Tunis: "The national economy is showing signs of recovery," Premier Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri stated during a joint plenary session convened by the Assembly of People's Representatives and the National Council of Regions and Districts to discuss the draft finance law and the draft economic budget for 2026.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Zenzri highlighted that the country has managed to overcome several challenges by relying on its capacities and making national decisions that have produced positive results. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) posted a 3.2% growth in the second quarter, up from 1.4% during the same period in 2024. This growth reflects recovery signs supported by improved performances in vital sectors such as agriculture, building, the manufacturing industry, and services. Additionally, inflation was brought under control, decreasing from 6.7% in September 2024 to 4.9% in October 2025, demonstrating the efficiency of the monetary policy.
The declining trend in the monthly inflation rate enabled the Central Bank of Tunisia to lower its key rate to 7.5% at the end of March 2025, marking the first reduction since late 2022. This move is expected to boost economic activity and investment, as well as reduce the high costs of bank loans. Tunisia is also working to contain the trade deficit, manage the exchange rate, and maintain foreign exchange reserves, which stood at 106 days of import by October 31, 2025. Improvements in foreign currency generating sectors, such as an 8.2% rise in tourism receipts and an 8.1% increase in expat remittances, have driven these efforts.
The Prime Minister also noted the improvement in the Dinar exchange rate against the Dollar and the Euro, with respective increases of 2.8% and 0.5% compared to the same period last year. Zenzri emphasized the positive development of economic indicators, with foreign direct investments rising by 21.3% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Premier Zenzri expressed satisfaction with the progress made in ongoing projects, particularly in the transport, health, and renewable energy sectors.