AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity Push in Tunisia: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri issued a circular making public-institution digital systems harder to attack, including hosting rules, mandatory HTTPS, multi-factor authentication, and annual system audits by accredited bodies. Financial Oversight Upgrade: Tunisia’s Central Bank (BCT) and Financial Market Council (CMF) signed a cooperation deal to share information and strengthen integrated supervision, including anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing compliance. Energy Trust Shock: After summer power cuts, Tunisian businesses say trust in STEG is broken, pushing firms toward self-generation and storage—an expensive shift that could reshape the urban energy market. Renewables Funding: The El Fahs 75 MW wind farm in Zaghouan was selected for Japanese support under the Joint Crediting Mechanism, aiming to boost low-carbon electricity in Tunisia. AI & Privacy Rules: A Council of Europe draft agenda moves toward continent-wide guidance on how AI chatbots and agents handle data under Convention 108+. AI Startups Funding Gap (Africa): Digital Africa warns early-stage capital is shrinking for AI founders, making it harder to secure the first $100,000.

Cybersecurity Push: Tunisia’s PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri issues a circular with mandatory protections for public websites and e-services, including hosting rules, HTTPS, multi-factor authentication, and annual system audits by accredited bodies. AI Privacy Track: A Council of Europe draft agenda advances Convention 108+ guidance for AI chatbots and agents, with 55 nations set to move toward formal adoption later this year. Renewables Finance: The El Fahs 75 MW wind farm in Zaghouan is selected for Japanese support under the Joint Crediting Mechanism, aimed at boosting low-carbon power generation for STEG. Energy Reliability Shock: Reports say summer power cuts have pushed Tunisian firms toward self-generation, with STEG trust damaged and new generator demand likely to reshape local markets. Financial Oversight: Tunisia’s BCT and Financial Market Council sign an information-sharing agreement to strengthen integrated supervision, including AML/CFT coordination. UNESCO Science Tourism: Tunisia officially receives the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, Tunisia’s first UNESCO-listed geopark, highlighting sites like Jebel Tebaga.

Renewables & Climate Finance: Tunisia’s El Fahs wind farm (75 MW) in Zaghouan has been selected for Japanese support under the Joint Crediting Mechanism, with funding potentially covering up to 50% of eligible costs—though the exact amount wasn’t disclosed. Banking Performance: BNA reported a 14% jump in H1 net profit to TND 156.3 million, helped by higher investment income and deposits rising to TND 15.393 billion. Energy Reliability & Business Impact: After summer power cuts, Tunisia’s business community says trust in STEG is broken, pushing more firms toward self-generation—an energy shift that could reshape urban infrastructure and increase foreign-currency demand for equipment. Financial Supervision Upgrade: Tunisia’s Central Bank (BCT) and the Financial Market Council (CMF) signed an information-sharing agreement to strengthen integrated oversight, including AML/CFT coordination. Tech & Skills (Tunisia-linked): A new cybersecurity and AI lab at Haiti’s UNITECH is reported as involving Tunisian experts, highlighting regional academic collaboration. UNESCO Recognition: Tunisia received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, Tunisia’s first UNESCO-listed geopark, boosting tourism potential for Gabès, Tataouine and Médenine. AI Funding Watch (Africa): A report warns Africa’s AI startup boom is outpacing early-stage capital, making it harder to raise the first $100,000.

UNESCO Recognition: Tunisia officially received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, Tunisia’s first UNESCO-listed geopark, with Jebel Tebaga noted for a rare marine rock outcrop over 250 million years—boosting tourism potential for Gabès, Tataouine and Médenine. Energy Reliability & Business Impact: Reports say summer power cuts shattered trust in STEG, pushing firms toward self-generation (generators, storage, security), which could reshape Tunisia’s urban landscape and increase demand for imported equipment. Financial Oversight: A Tunisia-focused cooperation move: the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) and the Financial Market Council (CMF) signed an agreement to share information and strengthen integrated supervision, including anti-money laundering compliance. Tech & Talent Mobility: Russia plans to expand scholarships for Tunisian students, covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel and living costs, with quotas expected to rise from 2,000 to 5,000. Local Science Culture: Sfax held Regional Knowledge Day, spotlighting strong baccalaureate results, competition wins, and awards for researchers and faculty deans.

