AGP Executive Report

Culture & Tourism: China National Peking Opera Company brought “Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom” to the ancient theatre of Carthage, delighting Tunisian fans with drums, vocals and the Monkey King spectacle. Sports (Youth Volleyball): Tunisia has been drawn in Pool A of the 2026 FIVB U17 Worlds in Doha alongside Qatar, France and Venezuela, with the top 16 advancing to the Round of 16. Sports (Volleyball Hosting): Tunisia will host the 2026 Senior African Nations Championship in September after CAF moved the event from Kinshasa. Religion & Community: Assumption celebrations continued across Tunisia, including the La Goulette “Little Sicily” procession of the Madonna of Trapani, framed around human dignity and cultural ties. Health & Agriculture: Libya’s animal health authorities are monitoring sheep deaths in southern Tunisia’s Metlaoui area, with suspected water contamination under investigation. Energy & Security (Regional): An explosion near Libya’s Zawiya power generation plant triggered a blackout across Tripoli and western coastal cities. Weather: Sunday brings partly cloudy skies with afternoon thunderstorms and rain in western central and southern Tunisia, with temperatures rising and sirocco winds possible.

Digital Transformation Watch: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on digital transformation projects across administration, the economy and society, with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri stressing measurable indicators, smarter public services and anti-corruption gains. Public Health & Agriculture: Tunisia’s veterinary services and the National Center for Animal Health are investigating the deaths of more than 150 sheep in Metlaoui (Gafsa), with early suspicions pointing to possible water contamination linked to phosphates. Sports, Tunisia in the spotlight: Tunisia-based officials are set for major CAF roles, including VAR support for the WAfCON Morocco 2026 final, while Tunisian club Bizertin denies rumours of exclusion from Ligue 1 and confirms preparations ahead of the new season. Culture & Community: La Goulette’s “Little Sicily” marked the Feast of the Assumption with the Madonna of Trapani procession, highlighting Tunis-Italian cultural bonds and human dignity. Weather: Sunday brings partly cloudy skies, with afternoon thunderstorms and rain expected in western central and southern Tunisia, and temperatures rising into the 30s and low 40s.

Digital Governance: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on digital transformation across administration, investment procedures and business registration, with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri pushing for clear performance indicators to cut corruption and speed up a “smart” public service. Tunindex & Markets: The Tunis Stock Exchange slid again as Tunindex fell 1.15% to 19,692.67, with BT the most active stock despite a slight dip. Energy & Debt Pressure: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit rose 35% to TND 7bn by end-June 2026, while a separate report says SIPHAT is still weighed down by heavy debt but shows operational recovery in production and private-pharmacy sales. Political Tensions: Algerian writer Boualem Sansal links Tunisia’s recent unrest to a growing dependency on Algeria after 2022 diplomatic moves, arguing Saïed has little room to refuse. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Tunisia’s U17 volleyball players in Chile say the World Championship is raising their level; meanwhile, Esperance says FIFA lifted the suspension on Algerian striker Youssef Belaili. Weather Alert: INM warns of thunderstorms with locally heavy rain, hail and gusts over 80 km/h in several regions.

Tunindex Slide: Tunisia’s main stock index fell 1.15% on Friday to 19,692.67 points, with BT the most active stock despite a 1.7% dip. Energy Pressure: Tunisia’s energy trade deficit jumped 35% to TND 7 billion by end-June 2026, as imports rose faster than exports amid higher Brent prices and Strait of Hormuz risks. Public Finance Warning: A new report says Tunisia has effectively stopped saving for five straight years, with net saving staying negative and the country consuming capital instead of rebuilding it. SIPHAT Recovery, Debt Still Bites: The state pharma firm reported revenue growth and stronger production, but remains weighed down by a major financial burden. Sports—Local Clubs Hit: Esperance’s Algerian striker Youssef Belaili is cleared after FIFA lifted his suspension, while Métlaoui’s club says it can’t start the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season due to lack of funding. Weather Alert: The INM warns of thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail risk, and strong winds across multiple regions, including possible 60mm totals in the Sahel and Kasserine.

