AGP Executive Report

Tunisia–ECOWAS Tech Push: ECOWAS and Tunisia agreed to deepen cooperation in technology and digitalisation, security, climate resilience, and infrastructure, with plans for knowledge-sharing and investment in transport, energy, and connectivity. Tunisia Digital Labour Oversight: Tunisia is preparing a digital platform for labour management to strengthen labour inspection, improve monitoring, and publish regularly updated social and labour statistics. Tunisia Water Investment Focus: Tunisia’s Agriculture Ministry says it oversees 90+ major projects via the presidency monitoring platform, with water taking the biggest share of funding (dams, irrigation, desalination, and rural drinking water). Tunisia AI Talent & Training: ENSIT will send 13 students to China for a year-long program covering AI, machine learning, computer vision, big data, Python, and generative AI, plus language and industry projects. Tunisia–Korea Industry Link: A delegation of 13 Korean automotive component companies is set to visit Tunisia in mid-October to explore sourcing and investment with Tunisian partners. Health & Tech Research: A Tunisia-led study links extremely low frequency EMF exposure at power plants with poor sleep, depression, anxiety, and stress, urging safer workplace practices. Regional Science & Culture: ALECSO held a conference on Palestinian childhood under Israeli occupation, focusing on protecting education and cultural identity. Mobility & Infrastructure Deal: Libya says it’s ready to invest with Tunisia in Tunis-Carthage Airport upgrades or building a new airport, citing strong tourism ties. International Tech/Finance Context: Tunisia appears in broader regional tech and policy moves, while JP Morgan’s new frontier bond index puts Tunisia among participating markets (with a reported 5.32% weighting).

Digital Labour Oversight: Tunisia plans a digital platform for labour management in September 2026 to modernize labour inspection, improve monitoring, and publish regularly updated social and labour statistics. Water & Agriculture Funding: Tunisia says water dominates Agriculture Ministry investment, with 80% of projects tied to dams, rural drinking water, desalination and water transfers. Workplace Health Research: A Tunisian-led study links extremely low frequency EMF exposure at power plants with poorer sleep and higher depression, anxiety and stress among workers, while noting the U.S. lacks federal EMF limits. AI Policy Moves: Algeria sets up five committees to implement its national AI strategy, including one dedicated to large language models, plus plans for a national AI and data research centre. Education & Tech Mobility: ENSIT sends 13 engineering students to China for training in AI, machine learning, computer vision, big data, Python and generative AI, with industry projects. Regional Tech Cooperation: A delegation of 22 Austrian companies will visit Tunis on Sept. 29 to explore green energy, hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure and environmental technologies. Health & Safety on Roads: A smart-mobility analysis warns school traffic can add 20–30% to morning congestion, raising risks for students and pedestrians. Sports Medicine Seminar: Tunisia joins the 5th Arab Military Seminar on Sports Medicine in Doha, focused on fitness and cooperation among Arab military medical and sports bodies.

Digital Labour Oversight: Tunisia plans a digital platform for labour management in September 2026, aiming to modernize labour inspection, improve monitoring, and publish regularly updated social and labour statistics for faster preventive action. Water & Agriculture Funding: The Agriculture Ministry says it oversees 90+ major projects on the presidential monitoring platform, with water taking the biggest slice: 1.251 billion dinars out of a 2.064 billion dinar budget, covering dams, rural drinking water, desalination and transfers. PV Cooling Innovation: Tunisian researchers at the University of Tunis developed a low-water evaporative cooling system for solar panels using three layers of jute fabric plus an IoT-controlled pump, designed for arid conditions and preparing a megawatt-scale pilot. AI Governance & Skills: Algeria announced five committees to implement its national AI strategy, including a dedicated track for large language models and plans for a national AI research centre. Education & Tech Mobility: ENSIT will send 13 students to China for a year-long program focused on AI, machine learning, computer vision, big data, Python and generative AI, with hands-on projects in electric-vehicle and advanced tech firms. Business & Tech Transfer: 22 Austrian companies are set to visit Tunis on Sept. 29 for B2B meetings and a business forum, targeting green energy, hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure, industrial cooperation and environmental technologies. Mobility Safety Tech: Iteris reports school drop-offs can drive 20–30% of morning traffic and highlights data-driven signal timing tweaks to improve safety around schools. Weather Watch: Meteorology forecasts thunderstorms with locally heavy rain across Tunisia, supporting the start of the agricultural season and easing early autumn heat.

