AGP Executive Report

Tunisia Infrastructure & Economy: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €335.5 million loan to expand Tunisia’s highway network toward Kef and Jendouba, aiming to boost connectivity, road safety and regional development, with construction expected to start soon after technical studies. Water Security: Tunisia is looking at modern ways to cut water losses from dams, with experts warning evaporation can drain 650,000–750,000 cubic meters per day in hot weather—about half of daily drinking water use—pushing pilot ideas like photovoltaic solutions. Business & Industry: Tunisian glassmaker SOTUVER reported a jump in H1 2026 net profit to TND 7.9 million, driven by revenue growth and an exceptional gain linked to a January plant fire, while operating profit fell as costs rose. Local Weather: Tunisia’s forecast points to thunderstorms and rain in parts of the north and central regions, with rough seas along the coast and temperatures mostly in the low-to-mid 20s. Regional Politics: Morocco’s King named Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman head of government, a move sparking debate and excitement across the region.

Infrastructure & Finance: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €335.5m loan to expand Tunisia’s highway network toward Kef and Jendouba, with construction expected to start soon after studies were completed. Industry & Jobs: German supplier Kromberg & Schubert opened its second Beja plant (“Beja 2”), investing nearly TND 300m and aiming to raise staffing to about 7,500 by 2029. Business Watch: Tunisian glassmaker SOTUVER reported H1 2026 net profit rising to TND 7.9m, helped by an exceptional gain tied to a January plant fire. Water Security: Tunisia’s Water Observatory warns dam evaporation is draining huge volumes daily and calls for modern fixes like pilot projects using photovoltaic covers. Media & Rights: Tunisia softened its cybercrime “false news” penalties: first-time offenders can pay fines instead of facing up to five years in prison. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Tunisia’s Ritej Charif was selected for the ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge in Sheffield, joining other African U-12 talents. Weather: Friday evening brings thunderstorms, heavy rain and localized hail in western regions, with rough seas off the north coast.

Cybercrime & Media Freedom: Tunisia has softened Decree 54, replacing up to five years in prison for first-time “false news” offences with fines of 10,000–20,000 dinars, while repeat offenders can still face jail. Elections & Local Governance: Tunisia’s ISIE says the legal framework for municipal elections is ready after Decree-Law No. 4 (Sept. 30, 2026), but the vote still depends on a presidential decree calling voters to the polls. Digital Health: Tunisia is pushing telemedicine and safer health data systems at “TeleHealth Connect Tunisia 2026” in Tunis, with a planned “Tunis Declaration” on equitable, secure digital health. Regional Energy: Tunisia is among partner countries advancing the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor, with a new push toward a structured technical framework. Weather Watch: Friday evening brings thunderstorms, heavy rain and localized hail in western regions, with rough seas off the north coast. Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s Ritej Charif is selected for ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge in Sheffield (Oct. 12–18).

Cybercrime & Media Freedom: Tunisia has softened its “false news” penalty under Decree 54, replacing prison for first-time offenders with fines of 10,000–20,000 dinars, while repeat cases can still face jail. Elections Watch: The Independent High Authority for Elections says the legal framework for municipal polls is now complete after Decree-Law No. 4 (Sept. 30, 2026), but the vote still needs a presidential decree to set the date. Justice & Parliament: Tunisia’s general legislation committee plans near-daily meetings next week to push bills on tax advisers and notaries, and to hold a workshop on drug-control legislation. Public Safety Probe: Tunisian authorities are investigating a suspected sexual assault of a 16-year-old in Mellassine and warn that some social media claims are inaccurate. Regional Health Cooperation: Libya has joined the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism and will chair ReTAC for North Africa, with Tunisia among participating countries.

