Microfinance Sector in Tunisia Sees Significant Growth
The number of people who obtained financing for the first time from microfinance institutions increased to 17,260 in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 14,351 and 15,389 for the same periods in 2024 and 2023, according to data published by the Microfinance Control Authority (ACMF). Available indicators and data confirm that the microfinance sector in Tunisia is gaining importance among a wide range of Tunisians, given the difficulty of accessing bank loans. This is evidenced by the fact that 821,123 Tunisians obtained a loan from these institutions in June 2025.
Key Statistics
- The total outstanding amount of these loans reached 2,724 million dinars, compared to 773,478 clients and 2,343 million dinars for the same period in 2024, representing an estimated annual increase of 6.2% in terms of the number of clients and 16.3% in terms of loan value.
- The volume of microfinancing granted by microfinance institutions in the form of joint-stock companies (SA) represented 98% in the first half of 2025, compared to only 2% by microfinance associations.
- The average loan per client recorded an increase of 9.5% during the same period, rising from 3,029 dinars to 3,318 dinars.
Microfinance Institutions
The data from the Control Authority indicates that the microfinance sector in Tunisia includes seven microfinance institutions in the form of joint-stock companies, operating through 236 branches, in addition to one microfinance institution in the form of an association with six branches. This is in addition to the activity of 289 microcredit associations operating in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 99/67 of July 15, 1999, related to microcredits.
Financial Inclusion Efforts
Tunisian financial authorities are working to support financial inclusion programs to enable individuals and institutions to access the financial services they need, such as savings, payments, loans, and insurance, with the aim of strengthening economic growth, reducing the vulnerability of low-income individuals, and creating job opportunities. The 2025 finance law included the creation of a 20 million dinar financing line to support the financial and economic inclusion of vulnerable and low-income categories.
Regulatory Framework
Decree No. 117 of 2011 established the Microfinance Control Authority (ACMF) as an independent authority with financial autonomy. It consists of a general directorate and a board of directors comprising multiple parties, such as the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Tunisia, the General Directorate of Insurance, the judicial and administrative judiciary, and the National Accounting Council. According to the decree, its objectives are to monitor microfinance institutions, determine offenses and administrative sanctions and fines, impose disciplinary sanctions, and refer to justice.
