Tunisia's strategic presence at IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington, no short-term agreement expected
via Business News4 min read
Economist Aram Belhadj commented on April 13, 2026, regarding Tunisia's participation in the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington. Despite strained relations with the IMF, Tunisia's presence is strategic for maintaining international visibility, though it does not signal an immediate resumption of negotiations or a new short-term agreement. The Governor of the Central Bank, Fethi Zouhair Nouri, and the Minister of Economy, Samir Abdelhafidh, are holding meetings with international financial officials to promote Tunisian reforms. Belhadj noted that while relations with the IMF are marked by coolness and tension, the delegation's participation is essential for the country's continued presence in international forums, especially amidst global changes. However, he believes this visit, and a planned autumn visit, are unlikely to restart relations or lead to a new agreement due to structural internal and external factors. Nevertheless, the country's continued presence in these global forums sends a positive signal to partners and investors despite ongoing uncertainties. Belhadj emphasized that the opportunity for the Tunisian delegation to meet leading economic figures, learn from successful experiences, and strengthen ties with major international financial institutions is a significant benefit for the country. Tunisian participation occurs while negotiations with the IMF have been stalled since 2022, contrasting with strengthened coo
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Tunisian red shrimp exports to Italy are currently blocked, raising concerns among parliamentarians and industry stakeholders. Member of Parliament Syrine Bousandel stated on July 14, 2026, that administrative dysfunctions are jeopardizing an industry supporting thousands of families. A group of MPs has petitioned the Head of Government and contacted the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture for a resolution, but no response has been received. Bousandel indicated that Tunisia has an annual export quota for red shrimp, but the Ministry of Agriculture allegedly failed to update required documents, leading to the blockage of shipments to the Italian market. Some goods have already been returned, while others remain pending, creating uncertainty for professionals. Bousandel emphasized that this situation threatens the entire sector, from fishermen to exporters and processing unit employees, who are not responsible for the administrative errors. She also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with Italian authorities, questioning the lack of diplomatic reaction to a matter with significant economic consequences. The issue began in June when Italian authorities suspended red shrimp imports from Tunisia. The Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests reported that Tunisian-validated capture certificates showed volumes exceeding the 36,000 kg annual quota set by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. Over 50,960 kg of red shrimp we
A widely circulated Facebook post claiming the Egyptian Ministry of Health officially banned C-sections, except in extreme necessity, has been debunked as false. Investigations found no official communication from the ministry announcing such a prohibition. Instead, Egyptian health authorities have been implementing a long-standing policy to reduce medically unjustified C-sections, not to ban them. Official recommendations encourage natural childbirth when medically feasible, while maintaining C-sections for maternal or infant protection. The Egyptian Health Council's guidelines emphasize clinical evaluation by health professionals for such decisions. Egypt has a high C-section rate, prompting a national strategy to reduce unnecessary interventions through medical training and improved obstetric practices. This strategy does not include a general ban on C-sections. This rumor has been circulating on Egyptian social media since October, appearing in various forms suggesting an official decision, but no official document has confirmed it. The Egyptian authorities' policy aims to combat C-sections performed without medical indication, not to eliminate them, as C-sections remain essential in many obstetric situations.
Tunisia's Assembly of People's Representatives ARP approved two loan agreements for the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company STEG on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. These loans are intended to finance an energy sector reform program. The first bill, approving a guarantee agreement between Tunisia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IBRD for a STEG loan, passed with 72 votes in favor, 19 against, and six abstentions. The second bill, concerning another guarantee agreement with the IBRD as the implementing entity for the Clean Technology Fund, also for STEG, was adopted with 19 votes against and six abstentions. These loans aim to improve efficiency, performance, and governance in Tunisia's energy sector, strengthen electrical infrastructure, and support renewable energy development. The adoption followed several days of parliamentary tension, including a session on Friday, July 10, being suspended and postponed. Deputy Bilel El Mechri had accused the Assembly President, Brahim Bouderbala, of delaying the vote due to strong opposition, calling the agreements "colonization loans" and alleging they would benefit foreign companies and lead to STEG's privatization.