Cybercrime Reform in Tunisia: President Kais Saied eased penalties under the 2022 cybercrime decree, replacing prison terms for first-time offences with fines of 10,000–20,000 Tunisian dinars, after rights groups criticised the law as a tool to curb dissent. Staple Shortages: Tunisia is still facing shortages of essentials like water, sugar and rice despite 2.4% growth, with analysts pointing to public finance strain, distribution disruptions and import funding delays. Digital Health in Sfax: Tunisia’s digital hospital expanded remote consultations in Sfax to three facilities, covering child psychiatry, psychiatry, neurology and joint/bone diseases, with more specialties planned. Justice & Economy Watch: Tunisia’s e-invoicing rollout remains under discussion in parliament, while talks continue around the 2027 Finance Bill and possible targeted incentives for business creation. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Tunisia is part of Algeria’s SoutH2 hydrogen corridor push, with a five-country ministerial meeting in Algiers reviewing plans to export green hydrogen to Europe. Culture & Sports: Carthage Music Days returns for its 11th edition (Oct 3–10), and Tunisia’s Ritej Charif is among Africa’s U-12 table tennis hopefuls heading to Sheffield (Oct 12–18).

Cybercrime Reform in Tunisia: President Kais Saied has eased penalties under the 2022 cybercrime decree, replacing prison terms (up to 10 years for some first-time cases) with fines of 10,000–20,000 Tunisian dinars, while repeat offenders face up to six months in prison and higher fines—an apparent retreat after rights groups and UGTT-backed protests. Digital Health in Sfax: Tunisia’s digital hospital is running weekly remote specialist consultations in Sfax for child psychiatry, psychiatry, joint/bone diseases and neurology, reaching three hospitals since mid-August, with plans to expand to more specialties and nearby governorates. Energy Diplomacy—SoutH2 Corridor: Algeria hosted a second ministerial meeting on the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor, with partner energy ministers from Tunisia, Austria, Germany and Italy reviewing cooperation toward exporting up to 4 million tonnes annually to Europe in the early 2030s. Business & Policy: Tunisia’s e-invoicing rollout remains under discussion in parliament, while an MP says the Finance Committee is awaiting Central Bank clarity on related foreign exchange code work. Regional Economy: Tunisia’s dinar held its spot as Africa’s highest-valued currency against the US dollar in September, trading around 2.96 dinars per $1.

Cybercrime Reform: Tunisia’s President Kais Saied eased penalties in the 2022 cybercrime decree, replacing prison terms for first-time false-information offenses with fines of 10,000–20,000 dinars, while repeat offenders still face jail. Media Under Pressure: A new report argues Tunisia’s post-2021 media landscape has slid back toward propaganda and tighter control, despite calls for “free voice” from public broadcasters. Migration at Sea: Rescuers reported at least two deaths (including a child) and six missing after a migrant boat wreck off Tunisia’s Gulf of Gabes, with survivors taken to the Lampedusa area. Tourism Push: Tunisia’s National Tourist Office is set to promote the country in Beijing at COITM (Oct 14–16), targeting Chinese visitors after nearly 28,000 arrived in 2025. Regional Watch: Morocco named Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri its first female prime minister, a major milestone for women in Arab governance. Culture & Nightlife: Fabrika Festival unveiled its 2026 lineup for Nov 5–9 in Monastir, with 100+ artists across three stages.

Morocco’s Historic Leadership: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister, tasking her with forming a coalition after her Authenticity and Modernity Party won 97 of 395 seats—an appointment widely hailed as a milestone for women across the Arab world. Tunisia Migration Tragedy: Rescuers pulled migrants from a deadly shipwreck off Tunisia’s coast near the Gulf of Gabes, reporting at least two deaths (including a child) and six missing, with survivors from Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Pakistan and Nigeria. EU Mediterranean Security: The EU plans to expand its Mediterranean naval mission off Libya, widening the operation’s role to target Russia’s “shadow fleet” and protect critical maritime infrastructure. Tunisia Import Pressure: Tunisia’s president ordered tighter import controls and faster energy self-reliance, with analysts warning it echoes Algeria’s costly import-compression approach. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s foreign minister met a UN envoy on Libya, urging a Libyan-led political settlement and elections held simultaneously. US Benefits Rule: The US Social Security Administration listed countries whose citizens can keep receiving benefits after more than six months abroad.