Energy & Trade Shock: France’s near-zero growth and rising energy prices could hit Tunisia twice—slower European demand plus a heavier energy import bill (energy product imports up 28.5% in the first eight months of 2026). AI Governance: Algeria created five committees to implement its national AI strategy, including a dedicated track for large language models, plus plans for a National Research Centre for AI and Data. Tunisia-China Tech Education: ENSIT sends 13 students to China for a year-long program covering AI, machine learning, computer vision, industrial big data, Python and generative AI, with hands-on projects in electric vehicle and advanced tech firms. Solar for SMEs: Tunisia approved 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW in its 6th authorization round, designed for landowners and small investors via a capped licensing lane feeding STEG under long-term deals. Weather Watch: INM-linked forecasts of heavy thunderstorms led Tunis Governorate to postpone a Regional Science Day event. PV Cooling Breakthrough: Tunis researchers developed an IoT-controlled, low-water evaporative cooling system using layered jute fabric for PV modules in desert conditions. Aviation Incident: A Turkish Airlines flight reportedly faced extreme turbulence while trying to land at Tunis-Carthage, then rerouted to Enfidha-Hammamet and landed safely. International Business: 22 Austrian companies plan a Tunis visit on Sept. 29 focused on green energy, hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure, industrial cooperation and environmental tech.

Aviation Safety in Focus: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A321 reportedly attempted to land at Tunis-Carthage three times during a storm, with passengers filmed “free-falling” in extreme turbulence before the flight was rerouted and safely landed at Enfidha-Hammamet. AI & Engineering Education: ENSIT is sending 13 students to China for a one-year program with training in AI, machine learning, computer vision, industrial big data, Python, and generative AI, plus language and hands-on projects in electric-vehicle and advanced tech firms. Renewables Policy: Tunisia’s sixth solar authorization round approved 309 projects totaling 455 MW, with most aimed at small investors/SMEs via STEG long-term PPAs. Science & Skills Strategy: An IACE note warns Tunisia’s “scientific capital” is eroding and argues for long-term governance to turn education spending into innovation-ready skills. International Business: 22 Austrian companies are set to arrive in Tunis on Sept. 29 for B2B talks on green energy, hydrogen, infrastructure, and environmental technologies. Weather Watch: Tunis Governorate postponed its Regional Science Day due to forecasts of heavy rainfall.

Tunisia-Austria Business Push: 22 Austrian companies are set to arrive in Tunis on Sept. 29 for a Tunisian-Austrian business forum and B2B meetings, with a focus on green energy and hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure/industry cooperation, and environmental technologies. AI & Responsible Tech: Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s second AI Summit, urging investment in digital infrastructure and skills while stressing governance and ethical, equitable AI use. Solar for Small Players: Tunisia approved 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW in its sixth authorization round, with most projects capped at 1–2 MW and power sold to STEG under long-term PPAs—aimed at SMEs, landowners, and small investors. PV Cooling Breakthrough: Researchers at the University of Tunis developed an IoT-controlled, jute-based low-water evaporative cooling system for PV modules, reporting a 21.4°C temperature reduction and field validation in desert conditions. Science Events Affected by Weather: The Tunis Governorate postponed the Regional Science Day due to forecasts of heavy thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall.

Tunisia-Austria Business Push: A delegation of 22 Austrian companies is set to travel to Tunis on Sept. 29 for B2B meetings and a business forum, with green energy and hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure, industrial cooperation and environmental tech at the center. Scientific Capital: An IACE analysis warns Tunisia’s scientific capital is being eroded, arguing that strong fundamental science skills must be treated as strategic “intangible infrastructure” to power innovation and productivity. Solar Policy Update: Tunisia’s sixth solar authorization round approved 309 projects totaling 455 MW, mainly small-scale (mostly 1–2 MW), selling power to STEG under long-term PPAs—an approach aimed at SMEs, landowners and small investors. PV Cooling Research: Tunis University researchers unveiled an IoT-controlled, jute-based low-water evaporative cooling system for PV modules in arid climates, reporting a path toward off-grid, biodegradable solutions. Weather & Agriculture: INM forecasts of heavy thunderstorms in Tunis have led to postponing the Regional Science Day, while September rains are expected to support the agricultural season and groundwater. AI Governance in the Region: Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s AI Summit, calling for responsible AI, digital infrastructure and skills to bridge divides.

Solar Energy Policy: Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy approved 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW in its sixth authorization round, far above the 200 MW target, with most deals aimed at landowners and small investors and power sold to STEG under long-term PPAs. AI & Governance: Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s second Artificial Intelligence Summit, urging faster AI adoption alongside digital infrastructure, skills, and stronger governance and ethics. PV Research in Tunisia: A University of Tunis team developed an IoT-controlled, low-water evaporative cooling system using three layers of jute fabric to cut PV module temperatures in arid conditions, with plans for a larger industrial pilot. Weather & Agriculture: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology forecasts thunderstorms and locally heavy rain as autumn disturbances begin; researchers say September rainfall should support the agricultural season and recharge groundwater. Education & Science Events: The Tunis Governorate postponed a Regional Science Day due to expected heavy rainfall. Tech & Connectivity (Region): MTN Cameroon and ITGStore won a CFA1.38bn contract to install Wi‑Fi and network infrastructure at six Cameroon airports.

