According to recent data, Tunisian banks have accelerated credit to businesses in the first half of 2026. The total credit to professionals increased by 2.199 billion dinars, compared to 1.275 billion dinars during the same period in 2025. This represents a significant increase in financing for businesses, which could potentially boost economic growth. The data also shows a notable shift in the allocation of credit, with services capturing the largest share of new financing.
The services sector saw an increase of 1.684 billion dinars in credit, up from 1.272 billion dinars in the first half of 2025. The industrial sector also showed a positive trend, with credits increasing by 414 million dinars, after a decline of 64 million dinars during the same period in 2025. Additionally, the agriculture and fishing sectors saw an increase of 101 million dinars in financing, compared to 67 million dinars a year earlier.
The increase in credit to businesses comes at a time when the growth in banking financing for the state has slowed down. The net claims on the central administration reached approximately 69.209 billion dinars at the end of June 2026, up by 4.382 billion dinars since the beginning of the year. This represents a slower pace of growth compared to the first half of 2025, when claims increased by 5.836 billion dinars.
Some experts believe that the acceleration of credit to businesses may be linked to the slowdown in state financing. Mohamed Nekhili, a university professor, suggests that if the state's financing needs absorb fewer banking resources, more capacity could become available for businesses. However, he notes that more data is needed to confirm this trend and establish a causal link.
The data also shows that credit to individuals has slowed down, with an increase of only 108 million dinars, compared to 276 million dinars a year earlier. This could indicate a shift in banks' priorities, with a greater focus on financing businesses and economic activity.
While the data suggests a positive trend, experts caution that it is still too early to conclude that this represents a structural change. Further analysis is needed to determine the maturity, quality, and interest rates of the new credits, as well as the exact destination of these resources.
The Tunisian banking sector is a crucial component of the country's economy, and any shift in credit allocation can have significant implications. If the trend continues, it could lead to increased economic growth and job creation, but it also requires careful monitoring to ensure that the growth is sustainable and equitable.
Key points
- Tunisian banks have increased credit to businesses by 2.199 billion dinars in the first half of 2026.
- The services sector captured the largest share of new financing, with an increase of 1.684 billion dinars.
- The growth in banking financing for the state has slowed down, with a increase of 4.382 billion dinars in the first half of 2026.
