Tunisia's government has outlined its 2027 budget strategy, focusing on enhancing financial autonomy and promoting self-reliance. The plan aims to gradually reduce reliance on external borrowing, ensuring the state's ability to meet its obligations and maintain national sovereignty. According to a finance ministry document, this approach will enable Tunisia to honor its commitments while preserving its decision-making independence.
The government, through a circular issued by the head of government on April 14, 2026, seeks to boost the efficiency of the tax system by expanding the taxpayer base and integrating the parallel sector. This will involve intensifying efforts by various structures and coordinating their interventions. The goal is to improve voluntary compliance, simplify procedures, and develop digital services to foster trust between tax authorities and economic operators.
A key aspect of the strategy is to enhance the fight against tax evasion and fraud using digitalization, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. This will involve linking information databases between relevant structures, enabling more effective monitoring and improving tax revenue collection. Additionally, the tax administration and customs will be updated, and administrative procedures will be streamlined.
The budget strategy also focuses on optimizing tax incentives, with a selective approach based on evaluating the economic, social, and environmental benefits of supporting high-value-added and strategic sectors. These sectors are expected to drive sustainable development and environmental transition. Furthermore, tax policy will be used to support private initiative and encourage entrepreneurship, particularly in regions with high development potential.
In terms of non-tax revenue, the state plans to diversify its sources by valorizing state assets, improving the profitability of public enterprises, and optimizing the exploitation of national resources. A key area of focus is the revival of phosphate production and export, which is expected to increase the state's self-financing capacity and maintain public finance stability.
The 2027 budget strategy reflects the government's commitment to promoting sustainable development and improving the business environment. By enhancing tax compliance, streamlining procedures, and leveraging technology, Tunisia aims to boost its revenue and reduce its reliance on external financing. This approach is expected to contribute to the country's long-term economic stability and growth.
The implementation of these measures will require close coordination between various government agencies, including the finance ministry, tax authorities, and public enterprises. The success of the 2027 budget strategy will depend on the effective execution of these plans, which are designed to promote economic development, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of Tunisian citizens.
Key points
- The 2027 budget strategy prioritizes self-reliance and combating tax evasion through digitalization and artificial intelligence.
- The plan aims to reduce reliance on external borrowing and promote sustainable development.
- The strategy involves optimizing tax incentives and improving the efficiency of the tax system.