Tunisia's banking sector has witnessed unprecedented demand for honor loans allocated to individuals, with banks exhausting their allocated funds on the first day of availability. According to Sufian Al-Warimi, an accounting expert, the funds allocated for honor loans to individuals were depleted on the first day, with around 14,200 beneficiaries. This development has led to a temporary measure to allow competent committees to study initial approvals granted to applicants.
The honor loan program, which began on October 1, 2026, is part of a social and financial initiative to support individuals. Nineteen banking institutions are participating in the program, with each bank required to allocate 8% of its annual profits to finance these loans. The program's rules state that if an individual obtains initial approval but fails to complete the required documents and files in the second stage, their file will be canceled, and the next individual on the waiting list will be considered.
The program's financing is subject to strict controls, ensuring maximum utilization of available resources. Four banks are not involved in financing, but are participating in the program's implementation. The initiative has generated significant interest, with over 14,000 individuals benefiting from the program so far. The honor loan program aims to provide small, interest-free loans to support individuals and small projects.
According to the law (number 148 of 2026), banks are required to allocate 8% of their profits to provide small, interest-free loans. The law, which reforms banking facilities and the check system, was issued on July 23, 2026. The profits of banks in 2025 varied, with the highest being 385 million dinars and the lowest being 1.35 million dinars.
The program sets a loan ceiling of 5,000 dinars for individuals, while projects with investments not exceeding 150,000 dinars can receive up to 10,000 dinars. For small and medium-sized enterprises and civil companies, the loan ceiling is 25,000 dinars. The program aims to support small projects and individuals by providing accessible financing options.
The temporary exhaustion of funds is intended to allow competent committees to review initial approvals and ensure that beneficiaries can complete the necessary documentation. This process aims to maximize the use of available resources and ensure that loans are granted to those who need them most.
The honor loan program reflects the government's efforts to promote social and economic development by providing accessible financing options for individuals and small projects. The program's success will depend on its ability to effectively manage demand and allocate resources efficiently.
Key points
- Banks in Tunisia exhausted their allocated funds for honor loans to individuals on the first day of availability.
- The program aims to provide small, interest-free loans to support individuals and small projects.
- Nineteen banking institutions are participating in the program, with each bank required to allocate 8% of its annual profits to finance these loans.
