Recently Published Financial Statements Reveal Notable Profits for Tunisian Public Banks
Despite an unfavorable economic context, the recently published financial statements on the Tunis Stock Exchange (BVMT) portal reveal that public banks have recorded significant profits in 2024.
Notable Performances
The National Agricultural Bank (BNA) achieved a net profit of 254.5 million Tunisian dinars (Mtnd), a 34% increase compared to the previous year. BH Bank, on the other hand, closed the year with a net profit of 108.5 Mtnd. The Tunisian Society of Banks (STB) posted a net profit of 82.5 Mtnd. However, the bank experienced a decline in its net banking product and financing to the economy, with its credits decreasing by 7.04% to 9,774.3 Mtnd.
Failure to Implement Financing Line for SMEs
Despite these financial performances, public banks have yet to establish the financing line for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) as provided for in Article 412 III of the new check law. This mechanism aims to mobilize 8% of banks' net profits to create short-term credit lines (up to two years) to support SMEs, small project holders, and individuals at favorable conditions.
Presidential Intervention
The President of the Republic, Kaïs Saïed, addressed this issue on April 16, 2025, during a meeting at the Carthage Palace with the Head of Government, Sarra Zaafrani Zanzri, and the Minister of Finance, Mechket Slama Khaldi. The meeting focused on the functioning of certain financial institutions and the need to ensure the rehabilitation of school and cultural infrastructure, according to a presidential statement.
Previous Calls for Action
Earlier, on March 8, 2025, the Head of State had discussed the state's financial balances during an interview with the Minister of Finance. He had emphasized the central role that public banks must play in implementing the state's social policy, while reiterating his call to intensify the fight against corruption networks.
