45% of SMEs that Successfully Export do so on a Limited Scale
Due to a lack of resources to adapt to international standards, develop their logistics network, or invest in commercial prospecting, 45% of SMEs that successfully export do so on a limited scale.
According to a survey conducted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) on the challenges faced by SMEs in Tunisia in 2025, nearly 35% of Tunisian SMEs claim that the difficulty in obtaining credit directly limits their ability to export. The survey, which is part of the Trade and Competitiveness Program (TCP) co-financed by the European Union (EU), highlights the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing credit.
Key Findings
- 45% of SMEs that export do so on a limited scale due to a lack of resources to adapt to international standards, develop their logistics network, or invest in commercial prospecting.
- 35% of Tunisian SMEs claim that the difficulty in obtaining credit directly limits their ability to export.
- 44% of surveyed business leaders have obtained a loan from a financial institution, while 15% have been refused and 38% still rely on informal sources (family, friends, personal networks) to finance their activities.
- Only 3% of respondents have never sought formal or informal financing, highlighting the need for SMEs to obtain external financial support to sustain their activities and growth.
Barriers to Accessing Credit
The survey reveals that SMEs and micro-enterprises, which are essential to the Tunisian economy and represent 95% of the national entrepreneurial fabric, often face loan conditions that they consider discouraging. The main obstacles identified include:
- Unfavorable interest rates (82%)
- Excessive guarantees required (52%)
- Complexity of procedures (53%)
- Lack of support (30%)
- Insufficient information on available financing options (28%)
EIB Support for SMEs
The EIB is working closely with Tunisian banks to make the financial system more favorable to SMEs. Through the TCP, the EIB offers local financial institutions shared guarantee mechanisms to reduce their risk exposure when financing investment projects carried out by SMEs from strategic value chains.