Financial Supervision Boost: Tunisia’s Central Bank (BCT) and the Financial Market Council (CMF) signed a cooperation and information-sharing deal to strengthen integrated oversight, align with international standards, and better coordinate on risks including AML/CFT. Energy Reliability Shock: STEG’s summer power cuts have shattered business trust, pushing firms toward self-generation and storage—an expensive shift that could reshape Tunisia’s urban energy habits and drive new local demand for generator services. UNESCO Geopark Milestone: Tunisia officially received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, Tunisia’s first UNESCO-listed geopark, with major tourism and regional development potential for Gabès, Tataouine and Médenine. Higher Education Links: Russia announced plans to expand scholarships for Tunisian students, with funding covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel and living costs, and a gradual rise in quotas. Local Knowledge Spotlight: Sfax celebrated Regional Knowledge Day, highlighting top school results, science and environmental club achievements, and recognition for researchers and university faculty. Governance Watch: An audit flagged major lapses in Tunisia’s public institutions, including unsupported payments, irregular contracts and cash advances not properly retired.

Cyber & AI Education: UNITECH (Haiti) launched its first lab dedicated to cybersecurity and AI, built with Tunisian partners and aimed at applied research plus training for public and private sectors. Sports Tech: CAF is reportedly preparing to introduce VAR in the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time, starting with Egyptian clubs, with a phased rollout to manage costs. Tunisia’s UNESCO Win: Tunisia officially received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting sites like Jebel Tebaga and boosting tourism potential for Gabès, Tataouine and Médenine. Tunisia–Germany Cooperation: President Kaïs Saïed met Germany’s foreign minister, calling to rebalance agreements and deepen ties in higher education, scientific research, vocational training, energy and technological innovation. Scholarships Abroad: Russia plans to expand government-funded scholarships for Tunisian students, covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel and living costs, with quotas set to rise. Road Tech in the Region: North Carolina’s NCDOT is using dashcam imagery analytics (ClearGuide + Vizzion) to improve traffic operations—another sign of how AI-driven mobility tools are spreading. Local Knowledge Push (Sfax): Sfax held Regional Knowledge Day, spotlighting top baccalaureate results, student achievements, and awards for researchers and faculty.

UNESCO Recognition for Dahar Geopark: Tunisia has officially received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, the country’s first UNESCO-listed geopark, with standout sites like Jebel Tebaga (a marine rock outcrop over 250 million years old). The listing positions Dahar as a new driver for geological, cultural and environmental tourism across Gabès, Tataouine and Médenine. Germany–Tunisia Tech & Research Push: President Kaïs Saïed met Germany’s foreign minister, stressing a review of existing agreements and deeper cooperation in higher education, scientific research, vocational training, energy and technological innovation, alongside calls to convert loans into private investment. Scholarships for Tunisian Students (Russia): Russia says it will expand its scholarship programme for Tunisian students, fully covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel and living costs, and plans to raise quotas for foreign students from 2,000 to 5,000. Sfax Regional Knowledge Day: Sfax held Regional Knowledge Day highlighting education and higher learning achievements, with awards for researchers and faculty deans and recognition for strong baccalaureate results and student competitions. Tunisia Engineering for Africa (Sept. 12): A panel in Tunis on Sept. 12 will spotlight the strategic role of Tunisian engineers in Africa, aiming to shift from individual skills exports to an integrated “Tunisia Engineering Offer for Africa.”

Higher Education & Mobility: Russia says it will expand scholarships for Tunisian students, with funding covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel and living costs, and plans to raise the foreign-student quota from 2,000 to 5,000. Science & Skills in Tunisia: Sfax marked Regional Knowledge Day, spotlighting top baccalaureate results, competition wins, and awards for researchers and faculty deans. Engineering for Africa: Tunisia Africa Business Council and the Tunisian Order of Engineers will host a Sept. 12 panel in Tunis on positioning Tunisian engineers in African infrastructure, energy, water, industry, technology and spatial planning. Tech & Education (Regional): Google extended a free one-year student AI offer to 27 African countries, but notably excludes North Africa, including Tunisia. Climate & Weather: Tunisia expects thunderstorms with possible hail in western north and center, with gusts over 70 km/h. Agritech (Elsewhere): Namibia cancelled an AI crop-monitoring deal after procurement and legal issues.

