🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Tunisia's digital payment transition: Mohamed Nekhili calls for legal framework adaptation to support electronic solutions
via Business News2 min read
Tunisia is experiencing a gradual but visible shift in its payment methods, characterized by an increase in electronic transactions and a significant decline in check usage, according to recent banking sector data. Financial and banking expert Mohamed Nekhili discussed this trend on National Radio on Monday, June 8, 2026. He noted that this dynamic aligns with a global movement towards paperless payments, with recent indicators showing continuous growth in electronic payment methods in Tunisia alongside a reduction in paper instruments, particularly checks. Nekhili clarified that this is not a decrease in overall liquidity but a transformation of payment channels. While cash operations and bank withdrawals remain prevalent, formal payment methods are rapidly evolving towards digital solutions. The most notable development is the historic decline in check usage, with a 24.9% decrease in the number of operations and a 28% decrease in value. This unprecedented level for an instrument long central to Tunisian commercial transactions is linked to legislative reforms that have redefined the check's function from a credit or deferred payment tool to an immediate payment instrument. Consequently, check transaction volumes have contracted to approximately 115 billion. Electronic payments, particularly e-wallets and mobile payments, show dynamic growth. Key indicators include a 20.2% rise in e-wallets, a 28.3% increase in e-commerce platforms, a 34.8% increase in electronic payments re
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Several tombs of political and union figures, including those of Mohamed Brahmi and Chokri Belaïd, were vandalized at the Djellaz cemetery in Tunis, according to former MP Badreddine Gammoudi on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The affected graves are located in the Martyrs' Square and also include those of Ahmed Ben Brahim, Salah Ben Youssef, and Ahmed Tlili. Gammoudi described the acts as a "heinous crime" and urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible. The Popular Current party also reported discovering the damage between Wednesday night and Thursday, condemning it as a "barbaric crime" targeting symbols of the Tunisian national movement. The party considers these acts to be "terrorist acts" attributed to "hateful terrorist groups" and called for an investigation into the circumstances, perpetrators, and motives, with results to be made public. The Popular Current also requested enhanced protection for the Leaders' Square at the Jellaz cemetery, including fencing and permanent guards. As of now, no official authority has commented on the incidents or announced an investigation. The desecration of tombs holds significant historical and memorial importance in Tunisia, given the prominent figures interred there.
L'Accumulateur Tunisien Assad has acquired full ownership of Batteries Assad Algérie BAA by repurchasing the remaining 4% stake held by Algerian investors. This transaction, finalized on July 16, 2026, makes the Tunisian group the sole shareholder of its Algerian subsidiary. The move is part of a broader capital restructuring for BAA, with Assad preparing to open its subsidiary's capital. Options under consideration include bringing in a strategic partner and/or listing Batteries Assad Algérie on the Algiers Stock Exchange. Assad plans to complete a fundraising initiative before the end of 2026, aiming to raise one billion Algerian dinars, equivalent to approximately 22.1 million Tunisian dinars. This fundraising is expected to represent 25% to 30% of BAA's capital.
President Kaïs Saïed chaired a meeting on the afternoon of July 22, 2026, at the Carthage Palace, focusing on water and electricity cuts and fires affecting several regions of the country. The meeting included the Minister of Interior, Khaled Nouri; the Minister of Equipment, Housing, and acting Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, Salah Zouari; the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh; the CEO of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg, Fayçal Trifa; the CEO of the National Water Exploitation and Distribution Company Sonede, Abdelhamid Mnaja; and the Director General of the National Civil Protection Office, Colonel Mohamed Rached Souissi. Kaïs Saïed stated he was closely monitoring the situation nationwide, describing the recent water and electricity cuts and fires as "abnormal phenomena." He affirmed that the state would not remain passive against those seeking to harm citizens and incite tensions. The head of state addressed water and electricity distribution interruptions exceeding 24 hours in several regions, deeming the situation unacceptable and calling for an immediate end. He also stressed the need to inform citizens in advance of scheduled cuts and to choose appropriate times when such cuts are unavoidable. Kaïs Saïed commended the efforts of Civil Protection units, in coordination with military, security, and administrative structures, for their rapid and effective interventions in controlling fires. He concluded b