The Arab Institute for Business Leaders has published the results of a survey on the economic impact of power outages during the summer of 2026 in Tunisia. The survey, which covered a sample of businesses representing 55% industrial, 39% services, and 6% commercial, found that 96% of respondents experienced power outages, with 58.3% facing multiple outages per day.
The power outages resulted in significant losses for businesses, with an average of 13 working days lost per business. Furthermore, 29% of respondents reported losing at least 20 working days, equivalent to a full month of work. The survey estimated that the direct value-added losses due to business stoppages caused by power outages totaled 1.2696 million dinars, not including other damages such as equipment losses and potential penalties.
The survey also found that 63.5% of businesses reported a decline in their turnover, with 83% of those in the industrial sector affected. Additionally, 29.4% of exporting businesses reported failing to meet delivery deadlines, resulting in delays or lost customers. In response, 8.3% of these businesses resorted to subcontracting or outsourcing to mitigate the disruptions.
To address the risk of recurring power outages, 74% of businesses surveyed intend to invest in alternative solutions or equipment to ensure a stable electricity supply over the next 12 months. These solutions include generators, solar panels, batteries, and other backup equipment. However, the institute noted that these expenses, while helping to reduce the impact of outages, may divert financial resources away from productive investments, potentially affecting businesses' competitiveness.
The institute highlighted that the effectiveness of these solutions depends on specific electricity needs, technical conditions for use, and financial capabilities. The survey also revealed that none of the businesses surveyed had received compensation for the impacts of power outages, with only 1% reporting ongoing or rejected compensation claims.
The survey results suggest that power outages have significant economic implications for Tunisian businesses, affecting their operations, competitiveness, and overall performance. The findings underscore the need for businesses and policymakers to address the root causes of power outages and explore sustainable solutions to mitigate their impact.
The Arab Institute for Business Leaders' survey provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by Tunisian businesses and highlights the importance of reliable electricity supply for economic growth and development. The institute's findings are expected to inform policy discussions and business strategies aimed at promoting sustainable and resilient economic growth in Tunisia.
Key points
- 96% of Tunisian businesses experienced power outages during July and August 2026.
- The power outages resulted in an estimated 1.2696 million dinars in direct value-added losses.
- 74% of businesses plan to invest in alternative solutions or equipment to address power outages.
