The Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA) recorded a dynamic first half of the year, despite a challenging domestic economic climate.
The TND 3.3 billion in reported investments reflect a return to structural projects in tourism, agro-processing, and certain value-added services. The driving force for the first half is in Jendouba: a TND 300 million tourism complex, generating 600 direct jobs, which should reposition the region in ecotourism and mountain tourism circuits, far from being limited to seaside resorts.
The TIA predicts a knock-on effect on total employment: nearly 45,839 opportunities announced (+4 percent), a sign of a revival of local sectors (construction, crafts, agro-industry).
This is a welcome signal for an economy facing declining purchasing power, fiscal pressures, and a wait-and-see attitude from foreign investors.
The challenges remain serious, covering regulatory stability, execution deadlines, connections, and, above all, financing access infrastructure to make Jendouba competitive.
The challenge is to convert intentions into actual projects, with phasing that secures local benefits (supply, training, integration).
The Tunisian equation remains delicate, but the first half of the year shows that a project pipeline can materialise when there is a local anchor and a differentiated offering.
MK/ac/fss/as/APA