AGP Executive Report

Tunisia–US Investment Push: The US Embassy in Tunisia launched a grant call for “Securing US Critical Mineral Supply Chains – Tunisia,” aiming to boost transparent private investment in the phosphate sector, with one award of $1m–$1.536m and an 18–24 month timeline. CAF Draw Impacting Tunisia: In the CAF Champions League preliminary round, Ghana’s Medeama SC were drawn against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, and if they advance they could face Tunisia’s Club Africain; in the CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeria’s Shooting Stars were paired with Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, while El Kanemi Warriors face Guinea-Bissau’s UDIB. Mouled Date Clarified: Tunisia’s City of Science says Mouled will be celebrated on August 25, with telescopic observation possible around August 13, while the Diwan Al-Ifta remains the official authority. Regional Finance Warning: Moody’s downgraded MENA sovereign credit outlooks to negative, citing conflict and shipping disruptions. Weather Update: Thursday evening brings generally clear skies with rough seas in the Gulf of Gabes and temperatures up to 37°C in the southwest.

CAF Club Draws: Tunisia’s clubs are set for new continental paths after CAF confirmed the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round draw in Cairo, with Sfaxien and other big names learning opponents as the first legs run Sept 4-6 and returns Sept 11-13. CAF Champions League: The Champions League preliminary draw also landed, with Zamalek, Espérance and Renaissance Berkane among the teams starting their routes toward the group stage. Tunisia Water Projects: Tunisia’s Douimis dam works are being pushed to mobilise 45 million m³ of water by end-2026, while officials inspected the northern transfer system in Bizerte and ordered urgent fixes to restart pumping. US Visa Bond Policy: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, raising the maximum to $20,000 for some African countries, with consular officers deciding case-by-case. Tunisia Security Probe: Tunisia’s authorities opened an urgent investigation after weapons, live ammunition, cash and gold were found in the home of a former governor in Mahdia. Regional Diplomacy on Jerusalem: Arab and Muslim foreign ministers met in Amman, with Tunisia among participants, issuing joint warnings against Israeli measures at Al-Aqsa and East Jerusalem. Sports—U18 AfroBasket: Tunisia’s U18 women opened their campaign in Abidjan against Nigeria, while Cameroon and others kicked off the tournament with strong results.

Tunisia Basketball: Nigeria edged Tunisia 54-50 in Day 1 of the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, with Tunisia leading early before Nigeria’s defense swung the last quarter. Regional Diplomacy: Arab and Muslim foreign ministers met in Amman and backed a unified stance on Jerusalem, condemning Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa and calling for international action; Tunisia is listed among the committee members. Tunisia Economy: Tunisia’s inflation eased to 5.1% in July 2026 (from 5.3% in June), with slower food price growth but faster tobacco and restaurants/hotels increases. Tunisia Sports & Youth: Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien and ES Zarzis are named among clubs set for the 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup preliminary draw in Cairo. Higher Education: Tunisia’s university orientation results will be sent by SMS starting Thursday, with online publication on Friday. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO added Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Saïd village to its World Heritage list.

U18 Basketball: Tunisia’s men and women squads were confirmed for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket in Abidjan, with Tunisia placed in Group C for the men and Group C for the women. Diplomacy on Palestine & Jerusalem: Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy to coordinate on Palestine and Libya, while Jordan hosted Arab ministers to respond to Israel’s moves around Al-Aqsa; Tunisia is listed among the participating states. Regional ties: Nafti also met Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty, reaffirming momentum on electricity, renewables, infrastructure and follow-up to the 18th joint high commission. Migration policy debate: Italy is reportedly floating an EU-funded “Albanian model” for migrant processing centers, with Tunisia named among possible locations—Armenia denies any proposal was discussed with Yerevan. Local media push: A Tunisian MP backed a legislative initiative to better protect community media and community radio, citing rising costs and the need for bottom-up governance. Heat & power strain: Tunisia’s heat and possible rotating power cuts are driving public anger, while reports also link prison conditions to deadly heat stress. Sports: Hervé Renard is back as Ivory Coast coach, and Tunisia’s football ecosystem continues to reshuffle as other African teams appoint new staff.

