Latest news with #KaisSaïed
African Manager
20-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
What if Enfidha were to be the solution?
The Tunisian media have only picked up on the latest document from the World Bank, which forecasts growth rates for Tunisia. But this periodic conjuncture report, entitled 'Better Connectivity for Growth', didn't just talk about that. This 24-page document, which is not the product of the IMF, which Tunisian head of state Kais Saïed dismissively calls 'Ommek Sannafa', depicts the economic situation in Tunisia fairly and realistically. Below are some key points from the latest WB report: In a country that has fallen behind in terms of economic development, the report states that 'Tunisia's growing dependence on domestic sources to fill the external financing gap poses medium-term risks to currency and price stability'. The World Bank considers that 'the increase in domestic financing of public debt has strengthened the connection between the banking sector and the government budget, potentially affecting the credit market'. The Bretton Woods institution remains the only one helping Tunisia without imposing reforms, and finds that 'the budget continues to be under pressure as limited economic activity affects tax revenues', predicting that 'assuming drought conditions ease, we expect a moderate recovery in growth in 2025–27, but downside risks remain high'. In true not 'Ommek Sannafa' style, Alexandre Arrobbio, the head of the World Bank's operations in Tunisia, confirmed that 'Tunisia continues to demonstrate resilience in a complex global and national context'. It is he who raises the issue of connectivity. 'Better connectivity, particularly through improved port logistics, can be a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth,' he says. The port of Enfidha has been struggling since 2017 Arrobbio has also unearthed the issue that has plagued all the post-2011 transport ministers for years. Like his predecessors, the current minister, Rachid Amri, chaired a working session on March 12 2025 devoted to measures to speed up the Enfidha deepwater port project. Long before that, in February 2023, former minister, Rabii Majidi, who was later dismissed, announced that the evaluation of the call for tenders for the deepwater port was imminent. Five years ago, the former CEO of the Ports Office, Sami Battikh, told AfricanManager that four groups, the Chinese CHEC and Bouygues, had been shortlisted for the Enfidha deepwater port project. Since then, a company has been set up to manage the Enfidha deepwater port project. Its only function is to issue invitations to tender for various assignments, including updating the market survey and conducting technical, economic and financial studies, as well as preparing a call for tenders. The fate of its predecessors is unknown. TOS and TTN had already failed to bring the administration and STAM under control 'As a relatively small open economy, the performance of the port sector is crucial to Tunisia's economy. Efficient ports offer the opportunity to capitalize on Tunisia's geographical location along the Gibraltar–Suez maritime axis, accounting for over a third of global container traffic', explain analysts at the World Bank. Tunisia's ports are equipped for Ro-Ro units, but not for container handling. This affects connectivity, congestion, and the operational efficiency of containers. 'Tunisia's equipment and infrastructure constraints are compounded by the complexity of handling goods in ports, resulting in long waiting times for containers and high logistics and storage costs for businesses,' they point out. It is also known as the 'white wolf' by Tunisian experts, who criticize the managers of STAM for monopolizing the port of Rades, the only one capable of handling container traffic, and delaying this opportunity, which could bring Tunisia 4–5% of its GDP and reduce dwell times within 3–4 years, with greater long-term gains. One solution is to divert attention away from the need to restructure STAM (Société tunisienne d'acconage et de manutention) by installing and implementing a TOS (Terminal Operating System). 'However, the full achievement of this objective has been delayed, primarily due to the slow implementation of the Liasse Transport across all Tunisian ports, delays in the deployment of TOS, and the fact that key modules of the system remain non-operational due to outdated handling equipment and machinery. Consequently, the expected productivity gains for STAM and the more efficient spatial organization of the Port of Rades have yet to materialize,' writes the WB, which supported the project. Furthermore, the large-scale deployment of the TTN (Tunisie Trade Net, an essential component of the TOS) to all players in all ports has been considerably delayed due to managerial denial of digitalization. Furthermore, economic operators are still required to submit paper documents to customs before declarations are allocated to inspectors. Furthermore, most of the technical control agencies involved in import inspections lack operational IT systems to manage their tasks and automate exchanges with entities connected to the TTN. Tunisia's one-stop shop for digitized foreign trade has certainly lost its luster since the departure of Karim Gharbi, its 'creator'! Enfidha is desperately seeking a port All of the problems mentioned in the WB report have been evident since the Ben Ali era, when the country's leaders had already implemented a suitable solution, a deep-water port at Enfidha, well before other Mediterranean countries did so. The project was intended to stimulate national development by linking western Tunisia to the maritime east via deepwater ports. However, since the revolution, it has been the subject of regional disputes, with some advocating for Bizerte and others for Sfax. Years later, the only things that remain are profound differences over the port's priority and uncertainties over its financing. We can't rule out the possibility of it ending up in the hands of the Chinese, who are currently buying up almost everything in Tunisia, including a cement factory!
