Financial Inclusion in Tunisia: Only 38% of Adults Have Bank Accounts

According to Professor of Banking Law Mohamed Nakhili, only 38% of Tunisian adults have a bank or postal account. This low rate indicates a significant need for developing and facilitating access to banking services in Tunisia. Nakhili's statements were made during an appearance on the "L'Expert" segment of the "Sbeh El Youm" show. His analysis was based on the 2025 annual banking supervision report published by the Central Bank of Tunisia.

The total number of bank accounts in Tunisia reached approximately 10.5 million in 2025. However, this figure represents a 1.8% decrease from the previous year. Nakhili noted that this number does not necessarily reflect the number of individuals with bank accounts, as some people and companies may hold multiple accounts with different banks. The decline can be attributed to various factors, including changes in customer behavior, banking policies, and the closure of inactive accounts due to new legislative provisions related to checks.

In contrast, the number of bank cards in Tunisia continued to rise, reaching around 5.5 million cards in 2025. This growth indicates an increase in electronic payment methods and evolving consumer habits. Nakhili explained that bank cards are increasingly being used as an alternative to checks, especially for installment purchases. This allows customers to pay by card while merchants receive full payment at once through their bank.

The banking infrastructure in Tunisia includes approximately 3,300 automated teller machines (ATMs), which has remained relatively stable. Nakhili suggested that the current network has reached a level of saturation. On the other hand, the number of bank branches increased from 2,460 in 2024 to 2,481 in 2025. This improvement in coverage means that there is now one branch for every 5,704 inhabitants, a slight increase from the previous ratio of one branch for every 5,759 inhabitants.

Mohamed Nakhili emphasized that achieving greater financial inclusion requires further efforts. The low rate of 38% for adults with bank accounts underscores the need for more accessible and widespread banking services. He based his analysis on data from the Central Bank of Tunisia's 2025 annual report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the banking sector's performance and trends in financial services.

The growth in the use of bank cards and online payments is seen as a positive indicator of Tunisia's progress in financial digitalization. As more transactions move online, banking services are likely to become more efficient and accessible. However, challenges remain in expanding financial inclusion to a larger segment of the population. Efforts to improve and expand banking infrastructure will be crucial in achieving this goal.

The Tunisian banking sector continues to evolve, with changes in customer behavior and technological advancements influencing its development. As the sector adapts to these changes, it is likely that new opportunities for financial inclusion will emerge. For now, the focus remains on increasing access to banking services and promoting digital financial solutions to reach a broader audience.

Key points

• Only 38% of Tunisian adults have a bank or postal account, highlighting a significant need for improved financial inclusion.