Tunisia's olive oil exports are experiencing significant growth, with a 63.9% increase in volume during the first six months of the 2025-2026 campaign compared to the previous season, reaching 295,400 tonnes. Revenue also saw a substantial rise, from 2,400 million dinars to 3,600 million dinars. Fiscal expert Mohamed Salah Ayari highlighted the strategic importance of this sector for the national economy, particularly its contribution to foreign currency earnings and agricultural development. The cultivation of olive trees is expanding beyond traditional regions like the Sahel and Sfax, now thriving in areas such as Sidi Bouzid, Kairouan, Kasserine, and parts of the Northwest, partly due to the olive tree's resilience to drought. Despite this positive trend, Ayari emphasized that the main challenge is enhancing the value of Tunisian olive oil through improved packaging. Currently, about 87% of exports are in bulk, with only 13% being packaged. A significant portion of this bulk oil is sent to Spain 32% and Italy 20% for packaging under foreign brands. Ayari advocates for accelerating incentives to increase the share of packaged oil to at least 20% of exports, which would boost the visibility of Tunisian brands internationally. He also called for diversifying export markets, noting that the European Union accounts for 56% of exports, North America 23.2%, and Asian markets only 12%. Ayari sees opportunities in China due to recent advantages for African products and believes tha
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The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists SNJT has raised concerns about increasing judicial pressure on journalists in Tunisia, following recent convictions. On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the SNJT reacted to the appeals court sentencing of journalists Hamza Belloumi and Insaf Boughdiri to one year in prison each, along with an 8,000 dinar fine. This decision comes amidst a rise in prosecutions targeting media professionals, prompting professional organizations to worry about press freedom. The SNJT expressed solidarity with Belloumi and Boughdiri, urging the Tunis Court of Appeal to reconsider its judgment. The syndicate also criticized the use of judgments rendered in absentia, arguing that they deny journalists their right to defense. The case against Belloumi and Boughdiri dates back to May 2015, involving a video clip attributed to former President Moncef Marzouki, broadcast on Al Hiwar Ettounsi. The clip, initially presented as inciting violence, was later found to be edited and taken out of context. Marzouki had filed a complaint with the High Independent Authority for Audiovisual Communication Haica, which led to the temporary suspension of the show, and also initiated legal proceedings. Belloumi and Boughdiri stated they believed the matter was closed and that they were unable to fully exercise their right to defense. They had issued a correction and public apologies at the time, considering it a professional error. The SNJT emphasized the need to handle press-rel
The Tunisian General Labor Union's department of public offices and enterprises has issued a warning regarding the state of the energy and water sectors. In a statement titled "Nations are not built with thirst and darkness," the union attributes current difficulties not to mere technical incidents or high temperatures, but to structural weaknesses accumulated over years. Recent power shedding by the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg due to record consumption during a heatwave has caused numerous outages. Simultaneously, disruptions in drinking water distribution have exacerbated public frustration. The UGTT views this situation as a "national signal" revealing deep-seated issues in public infrastructure, citing years of underinvestment, aging equipment, delayed strategic projects, and weak governance. The union believes Tunisian citizens are paying the price for past decisions, as disruptions impact daily life, health, economic activity, and educational institutions. However, the UGTT asserts that responsibility should not fall on employees of Steg and the National Water Exploitation and Distribution Company Sonede, whom it considers crucial for maintaining public service despite difficult conditions and limited resources. Instead, the union points to strategic choices, public policies, and overall resource management. Emphasizing water and electricity as fundamental rights and pillars of national security, the UGTT calls on the government to move from crisis managem
Tunisian Olympic and world champion Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui secured first place in the 200-meter freestyle at the Florida Summer Championships in the United States. The 23-year-old swimmer completed the distance in 1 minute 50.76 seconds, indicating his return to form ahead of upcoming international competitions. This victory is part of his preparation for the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, scheduled from August 21 to September 3, where he is expected to be a key medal hopeful for the Tunisian delegation. Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui gained international recognition by winning the gold medal in the 400m freestyle at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. His achievements also include two world titles in the 800m and 1,500m freestyle, and a silver medal in the 400m freestyle at the Fukuoka 2023 World Championships. He also earned a silver medal in the 1,500m freestyle at the Abu Dhabi 2021 Short Course World Championships.