The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) has introduced the 'Crédit sur l'honneur' for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which allows them to access financing without guarantees. To apply, SMEs must provide several documents, including a updated RNE, updated statutes, CIN of the manager, CIN of major shareholders, financial statements for the last three years, and a tax declaration for the previous year. These documents are required to assess the company's financial situation and eligibility.
The 'Crédit sur l'honneur' is part of a broader effort to support SMEs and promote economic growth in Tunisia. The decree governing this type of credit sets a maximum amount of 25,000 dinars and a duration of two years. Banks are required to respond to applications within ten working days and must justify any refusal. At least 50% of the allocated funds must go to SMEs and community companies.
The BCT has emphasized that the 'Crédit sur l'honneur' does not mean "without a file." Banks are still required to assess the creditworthiness of applicants and may request additional documents. The circular BCT n° 2026-08 clarifies that the granting of credit is subject to internal policies and procedures of banks, as well as rules of governance, internal control, and monitoring of commitments.
Some required documents, such as financial statements for the last three years, may raise concerns among younger companies. The decree does not explicitly require these documents, and their systematic demand could create a de facto condition of seniority. This could limit access to financing for newer SMEs.
There is a tension between the prudence of banks and the goal of facilitating access to financing. The device does not oblige banks to lend without examining the risk, but it should not be transformed into a classic professional credit with interests and guarantees. The BCT has left banks a margin of appreciation for instructing credits, but this margin should not reintroduce a guarantee or create exclusion criteria absent from the decree.
The 'Crédit sur l'honneur' aims to strengthen the economic and social role of banks in Tunisia. Banks must allocate at least 8% of their previous year's profits to this type of financing. The decree also provides that at least 50% of the allocated funds must go to SMEs and community companies.
The required documents for the 'Crédit sur l'honneur' include an updated RNE, updated statutes, CIN of the manager, CIN of major shareholders, financial statements for the last three years, tax declaration for the previous year, API or APIA attestation, tax and parafiscal attestations, and a two-year cash flow forecast. These documents must be provided in specific formats, such as PDF, JPG, or PNG.
Key points
- The 'Crédit sur l'honneur' is a type of financing without guarantees for SMEs in Tunisia.
- SMEs must provide specific documents to apply for the 'Crédit sur l'honneur', including financial statements and tax declarations.
- The decree governing the 'Crédit sur l'honneur' sets a maximum amount of 25,000 dinars and a duration of two years.
