AGP Executive Report

Severe Storm Disrupts Air Travel: Turkish Airlines flight TK 661 from Istanbul to Tunis hit violent turbulence during stormy landing attempts at Tunis-Carthage, with passengers screaming as the plane appeared to “plummet”; the crew aborted three tries and diverted to Enfidha-Hammamet, with no serious injuries reported. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s meteorology office warns of continued rain and locally heavy thunderstorms in the north and west, with possible hail, plus strong winds and dust in the far south—Kerkennah ferry schedules may also face disruption. Green Economy Cooperation: Tunisia’s Green Industry Centre joined a Libya “National Green Economy Roadmap” workshop in Tunis, focusing on circular economy, green industries, renewables, sustainable transport, and policy/finance hurdles. Health & Environment at Work: A Tunisia-based study links extremely low frequency EMF exposure at power plants with poorer sleep and higher depression, anxiety, and stress among exposed workers, urging stronger workplace protections. Labour Digitalisation: Tunisia plans a digital platform for labour management and inspection to improve monitoring, update social data, and support preventive interventions. Education & Tech Exchange: ENSIT will send 13 students to China for training in AI, machine learning, computer vision, industrial data, Python, and generative AI, alongside language and company projects. Environment Rankings: Tunisia scored 41.1 in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, ranking 166th globally and among the lower performers in the Arab world.

Severe Storm & Aviation Safety: Turkish Airlines flights into Tunisia were hit by violent turbulence and storm conditions, with passengers describing the aircraft “starting to plummet” during repeated landing attempts near Tunis-Carthage before diverting to Enfidha-Hammamet; no serious injuries were reported, but the incident is fueling fresh concern about weather readiness and passenger safety. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of continued rain with thunderstorms and locally heavy downpours in the north and west, plus possible hail, while strong winds may stir dust in the south and rain persists into Sunday. Climate Outlook: El Niño is projected to strengthen to exceptional levels, with impacts on global rainfall and temperature patterns that could reach the Arab region through early 2027. Labour & Governance Digital Push: Tunisia plans a digital platform for labour management and inspection starting September 2026, aiming to improve monitoring, update social and labour statistics, and support preventive interventions. Green Energy & Industry Links: An Austrian business delegation of 22 companies is set to visit Tunis on Sept. 29, with talks focused on green energy, hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure, and environmental technologies. Scientific Capacity: A Tunisia-focused analysis highlights “scientific capital” as a growth lever, warning that eroding core science skills could weaken innovation and productivity.

Severe Storm & Turbulence: A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Tunisia hit violent turbulence and storm conditions while approaching Tunis-Carthage, with reports of three failed landing attempts and passengers screaming as the plane “started to plummet”; the aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Enfidha-Hammamet. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of autumn-style disturbances: thunderstorms with locally heavy rain (up to 30–50 mm in Kef, Siliana and Kasserine), possible hail, and strong gusts, with rain expected to continue into the weekend. Water Scarcity Pressure: The Tunisian Water Observatory’s “Thirst Map” for August 2026 shows 361 recorded drinking-water interruptions from 402 reports, with Mahdia, Ben Arous, and Ariana among the most affected and protests rising as supply disruptions spread. Green Tech for Heat: Researchers at the University of Tunis developed a low-water evaporative cooling system for PV modules using layered jute fabric and IoT-controlled pumping, aiming to boost solar performance in arid conditions with near-zero parasitic power use. Energy & Trade Stress: A report flags Tunisia’s risk of a “double shock” as France’s near-zero growth meets rising energy import costs, threatening the trade balance and public finances.

Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of autumn-style disturbances with thunderstorms and locally heavy rain, plus hail and gusty winds; northern and central areas are hit first, with totals reaching about 30–50 mm in places like Kef, Siliana and Kasserine, and further rain expected into Sunday. Water Scarcity: The Tunisian Water Observatory’s “Thirst Map” for August reports 361 drinking-water interruptions from 402 reports, with Mahdia leading complaints (41), followed by Ben Arous (37) and Ariana (36), and 24 citizen protests recorded. Coast & Transport: Kerkennah ferry schedules for Sept. 12–13 may be disrupted due to adverse weather. Green Energy & Tech: Tunisia’s University of Tunis unveils a low-water evaporative cooling system for PV modules using layered jute fabric and IoT-controlled pumps, aiming to cut module temperatures in arid conditions. International Climate Context: Tunisia is listed at 41.1 points in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, while Iraq ranks second-lowest among Arab states (26.6), underscoring regional environmental pressure. Education Exchange: ENSIT sends 13 students to China for a one-year program focused on AI, machine learning, computer vision, industrial data, Python and generative AI, plus language and culture. Business & Environment Tech Diplomacy: A delegation of 22 Austrian companies is set to visit Tunis on Sept. 29, with discussions including green energy, hydrogen, renewable power, infrastructure and environmental technologies. Solar Power Deal: Tunisia awards 455 MW of solar projects in its sixth authorization round.

