Tunisia’s Industrial Resilience Confirmed in H1 2026: Investment Intentions Surge 10.8%

The first half of 2026 has underscored the resilience of Tunisia’s industrial fabric. According to data from the Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII), declared investment intentions in the industrial sector reached 1,057.9 million Tunisian Dinars (MTND), marking a 10.8% year-on-year increase.

While the number of projects saw a decline—from 1,443 in June 2025 to 1,141 a year later—this shift reflects a higher capital intensity per project. Consequently, the potential for job creation has risen significantly, with 22,582 new positions anticipated, representing a 45.1% increase.

Key Drivers of Industrial Growth

This positive momentum is primarily driven by two key sectors:

Agro-food Industries: Leading with 475.1 MTND in declared investments.
Mechanical and Electrical Industries (IME): Recording a 31.0% growth to reach 308.3 MTND. These industries stand out for their significant employment impact, with 8,155 jobs planned.

Regional Development and Export-Oriented Strategies

Investments in Regional Development Zones (ZDR) have also seen substantial growth, up 74.9% to 569.7 MTND. This surge highlights the critical role of fiscal incentives in attracting industrial developers.

Similarly, the fully export-oriented regime has gained traction, with investments jumping 58.9% to 452.6 MTND.

Foreign participation continues to play a vital role, with committed amounts in projects involving foreign capital rising by 34.7% to 274.1 MTND. These investments are largely targeted at the Mechanical and Electrical Industries (IME) sector.

From Intentions to Reality: The Need for Simplification

While these figures are encouraging, they remain at the intention stage. The speed at which these intentions translate into concrete projects depends heavily on the simplicity of administrative procedures.

Tunisia’s economy urgently needs this transition from intent to action. Streamlining processes will be key to unlocking the full potential of these investments and driving sustainable economic growth.