Microcredit in Tunisia: A Growing Sector
The law governing microcredit in Tunisia, adopted in 2011, has paved the way for a rapidly expanding sector. Designed for individuals excluded from the traditional banking system, this financing aims to support small commercial, artisanal, or agricultural projects. Today, several specialized institutions, associations, and bank subsidiaries operate in the Tunisian market, all subject to the same legal framework. The objective is clear: to offer modest but accessible amounts, adapted to the needs of small entrepreneurs.
According to Slim Ouesleti, an expert in valuation and financing for startups and SMEs, recognized institutions include Enda Tamweel, Taysir, Advans, CFE, and Microcred. Alongside these, local associations complement the ecosystem with smaller amounts, while some banks participate through dedicated subsidiaries.
Key Aspects of Microcredit in Tunisia
- Proposed Amounts
- Associations: up to 5,000 dinars
- Specialized institutions: several tens of thousands of dinars, depending on the nature and size of the project
- Essential Documents
- The microcredit file is simplified, but three pieces are essential:
- Copy of the national identity card (CIN)
- Proof of residence (water or electricity bill, or any official document proving the address)
- Birth certificate or civil status
- To strengthen the credibility of the file, it is possible to add financial statements, if the project holder has them. Otherwise, institutions collect as many available justifications as possible, such as account statements, delivery notes, or orders.
- The microcredit file is simplified, but three pieces are essential:
- Evaluation Criteria
- The granting of a microcredit is based primarily on the real capacity for repayment. The revenues taken into account can be:
- Regular: salary, trade, craftsmanship
- Seasonal or informal: market sales, occasional activities
- Fund transfers: sent by a relative abroad
- The family situation and project clarity are also analyzed.
- The granting of a microcredit is based primarily on the real capacity for repayment. The revenues taken into account can be:
- The Role of the Guarantor
- Some institutions may require a guarantor.
- The guarantor is not necessarily responsible for repayment, but their financial capacity is analyzed to ensure they could cover the loan if necessary.
- The law protects individuals against excessive guarantee commitments.
- The Importance of the Credit Agent's Report
- The credit agent's report is often more decisive than the documentation itself. The agent conducts field visits to:
- Verify the existence and location of the project or activity
- Visually assess the needs and means
- Confirm the information provided in the file
- This evaluation, combined with the analysis of the potential impact of the credit, serves as the basis for the granting decision.
- The credit agent's report is often more decisive than the documentation itself. The agent conducts field visits to:
- Response Times
- The processing time varies on average between 25 and 35 days and can reach 45 days depending on the institution.
For example, at Microcred, the credit procedure is called the "impact credit procedure": the customer manager must identify one or more impacts that the credit could generate to stabilize or develop the activity, rather than relying solely on accounting documents, according to Awatef Mechri, CEO of Microcred.
