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African Manager
2 days ago
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia produces less electricity than it consumes
Mohamed Ali Fenira, a member of the Industry Committee in the Assembly of People's Representatives, stated that Tunisia's electricity production remains insufficient compared to consumption, highlighting the power cuts recorded in several regions of the country since Sunday. He specified that consumption is close to 5,000 megawatts, while production does not exceed 4,200 megawatts. Speaking on Express FM, he noted that there is a significant electricity deficit. No imports from Algeria have been possible, as the country faces the same issue. All of Tunisia's electricity comes from Algerian gas, at nearly 100%. Electricity must be available continuously, without interruption. It is imperative to expand the use of photovoltaic energy. However, he announced that work on the Tunisia-Italy electrical interconnection project (ELMED) will begin next month. This project will allow electricity exchange. Tunisia will have an energy surplus for 8 months (October to June), which it can export to Italy, and import back when needed. Solar energy development not progressing! Regarding solar energy, he noted that photovoltaic energy development is not advancing as it should. Many factories want to equip themselves, but the procedures take more than a year, discouraging investors. He also pointed out that the Tunisian state buys only 30% of the excess electricity produced by factories, at a price of 80 millimes/kWh, whereas in concessions granted to foreign investors, the price is 95 to 100 millimes/kWh. He stressed the lack of incentives, especially for households. Fenira added that the energy transition failed a first and second time. 'We hope the one planned for 2030-2035 will succeed. This is the only hope to avoid power cuts. Electricity is an absolute priority, and its availability must be continuous. We must massively expand photovoltaic use.' He also mentioned power cuts in industrial zones and numerous citizen complaints, recalling that the Assembly adopted Bill 65/2025 concerning the guarantee agreement signed on March 12, 2025, between Tunisia and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, to finance natural gas imports by STEG (Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company), with 73 votes in favor, 14 abstentions, and 12 against. This text relates to the purchase of a quantity of Algerian gas, which is a temporary solution for Tunisia. The MP also recalled that the 2015 Renewable Energy Law stipulates that the energy strategy must be approved by a ministerial decree after consultation with several ministries, but this has still not been done. This has caused blockages, particularly in land management. He mentioned the goal of reaching 35% renewable energy by 2030, stating that energy self-sufficiency in electricity is possible, provided that agreements are accelerated and strategies implemented. He also stressed that several investors have obtained bank approval to finance their photovoltaic projects, which is encouraging. Renewable energy is a goal for the state, investors, and financial institutions. 'Energy independence by 2035 is possible,' he said, while acknowledging that more efforts are needed, particularly on storage solutions and nighttime supply options, such as hydrogen or other alternatives. He called for a revision of several laws, including those on renewable energy and investment, to remove current obstacles. Finally, he addressed the debate over the article on projects of national interest, which, once approved, would automatically be considered as having obtained all necessary permits. This primarily concerns energy projects. Several regions of the country have experienced power cuts due to a heatwave. STEG clarified that these cuts were not due to local technical failures but rather a preventive nationwide measure (load shedding) to avoid a total grid collapse (blackout) in the face of unprecedented consumption peaks.
African Manager
07-07-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Currency declaration is mandatory… A new digital app coming soon
Colonel Elyes Belkhir of the Tunisian Customs announced that declaring foreign currency to customs authorities is a mandatory procedure when leaving Tunisia if the amount held exceeds 20,000 dinars, in accordance with the Ministry of Finance's decision dated March 1, 2016. Speaking on Express FM, Belkhir clarified that amounts below this threshold do not require a declaration, except in three specific cases: 1. If the traveler plans to open a foreign currency account. 2. If the amount reaches or exceeds 20,000 dinars. 3. If the traveler intends to re-export an amount equal to or greater than 5,000 dinars (around 1,500 euros) upon returning to their country of residence. Colonel Belkhir emphasized that declaring currency upon entering Tunisia, regardless of the amount, is a recommended practice. It facilitates currency exchange and financial transactions and also allows travelers to legally re-export the remaining balance if it equals or exceeds 5,000 dinars. He added that the declaration is valid for three months from the date of entry into Tunisia and applies to one trip only. The colonel also announced that Tunisian customs are developing a new digital application, currently in the testing phase, intended for Tunisian expatriates. This new service will allow travelers to declare currency remotely, helping to streamline procedures and simplify currency exchange operations.