Coastal Development Push: Tunisia’s Environment Minister Habib Abid says development works are planned along the whole coastline from Bizerte to Djerba, including Sidi Bou Saïd, Gammarth and Carthage-Salambo, with a major Bizerte Corniche beach project estimated at about 100 million dinars (first phase: ~40 million; ~7 km, groynes, and sand nourishment). Water Scarcity Pressure: The Tunisian Water Observatory’s “Thirst Map” for August 2026 reports 361 drinking-water interruptions from 402 reports, with Mahdia (41) and Ben Arous (37) leading complaints, plus 24 citizen protests. Storm Season Warning: The National Institute of Meteorology flags autumn disturbances: thunderstorms and locally heavy rain (up to 30–50 mm in Kef, Siliana, Kasserine) plus hail and strong winds; northern and central areas are most affected. Kerkennah Ferry Disruptions: The new Kerkennah Transport Company warns ferry schedules for Sept. 12–13 may change due to adverse weather. Green Tech for Arid Heat: Tunisian researchers report an IoT-controlled, jute-based evaporative cooling system for PV modules that cuts module temperature by 21.4°C, aiming for low-water solutions in desert conditions. Climate Heat Record: August was the hottest month on record globally, driven by human-caused warming and a strong El Niño—another reminder of rising heat stress risks across the region. UGTT Action Threat: UGTT warns of worsening economic and social crises and authorizes a campaign that could include a general strike, citing impacts on workers including in environmental sectors.

Severe Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of thunderstorms and locally heavy rain, with hail possible and strong winds stirring dust in the south; northern and central-western areas face the highest totals (up to 50mm), with conditions continuing into Sunday. Water Crisis: The Tunisian Water Observatory’s “Thirst Map” for August shows 361 drinking-water interruptions from 402 reports, with Mahdia, Ben Arous and Ariana among the most affected, and 24 citizen protests recorded. Coastal Development Plan: Environment Minister Habib Abid says Tunisia’s coastline from Bizerte to Djerba will be developed, including a major Bizerte Corniche beach redevelopment (about 100 million dinars total, with a first 40 million dinars phase using dredged sand and groynes). Green Tech & Energy: A Tunisian university team reports a low-water evaporative cooling system for PV modules using jute layers and IoT control, aimed at boosting solar performance in arid climates. Business & Skills: An IACE note argues Tunisia’s “scientific capital” is being eroded and must be treated as strategic infrastructure, especially through stronger math and science foundations. International Links: 22 Austrian companies are set to visit Tunis on Sept. 29 for B2B talks, targeting green energy, hydrogen, renewables, infrastructure and environmental technologies. Climate Context: Scientists say August was Earth’s hottest month on record, underscoring the growing heat pressure felt across the region.

Coastal Resilience Plan: Tunisia’s Environment Minister Habib Abid says the whole coastline from Bizerte to Djerba will be developed under President Saied’s instructions, including major works like the redevelopment of Bizerte’s Corniche beach with groynes and large-scale sand nourishment. Water Scarcity Pressure: The Tunisian Water Observatory’s “Thirst Map” for August 2026 reports 361 drinking-water interruptions from 402 reports, with Mahdia, Ben Arous and Ariana among the most affected, and 24 citizen protests tied to shortages. Storm Season Update: Tunisia’s weather service warns of thunderstorms with locally heavy rain (30–50 mm) and possible hail and strong gusts, with yellow alerts across 19 governorates. Agriculture & Groundwater Hope: Environmental researcher Dr Amer Jeridi says September rains should support the start of the agricultural season and help recharge groundwater while cooling the air. Energy & Emissions (Region): Libya’s National Oil Corporation backs Mellitah’s gas recovery project targeting 15 million cubic feet per day and aiming for “zero gas flaring” by 2030. Heat Records (Global): Scientists report August as Earth’s hottest month on record, driven by climate change and a strong El Niño.

Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of unsettled conditions with thunderstorms and locally heavy rain (30–50 mm) plus hail and gusts over 80 km/h, with 19 governorates under yellow alert and more rain expected Saturday. Water Crisis: The Tunisian Water Observatory’s “Thirst Map” for August reports 361 drinking-water interruptions from 402 complaints, with Mahdia, Ben Arous and Ariana among the most affected and protests rising as shortages bite. Coastline Push: Environment Minister Habib Abid says Tunisia plans major coastal development from Bizerte to Djerba, including a Bizerte Corniche beach redevelopment (about 100 million dinars total) using sand nourishment and groynes. Climate Pressure: A global report says August was Earth’s hottest month on record, driven by human-caused warming and a strong El Niño—another reminder of what Tunisia faces as heat intensifies. Solar Cooling Innovation: Tunisian researchers developed an IoT-controlled, low-water jute evaporative cooling system for PV modules, cutting module temperature by about 21.4°C in arid conditions. Press Freedom: Journalists protested in Tunis over the arrest of investigative reporter Mohamed Yousfi on illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges, which critics call fabricated and part of a broader crackdown. Labour Tensions: UGTT warns of worsening economic and social crises and authorizes a campaign of action that could include a general strike.

