Tunisia's e-commerce sector has shown remarkable growth, with 10.3 million transactions recorded in the first quarter of 2026, totaling 771.4 million dinars. According to Khabbab Hedhri, director of e-commerce development at the Ministry of Commerce, this growth is a significant step towards the country's goal of accelerating digital transformation. The data, provided by the Central Bank of Tunisia, highlights the increasing adoption of electronic payments.
As of the first quarter of 2026, 1,456 enterprises in Tunisia had implemented electronic payment methods. This development is part of the country's broader efforts to promote digital commerce and reduce reliance on cash transactions. The growth in e-commerce is also reflected in the increasing number of bank cards in circulation, which reached approximately 6.151 million by the end of the first half of 2026.
Mobile payments have also seen substantial growth, with 512 million transactions recorded, valued at 914.2 million dinars. This surge in mobile payments indicates a shift towards digital financial services and a decrease in cash-based transactions. The Ministry of Commerce and Export Development is working to further enhance the digital payment ecosystem.
Despite the progress made in e-commerce and digital payments, cash transactions remain prevalent in Tunisia. To address this, the Ministry of Commerce and Export Development is set to launch a national strategy for 2027-2031. The strategy aims to promote digitalization, simplify export procedures, and develop mobile payments and electronic wallets.
A key aspect of Tunisia's strategy is to encourage small traders and service providers to adopt digital solutions. This will be achieved through initiatives such as "Easy Export," designed to streamline export procedures. By promoting digital inclusion and facilitating daily transactions, the government aims to support the country's economic transformation.
The national strategy will focus on enhancing coordination among stakeholders, including the private sector, financial institutions, and government agencies. By working together, these entities can create a more conducive environment for e-commerce growth and digital financial services. The goal is to increase financial inclusion and reduce the reliance on cash transactions.
The growth of e-commerce and digital payments in Tunisia is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy. By promoting digital financial services and increasing financial inclusion, Tunisia can reduce transaction costs, enhance efficiency, and improve economic competitiveness. The government's efforts to develop the digital payment ecosystem are seen as crucial to achieving these objectives.
Key points
- 10.3 million e-commerce transactions were recorded in Tunisia in the first quarter of 2026, valued at 771.4 million dinars.
- The number of bank cards in circulation in Tunisia reached approximately 6.151 million by the end of the first half of 2026.
- Tunisia's Ministry of Commerce and Export Development is set to launch a national strategy for 2027-2031 to promote digitalization and digital financial services.
