AGP Executive Report

Protests & Governance: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in Tunis calling for President Kais Saied’s ouster, denouncing “one-man rule” amid water and electricity shortages, medicine gaps, rising prices, and tighter freedoms. Utilities Crisis: The heatwave pushed power demand to record levels, triggering rationing and worsening water pumping problems, with bottled-water shortages reported. Migration at Sea: A migrant boat sank off Tunisia en route to Italy; at least 13 are missing and two were rescued, as rights groups renew criticism of the EU-Tunisia migration deal. Regional Diplomacy: A US-backed UN-facilitated mini-meeting in Tunis advanced Libya’s roadmap, including plans to form the High National Elections Commission and amend election laws. Economy & Exports: Tunisia’s olive oil exports jumped 55.3% to 368,000 tons in the first nine months of 2025/26, bringing in $1.6bn. Health Services: Sfax opened a new medical imaging unit at the Airport Intermediate Health Centre after renovation and equipment installation. Local Development: Mahdia began construction of a municipal swimming pool project worth TND 11.7m.

Protests & Governance: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in Tunis demanding President Kais Saied’s departure, denouncing “one-man rule” and a slide toward dictatorship as power cuts, water shortages, medicine gaps, rising prices and repression fuel anger. Utilities Under Strain: The heatwave pushed electricity demand to record levels, triggering rationing by STEG and disrupting water pumping, leaving many without drinking water and basic supplies. Opposition Mobilisation: The Nafas movement—built to unite parties and independents—led the latest march, following a similar protest last month tied to Saied’s 2021 power grab. Healthcare Upgrade (Sfax): A renovated medical imaging unit opened at the Airport Intermediate Health Centre in Sfax, with new equipment and updated facilities to improve access and working conditions. Agriculture & Exports: Tunisia’s olive oil exports jumped 55.3% to 368,000 tons in the first nine months of the 2025/26 season, bringing in $1.6bn, with the EU taking 57.1% of shipments. Tourism Momentum: Tunisia welcomed over 5.8 million international tourists by end-July, keeping the 2026 season on track.

Protests & Governance: Hundreds of Tunisians marched in Tunis for a second straight month, demanding President Kais Saied’s departure, an end to “one-man rule,” and the release of jailed opposition figures as anger grows over repression and deteriorating daily life. Water/Energy Crisis: Demonstrators focused on “thirst” and “darkness,” pointing to severe drinking-water shortages and major power outages worsened by extreme heat. Fuel Disruption: A sudden strike by fuel transport drivers disrupted distribution, triggering long queues at gas stations in the capital and across parts of the country. Climate Preparedness: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri chaired a restricted meeting on rainy-season readiness, calling for better infrastructure maintenance, early warning systems, and coordination to prevent flood-related damage. Tourism Momentum: Tunisia welcomed more than 5.8 million international tourists by end-July, underlining continued recovery in the 2026 season. Economy/Finance: QNB Tunisia reported strong H1 2026 results, with deposits up and loans rising, while banking-sector commentary flagged shifting income sources. Local Finds: Three people were found dead in a tunnel after a treasure hunt went wrong, with investigations ongoing into fumes or collapse. Sport: Tunisia’s Ellyes Skhiri moved closer to a Bundesliga reunion after reaching agreement for a transfer involving Eintracht Frankfurt and Cologne.

Protest Watch: A new opposition collective, Nafas, is set to protest in Tunis on Thursday over extreme heat that has triggered power rationing and water cuts, with anger also fueled by medicine shortages, unemployment and rising costs. Human Rights/Justice: Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees says Israel’s probe into the killing of Hind Rajab is meaningless unless soldiers are actually held accountable, after Israel admitted troops fired on the car carrying Hind and her family in Gaza in Jan 2024. Detention Alarm: The Global Sumud Flotilla says Tunisian activist Wael Nawar has started a hunger strike over preventive detention, alongside three other members still imprisoned. Banking/Economy: QNB Tunisia reports strong H1 2026 results, with deposits up 11.7% and loans up 25.2% year-on-year. Local Incident: Three people were found dead in a Tunisian tunnel during a treasure hunt, with investigations focusing on fumes or a collapse. Regional Trade: Türkiye’s exports to Africa hit about $13.3bn in the first seven months, with Tunisia among the markets seeing growth.

