Council of Regions to decide on five 1.6 billion dinar photovoltaic projects
via Business News5 min read
The National Council of Regions and Districts is set to hold a plenary session on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, to vote on five photovoltaic power plant projects totaling 1.6 billion dinars. These projects, located in Sidi Bouzid, Gafsa, and Gab猫s, specifically in El Khbena, Mezzouna, El Ksar, Sagdoud, and Menzel Habib, involve concessions for solar electricity production. The conventions for these projects were previously adopted by the Assembly of People's Representatives on April 28, but not unanimously, sparking debate on the role of the private sector, contractual commitments up to 25 years, legal guarantees, and energy sovereignty. The government, represented by Samir Abdelhafidh and Wael Chouchane, presented alarming figures to the Investment and International Cooperation Committee, chaired by Imed Derbali, highlighting a national primary energy deficit of nearly 65% and an energy trade deficit exceeding eleven billion dinars in 2025. The projects aim to reduce energy dependence, increase national production, and contribute to Tunisia's goal of 50% renewable energy in electricity production by 2035. However, elected officials in the Council of Regions have raised concerns about electricity pricing, dispute resolution, the involvement of Tunisian companies, the national grid's capacity, and export possibilities. The government has affirmed that all electricity produced will be integrated into the national grid by the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company, which is solely auth
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The Committee on External Relations, International Cooperation, Affairs of Tunisians Abroad, and Migration continued its review of the proposed bill to establish a National Council for Tunisians Residing Abroad on Monday, June 22, 2026. The committee heard from the president of the National Council of the Order of Physicians and the dean of Tunisian engineers. The discussions focused on strengthening ties between the state and Tunisian professionals abroad, leveraging their expertise for national development, and addressing brain drain. The committee president, Riadh Jaidane, stated the initiative aims to improve communication with the diaspora, address their concerns, and enhance their contribution to development projects. The dean of Tunisian engineers praised the initiative as a significant step to strengthen ties and increase contributions to economic, scientific, and social development. He proposed direct representation for engineers within the council through the Order of Tunisian Engineers, the creation of a permanent commission for engineering and technology skills, and a national digital platform to connect with Tunisian professionals abroad. He noted that Tunisian engineers abroad hold key positions in strategic sectors like energy, infrastructure, industry, aeronautics, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and renewable energies. He emphasized that emigration can be a strategic asset if there is a legal and institutional framework to involve these profe
Mohamed Ali Nafti, Tunisia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, met with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, on June 22, 2026, in Amman. The meeting, held on the sidelines of an Arab ministerial gathering, focused on Tunisian-Algerian cooperation. Discussions centered on preparing for the upcoming Tunisian-Algerian Follow-up Commission, scheduled for next month. Key areas of cooperation reviewed included trade, industry, and energy. The ministers also addressed improving consular services and facilitating the movement and residency of Tunisian and Algerian nationals across the border. Beyond bilateral issues, Nafti and Attaf exchanged views on regional and international matters, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening consultation and coordination between Tunis and Algiers to address common challenges and regional developments. This meeting highlights the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, aiming to consolidate their partnership in economic, energy, and security sectors, while also facilitating exchanges between their citizens.