Tunisia to Implement Climate and Social Projects Financed by Debt Conversion
A restricted ministerial council, chaired by Head of Government Sarra Zaafrani Zenzeri on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, has validated the first axes of a program to implement climate and social projects financed by the conversion of Tunisia's external debt. This initiative is part of a program by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
This debt-for-climate swap mechanism would allow Tunisia to redirect bilateral debt repayments towards projects aligned with national priorities, using innovative financing logic. Tunisia has committed to this regional initiative alongside other UN member states.
The announced objective is clear: to improve economic, social, and environmental indicators while strengthening the country's climate resilience. Seven concrete results are targeted, including:
- Expanded access to potable water
- Improved wastewater management using modern technologies
- Increasing the share of renewable energies to 35% by 2030
- Rehabilitation of Tunisian forests
- Protection of the coastline
- Improved living standards for poor populations
- Support for employment in marginalized regions
The initial projects, proposed as part of the 2026-2030 development plan, cover the areas of water, green energy, wastewater treatment, forest management, and coastal protection. They were suggested by local, regional, and intermediate territorial councils, in line with the government's bottom-up approach.
The Head of Government emphasized that this initiative represents a strategic opportunity to break with traditional economic models marked by dependence and regional inequalities. It is also in line with the vision of President Kaïs Saïed for equitable and sovereign development, as presented at the 4th International Forum on Financing for Development in Seville (June 30 - July 3, 2025).
The council recommended accelerating negotiations with international partners to conclude the first debt-for-climate swap agreements before the end of 2025, with a rapid launch of projects. This approach aims to generate a concrete impact in the most vulnerable areas, facilitating the economic integration of disadvantaged populations and reducing territorial disparities.