Heat & Wildfires Watch: Extreme heat is hitting Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya at once, with wildfires in Algeria and strained power grids in Egypt raising fears of a wider regional crisis. Football Shake-up: Côte d’Ivoire has appointed Hervé Renard as head coach for a second spell, replacing Emerse Faé, after Renard’s interim stint with Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup. Tunisia Finance Focus: Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri chaired a restricted Cabinet meeting to review Tunisia’s 2027 Finance Bill, stressing support for low-income groups, investment and jobs, plus food, water and energy security. Tunisia Sports Talent: PSG has loaned Tunisian forward Khalil Ayari to Dunkerque for one season, while Tunisia’s beIN Sports commentator Issam Chaouali renewed his contract for four more years. Tourism Push: Tunisia’s tourism ministry met Spain’s ambassador to boost investment, reopen hotel projects, and expand air links as Spanish arrivals rose to 18,600 (+6% by end of July). Regional Migration Politics: Italy is set to propose EU-funded migrant repatriation centers in third countries, with a preliminary list that includes Tunisia.

Power & Weather: STEG warned of possible rotating power cuts across Greater Tunis and parts of northern Tunisia Tuesday, with outages expected between 11:30am and 5pm (each interruption up to two hours), as forecasts call for thunderstorms, hail and heat up to 47°C. Economy & Trade Tech: SOTUMAG is expanding Tunisia’s electronic invoicing to wholesale markets after a pilot in Moknine, with the next launch at Teboulba set for August 15, aiming for more transparency and better supply-chain monitoring. Finance Watch: Tunisia’s money market rate stayed at 6.99% in July for a fifth straight month, while the central bank kept its key rate at 7%. Environment & Coastal Jobs: WWF North Africa launched a Tunisia project to turn marine waste into circular-economy opportunities by removing abandoned fishing gear and routing recovered plastics into legal, traceable upcycling. Media & Public Discourse: President Kaïs Saïed met Tunisia’s public media leaders, urging independent, responsible messaging and more public-service broadcasts to tackle social harms. Sports: Étoile du Sahel starts a training camp in Hammam Bourguiba ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: Italy is pushing EU interior ministers to back “Albania-model” migrant return hubs outside the bloc, with EU funding and possible sites including Tunisia, Libya and other African states, after the Ceuta surge sparked a bitter EU row. EU Border Pressure: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen urged stronger EU border controls after tens of thousands arrived and quickly left Ceuta, praising Spain’s returns system and backing physical barriers where needed. Tunisia Diplomacy: Ukraine dismissed ambassadors to Tunisia and Libya, alongside several other postings, in fresh decrees published by President Zelensky. Tunisia Sports Admin: The Tunisian Football Federation reminded clubs to submit complete player licensing files through the national registration system, warning incomplete applications won’t be accepted. Heatwave Hit to Farming: In Sidi Bouzid, a heatwave damaged large swathes of farmland, with some crop losses reaching 100%, as power cuts disrupted irrigation. Tunindex Market Mood: The Arab Monetary Fund reported the Tunis Stock Exchange led Arab market gains in Q2 2026, with the main index up about 29%. Tunisia Weather & Safety: A wider regional picture of fires and power-water strain highlighted Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia as summer risks intensify.

Ceuta Border Fallout: Morocco’s Interior Ministry says the Ceuta surge was driven by “overlapping factors,” including misleading online campaigns, human trafficking networks, and false claims that reaching Europe would have no legal consequences, while prosecutors open investigations. EU Migration Push: EU interior ministers are set for an emergency video call as Italy proposes EU-funded migrant repatriation hubs abroad, with a preliminary list reportedly including Tunisia. Tunisia Rights & Politics: A Geneva-based torture victims group urges the immediate release of Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners, citing serious health deterioration and threats to detainees’ safety. Local Governance & Services: President Kais Saïed inspected Radès after residents raised concerns over flooding, sanitation failures, beach pollution, and waste accumulation, focusing on Oued Meliane works and drainage capacity. US Visa Bond Rule: The US makes permanent a refundable security-deposit visa bond up to $20,000 for applicants from 50 countries, including Tunisia, for certain B1/B2 visas. Economy & Power: Tunisia’s electricity crisis is linked to stalled generation projects and steep cuts in STEG investment, with power outages threatening hospitals. Sports (Tunisia): Tunisia’s Yan Valery returned to training with Sheffield Wednesday after playing all three World Cup matches. Culture: A Tunisian wedding tradition spotlighted the safsari bridal dress and gold-embroidered status symbols.

