Tunisia's Parallel Economy Estimated at 35.2% of GDP

The Tunisian Minister of Finance, Michket Slama Khaldi, recently presented the extent of the parallel economy in Tunisia during a joint plenary session between the People's Representatives Council and the National Council of Regions and Districts. The session focused on the Ministry of Finance's mission in the 2027 state budget project. According to Khaldi, the parallel economy represents around 28.5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) excluding the agricultural sector.

When the agricultural sector is included, the parallel economy's share of GDP rises to 35.2%. Khaldi emphasized that this issue is not unique to Tunisia, but rather a global problem. The Ministry of Finance is working with relevant structures and administrations to combat the parallel economy and tax evasion. The ministry's efforts include intensifying on-site controls, awareness campaigns, taxpayer support, and strengthening public surveillance.

Between 2022 and September 2026, authorities discovered 78,688 undeclared activities. Additionally, 197,398 awareness operations were conducted through direct actions and social media campaigns. The state's interventions against tax evasion generated approximately 7.3 billion dinars in 2025. The Brigade for Research and Combating Tax Evasion has increased its interventions and sectoral campaigns across various governorates, targeting individuals and entities.

The brigade's efforts have led to the identification of transactions worth 4 billion and 153 million dinars in a controlled sector, corresponding to previously unrecorded activities. These findings confirm a significant margin for maneuver to expand the tax base and strengthen state revenues. The Ministry of Finance's actions aim to counter undeclared activities and broaden the taxpayer base.

The joint plenary session highlights the government's focus on addressing the parallel economy and its implications for the country's finances. By working to combat tax evasion and undeclared activities, the government aims to increase revenue and improve the business environment. The issue of the parallel economy is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach.

Tunisia's parallel economy is a significant challenge for the government, with far-reaching consequences for the country's economic development. The Ministry of Finance's efforts to address this issue are crucial to promoting transparency and fairness in the economy. By intensifying controls and awareness campaigns, the government can work towards reducing the size of the parallel economy.

The findings presented by Minister Khaldi underscore the need for continued efforts to combat the parallel economy and tax evasion. The government's actions will likely have a positive impact on the country's finances and business environment. Key stakeholders will be watching closely to assess the effectiveness of these efforts and their impact on the economy.

Key points

• The parallel economy in Tunisia is estimated to represent 35.2% of GDP.
• The Ministry of Finance has discovered 78,688 undeclared activities between 2022 and September 2026.
• The state's interventions against tax evasion generated approximately 7.3 billion dinars in 2025.