Migration at sea off Tunisia: German charity Sea-Watch says it rescued 28 migrants and recovered two bodies, including a child, after a shipwreck off Tunisia’s coast; at least six people (including three children) were reported missing as the rescue ship headed to Lampedusa. Tunisia trade and imports: President Kais Saied ordered a “rationalization” of imports and faster moves to cut energy dependence, citing a widening trade deficit and soaring prices—an approach observers link to Algeria’s restrictive import model. Morocco political milestone: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first female prime minister, tasking her with forming a coalition after her PAM party won 97 of 395 seats; she becomes the second woman in the Arab world to lead a government after Tunisia’s Najla Bouden. Tourism competition in the Maghreb: A BDO report says South Africa lost about R6.5bn in foreign tourism spend, while Morocco and Tunisia are drawing more travellers. Business and innovation call: The 2027 Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards opened for entries, with no entry fees for organisations across the region including Tunisia.

Migrant Crisis: Sea-Watch says a shipwreck off Tunisia’s coast left at least two dead and six missing, including three children, after rescuing 28 migrants and finding bodies in a dinghy; the survivors were taken toward Lampedusa. Morocco Politics: King Mohammed VI appointed Marrakesh mayor Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister, tasked with forming a government after her party’s election win. Tunisia Economy & Travel: Tunisia slipped to 82nd in the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, scoring 3.62/7 and falling four places, while Tunisians spent 1.68 billion dinars abroad on travel-related services by end-August. Business & Trade: India’s ambassador visited Sfax International Fair partners to push new export and cooperation links, including via a new business centre. Tunisia Logistics Gateway: Tunisia will join a first Business Forum session in Sabha, Libya, aiming to turn the southern hub into a logistics and trade gateway for Tunisian goods to sub-Saharan markets. Sports: Tunisia’s national team context continues in AFCON qualifiers coverage, with matchday action highlighting Tunisia’s draw and upcoming fixtures.

Tunisia Politics: The ISIE approved preliminary results of a recall vote that removed a Tamerza local councillor in Tozeur, with “yes” winning 52.43% and a by-election expected once the final decision is published. Education Safety: Tunisia’s Ministry of Education banned students from leaving schools during breaks and free periods starting October 1, aiming to reduce risks linked to violence, addiction and drugs. Energy & Industry: The Tunisian Order of Engineers unveiled an “Energy Roadmap for Tunisia” focused on preventing a repeat of summer 2026 power problems by targeting peak-demand capacity, grids, gas supply, maintenance, renewables and storage. Economy & Trade: Tunisia-Algeria trade jumped 166% over five years to about $2.76bn, led by mechanical and electrical exports. Gender Snapshot: Tunisia scored 65% in the 2026 Global Gender Gap Index, ranking 125th out of 145, with biggest gaps in economic participation and political empowerment. Business & Innovation: ANAVA committed $4m to Rasmal Innovation Fund I to connect Tunisian startups with wider MENA investment networks.

Education Policy: Tunisia’s Ministry of Education has banned students from leaving schools during breaks and free periods starting October 1, aiming to reduce risks linked to violence, addiction, drugs and other harmful behaviors. Energy Planning: The Tunisian Order of Engineers unveiled an “Energy Roadmap for Tunisia” focused on preventing a repeat of last summer’s electricity difficulties, stressing real peak-demand capacity and an integrated fix across generation, gas supply, grids, renewables, storage, financing, governance and demand management. UN Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign minister Mohamed Ali Nafti told the UN General Assembly that dismantling UNRWA would erase Palestinians’ right of return, and urged an end to violence across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Sports (AFCON Qualifiers): Matchday 2 of the PAMOJA 2027 AFCON qualifiers kicks off today, with Tunisia hosting Botswana in Radès at 7 pm. Human Stories: A report highlights the worsening health and family anguish of detained Tunisian flotilla activists, including a hunger-striking case described as close to death.

