Tunisia has preserved macroeconomic stability and initiated fiscal and banking reforms, amidst a challenging political and external environment. Tunisia offers a functional and stable democracy, young and literate population, and a government supportive of reforms. The authorities five-year economic vision 2016-2020 aims at promoting stronger and inclusive growth and includes five pillars—of which the main driver is private sector development: effective public institutions; economic diversification; human development and social inclusion; regional development; and green economic growth. Macroeconomic stabilization—including fiscal consolidation, improved budget composition, and reduced external imbalances through larger exports and FDI—is considered a prerequisite for growth.
| Key Indicators | |
| Population, millions | 11.5 |
| GDP per Capita, U.S. dollars | 3465 |
| GDP Growth, percent |
1.96 |
| Inflation, end of period, percent | 5.32 |
| General Government Debt, percent | 70.3 |
| Global Competitiveness Ranking 2017-18 | 95 |
| Doing Business Ranking, 2019 | 80 |
| *Figures are for the period 2017, unless otherwise indicated. | |
Automotive Sector
Strengths
- An average annual growth of 12% over the last decade
- More than €2 billion of exported auto spare parts
- Among the 10 providers of Europe for electrical wiring systems
- Only country in Africa with local countries established world wide
- Different stages of value chain covered by Tunisian companies (40% local content)
- Experienced and highly adaptable workforce
- Geographic proximity and fast delivery times
- Consortium of equipment manufacturers within the Tunisian Automotive Association
Infrastructure
Main Infrastructure
- 9 international airports
- 7 commercial seaports and 1 oil terminal
- Developed network of roads and highways
- About 152 industrial zones and 2 parks for economic activities
- 12 completivity clusters
- 15 cyber parks for different specialties
Aerospace Industry
Strengths
- More than 80 companies set up in 4 industrial clusters
- Presence in the entire supply chain: high precision cutting and machining
- High value-added activities: software and hardware engineering
- Integrated industrial platform dedicated to aeronautics
- Consortium of companies with activities related to aerospace industry within Tunisian Aerospace Association Industries
ICT
Strengths
- Multiskilled human resources
- The highest concentration of researchers among Arab and African countries
- A performing infrastructure offer
- The biggest data center in Africa “dataxion” is based in Tunisia
- Tunisia is the first Arab and African Country in terms of innovation (2018 Bloomberg Innovaon Index)
- Tunisia is the 7th best city around the world to launch a start-up
- A favourable legal and fiscal framework
Agribusiness
Strengths
- The first worldwide exporter of dates
- The second African exporter of organic products
- Six medals in the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition 2018, including 4 goals
- The only African country having received the recognition of equivalence with the EU and Switzerland pertaining to organic agriculture
- Africa’s 2nd Largest Exporter of Organic Products
- Booming organic production
- Quality products, natural taste and flavor
- Synergy between research centers and companies
- Financial and tax incentives in favor of the sector
Renewable energy
Strengths
- A well defined energy strategy by 2030
- Intensifying energy efficiency promotion in all sectors with the aim to decrease primary energy demand by 2030 of 30% compared to the baseline
- Legal framework: Law no 12 of May 11, 2015 on the production of electricity from renewable energies
- Tunisia is committed (COP 21) to produce 2250 MW of electricity from renewable energy by 2030
- Priority sector under the new investment law