U.S. Visa Bond Shock for Africans: From Aug. 3, the U.S. makes its refundable visa bond permanent, with deposits up to $20,000 for selected B1/B2 applicants—hitting 30 African countries, including Tunisia’s region-wide travel impact. Tunisia’s Olive Oil Value Trap: A new analysis argues Tunisian olive oil is often sold in bulk to Europe, then rebranded and marketed under Italian/Spanish labels—so Tunisia captures less value than it creates. Energy & Economy Pressure: Tunisia’s natural gas resources fell 14% year-on-year, while fiscal royalties from Algerian gas transit dropped 33%; meanwhile, debt and borrowing are framed as “life support” for the state. Green Mobility: Tunisian EV startup Bako Motors exported its first batch of electric cars to Germany, after receiving EU certification. Sports & Local Life: Friendly: Etoile du Sahel beat Espérance de Zarzis 2-0; Tunis Stock Exchange ended the week in the red. Weather Watch: Western Tunisia faces scattered rain and thunderstorms Sunday evening, with conditions tied to broader heat and climate risks.

U.S. Visa Policy: Washington is making its refundable visa bond programme permanent from Aug. 3, allowing consular officers to require deposits of $10,000–$20,000 for certain B1/B2 business and tourism applicants from 50 countries, including Tunisia. The bond is returned if visitors follow visa rules and leave on time, but is forfeited for overstays or violations. Climate & Preparedness in Tunisia: In Jendouba, local authorities have started preventive measures for autumn 2026 and winter 2027 risks, including clearing waterways, maintaining drainage and storm drains, removing waste, pruning trees, and warning farmers near wadis ahead of forecasts for sudden heavy rain, strong winds and fog. Sports (Tunisia in regional spotlight): Tunisia’s youth volleyball teams faced Cameroon in Alexandria, with Cameroon taking bronze in the boys’ U18 event after a 3-0 win over Tunisia, while Tunisia also featured in the girls’ championship run. Transport: Transtu announced a new bus route 511 from Aug. 3, linking Hay Ezzayatine to the Charguia industrial zone with a flat fare of 1 dinar.

US Visa Policy: The U.S. State Department is making its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require certain B1/B2 applicants to post up to $20,000 before a visa is issued, aiming to curb overstays; Tunisia is included among affected Arab countries. Local Transport: Transtu will launch bus route 511 on Aug. 3, linking Hay Ezzayatine to the Charguia industrial zone with a flat fare of 1 dinar and two daily services. Justice in Enfidha: Tunisia’s Sousse 1 court ordered the release of defendants in the Enfidha agricultural complex corruption case and postponed the trial to November. Energy & Daily Life: Reports highlight how power cuts and heatwave conditions are hitting farms, food producers, and hospitals, adding pressure to an already strained economy. Sports & Youth: Tunisia’s U18 AfroBasket field is set, with Tunisia qualifying as Zone 1 winners.

Power & Grid Relief: Tunisia’s central bank kept the money market benchmark steady at 6.99% in July, with the key interest rate unchanged at 7.00%, as the heatwave continues to strain daily life. Energy Policy: STEG has cleared low-voltage customers to use home battery storage with hybrid inverters, aiming to reduce the impact of planned outages and protect essentials during load-shedding. Public Services: The Health Ministry opened registration for the third cycle of medical studies (2025 session results) via a dedicated online platform starting Aug. 3, with specialty sessions scheduled from Aug. 6. Local Transport: Manouba selected 30 applicants for shared taxi licences, with appeals running Aug. 3-15, including a disability-access allocation. Politics & Rights: International pressure is growing around Tunisia’s jailed opposition figure Rached Ghannouchi, after Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim urged President Saied to consider release on humanitarian grounds. Regional Diplomacy: Saied and Algeria’s Tebboune exchanged condolences after a deadly Boumerdès bus accident, reaffirming ties.

