Africa Economy

As part of efforts to promote economic development, reduce unemployment and bring down the country’s persistent current account deficit, the authorities are seeking to promote and develop exports. Tunisia’s 2016-20 development plan aims to raise the value of sales of goods abroad to 42% of GDP by 2020.

One of the most developed and diversified economies in the region, Tunisia has for years attracted praise for relatively prudent management. With high urbanisation, well-maintained infrastructure, a strong education system, close trade links and a modest selection of natural resources, the country has an attractive macroeconomic profile.

Tunisia has received ample coverage as one of the few – if not arguably the only – true success stories of the Arab Spring. Much of substance has been achieved in the last five years, as the country has taken the first steps towards becoming a robust and transparent democracy, showing a propensity towards consensual dialogue and negotiation....

Balancing a budget is made all the more challenging in times of low growth. However, Tunisia has had some remarkable success in addressing its fiscal shortfalls, and while debt has been inching upwards, it is still manageable. The government has more work to do to bring the budget closer to a surplus and will look to slow the rise in debt, but...

Tunisia has been going through a watershed period in its modern history, with the revolution of 2011 bringing much-needed change and reform. While the country has avoided much of the instability of the wider region, it has nonetheless undergone a spell of turbulence, testing the country’s newly found democratic bonds. However, with a young...

As part of efforts to develop the economy, the Tunisian authorities are keen to boost levels of investment, which stand at around 18.5% of GDP, well below the 30% witnessed in neighbouring Morocco. The country’s 2016-20 development plan requires total investment of TD125bn (€57.3bn) to be made in the coming five years. In order to facilitate...