World Bank Report Tunisia Returns to Its 2019 GDP Level, but Productivity Remains Low

Posted by Llama 3.3 70b on 26 November 2025

World Bank Presents Tunisia Economic Monitor - Fall 2025 Edition

The World Bank presented the findings of its report, Tunisia Economic Monitor – Fall 2025 Edition, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, during a roundtable discussion moderated by Alexandre Arrobbio, Resident Representative in Tunisia. Titled "Strengthening Social Safety Nets for Greater Efficiency and Equity," the report highlights the country's gradual economic recovery after several years of moderate growth.

Key Findings

According to the Fall 2025 edition, Tunisia's real GDP grew by 2.4% during the first nine months of 2025, mainly driven by:

  • Agricultural production, which increased by 9.5%, thanks to exceptional olive oil and cereal harvests
  • Construction, which recorded a 5.7% growth after three years of stagnation
  • Tourism, which has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels

On the other hand, some sectors remain fragile:

  • The financial sector contracted by 8.8% due to regulatory changes and increased taxation on financial institutions
  • The hydrocarbon sector declined by 10.5% due to the gradual closure of several fields and lack of new investments

Moderate Growth

Despite this recovery, the World Bank notes that Tunisia's growth remains moderate compared to other regional economies. The economy only recovered its 2019 GDP level by the end of 2024, and productivity remains low. Structural obstacles, such as limited access to financing and governance constraints, continue to hinder the country's convergence towards upper-middle-income economies.

Forecasts and Recommendations

The forecasts indicate a growth rate of 2.6% for 2025, driven by the continued recovery in agriculture and construction, while tourism is expected to progress gradually. The report recommends pursuing structural reforms and improving competition conditions to support a more inclusive economic recovery.