After 8 Years of Absence, the Tunisian Association of Private Equity Investors (ATIC) Annual Conference Makes a Notable Return
In June 2026, the Tunisian Association of Private Equity Investors (ATIC) annual conference made a remarkable return to Tunis after an 8-year absence. Under the presidency of Selma Ben Hamida, the event was more than just a calendar update. In her speech, the president emphasized that this was a "deliberate act" by a sector that chose to fully reclaim its place in the economic and institutional debate after a period of turmoil.
A Key Player in Economic Transformation
She reminded the audience that private equity is not just another financial actor, but a mechanism for economic transformation that relies on providing equity and strategic support to businesses. This role, according to her, becomes even more essential in a context where the needs for restructuring and development remain significant.
Key Figures and Trends
The numbers presented during the conference illustrate this dynamic:
- In 2025, the sector mobilized 709 million Tunisian dinars (MDT) in raised funds and invested 740 MDT in the Tunisian economy.
- Over 223 companies were financed, allowing for the creation or maintenance of more than 5,800 jobs.
- The president also highlighted the growing importance of turnaround capital, which has become a central axis of the sector, representing nearly 40% of total investments, compared to 30% three years ago, with 204 MDT dedicated to restructuring operations.
A Call to Action: Fiscal Incentives
However, this positive picture is accompanied by a clear warning. The ATIC warned against the upcoming deadline, scheduled for the end of 2026, for the tax incentives put in place by the 2019 law. These mechanisms, which facilitate the direction of private capital towards companies in difficulty, are considered essential for the stability of the real economy's financing. The association is advocating for their renewal until 2031 as part of the 2027 finance law, in order to guarantee the necessary visibility for long investment cycles, often between 5 and 7 years.
A Broader Vision for Transformation
Beyond fiscal issues, the vision presented during this edition is part of a larger transformation logic. The ATIC highlights three structuring priorities:
- Strengthening Tunisia's attractiveness as a reference location for private equity.
- Developing impact funds, particularly ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds, to align investment with sustainable development.
- Consolidating the role of regional SICARs (Sociétés d'Investissement en Capital à Risque) to better irrigate territories and respond to the needs of companies in interior regions.
Recognition and Transmission
The conference also included a moment of recognition and transmission. Former ATIC presidents were honored with trophies, symbolizing institutional continuity and a structuring effort built over time. In this sequence, the association wanted to remind that the sector has been gradually consolidated thanks to the commitment of several generations of actors.
A Turning Point
Between economic assessment, fiscal advocacy, and institutional tribute, this 2026 edition imposes itself as a turning point. It confirms the will of Tunisian private equity to position itself as a central financing lever, but also as an actor engaged in the sustainable transformation of the country's economy.
Tribute to Former ATIC Presidents
