing the case as a racist smear and alleging abuse in detention. Migration & Civic Space: A new report says Tunisia’s political climate is tightening around dissent, with Saied-era rhetoric fueling repression and brain drain while external backers continue military and counter-terror support. Regional Diplomacy: Libya’s rival factions reached consensus in UN-facilitated talks in Tunis on a presidential election law, with a next round planned for early July. Tunisia–Libya/International Humanitarian Fallout: Italian and Argentine nationals detained in Libya after joining Gaza aid convoys have been released or are expected soon, underscoring the legal pressure around humanitarian access. Energy & Infrastructure: Prysmian received notice to proceed on the Elmed Italy–Tunisia submarine power interconnector, a €460m DC link aimed at boosting cross-border electricity trade. Politics & Governance Watch: Tunisia’s parliament held a closed-door session on lifting immunity from seven MPs, signaling continued friction inside the legislature.