The Tunisian government has set an ambitious goal to attract 4 billion dinars in foreign direct investments (FDIs) by the end of 2026. According to Jalel Tebib, president of the Tunisian Investment Authority (TIA) and general director of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA), the country has already recorded approximately 2 billion dinars in FDIs during the first seven months of 2026, representing a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.
To reach the target of 4 billion dinars, Tunisia would need to attract an additional 2 billion dinars between August and December, which translates to a monthly average of around 400 million dinars. This represents a significant acceleration of approximately 40% compared to the average of 286 million dinars per month recorded during the first seven months. The industries manufacturing sector has been a major recipient of FDIs, accounting for 72% of the total investments, with a strong concentration of projects in this sector.
The FIPA has reported that the FDIs stood at approximately 1.912 billion dinars at the end of June, with a significant portion allocated to the manufacturing industry. The agency has also highlighted the importance of monitoring the quality of investments, rather than just focusing on the quantity. The inauguration of Intelcia's new site at Lac 2, which will create 850 jobs, is a notable example of the type of investments that Tunisia aims to attract.
Intelcia, a company that currently employs over 300 people in Tunisia, plans to expand its operations and reach approximately 1,000 employees. The company's investment in the new site is seen as a positive development for the country's economy, which is seeking to create more jobs and stimulate growth. The Tunisian government has also set a longer-term goal of attracting 6 billion dinars in FDIs by 2027-2028.
Despite the optimistic targets, there are concerns about the country's ability to sustain the momentum and attract high-quality investments. The FIPA has emphasized the need for a more diversified economy and a favorable business environment to attract more foreign investors. The agency has also called for more efforts to promote Tunisia's investment opportunities and improve the country's competitiveness.
The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Tunisia can achieve its target of 4 billion dinars in FDIs by December. The country's economic authorities will need to work closely with investors and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary investments are made and that the country's economy benefits from the inflows. The outcome will also have implications for the country's longer-term economic prospects and its ability to achieve its development goals.
Key points
- Tunisia aims to attract 4 billion dinars in foreign direct investments by the end of 2026.
- The country has already recorded approximately 2 billion dinars in FDIs during the first seven months of 2026.
- Tunisia needs to attract an additional 2 billion dinars between August and December to reach the target.