Tunisia Solar Push: Tunisia’s Industry ministry approved 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW in its 6th authorization round, far above the 200 MW target—mostly small 1–2 MW schemes sold to STEG under long-term PPAs, a “middle lane” for landowners and SMEs. Renewables Research: A University of Tunis team unveiled an IoT-controlled, low-water evaporative cooling system for PV modules using three layers of jute fabric, aimed at arid-climate field validation and off-grid use. AI Policy in the Region: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s 2nd AI Summit, urging investment in digital infrastructure and skills while tackling governance, ethics, and the digital divide. Science Education in Tunisia: The Tunis Governorate postponed the Regional Science Day due to forecast heavy rainfall, with a new date to be announced. Global Tech & Climate: Copernicus reports August as Earth’s hottest month on record, driven by climate change plus a strong El Niño. Digital Safety: A UNICEF-led study flags high rates of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation among teens, including Tunisia in the multi-country comparison.

AI & Policy: Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s second Artificial Intelligence Summit, urging “responsible technology” and calling for stronger digital infrastructure, skills, and AI ethics to bridge governance and access gaps. Renewables & Investment: Tunisia’s solar authorization round approved 309 projects totaling 455 MW, with a focus on small and medium investors via capped licensing—an approach that could offer a model for other markets. Weather & Science Events: The Tunis Governorate postponed the Regional Science Day after forecasts of heavy rainfall, with a new date to be announced. Space Cooperation Risks: A new report says China is folding African space projects into Belt and Road deals, often tying funding to Chinese vendors and operations—raising concerns about asymmetric outcomes and financial risk. Solar Manufacturing Watch: Ember reports Africa’s solar panel manufacturing capacity could quadruple this year, with new plants in Egypt and Tanzania and additional growth across several countries including Tunisia. Health & Access: Fertility experts ahead of an Abuja conference pushed for wider, affordable IVF access and stronger rules to curb surrogacy abuses. Global Climate: Scientists say August was Earth’s hottest month on record, driven by human-caused warming plus a strong El Niño. Agri-food Exports: Tunisian agri-food exports to Jordan surged, with packaged olive oil reaching TND 156 million and over 11,000 tons by late July.

Solar Power Policy: Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy approved 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW in its sixth authorization round—more than double the original 200 MW target—mostly aimed at small and medium investors, with long-term STEG power purchase deals and tariffs down to about €0.049/kWh for the largest sites. AI Governance & Skills: At Tunisia’s second Artificial Intelligence Summit, Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy urged building an “AI society” by investing in digital infrastructure and human capabilities while tackling digital divides, governance, and ethical use. Climate Watch: Scientists report August as Earth’s hottest month on record, driven by human-caused warming plus a strong El Niño, pushing global temperatures well above the Paris 1.5°C threshold. Weather Forecasting Tech Transfer: South Korea’s meteorology agency will train five African nations—including Tunisia—on numerical weather prediction and AI models under a WMO early-warning initiative. Tunisia–ACSAD Research Cooperation: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry met ACSAD leaders to expand technical and applied research, expertise transfer, and climate-resilience projects for arid-zone farming and livestock. Cybersecurity Push: A Tunisian government circular calls for strengthening cybersecurity across public institutions. Health & Safety Online: A UNICEF-backed study flags high rates of technology-facilitated sexual abuse among teens, including Tunisia among the countries assessed.

AI & Governance: Tunisia’s AI Summit opened with Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy urging “responsible technology,” calling for stronger digital infrastructure, skills, and AI ethics to close digital divides. Maritime Security: Exercise Phoenix Express-2026 kicked off in Tunisia’s La Goulette, bringing North African, European and U.S. forces for search-and-rescue drills, simulated ship boardings, and real-time data sharing to curb illegal activity in the southern Mediterranean. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology expects mostly stable conditions early in the week, with local thunderstorms Tuesday and possible disturbances from Thursday. Clean Tech Research: Tunisian researchers turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in 30 minutes under simulated sunlight, using a microwave-assisted, lower-energy process. Agriculture & Trade: CEPEX will send Tunisian BTP and construction-material firms to Cameroon (Yaoundé/Douala, Oct 27–29) to find partnerships, while Tunisian agri-food exports to Jordan surged—olive oil alone reached TND 156m. Health & Skills: A Tunisia-linked international nursing capacity programme is underway in India, with delegates including Tunisia.

