Tunis Stock Exchange Unveils Strategic Project to Unlock Tunisia's Financial Potential
On Monday, May 11, 2026, the Tunis Stock Exchange brought together financial experts, academics, and market players to discuss a strategic project aimed at "unleashing Tunisia's financial potential" through the development of innovative financial products and the creation of a commodities market.
At the heart of the discussions is a structuring proposal: the introduction of Tunisian olive oil into a organized stock exchange framework, which could pave the way for a genuine commodities and agricultural products exchange.
Bilel Sahnoun, Director General of the Tunis Stock Exchange and President of the Union of Arab Capital Markets, proposed the introduction of olive oil into the stock exchange's quotation mechanisms. He explained that this initiative aims to "valorize national production and strengthen price transparency."
According to him, such a reform requires a review of the legislative framework to allow the integration of agricultural commodities, starting with olive oil, into formalized financial circuits.
Towards a Commodities and Derivatives Exchange
The project, also mentioned in the context of the National Agriculture Day celebrations, goes beyond mere quotation. It involves the creation of a commodities exchange and a derivatives exchange, with olive oil at its core.
This initiative is driven by academic actors, financial institutions, and several economic stakeholders, with the goal of better exploiting the financial potential of Tunisian agricultural products.
Agriculture Minister Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh supports this orientation, arguing that Tunisian olive oil has all the necessary characteristics to be integrated into an organized market for commodities.
A Reference Price and Better Market Regulation
The project's promoters believe that the creation of such an exchange would allow Tunisia to have a globally recognized reference price, rather than being subject to international market fluctuations and foreign intermediaries.
The proposed system would be based on supply and demand, ensuring greater transparency and visibility for producers and exporters before the start of agricultural campaigns.
Beyond price fixing, the commodities exchange could integrate modern financial instruments, such as futures contracts, allowing producers to hedge against price volatility and speculation risks.
Stakeholders have also emphasized the need to diversify export markets, reducing dependence on the European market and exploiting new opportunities, particularly in Asia, such as the expanding Chinese market for olive oil.
The idea of a potential "Carthage Commodities Exchange" has also been mentioned as a long-term ambition. "Given that no specialized market for olive oil exists globally today, Tunisia could position itself as a pioneer in this field," added Bilel Sahnoun.
However, experts stress that the implementation of such a project requires a deep reform of the legislative framework governing financial markets, to fully integrate derivatives and coverage instruments related to agricultural commodities.
Key Takeaways:
- The Tunis Stock Exchange has launched a strategic project to unlock Tunisia's financial potential through innovative financial products and a commodities market.
- The project involves the introduction of Tunisian olive oil into an organized stock exchange framework, paving the way for a genuine commodities and agricultural products exchange.
- The creation of a commodities exchange and a derivatives exchange would allow Tunisia to have a globally recognized reference price and better regulate the market.
- The project requires a deep reform of the legislative framework governing financial markets to fully integrate derivatives and coverage instruments related to agricultural commodities.