African Manager
01-07-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Inactive bank accounts: Funds to be transferred to public Treasury
Starting July 1, 2025, funds held in inactive bank accounts will be transferred to the State Treasury, in accordance with a provision included in the 2025 Finance Law. In this context, banking law expert Mohamed Nekhili explained on Express FM that Article 39 of the 2025 Finance Law stipulates that banks must transfer to the State Treasury all bank accounts that have been inactive for over 15 years, without exception. He clarified that any client whose account has had no financial activity for 15 years or more will see their funds transferred to the public treasury as of July 1, after all affected clients were notified before April 30, and their names published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Tunisia (JORT). Clients were given the opportunity to visit their bank until June 30 to carry out at least one transaction to keep the account active. 'The account holder can simply deposit 10 dinars to preserve their funds,' he said. He added that if the client does not regularize their situation, the banks will proceed to transfer the account balance to the State Treasury.
African Manager
17-06-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Law banning subcontracting faces many challenges
Tunisia recently passed a law regulating employment contracts and prohibiting labor sub-contracting in certain sectors. The law aims to combat job insecurity and ensure workers receive stable, permanent contracts. Former Employment Minister Hafedh Laâmouri acknowledged that several issues have emerged since the law's enactment but stressed that solutions are possible. In an interview with Express FM, he noted that most insurance companies lack formal employment contracts, as do businesses operating on shift schedules. He added that the law faces difficulties in security and cleaning sectors, where workers would become direct employees of the companies they serve, making replacements during absences more complicated. Laâmouri added that many companies struggle to interpret and apply the law, leading to a wave of layoffs. While no law can cover every scenario, he emphasized that adjustments are feasible. The minister stated that 'the law on work contract organization and sub-contracting bans attempts to balance worker protections with business interests, but it imposes significant costs on companies that previously benefited from sub-contracting.' The Subcontracting Ban Law, which came into force in May 2025, is a new law that regulates employment contracts and prohibits subcontracting. Its purpose is to strengthen labor relations and guarantee employees' rights. According to many experts, this law eliminates forms of subcontracting that are detrimental to workers and establishes a direct relationship between employees and the companies benefiting from their services. Furthermore, Hafedh Laâmouri believes that this law provides an opportunity to revise collective agreements in light of its provisions without contradicting them while considering the particularities of various sectors. On another note, he stated that the dismissal of several employees in the private sector could be explained by a misinterpretation of the law, with many employers fearing an increase in the wage bill. Laâmouri therefore ruled out the possibility of an increase in unemployment, which stood at 15.7% in the first quarter of 2025. Conversely, the expert predicts that this figure will decrease during the last quarter of 2025. This is because, in his view, employers will realize the need to guarantee job security for employees affected by the new law, who are in permanent employment. He also said that subcontracting companies operating in the security and cleaning services sectors have complied with the provisions of the new law to avoid penalties. Finally, he dismissed rumors that implementing regulations were already in place, stating that a circular would be published to guide labor inspectors in uniformly applying the law. It should be noted that on May 21, Parliament adopted a new law regulating employment contracts and limiting subcontracting. The law, known as the 'subcontracting ban law', imposes penalties, including potential prison sentences, on individuals who hire under sub-contracting agreements. It replaces fixed-term contracts with permanent contracts, though certain exceptions are permitted. The Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) has highlighted numerous shortcomings and loopholes in the new legislation and warned of its potential repercussions for workers. According to the government, the purpose of this law is to prevent fixed-term employment contracts, eliminate the subcontracting of labor, and guarantee the right to permanent and stable employment. The government asserts that these objectives are in line with the Tunisian state's social vision.
African Manager
14-06-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Houas reveals penalties for electronic invoicing
The deadline for joining the electronic invoicing system is July 1, 2025, Abderrazak Houas, the spokesperson for the National Association of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, has announced. Speaking on Express FM on Tuesday, he specified that invoices will be electronic only and will no longer be in paper format. Once registration is complete, the tax authorities will be informed. Those who do not comply will face penalties, as electronic invoicing has become mandatory. He emphasized that this affects large companies, companies managed by major groups, government suppliers and sellers of medicines and fuel, with the exception of wholesalers and retailers in these sectors. This phase marks a new stage in the transition to electronic invoicing. The electronic invoice includes an electronic signature from the company, as well as a TTN (digital commercial network) signature. He specified that the electronic signature is very important, as it facilitates transactions. He emphasized that digitization should eliminate the use of paper. Penalties range from 100 to 500 dinars per invoice in accordance with Article 18 of the VAT Code. However, he stressed that a paper copy is still necessary in the transport sector due to the requirement to travel between different locations to check goods.
