馃嚬馃嚦TunisiaNorth Africa
Conect advocates for flexible exchange code reform to boost investment in Tunisia
via Business News3 min read
The Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia Conect is actively proposing reforms to the Exchange Code, aiming to modernize a regulatory framework it deems outdated. Sultan Jebeniani, a member of Conect's national executive board, stated on June 2, 2026, that the reform is a strategic opportunity to enhance Tunisia's attractiveness for foreign investment. Conect has submitted 41 proposals, including 38 amendments and three new measures. Key proposals include introducing a principle where administrative silence within a set timeframe implies tacit approval, which Conect believes will reduce administrative burdens. Another major suggestion is to establish a mechanism for regular evaluation of the Exchange Code to prevent obsolescence, with performance indicators to measure effectiveness and adjust provisions based on macroeconomic changes and foreign currency reserves. Conect also recommends creating a single digital portal for exchange operations to simplify investor procedures and establishing a specialized consultative commission on exchange matters, involving the Central Bank of Tunisia, to ensure better consultation with economic actors. Conect's experts project that an ambitious reform could boost GDP growth by 0.8 to 1.5 points. The organization emphasizes the need for timely publication of implementing circulars and texts, citing delays in the 2026 finance law as a concern. Conect also believes the reform must address global economic shifts, particularly the digi
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The Union of Small and Medium Industries UPMI has raised concerns about the severe impact of repeated power outages on economic activity in Tunisia. In a statement released on Friday, July 17, 2026, the organization highlighted that these disruptions are increasingly affecting industrial units, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, which are crucial to the Tunisian economy. The UPMI noted that power cuts lead to production line stoppages, idle equipment, and lost work hours, incurring significant costs for businesses. Indirect costs include the deterioration of raw materials and semi-finished products, as well as increased expenses for restarting machinery. Delays in order fulfillment and missed delivery deadlines are also major worries, especially for export-oriented companies, potentially eroding customer trust and weakening competitiveness in international markets. These alerts come amid an exceptional heatwave in Tunisia, causing a surge in electricity consumption due to widespread air conditioner use, straining the production capacity of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg. Steg has implemented load shedding to balance the grid and prevent major supply incidents or blackouts. The UPMI, while acknowledging Steg's efforts, called for better anticipation and communication regarding these emergency measures. The organization emphasized the need for a clear schedule of power cuts, specifying times and affected areas, to allow businesses to plan and mitiga
Tunisian engineer Chouaib Nemri issued a poignant appeal on Thursday, July 16, 2026, highlighting the human consequences of recurrent electricity cuts in Tunisia. Nemri, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and relies on a ventilator, an electric wheelchair, and a patient lift, stated that electricity is essential for his survival and autonomy. He emphasized that power outages pose an existential danger for him and thousands of other Tunisians dependent on electrical medical equipment. Nemri also expressed solidarity with professionals like bakers, mechanics, traders, and remote workers whose livelihoods are severely impacted by these disruptions, leading to significant economic losses. He advocated for a robust electrical grid that ensures continuous access to electricity, respecting lives and preserving dignity. Nemri, an internationally recognized artificial intelligence engineer who collaborates with Google, aims to bring attention to the critical human impact of power outages, which can turn a simple failure into a life-threatening emergency for those using medical devices such as respirators, oxygen concentrators, or home dialysis equipment.
Following recent power outages in Tunisia, Member of Parliament Fatma Mseddi has strongly criticized the government, stating that the repeated interruptions in electricity supply demonstrate the state's inability to provide an essential public service. In a Facebook post on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Mseddi argued that these outages are not merely simple power cuts but a hardship for citizens and a sign of state institutions failing in their basic duties. She highlighted that load shedding impacts hospitals, businesses, and citizens' equipment. Mseddi accused the government of failing to manage strategic national issues and making poor choices in appointments. She called on President Ka茂s Sa茂ed to speak publicly, demanding a clear and transparent address from the President about the situation, concrete solutions, and a timeline for accountability and necessary reforms. Mseddi's appeal comes after President Sa茂ed's last public appearance on July 9, leading to speculation about his health, which the presidency has not officially addressed. Tunisia is currently experiencing an exceptional heatwave with temperatures reaching 49掳C, causing high demand on the electricity grid. The Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg explained that the cuts are due to load shedding to maintain grid balance and prevent a system collapse.