馃嚬馃嚦TunisiaNorth Africa
Antonio Tajani highlights potential of economic partnership with Italy in Tunis
via Business News4 min read
Antonio Tajani, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Italy's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Tunisia on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during the Italy-Tunisia Economic and Business Forum in Tunis. According to the Italian agency Nova, Tajani stated that Rome considers Tunisia a key partner in the Mediterranean, emphasizing, "We believe in Tunisia." He noted that current international challenges, such as regional conflicts and trade tensions, should not hinder cooperation between the two nations. Tajani highlighted the growth in bilateral economic exchanges, which reached six billion euros in 2025 and saw an additional 5.5% increase in the first two months of 2026. He encouraged Italian and Tunisian businesses to seize opportunities in investment, industrial development, and trade, explaining that the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs prioritizes economic diplomacy to support the internationalization of Italian companies and foster partnerships. Tajani also advocated for joint projects aimed at the African continent, suggesting that Italo-Tunisian joint ventures could leverage Africa's growth prospects through mutual development. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, training, and support for startups to enhance the competitiveness of both economies, viewing these as crucial for youth opportunities and innovative business creation. Tajani's visit marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations betw
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Tunisian olive oil exports significantly increased in volume and value during the first seven months of the 2025/2026 campaign, driven by a strong harvest and international demand, according to Onagri data. Exports reached 327.4 thousand tons, a 57.9% rise from 207.3 thousand tons in the previous year, generating 4,058.5 million dinars, a 44.9% increase from 2,801.2 million dinars. Despite this growth, the sector faces structural weaknesses due to the predominance of bulk exports. Packaged oil accounts for only 12.9% of volumes and 17.2% of total revenue, while bulk exports make up 87.1% of volumes. Extra virgin olive oil remains dominant, representing 83.3% of exported volumes. In May 2026, the average export price decreased by 2% to 12.96 dinars per kilogram from 13.23 dinars in May 2025. The European market is the primary destination, receiving 57.8% of exports, followed by North America 22.8%, Asia 11.5%, and Africa 4.2%. Spain is the leading importer with 33.6% of volumes, followed by Italy 19.5% and the United States 18.3%. Organic olive oil exports also grew, reaching 44.5 thousand tons valued at 583.4 million dinars, but packaged organic oil represents only 5.5% of this category's volumes. Italy leads imports of Tunisian organic olive oil with 38% of volumes, followed by Spain 26%, the United States 24%, and France 8%. The sector's overall performance highlights olive oil's central role in Tunisian agricultural exports, but its heavy reliance on bulk sales limits valu
Tunisian Paralympic athlete Amenallah Tissaoui, a world record holder in the 1500 meters, has announced the premature end of his season due to a suspected stress reaction in his tibia. This comes shortly after he broke his own world record for the third time this season on June 22, 2026, in the United States, clocking 3 minutes 49 seconds 89. Despite his achievements, Tissaoui expressed profound disappointment and a feeling of abandonment by his federation, stating that he received no contact or recognition after his latest record-breaking performance. He also revealed that his previous world records have not been officially registered and that he has been living without financial support for several months. His American coach, Scott Simmons, has been personally covering most of his preparation expenses, including travel, nutrition, equipment, competition fees, and medical follow-ups. Tissaoui clarified that his concern is not primarily financial but rather about dignity, respect, and recognition, feeling he has been a victim of injustice and marginalization. The athlete had been suffering from persistent pain in his right leg before his last race, and medical examinations have now confirmed a potential stress injury, forcing him to rest and wear a medical boot for several weeks. He thanked his coach and online supporters, concluding that he competes for Tunisia despite feeling alone in his struggle.
The Union of Private Pharmacists of Tunisia Spot announced on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, that private pharmacies may stop accepting prescriptions covered by the National Health Insurance Fund Cnam starting July 1, if Cnam does not meet its payment commitments by the end of June. The union stated that the sector is in a "critical" professional situation, citing unpaid debts from Cnam that have made it difficult for pharmacies to supply citizens with medicines. An agreement, reached with the intervention of the Presidency of the Republic and involving the Ministers of Health and Social Affairs, aimed to clear Cnam's debts over six months, ending June 30, 2026. However, Spot claims Cnam has not honored these commitments, further burdening pharmacies already facing significant tax deadlines. Consequently, pharmacists will be forced to stop accepting Cnam-insured prescriptions from July 1, 2026, if payments are not made. The union also condemned alleged "harassment" by some municipalities regarding the removal of pharmacy signs, citing administrative circulars deemed contrary to law. They reported verbal assaults and forced entry into a pharmacy, which were brought to the attention of the President of the Republic. In response, the union plans a "national day of anger," including turning off pharmacy lights, and may pursue further protests. Additionally, Spot called for the relaunch of the Central Pharmacy's digitization project to enhance transparency and ensure equitable medicine