Institutional Stability Is the Key Driver to Improve Tunisia’s Business Climate and Restore Investor Confidence
Wednesday, 18 February 2026 – Express FM
Hanan Trabelsi, Director of Research at the Central Directorate of the Tunisian Institute for Competitiveness and Quantitative Studies (ITCEQ), stressed that any effective economic reform must rest on a stable and predictable institutional environment. Speaking on Express FM, she explained that improving the business climate depends on a set of inter‑dependent factors: the financial system, investment attractiveness, competitiveness, innovation, and openness to international trade. Together, these elements form a coherent ecosystem whose efficiency is conditioned by institutions’ ability to foster lasting trust.
A Still‑Low Ranking
A recent study conducted by the Institute as part of an international research programme—participating several countries—places Tunisia 44th out of 59 in terms of business climate, a relatively weak result.
The ranking reflects several challenges:
- Economic fallout from the COVID‑19 pandemic
- Slow pace of structural reforms
- Fragility of the financial system
- Declining investment attractiveness compared with regional rivals that have implemented faster, deeper reforms
Despite these difficulties, the study also highlights Tunisia’s strengths:
- A strategic geographic position between Europe and Africa
- A robust university network and scientific research centres
- High‑value‑added potential in certain sectors
According to Trabelsi, these assets could become a solid foundation for boosting the country’s competitiveness and business climate—provided they are embedded within a clear, coherent economic vision.
Persistent Weaknesses
The report points to several structural shortcomings:
- Access to finance remains limited, especially for start‑ups and young firms.
- Weak synergies between scientific research and the broader economy.
- Slow institutional reforms and legislative updates.
- Constraints within the banking system and difficulties financing large‑scale projects.
- Low investment in innovation and the knowledge economy relative to countries that have made significant progress in these areas.
In response, Trabelsi called for:
- Accelerating institutional and legislative reforms to create a more business‑friendly environment.
- Redirecting bank financing toward productive investment and supporting high‑value‑added sectors.
- Strengthening coordination among higher education, scientific research, and industry.
- Defining clear economic priorities to avoid scattered efforts.
She concluded that sustainable improvement of Tunisia’s business climate inevitably hinges on consolidating institutional stability, rebuilding investor trust, and adopting a long‑term, innovation‑driven economic vision. With decisive political will, today’s challenges can be turned into genuine opportunities.
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