The Tunisian University of Artisans and Small and Medium Enterprises has called on the government, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Communication Technologies to provide a clear stance on the future of Tunisia's postal service financial and banking capabilities. This appeal comes after the postal service announced that it had reached 4.7 million savers by the end of September 2026, accounting for approximately 25% of the country's national savings.
The university noted that these numbers necessitate the development of the postal service's financial role to serve the economy. It questioned the legal, financial, and institutional reasons that prevent the postal service from being granted broader banking powers. The university has been following discussions on creating a postal bank or enhancing the postal service's contribution to an existing bank's capital.
The university expressed its rejection of delaying the matter without clarification and urged the responsible parties to reveal any studies on the option and hold accountable any party that hinders progress. The university emphasized that expanding the postal service's powers within a suitable regulatory and legal framework could help finance artisans and small and medium enterprises with suitable products.
This expansion would also bring banking services closer to interior regions, develop payment and transfer services, reduce financial transaction costs, and support the productive economy. Additionally, it would help reduce financial exclusion. The university stressed that any development should be based on a serious feasibility study and good governance to ensure the protection of savers' rights and respect for banking regulatory rules.
The university requested that the Central Bank of Tunisia clarify the necessary prudential requirements and called on the Parliament to open a discussion on the project and listen to sector representatives. It also urged the supervisory authorities to publish the results of available studies and set a timeline for deciding on possible options.
The postal service's savings have grown significantly, and the university believes that this growth should be leveraged to enhance the service's role in the economy. By granting the postal service broader banking powers, it could play a more significant role in supporting small and medium enterprises and promoting financial inclusion.
The university's call for a national discussion on the postal service's banking role comes as the service continues to grow and expand its reach. With 4.7 million savers and a significant contribution to the country's national savings, the postal service is well-positioned to play a more substantial role in Tunisia's economy.
Key points
- The Tunisian University of Artisans and Small and Medium Enterprises has called for a national discussion on the future of Tunisia's postal service financial and banking capabilities.
- The postal service has reached 4.7 million savers, accounting for approximately 25% of the country's national savings.
- The university believes that granting the postal service broader banking powers could help finance artisans and small and medium enterprises and promote financial inclusion.
