🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Tunisia's renewable energy share reaches 9%, aiming for 35% by 2030
via Business News5 min read
Tunisia's share of renewable energy in its national electricity mix has reached approximately 9%, as announced by the Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Ouael Chouchene, on April 20, 2026. This increase is attributed to intensified private investments, particularly through a licensing system for small and medium-sized enterprises producing electricity from renewables. Chouchene highlighted the recent inauguration of four projects in the Médenine governorate, each with a 30-megawatt capacity, as part of this program. Tunisia aims to achieve 35% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030, driven by economic and environmental necessities. The European Union is supporting this transition with 35.8 million euros in grants, funding projects like a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant in Sidi Bouzid and a 300-megawatt solar portfolio in the Gafsa region, totaling 400 megawatts. These projects are expected to attract further private and international co-financing, fostering local investment and technology transfer.
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The 17th edition of the Mustapha Azouz Arab Children's Literature Prize and the Arab Children's Literature Forum will take place on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the City of Culture in Tunis. Organized by the Children's Literature Forum in partnership with Arab Tunisian Bank ATB, this edition will gather writers, researchers, critics, and specialists from several countries to discuss narrative structures in fictional literature for Arab children. The launch of this edition was announced on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at a press conference held at ATB headquarters, attended by the bank's CEO, Riadh Hajjej, and the president of the Children's Literature Forum, Mohamed Aït Mihoub. Mohamed Aït Mihoub stated that the competition received 130 entries in the main category and 17 in the children and youth category, with participants from across the Arab world, as well as Mali and a Lebanese author residing in Mexico. Prizes include 12,000 dinars for first place, 8,000 dinars for second, and 5,000 dinars for third, along with three encouragement prizes of 1,000 dinars each for young authors. The award ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the City of Culture, following two days of literary creation and academic reflection. The event will also feature a tribute to Cherifa Ben Ayed. The Arab Children's Literature Forum will focus on "Narrative structures in fictional literature for Arab children." Sessions will be held at the Tahar Cheriaa hall of the City
The National Administrative Body of the Tunisian General Labor Union UGTT met on Thursday, June 4, 2026, under the chairmanship of its Secretary General, Slaheddine Selmi. The meeting addressed the general situation in the country, the state of the trade union movement, and various professional and organizational matters. Selmi emphasized the need for union structures to strengthen their connection with workers and members, and to intensify membership drives to bolster the organization's capabilities. He also noted the lack of concrete signs of renewed dialogue between the UGTT and the Executive, stating that communication channels remain closed despite the union's expressed readiness for discussions. In response, Selmi urged UGTT structures to work towards initiating social dialogue, referencing national legislation and international conventions. He also called on union officials to increase their presence on the ground and intensify outreach to employees. The discussions also highlighted the importance of preserving the organization's unity, overcoming past differences, and focusing on social and professional demands. The UGTT reaffirmed its commitment to its role as a national organization concerned with all issues affecting the country's interests and Tunisia's future.
The United States celebrated the delivery of 48 HMMWV armored vehicles to the Tunisian army during a ceremony held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the El Aouina military base in Tunis. The event was attended by the United States Ambassador to Tunisia, Bill Bazzi, along with high-ranking Tunisian and American military and civilian officials. This delivery is part of the military cooperation between the two countries and aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Tunisian army. According to the US Embassy, these additional vehicles will improve the ability of Tunisian forces to conduct joint exercises, security operations, and rapid intervention missions in the region. The United States highlighted that its partnership with Tunisia, designated as a major non-NATO ally, spans over four decades through training, assistance, and support programs for the Tunisian armed forces. Ambassador Bill Bazzi emphasized that security cooperation is one of the pillars of relations between Washington and Tunis. He stated that this transfer of 48 armored vehicles illustrates the strength of the partnership between the two countries and contributes to strengthening Tunisia's capabilities in security, regional stability, and humanitarian assistance.
Must ReadThe United States announced a diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and Lebanon on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following two days of negotiations in Washington. Both countries agreed to implement a ceasefire and continue direct discussions for a broader agreement on security and sovereignty. The ceasefire's activation is contingent on a complete halt to Hezbollah's firing and the withdrawal of its fighters from the area south of the Litani River. Key measures include creating "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon where the Lebanese army will have sole authority, without non-state armed actors. Washington believes this will strengthen Lebanese sovereignty and reduce escalation risks. Discussions also covered a new security framework to ensure territorial integrity, including dismantling armed groups operating outside state institutions. The joint communiqué from Washington, Beirut, and Tel Aviv reflects shared views on Hezbollah, with the US reaffirming support for the Lebanese army to extend its control. Israel emphasized that its security depends on Hezbollah's disarmament and the dismantling of its infrastructure in Lebanon. The text also explicitly condemns Iran for regional attacks and support for groups contributing to Middle East instability. Israel and Lebanon affirmed no hostile intentions and committed to further negotiations, with new meetings scheduled for the week of June 22 under US mediation. Despite the announcement, the situation remains tense. Hours after the commu