Solar Manufacturing Boost: Ember says Africa’s solar panel output could quadruple this year, with new plants in Egypt and Tanzania driving growth and Tunisia among countries expected to add capacity. Weather Watch (Tunisia): Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology expects generally stable conditions early in the week, with local thunderstorms on Tuesday and possible disturbances from Thursday. Clean Tech from Local Sand: Tunisian researchers turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in 30 minutes under simulated sunlight, using a microwave-assisted, lower-energy process. Agri-Food Exports: CEPEX reports Tunisian agri-food exports to Jordan surged, with packaged olive oil reaching TND 156 million and over 11,000 tons by end-July. Climate & Farming Research Links: Tunisia and ACSAD discussed partnership mechanisms, expertise transfer, and joint climate-adaptation and livestock-improvement projects. Maritime Security Drill: Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 began at La Goulette Naval Base, bringing Tunisia, the U.S., and partners together to share real-time maritime security data and run joint drills. Public Health Leadership: 50 senior nursing leaders from 27 countries joined a one-week policy and management programme at PGIMER, with Tunisia among the participants. Cyber/AI Weather Training: Korea’s meteorology agency is training specialists from Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Tunisia, and Uganda on numerical weather prediction models for early warning systems. Tunisia on the Map: A UN resolution “Correct the Map” pushes for projections that avoid Mercator’s land-area distortion, relevant to how Tunisia’s size is perceived.

Maritime Security in the Mediterranean: Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 kicked off at La Goulette Naval Base in Tunisia, bringing together North African, European and U.S. forces for a 12-day drill focused on maritime security, search-and-rescue and shared real-time coordination. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology says conditions stay mostly stable early in the week, with local thunderstorms possible on Tuesday and possible disturbances from Thursday. Agri-Food Trade Boost: Tunisian agri-food exports to Jordan surged, reaching a 90% share by end-July 2026, led by packaged olive oil (TND 156 million; 11,000+ tons), with CEPEX participation in INFTEXPO 2026. Climate & Research Cooperation: Tunisia and ACSAD discussed expanding technical and applied research, expertise transfer, and joint projects for climate adaptation and improved livestock breeds. Clean Tech from Desert Sand: Tunisian researchers turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in 30 minutes under simulated sunlight, using a microwave-assisted method. Women’s Innovation Spotlight: AWIEF announced finalists for its 2026 awards, adding categories for technology pioneers and a new Male Ally Award.

Cybersecurity Push in Tunisia: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri issued a circular tightening protection of public digital systems, making HTTPS and multi-factor authentication mandatory, requiring annual information-system audits (and audits before major releases), and restricting hosting of official websites/platforms to the National Centre for Informatics, public data centres, or licensed telecom operators. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology says conditions stay mostly stable early in the week, with local thunderstorms expected Tuesday and possible disturbances from Thursday. Clean Tech from Local Sand: Tunisian researchers turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in 30 minutes under simulated sunlight, using a microwave-assisted method that avoids hazardous acid-leaching. Climate & Agriculture Research Link: Tunisia and ACSAD discussed partnership mechanisms to expand technical and research cooperation, including expertise transfer and joint climate-adaptation projects. Regional Tech Transfer: Korea’s meteorological agency will train specialists from Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Tunisia, and Uganda and transfer numerical weather prediction and AI models for early warning systems. Maritime Security Exercise: Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 began at La Goulette Naval Base, combining cutting-edge maritime tech with joint drills to improve detection and deterrence in the southern Mediterranean. Women in Innovation: AWIEF announced 2026 awards finalists, adding a Male Ally Award alongside categories for tech pioneers, agri innovators, and emerging leaders.

Weather & Climate Tech: South Korea’s Korea Meteorological Administration will transfer its numerical weather prediction and AI models (KIM included) to Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Tunisia and Uganda under a WMO “Early Warnings for All” capacity-building program in Seoul. Agriculture Research Cooperation: Tunisia and ACSAD discussed mechanisms to expand technical and applied research, including climate adaptation and improved livestock breeds suited to arid conditions. Renewables in Tunisia: The El Fahs 75MW wind farm in Zaghouan was selected for Japanese support under the Joint Crediting Mechanism, aiming to boost low-carbon electricity generation for STEG. Cybersecurity for Public Services: Tunisia’s PM issued a circular tightening protection of public digital systems, requiring secure hosting, HTTPS, multi-factor authentication, and regular audits for websites and e-services. Health & Mental Care (Regional): Morocco’s Ministry unveiled its Mental Health Plan 2030 to scale beds, facilities and psychologists, addressing a large treatment gap. Science & Environment (Tunisia): Researchers turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in 30 minutes under simulated sunlight, using a microwave-assisted synthesis. Business & Finance: BNA reported H1 2026 net profit up 13.8% to TND 156.3m, with deposits rising to over TND 15.39bn. Tech & Connectivity (Global): A study by Broadband Genie ranked the UK 46th for average mobile broadband data cost ($0.27 per 1GB), highlighting how pricing comparisons depend on assumptions. Maritime Exercise: Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 kicked off at La Goulette Naval Base, focusing on maritime security cooperation and real-time data sharing in the southern Mediterranean.