FIFA/Football: Esperance Sportive says FIFA has lifted the suspension on Algerian striker Youssef Belaili, clearing the way for him to return after injury and contract talks. Sports/Coaching: Shooting Stars (Nigeria) named former Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf as head coach/technical adviser, as the club prepares for the 2026/27 NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup. Migration/EU Borders: Frontex reports irregular border crossings into the EU fell 37% in the first seven months, with the Mediterranean routes from Libya and Tunisia to Italy/Malta still driving most detections. Tunisia Politics/Women’s Day: Ennahda called for the release of women detained for political views, linking the demand to Tunisia’s National Women’s Day and the wider rights crisis. Economy/Tourism: Tunisia’s tourism recorded 5.828 million visitors by end-July, up 2.6% year-on-year, with officials citing inspections, cleanliness efforts and new market push. Tech/Education: A Tunisian business leaders report warns “technological sovereignty” is at risk as math track participation at baccalaureate level drops sharply, even as AI ambitions grow.

Healthcare Digital Leap: Tunisia’s Health Ministry says its first nationwide remote specialty selection finished successfully for 1,458 candidates via a dedicated platform, producing 1,218 final choices and avoiding the need to travel to Tunis. Tourism Update: Tunisia reports 5.828 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 2.6% year-on-year, with more inspections and cleanliness efforts plus a push to attract Chinese tourists and expand air links. Economy Watch: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to TND 14.96bn by end-July 2026 as imports rose faster than exports (imports +13.7%), with energy the main driver (energy deficit TND 7.95bn). Education & Local Services: Sfax is studying a single-shift school system in some institutions to ease transport pressure, alongside TND 20m support for Sfax 1 and 2 and a school surveillance camera rollout 64% complete. Agroecology Support: A new call backs Tunisian MSMEs offering soil health and agroecology services under the “Soil Matters” project, with applications due Aug. 30. Sports (Tunisia-linked): The “Alas Pilipinas” U17 volleyball playoffs begin Aug. 14 after a pool win over Tunisia, while Tunisian fighter Yousri Belgaroui remains on the card for UFC Noche after a late opponent change.

Trade & Industry: Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to TND 14.96bn in the first seven months of 2026 as imports rose faster than exports, with the energy gap driving most of the deterioration; exports grew 9.9% to TND 40.64bn while imports jumped 13.7% to TND 55.60bn. Real Estate: The built-property price index in Tunisia rose 0.3% in Q4 2025, with house prices up 1.8% and apartment prices down slightly; year-on-year, built-property prices climbed 5.6%. Business Diplomacy: Tunisia’s Africa push continues with a multisectoral business mission to Guinea (Oct 6–11) covering infrastructure, energy, water, industry, IT and services. Politics & Rights: Türkiye’s parliament speaker urged the release of jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi and called for humane medical care. Sports: Esperance Sportive de Tunis confirmed the signing of former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa on a three-year deal. Religion & Calendar: Tunisia’s Mufti set Mouled for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

Parliament & Health: Turkey’s parliament speaker Numan Kurtulmuş renewed calls for the release of Tunisia’s jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi, urging humane medical care after his hunger and medication strike. Demography: A new AFP report says fertility is at a historic low across the Maghreb, with Tunisia now the lowest in the region as economic strain and shifting social norms push couples toward fewer children. Gender & Work: A debate is heating up in Tunisia over two draft laws tied to care work leave and public childcare—critics warn they could deepen gender gaps instead of closing them. Culture & Literacy: Kalimat Foundation’s Abu Dhabi pop-up with French-Tunisian artist eL Seed is turning art into children’s books, with proceeds supporting Tunisia’s right-to-read push. International Spotlight: Tunisia also featured in a Canadian political controversy after documents surfaced on Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagné’s costly travel, including trips to Tunisia. Sports: Tunisia’s presence in regional competition continues, with a Carthage festival highlight bringing Chinese Peking Opera to Tunisian audiences.

