Tunisia is grappling with the consequences of under-investment in its essential networks, including electricity and water, following a challenging summer in 2026. According to Human Rights Watch, the situation has compromised access to essential services and endangered the right to health. The organization has raised concerns about the preparedness of the authorities in addressing these issues. This assessment is based on a report published on October 6, 2026.
The economic impact of under-investment in Tunisia's essential networks is significant, with an estimated gap of 1.7 billion dinars in investments in electricity production between 2016-2020 and 2021-2025. Data from the Tunisian Observatory of Economy shows that the state-owned electricity company, STEG, invested 1,947 million dinars in electricity production from 2016 to 2020, compared to 248 million dinars from 2021 to 2025. This represents a decline of approximately 87.3% in investments.
The under-investment in electricity production has had far-reaching consequences, including power outages and water shortages. These disruptions have affected various sectors, including healthcare. The Ministry of Health reported 633 consultations and treatments related to the heatwave between July 1 and August 29, 2026. However, Human Rights Watch has documented testimonies and estimates from medical organizations suggesting that there were disruptions and deaths related to the outages.
The issue of responsibility and transparency has become a pressing concern. The authorities face challenges in explaining their investment decisions leading up to the crisis and documenting its consequences. While the under-investment is quantifiable, its complete economic, health, and social costs are yet to be determined. The lack of consolidated data on production losses, relief costs, equipment damage, and other factors hinders a comprehensive assessment.
Human Rights Watch has emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in addressing the crisis. The organization has called for measures to ensure that essential services, including electricity and water, are accessible and reliable. The Tunisian government faces pressure to respond to these concerns and take concrete steps to address the under-investment in essential networks.
The challenges facing Tunisia's essential networks have significant implications for the country's development and growth. The situation highlights the need for sustained investments in critical infrastructure to ensure that basic services are available to citizens. The government's budget plans, including the 2027 budget, will be closely watched for measures to address these concerns.
As Tunisia navigates these challenges, stakeholders, including international organizations and civil society groups, will be monitoring the situation closely. The country's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing investments in essential networks to ensure that citizens have access to basic services and to mitigate the risks associated with under-investment.
Key points
- Human Rights Watch reports that electricity cuts and water shortages in Tunisia have compromised access to essential services and endangered the right to health.
- The economic impact of under-investment in Tunisia's essential networks is significant, with an estimated gap of 1.7 billion dinars in investments in electricity production.
- The Tunisian government faces pressure to respond to concerns about under-investment in essential networks and take concrete steps to address the issue.