Higher Education & Mobility: Russia plans to expand government-funded scholarships for Tunisian students, covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel and living costs, with quotas set to rise from 2,000 to 5,000 over coming years. AI Governance: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (2026), scoring 2.12/4, with strengths in policy frameworks but concerns around brain drain. Digital Access for Students: Google is offering a free one-year Google AI Plus subscription to university and college students across 27 African countries—yet notably excludes North Africa, including Tunisia. Finance for Innovation: The EBRD is boosting its risk-sharing facility with Attijari bank Tunisia from €20m to €70m to unlock more private-sector lending, plus a new €8.6m ESG investment facility. Local Knowledge & Research: Sfax marked Regional Knowledge Day, highlighting top baccalaureate results, competition wins, and awards for researchers and faculty deans. Weather Watch: Tunisia expects thunderstorms with possible hail in western north/center, gusts over 70 km/h, and slightly rough seas. Cost of Living: A report revisits how prices in Tunisia have surged since the Arab Spring, driven by dinar depreciation and higher import costs.

Tunisia–Germany Cooperation: President Kaïs Saïed met German FM Johann Wadephul, pushing for a more balanced EU–Tunisia partnership and deeper ties in higher education, scientific research, vocational training, energy and tech innovation. Migration & Security: Wadephul urged tackling the root causes of migration in Africa, citing Sahel instability and smuggling networks operating through Tunisia and the region. AI Governance & Skills: Tunisia placed 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (score 2.12/4), while Google expanded its free student AI offer to 27 African countries—note: no North African countries included. Finance for Innovation: EBRD expanded its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m to boost private-sector lending, plus a new €8.6m ESG investment facility. Engineering for Africa: A Tunis panel on Sept. 12 will spotlight a “Tunisia Engineering Offer for Africa,” aiming to bundle Tunisian engineering, consulting, construction, tech and financing for African markets. Weather Watch: Thunderstorms with possible hail and gusts over 70 km/h are expected in western and central/northern Tunisia.

AI Governance: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (AAGI) 2026, scoring 2.12/4, with strengths in policy frameworks but ongoing concerns like brain drain. Digital Skills & Access: Google expands its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, but notably excludes North Africa (including Tunisia), highlighting a regional gap in AI access. Financing for Tech-Ready Firms: The EBRD boosts its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia from €20m to €70m, aiming to unlock more private-sector investment, plus a new €8.6m ESG support line for corporate climate and social upgrades. Engineering for Africa: Tunisia’s engineers’ role in Africa’s industrial transformation will be discussed Sept. 12 in Tunis under a “Tunisia Engineering Offer for Africa” push to package local expertise for infrastructure, energy, water and tech projects. Defense Tech in the Region: Turkish-made armed drones are increasingly widespread across Arab states, with Tunisia listed among buyers, underscoring growing regional defense-tech ties. Weather Watch: Thunderstorms with possible hail are expected Monday across western and central-northern Tunisia, with gusts over 70 km/h. Climate & Activism: North Africa’s social movements are shifting toward practical socioeconomic and climate-focused demands, targeting renewables projects over fairness and implementation.

AI Governance in Focus: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (AAGI) 2026, scoring 2.12/4, placing it in the top tier for AI policy and institutional frameworks while still flagging gaps like talent drain. Startup & Digital Economy: Google expands its free one-year Google AI Plus student offer to 27 African countries, but notably leaves out North Africa (including Tunisia), while highlighting broader push for AI skills across sub-Saharan markets. Finance for Growth: The EBRD boosts its risk-sharing support with Attijari Bank Tunisia from €20m to €70m to unlock more private-sector lending, and adds a new €8.6m ESG facility for corporate sustainability investments. Construction Trade Link: CEPEX opens registrations for a business prospecting mission tied to EXPO BÉTON in Kinshasa (Oct 7–10), targeting Tunisian firms in construction materials, infrastructure, energy and related sectors. Security Cooperation: A Tunisian police training delegation visits Michigan to exchange law-enforcement academy management know-how, supporting the Police Academy for Security Sciences. Fertilizer Shock Watch: A new analysis warns Africa remains vulnerable to fertilizer price spikes tied to global shipping disruptions, urging scaling of local nutrient solutions and better farm profitability.