UNESCO Spotlight: Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, with residents saying the move is already boosting global tourism and pride in the village’s iconic white-and-blue identity. Water & Consumer Watch: Tunisia’s trade inspectors seized over 147,000 litres of bottled water since late July/early August, citing transparency and pricing violations amid a bottled-water shortage linked to heat demand and power outages. Security Cooperation: Kuwait urged Arab states to tighten coordination on airport and border security, pushing for better tech use and information sharing to curb smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border threats. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Tunisia’s U18 women’s basketball team faces Mali in the AfroBasket quarterfinals, while Tunisia’s national federation also shared rosters for upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Rades. Culture & Tunisia: Peking Opera performers took the stage at the Carthage International Festival, drawing Tunisian audiences to traditional Chinese theatre.

Tunisia–US Cooperation: Tunisia and the United States announced a new initiative to support private investment in the phosphate sector, aiming to boost funding and partnerships around one of the country’s key industries. Health & Climate: Tunisia’s Health Ministry activated an early warning system to tackle heatwaves, as extreme temperatures keep pressuring public services. Water Stress: Reports highlight mounting water-related strain, including protests surging in July and hundreds of civil protection interventions over the weekend, underscoring how quickly heat and shortages are turning into daily-life problems. Sports (Tunisia in the spotlight): Tunisia’s U20 rugby campaign ended with Zimbabwe taking bronze as Tunisia were relegated at the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy. Volleyball: Tunisia’s U17 girls were beaten 3-0 by Venezuela in the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ World Championship, while Tunisia also featured in the wider tournament results as teams fight for knockout spots. Waste Management Jobs: ANGED opened an external recruitment drive for 11 positions, including engineers, administrators, and senior technicians, with applications due Aug. 24.

University Placement Updates: Tunisia’s Ministry of Higher Education says final-round orientation results can be checked by SMS from noon Tuesday via 85000, with results also posted online on orientation.tn starting Wednesday. Diplomacy — Ukraine: Foreign ministers Mohamed Ali Nafti and Andrii Sybiha spoke by phone on boosting Tunisia-Ukraine cooperation, including trade, agriculture, higher education, and maritime freedom in the Black Sea amid shipping and food-security concerns. Sports — Rugby Africa U20: Tunisia were relegated after losing 38-12 to Zimbabwe in the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy bronze match in Kampala. Sports — FIVB U17 Volleyball: Tunisia’s U17 campaign continues to hinge on results after Peru beat Alas Pilipinas 3-1; Tunisia’s next pool outcome could still affect qualification scenarios. Climate & Science: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, while a total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Europe on Wednesday. Regional Security — Ennahda: Jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi ended a five-day hunger and medication strike, according to his defense team.

Ennahda Prison Update: Tunisia’s jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi ended his five-day hunger and medication strike after a request from the medical team, but his defence renewed demands for access to him and an end to his “isolation.” University Admissions: Tunisia’s Higher Education ministry says final-round university orientation results will be sent by SMS from noon Tuesday via 85000, with results also posted online from Wednesday on orientation.tn. Politics & Protest: A “Generation Z” youth petition calls for President Kais Saied’s resignation and early presidential and parliamentary elections, citing deep economic, social and political crises. Local Governance & Environment: President Saied made an unannounced visit to Gabès to assess pollution and push urgent solutions, amid ongoing public anger over industrial pollution. Economy & Payments: Tunisia’s central bank reports growth in electronic and banking payments in Q1 2026, while cash in circulation rose by over 5 billion dinars year-on-year. Tech in the Sky: The Tunisian Astronomical Society says recent “UFO” sightings were Starlink satellites, urging calm as similar appearances are likely again.

