The Central Bank of Tunisia has reported an acceleration in electronic payments, with nearly 6.5 million bank cards, 45,900 electronic terminals, and 719,000 wallets in use. The number of online payments has increased by 27%, while mobile transactions have risen by 20%. These numbers indicate a tangible evolution in financial instruments and their use. However, a significant indicator tempers enthusiasm, as 56% of monetary operations remain cash withdrawals.
The paradox of possessing a bank card but not using it for payment highlights the challenge of transforming payment habits. The issue goes beyond technology, as the adoption of electronic payments requires simplicity, accessibility, reliability, and attractiveness to become a daily habit. For merchants, the key lies in accepting new payment methods, while users need to trust, easily use, and understand the services offered.
The quality of operations is also crucial, as rejection rates for traditional instruments serve as a reminder that modernization cannot ignore this aspect. To overcome this, the Central Bank of Tunisia has announced projects, including a revamp of the telecompensation system, restructuring of concerned operators, and development of national standards. The success of these initiatives will depend on their effective implementation and results.
The true indicator of success will not be the number of distributed cards or opened wallets but the system's ability to make electronic payments an ordinary, accessible, and reliable solution. Tunisia has the necessary tools but must now transform their availability into sustainable usage. As of September 2026, there were 6,493 million bank cards in circulation.
The use of electronic payment tools is growing, but cash remains dominant. The stakes are high, as the transformation of payments requires a change in behavior and habits. The Central Bank of Tunisia must continue to work on making electronic payments more attractive and accessible to the population.
The development of e-commerce and mobile payments is also a key factor in the growth of electronic payments. The 27% increase in online payments and 20% rise in mobile transactions demonstrate the potential for growth in these areas. However, more work needs to be done to encourage the adoption of electronic payments.
In conclusion, while Tunisia has made progress in developing its electronic payment systems, there is still much work to be done to transform payment habits and make cash a less dominant form of payment. The Central Bank of Tunisia and other stakeholders must continue to work together to create a more favorable environment for electronic payments and promote their adoption.
Key points
- 56% of monetary operations in Tunisia remain cash withdrawals, despite growth in electronic payment tools.
