A recent survey conducted by the Arab Institute of Business Leaders (IACE) has revealed that power outages in Tunisia during the summer of 2026 resulted in significant losses for businesses. The estimated losses in value-added, which measures the losses directly related to business interruptions, totaled 1269.6 million dinars ($421 million). This figure does not account for other economic damages such as damaged equipment, lost clients, or commercial penalties.
The survey, which polled industrial, commercial, and merchant service businesses, found that 96% of respondents experienced power outages, with some facing multiple interruptions per day. On average, businesses reported losing 13 days of activity, with 29% of respondents experiencing at least 20 days of disruptions. The industrial sector was the most affected, with an estimated loss of 671.5 million dinars ($223 million) in value-added.
The survey also found that the consequences of power outages extended beyond lost working days. A significant proportion of businesses, 63.5%, reported a decline in turnover, with 83% of industrial businesses experiencing a decrease. Export-oriented businesses were also impacted, with 29.4% reporting missed delivery deadlines, resulting in penalties or lost clients. To mitigate the effects of outages, 8.3% of businesses resorted to subcontracting or imports.
In addition to financial losses, businesses also reported material damages, with nearly two-thirds of respondents experiencing damage to equipment such as engines, compressors, production machinery, and computer equipment. The survey also found that 30.5% of businesses faced increased procurement costs, although price increases to reflect these additional costs were rare.
To address the disruptions caused by power outages, 74% of businesses plan to invest in solutions to secure their electricity supply over the next 12 months. These investments include generators, photovoltaic installations, batteries, and backup systems. However, this may come at the expense of productive investments, as 51.9% of respondents reported postponing investment projects.
The IACE survey highlights the significant impact of power outages on Tunisian businesses, with losses estimated at 1.27 billion dinars ($421 million) in value-added. The industrial sector was particularly affected, with losses of 671.5 million dinars ($223 million). The survey also underscores the need for businesses to invest in securing their electricity supply to mitigate the effects of future outages.
The findings of the IACE survey have significant implications for the Tunisian economy, highlighting the need for measures to prevent power outages and support businesses in their efforts to secure their electricity supply. The survey's results also underscore the importance of investing in backup systems and other solutions to minimize the impact of future disruptions.
Key points
- Tunisian businesses lost an estimated $421 million in value-added due to power outages in summer 2026.
- The industrial sector was the most affected, with losses of $223 million in value-added.
- 74% of businesses plan to invest in solutions to secure their electricity supply over the next 12 months.
