The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Financial Inclusion Observatory and Tunisia's Ministry of Economy and Planning, has published a study on financial inclusion of women and youth in Tunisia. The study, released on September 22, 2026, was made possible with financial support from Canada. It examines the determinants of financial inclusion in the southern regions of Kairouan, Gabès, Médenine, Tataouine, Gafsa, Tozeur, and Kébili.
The study combines an analysis of the supply and demand for financial services, exploring issues of accessibility, cost, financial knowledge, and perceptions of and trust in financial institutions. It draws on qualitative and quantitative data collected in the field to identify the main obstacles and levers for action to strengthen access to and use of formal financial services. The study provides recommendations for key stakeholders in financial inclusion, including on financial products and awareness-raising actions.
According to Raja Dahman, Director General of the Financial Inclusion Observatory, the study provides a rigorous assessment of the supply of financial services and demand behavior, with a particular focus on women and youth. The southern regions have documented disparities, including a banking coverage of only 12% of the national network and female bank account ownership rates as low as 18%.
The study highlights the persistence of informal financial services, reflecting behavioral and cultural preferences. It aims to equip public decision-makers, ecosystem actors, and researchers with the information needed to develop new strategies centered on the real needs of target populations. This is part of Tunisia's national financial education program for 2023-2027.
The study's findings and recommendations are expected to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable financial inclusion in Tunisia. The UNDP and its partners hope that the study will inform policy and decision-making to improve access to financial services for women and youth in the southern regions.
The release of the study marks an important step in promoting financial inclusion in Tunisia. The UNDP and its partners will continue to work with stakeholders to implement the study's recommendations and promote greater financial inclusion.
The study is available for download, providing valuable insights and data for stakeholders and interested parties. Its findings and recommendations have the potential to inform policy and decision-making to improve financial inclusion in Tunisia.
Key points
- The study provides recommendations for key stakeholders in financial inclusion, including on financial products and awareness-raising actions.
- The southern regions have documented disparities, including a banking coverage of only 12% of the national network.
- The study aims to equip public decision-makers, ecosystem actors, and researchers with the information needed to develop new strategies centered on the real needs of target populations.
