Tunisia’s Investment Landscape : A Gradual Recovery in Attractiveness
Key figures:
- Declared investments up 39 % compared with 2024
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) exceeds 3.5 billion TND in 2025
- Target for 2026: 4 billion TND of foreign investment
Overview
During his appearance on the TV program “90 minutes with IACE,” Jalal Tebib – Director‑General of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) and President of the Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA) – presented the 2025 investment results. According to Tebib, the numbers signal a healthy economy on the road to recovery.
- Declared investments rose 39 % versus 2024, representing investment intentions that could create 100 000 jobs.
- The legislature gives investors a four‑year window to materialise declared projects, a period that can be lengthened by procedural delays.
“In the analysis of investment dynamics, the annual evolution of investment intentions is a key indicator that helps us gauge the trend,” Tebib explained.
From Intentions to Realised Projects
- Historical conversion rate: Roughly 50 % of declared projects are eventually implemented, according to statistics from various investment agencies.
- Challenge: Boost this conversion rate by tackling the obstacles that slow project realisation (administrative bottlenecks, land‑ownership issues, etc.).
A Shift in the Investment Structure
A recent sector‑by‑sector breakdown released by the TIA shows a significant re‑balancing:
| Sector | Investment (million TND) | Share of Total Declared | Year‑on‑Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Services | 1 755.4 | 21 % | +75 % |
| Industry | — | 35 % | ‑14.3 % |
| Others | — | — | — |
- Services are gaining ground rapidly, indicating the start of a structural transformation toward a service‑led economy.
- Industry remains the largest recipient of investment (35 % of total) but its share has slipped.
“Fifteen years ago, 60 % of foreign investment went to the energy sector, a capital‑intensive area with limited job‑creation potential for university graduates,” Tebib noted. “Today, industry now absorbs about 60 % of FDI – a positive shift. Yet, globally, the real engine of investment is the services sector, and that is the trajectory we aim to follow.”
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the Rise
- Realised FDI grew 30 % in 2025 versus 2024 and 60 % versus 2022, reaching more than 3 570 million TND – slightly above the agency’s forecast.
- Industrial sector still dominates realised FDI, accounting for 63 % of the 2025 total, driven especially by electrical and mechanical industries.
2026 Goal: 4 000 million TND of foreign investment.
“We are returning to investment levels that better reflect Tunisia’s potential,” Tebib said.
Top Investor Countries
| Rank | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | France |
| 2 | Germany |
| 3 | Italy |
| 4 (emerging) | Jordan |
| 5 (emerging) | Czech Republic |
“Our vision is to diversify investment sources while consolidating traditional partners and attracting new ones,” Tebib emphasized.
Upcoming National Investment Portal
When asked about investment governance, Tebib highlighted the need for a single, unified structure to support investors, reducing duplication among bodies such as FIPA, TIA, APII, etc.
- Reform alone won’t solve all challenges (e.g., land‑ownership disputes, multi‑agency coordination).
- Digital tools can streamline procedures and improve inter‑agency coordination.
The National Investment Portal (in development)
- Led by TIA, the portal will gather the entire institutional ecosystem in one digital platform.
- Objectives:
- Digitise and simplify the investor journey.
- Cut processing times – time is a decisive factor for investors.
- Provide flexibility and reduce bureaucratic delays.
“We must not let opportunities slip away; we must support investors who show interest in Tunisia,” Tebib asserted.
Tunisia’s Competitive Advantages
- Strategic geographic location – close to Europe, a key asset amid the rise of near‑shoring and shorter supply chains.
- Extensive trade agreements, including:
- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- COMESA
- Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA)
- EU Association Agreement
- Qualified talent pool – a steady supply of skilled professionals keeps Tunisia attractive to international investors.
Bottom Line
Tunisia is gradually restoring its investment appeal through:
- Higher declared and realised investment volumes
- A clear shift toward service‑oriented projects
- Targeted governance reforms and a forthcoming digital portal
- Strategic positioning within multiple free‑trade zones
If the conversion rate of declared projects improves and the new portal delivers on its promise of speed and transparency, Tunisia could solidify its role as a preferred destination for both traditional and emerging foreign investors.
