A survey conducted by the Arab Institute for CEOs has shed light on the substantial economic impact of power outages experienced in Tunisia during the summer months of July and August 2026. The survey, which covered a diverse sample of 55% industrial, 39% service, and 6% commercial establishments, found that 96% of respondents reported experiencing power outages, with 58.3% facing multiple outages per day.
The consequences of these outages were severe, with an average loss of 13 working days per establishment. Notably, 29% of respondents reported losses equivalent to at least 20 working days, or approximately one full month of operation. The estimated direct value-added losses due to business disruptions caused by power outages totaled 1.2696 million dinars, not accounting for additional damages such as equipment losses, customer dissatisfaction, and potential penalties.
The survey also revealed that 63.5% of respondents experienced a decline in their turnover, with 83% of industrial sector respondents affected. Furthermore, 29.4% of exporting establishments reported failing to meet delivery deadlines, resulting in delays or losses for their customers. In response to these challenges, 8.3% of establishments resorted to subcontracting or outsourcing to mitigate the disruptions.
To mitigate the risks associated with recurring power outages, 74% of respondents plan to invest in alternative solutions or backup equipment, such as generators, solar panels, and batteries, over the next 12 months. However, the Arab Institute for CEOs noted that these expenses, while helping to reduce vulnerability to outages, may divert financial resources away from productive investments, potentially affecting the competitiveness of establishments.
The survey also highlighted that none of the respondents reported receiving compensation for the impacts of power outages. Additionally, 1% of respondents stated that they had pending or rejected compensation claims. These findings underscore the need for effective measures to address the root causes of power outages and support affected establishments.
The survey sample consisted of a diverse range of establishments, with a significant proportion of industrial and service sector respondents. This diversity lends credibility to the findings, which are likely to be representative of the broader business community in Tunisia. The results emphasize the importance of addressing power outage issues to minimize economic losses and promote sustainable business growth.
In conclusion, the survey conducted by the Arab Institute for CEOs provides valuable insights into the economic implications of power outages in Tunisia during the summer of 2026. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of power outages and ensure a stable business environment. Key stakeholders, including policymakers and business leaders, must work together to develop effective solutions to this critical issue.
Key points
- 96% of surveyed establishments in Tunisia experienced power outages during July and August 2026.
- The estimated direct value-added losses due to business disruptions caused by power outages totaled 1.2696 million dinars.
- 74% of respondents plan to invest in alternative solutions or backup equipment to mitigate the risks associated with recurring power outages.
