No Compensation for Power Outages: IACE Survey Reveals Significant Economic Impact on Tunisian Businesses

A recent survey conducted by the Arab Institute of Business Leaders (IACE) reveals that not a single company confirmed receiving compensation for damages incurred during the power outages in July and August 2026. However, the economic fallout extends far beyond production stoppages, impacting equipment integrity and commercial relationships.

Key Findings from the IACE Survey

• Widespread Disruptions: 96% of surveyed businesses reported experiencing operational disruptions.
• Material Damage: Nearly two-thirds of respondents indicated they suffered physical damage to their equipment.
• Lack of Compensation Claims: Despite these losses, only 1% of respondents stated they had initiated a compensation claim, which was either still pending or had already been rejected.
• Estimated Economic Cost: The IACE estimates the total economic cost at 1,269.6 million dinars. This figure represents the lost value added during periods of business interruption. Notably, this amount excludes costs for repairing damaged equipment or other commercial losses.

Impact on Exporters

The consequences are particularly severe for exporting companies. According to the study:

• 29.4% of exporters faced penalties due to delivery delays.
• These financial penalties are compounded by the loss of clients, a factor that is difficult to quantify but significantly impacts long-term revenue.

IACE Recommendations

In response to these findings, the IACE is calling for:

1. Clarification of Compensation Procedures: Establishing clear and transparent guidelines for claiming damages.
2. Improved Case Tracking: Enhancing the monitoring of compensation requests to ensure accountability.
3. Data Transparency: Distinguishing between declared damages, cases currently under review, rejected claims, and actual compensations paid.

2027 Outlook: Key Figures

The following table summarizes the IACE’s projections for 2027, highlighting the ongoing challenges and strategic shifts among businesses:

These figures underscore the urgent need for infrastructure resilience and clear regulatory frameworks to mitigate future economic risks associated with power instability.