AI Governance in Tunisia: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (AAGI) 2026, scoring 2.12/4, with strengths in policy and institutions but ongoing risks like brain drain. Google for Students: Google expands its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, but notably excludes North Africa including Tunisia. Green Finance Boost: The EBRD expands its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia from €20m to €70m and adds an ESG investment line to back energy-efficiency and social projects. Construction Trade Push: CEPEX opens registrations for a business prospecting mission tied to EXPO BÉTON in Kinshasa (Oct 7–10, 2026). Heatwave Watch: Tunisia faces a major Maghreb heatwave with INM forecasting up to 48°C, with chergui winds worsening conditions.

AI Education & Access: Google is expanding its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, with Gemini tools, higher usage limits and 400GB cloud storage—though Tunisia is notably absent from the eligible North Africa list. AI Governance: Tunisia places 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (AAGI) for 2026, scoring 2.12/4 and showing policy frameworks still under construction. Finance for Growth: The EBRD boosts its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia from €20m to €70m, plus an €8.6m ESG investment facility to help firms fund energy, waste and workforce projects. Trade & Construction Links: CEPEX opens registrations for a business mission to EXPO BÉTON in Kinshasa (Oct 7–10, 2026) targeting Tunisian construction materials, infrastructure and energy firms. Health & Safety Tech: A Tunisian app, Handimap, launches to help people with reduced mobility find accessible parking in real time across France using a centralized, verified dataset. Climate Watch: A Maghreb heatwave is pushing Tunisia toward 48°C, with very hot conditions expected to persist.

AI Access for Students: Google is expanding its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to 27 African countries, giving eligible students Gemini tools, higher usage limits and 400GB cloud storage—while notably leaving out North Africa, including Tunisia. AI Governance Watch: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index (2026), scoring 2.12/4 and showing a policy framework “under construction,” with brain drain flagged as a key risk. Finance for Growth: The EBRD boosts its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia from €20m to €70m, plus adds an €8.6m ESG investment line to help firms fund energy, renewables, waste reduction and social projects. Construction Trade Push: CEPEX opens registrations for a business mission to EXPO BÉTON in Kinshasa (Oct 7–10), targeting Tunisian construction materials, infrastructure and public works firms. Heatwave Alert: Tunisia faces a severe Maghreb heatwave, with INM forecasting up to 48°C in several regions as the chergui hot wind intensifies. Mobility Tech (Local): A Tunisian in France launches Handimap, a real-time app mapping verified accessible parking spots across France for people with reduced mobility. Rail Upgrade Link: Hyundai Rotem’s partnership is driving electrified rail upgrades in East Africa, with Tunisia readers likely tracking the broader regional tech shift.

Heatwave Watch: A Maghreb heatwave is pushing Tunisia toward 48°C, with the chergui hot, dry wind intensifying conditions and forecasts warning the extreme weather will persist. Accessibility Tech: Tunisian entrepreneur Chouaieb Nemri (France) launched Handimap, a real-time app that centralizes verified parking spots for people with reduced mobility across France, using fast geospatial search and a PWA interface. Health & Talent: Tunisia’s dermatologist Asmahan Souissi won an international 2027 Young Dermatologist award for Africa, with the Health Ministry highlighting the role of research and innovation in boosting Tunisian healthcare. Security Cooperation: A Tunisian police training delegation visited Michigan to exchange academy management and law-enforcement training know-how, supporting the development of Tunisia’s Police Academy for Security Sciences. Digital Growth in Africa: A new report argues Africa’s next economic leap is digital—AI, cloud, and data-driven services are positioned as major growth engines. MENA Tech Startup Push: EgamesArena reported pre-launch traction across MENA and ongoing support from FasterCapital to scale its esports marketplace and tournament services. Tunisia in the News: Around 150 easyJet passengers were stranded at Enfidha airport for nearly three days after a Belfast flight was cancelled due to a technical issue.