Carbon Tax Challenges: Tunisian Businesses Must Adapt to Stay Competitive
Today, a roundtable discussion was held at the Arab Institute of Business Leaders (IACE), organized by the Tunisian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Experts and practitioners gathered to explore the challenges of the carbon tax, which will come into effect in 2026.
Strategic Preparation and Digital Transition: Key to Success
The event highlighted the importance of strategic preparation and digital transition for Tunisian businesses, drawing inspiration from Swiss best practices in the field. Karim Ahres, a member of the Conect executive board and digital transition specialist, emphasized the fundamental problem of Tunisian businesses lagging behind in digitization. "Without digitization, it is impossible to collect real-time data necessary for sustainable transformation," he explained.
Ahres also warned about the environmental impact of digitization, citing the example of artificial intelligence, which consumes up to 10 times more energy than a classic Google search. According to Ahres, Tunisia must not only catch up on digitization but also integrate responsible digital principles from the start to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Priority Solutions
Ezzedine Khalfallah, an international energy consultant, stressed the importance of renewable energy and energy efficiency as priority solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of Tunisian businesses. He highlighted regulatory opportunities allowing companies to invest in energy self-production projects, which can significantly reduce carbon impact when combined with rational energy use.
Khalfallah also emphasized the need to raise awareness among businesses about carbon adjustment mechanisms at borders, which will affect an increasing number of sectors after 2026.
Carbon Tax as an Opportunity for Global Performance
Rym Adjam, CSR manager at SFBT, broadened the discussion by linking the carbon tax to the concept of global performance. According to Adjam, Tunisian businesses must integrate sustainability not only as a regulatory obligation but also as a lever for economic, environmental, and social performance. "The carbon tax should not be seen as a constraint, but as an opportunity to improve competitiveness and governance," she affirmed.
Training and Education: Essential for Carbon Neutrality
The discussions also highlighted the need for in-depth training to help Tunisian businesses calculate their carbon footprint and implement decarbonization strategies. As Leila Charfi, sustainable ecosystems advisor, summarized, "these discussions allow us to better understand the challenges and opportunities related to the carbon tax and help businesses position themselves strategically."
Urgent Call to Action: Adopt Sustainable Practices Now
The event concluded on a note of urgency: to remain competitive and aligned with international requirements, Tunisian businesses must adopt sustainable practices immediately. Between digitization, renewable energy, and responsible governance, solutions exist – but businesses must actively engage with them.
