Accra: Tunisia is entering its economic year amid cautious anticipation and high ambition, following the release of the economic balance document and parliamentary discussions that outline a comprehensive strategy to improve the business climate through 2030. The country positions 2026 as the starting point for implementing deep structural reforms aimed at boosting the national economy and strengthening its appeal as a preferred investment destination. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, with the launch of the National Strategy to Improve the Business Climate 2026-2030, the government is shaping a new phase centered on digitalization, easier access to financing, and improved investor services. These measures are designed to enhance investor confidence and boost national competitiveness. Investment is expected to grow by 12%, with approximately 4,000 million dinars mobilized in foreign direct investment (FDI). The state plans to further improve the business environment and the economy's attractiveness by reviewing the legal and institutional investment framework, simplifying procedures, and digitizing investor services to ensure transparency and efficiency, according to the 2026 economic balance. Efforts will also focus on supporting entrepreneurs, improving marketing of promising investment opportunities, and promoting partnerships in line with national development priorities. The 2026-2030 strategy is built around four main pillars: digitalization of administrative procedures for investors, development of the logistics system and port infrastructure, facilitating access to financing and alternative guarantee mechanisms, and strengthening investor support and guidance services. The strategy also emphasizes reviewing and simplifying business regulations, reducing licensing requirements to encourage entrepreneurs and collective initiatives, and fully digitizing all investor services through the National Investor Portal, covering all stages of a business's lifecycle and processing investor requests. In 202 6, efforts will target the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through implementation of the National Strategy for SME Promotion and new financing lines. Large, structured projects will also be supported as drivers of regional economic development, alongside the digitization of the national investment map. Tunisian authorities will intensify efforts to position Tunisia as a preferred investment destination by promoting its advantages, developing a renewed communications strategy, and creating unified, region-specific value propositions to strengthen the country's investment brand, especially in tourism and investment. Investment is expected to rise by 12% in current prices in 2026, reaching TND 29,978.5 million, equivalent to 16% of GDP, supported by approximately TND 4,000 million in FDI compared with 3,400 million dinars expected in 2025. Sectoral investment highlights include agriculture and fisheries, where investment is set to rise 54.5% to TND 2,019.5 million in 2026. Plans include expa nding desalination stations and renewing water distribution networks. In the industrial sector, investment in manufacturing industries is expected to rise 15.3% in 2026, with the development of new industrial zones and the upgrading of stalled ones. Non-manufacturing industries are anticipated to see an increase of 28.5%, with significant projects in gas and electricity. The services sector is expected to grow 4.6%, led by transport investment through fleet upgrades and new rail projects. Despite these ambitious plans, financial and economic experts stress the need for strong monitoring and control mechanisms to track progress on projects and programs. Reports also note that improving the business climate still depends on deeper reforms, particularly in market competition indicators.