Economic Indicators Show Positive Trends as Tunisia Reviews 2026 Budget Bill
As the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) reviews the details of the 2026 budget bill, which will determine the country's financial policy for the upcoming year, economic indicators continue to show positive trends.
The latest provisional report on the execution of the state budget, made public by the Ministry of Finance, reveals a surplus of approximately 655 million dinars (MD) as of September 2025. In contrast, during the same period last year, the country recorded a deficit of 1.067 MD.
According to analysts and experts, this improvement can be attributed to several factors, including:
- An increase in budgetary resources and tax revenues, as well as non-tax revenues
- A decrease in investment and management expenses, as well as debt service costs, with a shift towards domestic debt (10.8 billion dinars) over external debt (8.7 billion dinars)
It is worth noting that Tunisia is expected to pay off several loans contracted on international markets, prompting the state to become more aware of the need to gradually control the cost of debt, despite the country's debt structure remaining heavily dependent on international markets.
Furthermore, while financing costs (interest on debt) have slightly decreased by 4.1%, treasury resources have evolved positively by 16.5%. These resources will be mobilized to the tune of 99% for the repayment of the principal debt.
A structural reform, initiated since the implementation of the July 25, 2021, process, has led to an improvement in the current account deficit and a strengthening of foreign exchange reserves. This should encourage the government to better address part of its external debt repayments. Additionally, Tunisia is now ranked 5th out of 54 African countries according to the Human Development Index.
To strengthen the resilience of its economy, Tunisia should:
- Accelerate its structural transformation
- Restore the viability of public finances
- Support development partners
- Implement industry upgrading
- Improve the business climate
- Develop human capital
By doing so, Tunisia can build on its positive economic trends and ensure a more stable and prosperous future.
