As of October 1, 2026, individuals and businesses in Tunisia can apply for 'honour-based' loans through an online platform. The Central Bank of Tunisia's circular No. 2026-08, dated September 1, 2026, outlines the practical modalities for implementing the decree No. 2026-148, published on July 24, 2026. This decree mandates that banks receive loan applications exclusively through a dedicated electronic platform.
The new regulations specify that each application must be timestamped with the exact date and time of submission, and applicants will receive an acknowledgement receipt. This timestamp is crucial in determining the order of applications and serves as the starting point for the bank's decision-making deadline. Banks are also required to maintain records and track the financing process.
The decree categorizes beneficiaries into three groups, with varying loan ceilings: 5,000 dinars for individuals, 10,000 dinars for small project owners, and 25,000 dinars for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and community societies. These loans are granted without interest, collateral, or guarantees, and no fees or commissions can be charged for processing the application.
The maximum repayment period for these loans is two years, with a possible six-month grace period. A small project is defined as an investment of no more than 150,000 dinars, while SMEs have an investment volume between 150,000 dinars and 15 million dinars. Banks must allocate at least 50% of the available funds to SMEs and community societies.
The 'honour-based' loan mechanism originates from the 2024 reform of the Commercial Code, which requires banks to allocate at least 8% of their previous year's profits to short-term, interest-free financing lines. The decree No. 2026-148 makes this provision applicable by specifying the beneficiaries, amounts, and conditions for granting these loans, effective from the allocation of 2025 profits.
Banks have ten days to respond to loan applications, but this does not imply automatic approval. The new regulations aim to facilitate access to credit for individuals and businesses while promoting responsible lending practices. By implementing these measures, the Tunisian authorities seek to stimulate economic growth and support entrepreneurship.
The online platform for loan applications is expected to increase transparency and efficiency in the lending process. Borrowers can now easily submit their applications and track the progress of their requests. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance financial inclusion and promote economic development in Tunisia.
Key points
- The new regulations require banks to allocate at least 50% of available funds to small and medium-sized enterprises and community societies.
- Loan ceilings range from 5,000 to 25,000 dinars, with no interest, collateral, or guarantees required.
- The online platform for loan applications aims to increase transparency and efficiency in the lending process.
