On October 1, 2026, the Director-General of Tunisia's National Agency for Energy Control, Nacef El Bekkari, announced the launch of the 'Shams' program. This initiative is designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in investing in self-production of electricity from solar photovoltaic energy. The program is backed by the African Development Bank and aims to provide accessible and exceptional financing mechanisms. This will enable SMEs to control their energy costs and enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
The 'Shams' program is part of a series of initiatives to support Tunisia's energy transition. Another notable program is 'PROSOL ELEC', which has seen significant success. By the end of April 2026, over 150,000 solar systems had been installed under this program, with a total capacity of nearly 466 megawatts. El Bekkari highlighted these achievements during the fourth edition of the International Salon for Energy Transition. The growth of such programs reflects Tunisia's commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The sixth round of the 'Licensing System' evaluation, conducted in September 2026, yielded promising results. A total of 309 projects were approved, with a combined capacity of approximately 455 megawatts. El Bekkari views this as a testament to the growing confidence of the private sector in investing in renewable energies. The continuous development of such projects is crucial for Tunisia's goal of increasing its renewable energy share.
Tunisia's public sector energy transition program is also making progress. The program aims to cover around 350 public institutions. As of the latest updates, 112 projects have been operationalized on low-voltage networks, and 47 projects on medium-voltage networks. Additionally, 24.9 megawatts of installed capacities are in the final stages of preparation for operation. These developments indicate a steady move towards achieving Tunisia's energy transition objectives.
Looking ahead, El Bekkari emphasized the need for streamlined administrative procedures. This will be crucial for accelerating project implementation without compromising on quality and safety standards. Furthermore, the development of networks to accommodate renewable energies will be a priority. The National Agency for Energy Control is preparing to address several challenges. These include energy storage, electric mobility, smart grids, and regional energy interconnection.
The Director-General called upon various economic actors to enhance coordination and accelerate their efforts. He stressed the importance of establishing strong, trust-based partnerships. This collaborative approach will enable Tunisia to leverage its natural resources and national expertise, ultimately leading to sustainable achievements. The 'Shams' program and similar initiatives are critical steps towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future for Tunisia.
The launch of the 'Shams' program and the progress of other energy initiatives demonstrate Tunisia's commitment to its energy transition. With the support of international partners like the African Development Bank, the country is making significant strides in promoting renewable energy. The focus on small and medium enterprises is particularly noteworthy. By empowering these businesses, Tunisia can foster economic growth while advancing its sustainability goals.
Key points
- The 'Shams' program aims to support small and medium enterprises in investing in solar energy.
- The program is backed by the African Development Bank.
- Tunisia's energy transition efforts include multiple initiatives to increase renewable energy capacity.
