Tunisian Businesses Show Resilience Amid Challenging Economic Environment
Despite a still difficult economic environment, Tunisian businesses continue to demonstrate a certain capacity for resistance. This is evident from the EY 2026 Barometer of Businesses in Tunisia, presented recently on a private radio station by Anis Lâadhar, EY Parthenon Leader.
The Press — According to the results of this edition, approximately 77% of the surveyed leaders consider the current climate to be unfavorable to their activities. This perception reflects the persistent difficulties faced by businesses in a context marked by economic uncertainties, administrative constraints, and lack of visibility.
However, this negative assessment of the global context has not been translated into a general decline in activity. More than half of the surveyed businesses declared having recorded a growth in their activity during the year 2025. This indicator reflects, according to EY officials, the adaptability of Tunisian businesses and their ability to maintain their development despite a complex environment.
Prospects for 2026 Remain Relatively Stable
The perspectives for 2026 also remain relatively stable. A significant portion of the surveyed leaders anticipate a continuation of the current dynamic, while others expect an improvement in their activity. This trend testifies to a cautious confidence in the resilience of the Tunisian entrepreneurial fabric.
The barometer also reveals a willingness to continue investing. Thus, 32% of the surveyed business leaders anticipate an improvement in the investment climate, while nearly 50% of them plan to make investments in the coming months.
Key Takeaways
One of the main lessons of this edition concerns the concerns expressed by the leaders. For the first time since the creation of the barometer, tax pressure appears as the main source of concern for businesses, even ahead of the general economic situation.
Business leaders point out the instability and lack of clarity of tax policies, considered as obstacles to visibility and investment planning. They also express a sense of injustice between structured businesses operating in the formal sector and those in the informal economy. Additionally, they criticize the quality of administrative services, particularly in terms of delays, simplification of procedures, and support for economic operators.
Through this new edition, the EY Barometer highlights a business fabric that remains confronted with significant structural constraints, while maintaining a growth and investment dynamic.