UNGA Walkout: At UNGA81, delegations from at least 77 countries walked out or left seats during Netanyahu’s address, including Tunisia and other Arab, African, Asian and European states, with the move framed as opposition to Israel’s Gaza campaign. Tunisia Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti told the UN that Israel’s violence in Gaza and the West Bank must end, and urged an end to conflicts across Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Tunisia Detentions: A Tunisian flotilla activist remains detained as health worsens, while another pro-Palestinian hunger striker in Tunisian custody is reported near death. Regional Talks: Egypt’s FM held intensive UNGA sideline meetings with Arab counterparts including Tunisia, focusing on Gaza, Sudan, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Sports: Tunisia won its 12th African men’s volleyball title, beating Cameroon 3-0, securing World Championship and Olympic qualification. Business & Governance: Tunisia’s Institute of Directors announced the first core group for an African Institute of Directors, aiming to strengthen corporate governance and ESG standards. Weather: Saturday evening brings heavy cloud and scattered showers in parts of the northwest and east, with rougher seas along the eastern coast.

UN Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti told the UN General Assembly that the UN must confront violence across the region, calling for an end to Israel’s actions in Gaza and for calm in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Humanitarian & Migration: Reports say detained Tunisian flotilla activists face worsening health, while another story highlights migrants in Tunisia being “voluntarily” returned or pushed out against their will. Regional Politics: Kuwait’s foreign minister met Tunisia’s top diplomat and the WFP acting chief in New York, reviewing ways to expand cooperation and humanitarian work. Tourism & Tech: Tunisia’s tourism ecosystem gets a wider digital push as Sierra Leone soft-launches an AI tourism chatbot, WAKABOT, tied to World Tourism Day. Sports: Tunisia clinched its 12th African men’s volleyball title, beating Cameroon 3-0, and the youth and sports minister hailed the win as a key moment for Tunisian sport. Weather: Saturday evening brings heavy cloud and scattered showers in parts of the northwest and east, with rougher seas along the east coast.

UN Diplomacy: Kuwait’s FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah met Tunisia’s Mohamed Ali Nafti and Djibouti’s counterparts in New York, and also received WFP acting head Carl Skau to discuss expanding cooperation and humanitarian work. Detention & Health: Tunisian flotilla activists remain in custody as families report worsening health and mounting anguish. Sports Glory: Tunisia clinched its 12th African men’s volleyball title, beating Cameroon 3-0, securing World Cup and Olympic qualification. Governance & Business: Tunisia’s Institute of Directors announced the first core group for an African Institute of Directors, aiming to strengthen corporate governance and ESG standards across Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. Migration Pressure: Reports say migrants in Tunisia are increasingly pushed to return, with “voluntary return” processes raising concerns about coercion. Culture & Media: Oman’s Ministry of Information won six awards at the Arab Radio and Television Festival in Tunis. Tourism Angle: A Qatari travel writer says Tunisia offers far more than beaches, highlighting medinas, cuisine and culture.

Sports Spotlight: Tunisia roared to its 12th African men’s volleyball title, beating Cameroon 3-0 in the final in Tunis, reclaiming the continental crown and securing World Cup and Olympic berths. Governance & Business: Tunisia’s Tunisian Institute of Directors (ITA) announced the first core group for an African Institute of Directors, linking Tunisia with Algeria, Mali, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire to push corporate governance and ESG standards. Economy & Regional Ties: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Tunisia’s Mohamed Ali Nafti at the UNGA in New York, discussing deeper cooperation and Tunisia’s participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Society & Migration: A new report says sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia are increasingly facing harsh conditions, with many returning via “voluntary” schemes that humanitarians say can be forced. Culture & Media: Oman’s information ministry celebrated six awards at the Arab Radio and TV Festival in Tunis, underscoring the region’s push to upgrade media production. Tech & Travel: ICAO urged faster rollout of digital identity and contact-free border processing, aiming to cut friction while keeping risk checks focused.