Germany Migration & Skills: Germany approved 86,600 foreign professional qualification recognitions in 2025, up nearly 10%, with nursing, doctors and engineers leading; Tunisia ranked among the top source countries for recognized qualifications (5,400). Fertility Shock: Economists warn global fertility may already be below replacement, with the sharpest declines showing up in middle-income countries like Tunisia, reshaping investment and labour expectations. Tunisia Energy Update: National electricity production rose 5% by end-June 2026 to 9,550 GWh; renewables contributed 9.2%, and rooftop solar reached 500 MW in residential areas. Gold Market (Sfax): Sfax jewellers say local gold demand is steady despite global price swings; 9-carat trades around 130–140 TND per gram and 18-carat about 290–310 TND per gram. Mediterranean Games (Taranto): The 20th edition runs Aug 21–Sep 3 in Taranto, with athletes from 26 countries; Tunisia’s regional sports spotlight continues as teams prepare for opening week. Ceuta/Melilla Crossings: Morocco’s rights group OMDH reports major discrepancies in deaths and numbers during late-July and mid-August attempts, including cases involving Tunisians.

Mediterranean Games in Taranto: Morocco’s U20 men and U17 women’s teams have departed for Italy for the 20th edition, running Aug 21–Sep 3, with Morocco drawn into Group A against Tunisia, Türkiye and North Macedonia (U20) and Spain and Portugal (U17). Tunisia energy update: Tunisia’s electricity production rose 5% by end-June 2026 to 9,550 GWh, with renewables at 9.2% and STEG producing 91% of output; peak demand climbed 5% to 4,750 MW. Renewables push: Tunisia targets 30% of electricity from renewable sources, alongside growing rooftop solar capacity. Migration pressure in Europe: A new report highlights how migrants stranded at Spain’s Ceuta border await legal decisions after a late-July surge. Mouled zgougou prices: Tunisian consumer groups say assida zgougou pine seeds are selling at 45–50 dinars/kg, with production capacity far above what’s actually collected. Regional business ties: Turkish exports to Tunisia edged up slightly to about $101m in July, with overall exports to Africa reaching $13.3bn in the first seven months.

Tourism & Heritage Boost: Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said is drawing more visitors after its late-July UNESCO World Heritage listing, with locals expecting higher sales and renewed preservation efforts. Energy Update: Tunisia’s electricity production rose 5% by end-June 2026 to 9,550 GWh, with STEG still producing 91% of output and renewables contributing 9.2%. Local Economy & Culture: Mouled preparations in Tunisia focus on assida zgougou, as consumer groups say zgougou prices (45–50 dinars/kg) are stable versus last year but remain high versus household purchasing power. Local News: A 3.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded east of Mahrès in Sfax governorate on Aug. 17 at 4:47 p.m. Sports (Tunisia-linked): The African qualifiers’ next round is set for Dakar and Radès, with Nigeria and Cameroon among the headline matchups. Regional Context: Libya’s grid restoration continues after triple blackouts, while the Ceuta migration crisis highlights ongoing pressures at Europe’s borders.

UNESCO Boost for Sidi Bou Said: Tunisia’s historic seaside town is seeing a tourism lift after being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in late July, with locals hoping the new visibility brings more sales and investment while also raising the bar for preservation. Mouled Food Prices Watch: As Mouled approaches, consumer groups say zgougou (Aleppo pine seeds) prices are stable year-on-year at about 45–50 dinars per kilo, but still high versus household purchasing power, with a big gap between production capacity and collected quantities. Earthquake in Sfax Region: A 3.1-magnitude quake was recorded east of Mahrès in the Sfax governorate on Aug. 17, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. Sfax/Southern Tunisia Safety Alert: Rescue teams are working after a soil collapse trapped a 30-year-old man and two others inside an underground tunnel between Kairouan and Sfax delegations, with heavy machinery expected to help. Energy Update: Tunisia’s national crude oil production fell 6% by end-June 2026, with the average daily output dropping to about 25,400 barrels per day. Sport—African Qualifiers Preview: The next window of African qualifiers is set to bring major clashes, including Nigeria vs Cameroon in Radès, with both teams arriving on winning runs.