Tunisia–Algeria Diplomacy: President Kaïs Saïed phoned Abdelmadjid Tebboune to offer condolences after the Boumerdès bus crash, reaffirming “fraternal” ties. Human Rights Pressure: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim urged Saïed to release jailed opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi on humanitarian grounds, citing his age and health. Energy & Daily Life: STEG approved home battery storage with hybrid inverters for low-voltage customers as heatwaves and outages strain the grid. Money & Banking: Tunisia’s average money market rate stayed at 6.99% in July, while cash in circulation edged up to 29.751 billion dinars. Economy Watch: The current account deficit widened to 2.3% of GDP in H1 2026, driven mainly by a record energy bill. Trade & Industry: Tunisia exported its first shipment of solar-powered electric cars to Germany, and opened a tariff quota for 16,500 tonnes of potato seeds for 2026-2027. Public Services: Medical studies registration for the third cycle opens Aug 3 via a dedicated online platform. Local Transport: Manouba selected 30 applicants for shared taxi licences, with appeals running Aug 3–15.

Human Rights Pressure: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim has written to Tunisia’s President Kais Saied urging the release of jailed Ennahda leader Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi on compassionate humanitarian grounds, citing his age and health. Detention & Press Freedom: Tunisian and international rights groups are again calling for an end to the imprisonment of journalists and human rights defenders, including cases tied to social media and defamation-related trials. Regional Security & Water: Libya and Tunisia have agreed to strengthen security coordination and expand economic cooperation, while Libya and Algeria signed a water-irrigation roadmap aimed at improving water security across the shared aquifer system. Local Governance: In Bizerte, a state-land monitoring committee approved new lease arrangements covering about 72 hectares, plus renewals and auction-based leases. Public Health & Daily Life: Sfax Municipality continued insect-control campaigns across markets, neighborhoods, and drainage channels, urging residents to remove stagnant water. Politics at Home: Five years after Saied’s power grab, Tunisia’s economic strain and tighter political freedoms are fueling renewed opposition and street protests.

Human Rights & Press Freedom: Tunisia’s rights groups (FIDH/OMCT and partners) are urging authorities to stop imprisoning journalists and human rights defenders, citing a pattern of prison sentences over criticism and social media posts, including cases involving Zied El-Heni, Sonia Dahmani, Haythem El-Mekki, Saadia Mosbah and Sihem Bensedrine. Public Health Under Strain: Tunisia’s public health unions warn of a “health emergency” as heatwave conditions collide with frequent power and water outages, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and threatening patients on ventilators. Climate & Heatwave Watch: A new heatwave is expected to hit Tunisia from August 3 for about a week, with temperatures potentially rising sharply toward the low-to-mid 40s in some areas. Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO added Sidi Bou Said to the World Heritage List, alongside other MENA sites, as experts call for stronger protection amid conflict and climate pressures. Regional Diplomacy: Libya and Tunisia reviewed stronger security coordination and economic cooperation, including action against smuggling and human trafficking.

Power Cuts & Health Crisis: Tunisia’s public health unions are demanding a full health emergency after heatwave-linked power and water outages overwhelmed hospitals, with patients on ventilators at risk and emergency units stretched. Wildfires & Human Cause: Officials say 95% of Tunisia’s wildfires are linked to human activity, with arrests under way as firefighters tackle major blazes across regions like Kef. Economy & Public Anger: Protest coverage highlights how blackouts and water cuts are fueling frustration over living costs, even as some economic indicators improve. Finance Watch: The Central Bank kept its key rate at 7.00%, while parliament approved a $500m Afreximbank loan aimed at investment, not consumption. Culture & Tourism: Summer festivals keep rolling nationwide, with Carthage and Hammamet among the big stages. Football: Tunisia appointed Moin Chaabani as national team coach on a four-year deal to restore stability after a tough World Cup. Global Spotlight: UNESCO added Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said to the World Heritage List.