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tunisia: President urges top priority for social aspect and fair taxation in 2026 Finance Bill
Tunis - President Kais Saïed stressed the urgent need, at the stage Tunisia is going through, to break away from outdated perceptions and prioritise the social aspect, alongside fair taxation, to achieve the desired justice and equity. This came during a meeting with Prime Minister Sara Zaafrani Zenzri and Finance Minister Michket Slama Khaldi at Carthage Palace on Wednesday, which focused on the general orientations of the 2026 Finance Bill. "When justice prevails and the state reclaims its natural social role, stability follows, paving the way for inclusive, sustainable growth," the Head of State was quoted as saying in a Presidency statement. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tunisia: Head of State stresses effectiveness of national choices, calls for joint efforts to tackle financial challenges
TUNIS: President Kais Saïed affirmed that Tunisia's steadfast national choices have proven effective, citing controlled inflation rates and the fulfillment of all financial commitments. He made the remarks during a meeting with Finance Minister Michket Slama Khaldi and Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), Fethi Zouhair Nouri at Carthage Palace on Monday afternoon. The meeting emphasised the need for all state institutions to work together in addressing financial challenges. the President of the Republic underscored the imperative for all banking institutions—public, private, or otherwise designated—to strictly comply with Tunisian laws. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
African Manager
06-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Is Tunisia on track for a revival of its phosphate industry?
Boosting phosphate production was the focus of a meeting between President Kais Saïed and Industry, Mines and Energy Minister Fatma Thabet Chiboub. According to a statement from the Carthage Palace, the Head of State emphasized the need to restore and even increase the production rate of the phosphate sector while ensuring the protection of workers' rights and taking into account their challenging conditions in the mines. He also highlighted the importance of rebuilding several public infrastructures that previously existed but have disappeared over time. Additionally, the President stressed the imperative of implementing a new strategy for washing phosphate using treated wastewater instead of potable water, which would help conserve water resources. This method has proven effective in several countries. The President also called for a definitive solution to the issue of 'phosphogypsum' in Gabes, exploring the possibility of its exploitation without harmful effects on the environment. In this regard, he recalled studies conducted over a decade ago by engineers and specialists in Gabes, which scientifically demonstrated the viability and safety of this solution. Furthermore, the Head of State ordered the acceleration of efforts to find a permanent solution for the Mezzouna plant in Sidi Bouzid, which falls under the Tunisian Chemical Group in Gafsa. He also called for holding fully accountable those responsible for its closure, which deprived dozens of people of their jobs. Increase in phosphate production in 2024 The Gafsa Phosphate Company (CPG), a pillar of the Tunisian economy, has recorded a notable increase in its commercial phosphate production in 2024, reaching 3.03 million tons. This figure marks an improvement compared to the previous year, when production stood at 2.9 million tons. With an average monthly production of around 250,000 tons, the CPG is showing signs of recovery after several years marked by economic and social challenges. The increase in production in 2024 is seen as a first step toward a sustainable revival of the phosphate sector, which represents a significant portion of Tunisia's exports. In recent years, the CPG has faced numerous obstacles, including social movements, operational interruptions, and issues related to aging equipment. To overcome these challenges, the company has adopted a strategy focused on modernization and improving efficiency. Key measures include the acquisition of new equipment and machinery, optimization of production processes, and strengthening human resources. It is worth noting that phosphate production in Tunisia reached a record 8.1 million tons in 2010. However, since 2011, it has experienced significant fluctuations. The following years saw a marked decline, with production levels ranging between 2.4 million tons in 2011 and 4.4 million tons in 2017. The most considerable drop occurred between 2010 and 2011, when production fell from 8.1 to 2.4 million tons, a decrease of nearly 70%.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tunisia: Head of State stresses need to shorten procedures and find new ways of financing projects
TUNIS: President Kais Saïed met on Monday evening at Carhage Palace Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Riadh Chaoued and Secretary of State to the Minister of Employment and Vocational Training in charge of communitarian companies, Hasna Jiballah. During the meeting, the President of the Republic emphasised the need to streamline procedures and explore new ways to finance projects, particularly those proposed by young people, to establish this category of companies, according to a Presidency statement. The Head of State pointed out that what is happening today is neither normal nor innocent, as a number of projects are being blocked for flimsy reasons or with the aim of blocking other projects, in addition to attempts to minimise and marginalise them. President Kais Saied issued instructions to move forward, facilitate procedures, and confront all the desperate attempts mentioned, which are driven by regressive forces linked to known circles whose only goal is to monopolise national wealth. He stressed that this wealth belongs to the Tunisian people, as stipulated in the Constitution, and that communitarian companies have the potential to transform all regions of the Republic into sources of wealth. Tunisia is rich in all kinds of resources and blessings, and their benefits should be reaped by their creators while benefiting everyone. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