UNESCO Boost for Tunisia Tourism: Sidi Bou Said has seen a surge in international visitors after its late-July UNESCO World Heritage listing, with locals expecting higher sales for artisans and vendors and renewed pressure to protect the town’s blue-and-white architecture and heritage. Earthquake in Sfax: A 3.1-magnitude quake was recorded east of Mahrès in the Sfax governorate on Aug. 17 at 4:47 p.m. local time, according to Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology. African Qualifiers Spotlight (Tunisia): The next round of the African qualifiers is set to bring major matchups to Radès (Tunisia) and Dakar, with Nigeria and Cameroon among the headline clashes as the competition moves into its second round. Regional Sports Desk: Bahrain clubs Muharraq and Al Khaldiya will learn their AFC Champions League Two opponents today in Kuala Lumpur, with Al Khaldiya and Muharraq entering under new coaching setups. Mediterranean Environment Watch: New reporting highlights how warming seas are accelerating invasive species spread across the Mediterranean, reshaping ecosystems and fisheries.

UNESCO Tourism Boost: Sidi Bou Said, the blue-and-white cliffside town near Carthage, is seeing a surge in visitors after its late-July UNESCO World Heritage listing, with locals hoping for stronger tourism income while stressing the need for tighter preservation. Assumption Celebrations in Tunisia: Christians marked the Assumption across Tunisia, including a major La Goulette procession tied to the “Little Sicily” community and the Madonna of Trapani tradition, blending faith with local heritage. Digital Government Update: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting (Aug 15) reviewed progress on digital transformation projects aimed at modernizing public services, cutting corruption, and improving transparency, with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri calling for clear performance indicators. Public Health Watch: Tunisia’s veterinary authorities are investigating the deaths of more than 150 sheep in Gafsa’s Metlaoui area, with early suspicions pointing to possible water contamination and lab tests underway. Regional Politics: A new analysis by Algerian writer Boualem Sansal argues Tunisia’s recent unrest has deepened dependence on Algeria, framing an “anti-Morocco axis” linked to events since 2022. Weather: Sunday brings partly cloudy conditions with afternoon thunderstorms and rain in western central and southern regions, with temperatures rising into the 30s and locally sirocco winds.

Culture & Diplomacy: Peking Opera lit up the ancient theatre of Carthage as China’s national troupe performed “Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom” during the 60th Carthage International Festival, drawing big cheers from Tunisian fans. Religion & Community: In La Goulette (“Little Sicily”), the Assumption Mass and procession of the Madonna of Trapani brought together Italian-Tunisian heritage and a message centered on human dignity. Local Society: Tunisia’s INM warns of thunderstorms with heavy rain this Sunday, with possible hail and gusts over 80 km/h, especially in the north and central-west. Economy & Governance: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed Tunisia’s digital transformation push, including the National Investor Platform and more digital investment procedures, aiming to cut corruption and improve services. Health & Agriculture: Tunisia’s veterinary authorities are investigating sheep deaths in Gafsa after Libya’s animal health center flagged possible water contamination linked to phosphates. Business Watch: State-owned SIPHAT reports operational recovery in H1 2026, with revenue up and production rising at Fondouk Choucha. Sports: Tunisia’s Ahmed Hafnaoui withdraws from the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, citing lack of mental and physical readiness.

Digital Governance: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on digital transformation projects across administration, the economy and society, stressing measurable indicators, anti-corruption gains and “smart administration” goals. Public Health Watch: Tunisia’s veterinary services and the National Center for Animal Health are investigating the deaths of over 150 sheep in Gafsa’s Metlaoui area, with early suspicions pointing to possible water contamination from nearby phosphate-linked factories. Business & Industry: SIPHAT reported H1 2026 recovery, with revenue up 13% year-on-year and a sharp rebound in sales to private pharmacies, alongside a 61% jump in production at Fondouk Choucha. Weather Alert: INM warned of thunderstorm cells with locally heavy rain, hail and gusts over 80 km/h, with totals up to 60 mm in the Kasserine and Sahel areas. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia’s Dorsaf Ganouati is set to handle VAR for the WAfCON Morocco 2026 final in Rabat, with Tunisian assistant Houda Afine also on the officiating team.