Volleyball (U17 Worlds): Tunisia’s U17 campaign took a hit as Venezuela beat Tunisia 3-0, leaving the door open for other Pool B outcomes as the tournament heads toward the Round of 16. Sports (Alas Pilipinas): Meanwhile, Philippines’ Alas Pilipinas Girls are pushing for the next tier after historic wins over Mexico and Tunisia, and they face Peru with a Round of 16 spot within reach. Energy & Infrastructure: The Major Projects Commission approved Borj El Amri power plant expansion procedures and backed completion works for a hospital in Thala, Kasserine, plus the Ennahli Digital City project. Power Cuts: STEG in Tataouine announced a Tuesday outage (5:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) affecting several areas including Ghomrassen road. Economy & Payments: Tunisia’s central bank reports strong growth in electronic and banking payments in Q1 2026, while cash in circulation keeps rising and checks keep shrinking. Space & Science: Tunisia’s Astronomical Society says recent “Starlink” lights were communication satellites, urging calm as similar sky sightings may return. Environment: President Saïed made an unannounced visit to Gabès to assess pollution and push urgent solutions. Health (Sfax): A new dental medicine unit opened at El Barmaki Basic Health Center, with added medical equipment for nearby communities.

Water Crisis: Tunisia’s water system is under severe strain, with the Tunisian Observatory of Water recording 608 reports in July—mostly unannounced cuts and distribution disruptions—plus rising protests and reports of leaks and drinking-water quality issues. Civil Protection: Over Aug. 7–9, Civil Protection logged 1,951 interventions nationwide, including roadside rescues, fire-fighting, other emergencies, and beach rescues. Migration & Security: EU funding is set to bolster Tunisia’s coastguard and maritime rescue coordination, with Brussels allocating €20.1m to train coastguard teams and strengthen search-and-rescue capabilities. Health & Rights: Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi is reported to be on hunger and medication strike, with his defense team alleging “complete isolation” and blocked access to lawyers and family. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Al Shamal signed Tunisia international Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane from Al Ahly ahead of the new season and its AFC Champions League Elite debut. Regional Spotlight (Ceuta): Italian intelligence warns Ceuta could face a “concrete” jihadist recruitment risk after mass migrant crossings, as Spain and EU partners debate responsibility and border control.

Water Crisis Watch: Tunisia’s Water Observatory says July hit a “critical phase” with 608 water-disruption reports, mostly unannounced cuts, and protests rising to 34 actions as Sahel and Cap Bon governorates bore the brunt. Power Cuts & Protests: Rotating electricity cuts to protect the grid have also sparked anger and economic disruption. Fertiliser Shortage Risk: Fertiliser reserves have fallen below safe levels, with DAP and other key inputs tightening ahead of the cropping season amid export restrictions. Local Governance (Kerkennah): The Kerkennah municipality approved TND 990,000 for waste collection, public lighting and beach-access road works under a tourist-area protection fund. Sports (Tunisia Abroad): Al Shamal in Qatar signed Tunisia midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane from Al Ahly; in volleyball, Tunisia’s U17 girls were beaten by Alas Pilipinas as the Philippines push for the Round of 16. Diplomacy & Culture: Tunisia’s ambassador Ahmed Chafra discusses Japan ties and Tunisia–Japan cooperation, while a new diplomacy ranking places Tunisia 82nd globally and 12th in the Arab world.

Volleyball (Tunisia in focus): Tunisia’s U17 women’s team suffered another setback at the FIVB World Championship in Chile, losing to Alas Pilipinas 27-25, 25-19, 25-16, leaving Tunisia winless in three games while the Philippines improved to 2-1 in Pool B. Local Governance (Kerkennah): The Kerkennah municipality secured 990,000 dinars to fund three tourist-area projects: a waste compactor truck, extension of public lighting in Sidi Youssef-Mellita, and paving/upgrading access roads to beaches. Sports (Club news): Étoile du Sahel says its dispute involving player Mohamed Amine Ben Amor has been officially settled, clearing the way for the club to take part in next season’s championship. Migration (Tunisia): Tunisia deported over 200 irregular migrants in a rapid border-tightening push, citing coordination with embassies and international bodies and stepped-up readiness to curb departures and smuggling. Economy/Industry (Phosphate): The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia launched a new $1.5m+ funding opportunity to support transparent private investment in Tunisia’s phosphate sector, with grants up to about $1.54m and an 18–24 month implementation period.