Digital Governance: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting (Aug 15) reviewed progress on digital transformation across administration, investment procedures and enterprise transactions, with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri stressing measurable indicators, anti-corruption gains and “smart administration” goals. Regional Politics: Algerian writer Boualem Sansal links Tunisia’s current unrest and foreign policy shift to a turning point in Aug 2022, arguing Saïed’s full honors for Polisario helped spark an “anti-Morocco axis” and growing dependence on Algiers. Public Finance Watch: A new analysis warns Tunisia has had negative net saving for five straight years, saying the country is effectively consuming capital instead of replacing it. Weather Alert: The National Institute of Meteorology warns of thunderstorm cells with heavy rain, hail and gusts over 80 km/h, with 20–40 mm expected and locally up to 60 mm in Kasserine/Sahel. Sports & Youth: Tunisia’s U17 volleyball team is competing in Chile, while Olympic champion Ahmed Hafnaoui withdraws from the Mediterranean Games after a federation-government meeting citing lack of readiness.

Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of thunderstorm cells with locally heavy rain this Saturday, starting in the west, north and center before spreading east; totals are expected at 20–40 mm in several governorates, with up to 60 mm possible in Kasserine and the Sahel, plus hail and gusts over 80 km/h. Economy & Health: State pharma firm SIPHAT reports a recovery in 2026, with H1 revenue rising to TND 4.6 million and production up 61%, driven largely by a sharp rebound in sales to private pharmacies. Sports & Governance: Olympic champion Ahmed Hafnaoui withdraws from the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, citing lack of mental and physical readiness after a meeting involving the federation and youth sports ministry, while the federation questions his team’s handling. Rights & Politics: Ennahda calls for the release of women detained for political views on Tunisia’s National Women’s Day, saying arrests deepen the country’s political and rights crisis. Society & Culture: Tunisia’s volleyball U17 players in Chile share how competing at the FIVB Girls’ World Championship is a major step toward higher-level international play.

Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s U17 volleyball trio—captain Malak Allouch, Khadija Louati and Hajer Karamosly—are in Chile at the FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship, chasing the level they dreamed of and facing tough opponents as they learn and improve. Health & Economy: State-linked SIPHAT reports a recovery in 2026, with revenue up to TND 4.6 million in H1 and production rising 61% at Fondouk Choucha, though it still carries heavy structural financial pressure. National Finance: A new analysis warns Tunisia has stopped saving for five straight years, with net saving negative and worsening—suggesting the country is consuming capital instead of rebuilding for the future. Politics & Rights: Ennahda calls for the release of women detained over political views on Tunisia’s National Women’s Day, saying arrests deepen the rights and humanitarian crisis. International Migration: Frontex says irregular EU border crossings fell 37% in the first seven months, with the Mediterranean routes (including Libya/Tunisia to Italy and Malta) still driving most detections. Business & Trade: Tunisia’s TABC plans a multisectoral business mission to Guinea (Oct 6–11) to open new deals in infrastructure, energy, water, industry and digital services.

Tunisia Weather Watch: Tunisia may see a more unstable second half of August, with a higher chance of localized thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and strong gusts—especially between Aug. 15–22 across western and mountainous areas like Le Kef, Siliana, Kasserine, Kairouan and Sidi Bouzid. Digital Sovereignty & Skills: A new Tunisian analysis warns the country’s AI and tech ambitions are running into a math pipeline problem, with the share of students choosing the mathematics track at baccalaureate level falling sharply over the past two decades. Business & Trade: The Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC) is organizing a multisectoral business mission to Guinea (Oct. 6–11, 2026), aiming to open doors in infrastructure, energy, water, industry, IT and services. Economy in Focus: Tunisia’s car distribution sector shows mixed results under quota and FX constraints, with some dealers posting gains while cash pressure remains a concern. Society: A new study says Maghreb fertility is at a historic low, driven by economic strain, longer education, shifting roles for women, and rising divorce rates—Tunisia is now the lowest in the region.