Coastal Resilience Plan: Tunisia’s Environment Minister Habib Abid says development works are planned along the whole coastline from Bizerte to Djerba, including Sidi Bou Saïd, Gammarth and Carthage-Salambo, with a major push at Bizerte’s Corniche beach (about 100 million dinars total; first phase ~40 million dinars over nearly 7 km, with groynes and sand nourishment). Severe Weather Watch: The National Institute of Meteorology has put 19 governorates under yellow alert as unsettled conditions bring heavy rain, hail risk and strong winds (gusts over 80 km/h in storms), with expected rainfall totals of 30–50 mm in areas including Bizerte, Greater Tunis, Nabeul, Sousse, Kairouan and Kef. Solar Push: Tunisia awarded contracts for 455 MW of solar projects in the sixth authorization round (309 projects total), spanning many governorates including Kébili, Gabès, Sidi Bouzid, Kairouan and Kef. Heat Record Reminder: Scientists report August was Earth’s hottest month on record, driven by human-caused warming plus a strong El Niño. Water Crisis Context: Tunisia’s summer shortages and power cuts left many residents queuing for mineral water, highlighting pressure on water and electricity systems. Press Freedom Under Strain: Tunisian journalists protested the arrest of investigative reporter Mohamed Yousfi on money-laundering and illicit enrichment charges, raising fresh concerns about intimidation of independent voices.

Coastal Development Push: Tunisia’s Environment Minister Habib Abid says the whole coastline from Bizerte to Djerba is set for development works, including a major Corniche beach redevelopment in Bizerte (about 100 million dinars total, with a first phase using dredged sand and rock groynes). Weather Watch: Tunisia’s INM placed 19 governorates under yellow alert as unsettled conditions bring heavy rain risk, hail in places, strong winds over 80 km/h during storms, and possible blowing sand in the south. Renewables Rollout: Tunisia awarded contracts for 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW under its sixth authorization round, with many sites across central and southern governorates. Wind Power Planning: In Kébili, officials reviewed the environmental and social impact assessment for a wind plant in Tabbaga covering about 7,138 hectares, aligned with national renewable targets. Climate Alarm: Scientists report August was Earth’s hottest month on record, driven by human-caused warming plus a strong El Niño. Water & Heat Stress Context: Tunisia’s summer shortages—water and power cuts during extreme heat—continue to shape public pressure and daily life. Press Freedom Tensions: Tunisian journalists protested the arrest of investigative reporter Mohamed Yousfi, raising fresh concerns about intimidation and legal pressure on independent voices.

Coastal Development Push: Tunisia’s Environment Minister Habib Abid says the whole coastline from Bizerte to Djerba will be developed under President Kais Saïed’s instructions, with works planned for areas including Sidi Bou Saïd, Gammarth and Carthage-Salambo; the Bizerte Corniche beach redevelopment is set at about 100 million dinars total, with a first phase covering nearly 7 km using groynes and sand nourishment plus a 600-metre promenade. Renewables Rollout: The Industry Ministry awarded contracts for 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW under the sixth authorization round, spanning governorates from Kébili and Gabès to Sousse, Sfax and Kasserine. Wind Power in Kébili: Kébili officials reviewed the environmental and social impact assessment for a wind plant in Tabbaga covering about 7,138 hectares, aligned with Tunisia’s renewable targets and carbon neutrality goals. Heat Stress Warning: Veterinary services warn of heat stress for livestock—especially poultry, rabbits and dairy cows—between Sept 7-13 as temperatures may reach 41°C, urging farmers to boost water, ventilation and shade. Weather Watch: Siliana, Kef and Kasserine are under a yellow alert for thunderstorms and stronger winds, while a low-pressure system later this week could bring heavy rain, hail and flash-flood risk across parts of the Maghreb including Tunisia. Water Shortage Fallout: Tunisia’s summer of shortages saw mineral water distribution rise to 2.3 million bottles daily in Tunis supermarkets after severe water and power cuts linked to extreme heat and grid stress. Climate-Ready Forecasting: Korea’s meteorological agency will transfer advanced weather prediction tools and AI models to Tunisia and four other African nations to strengthen early warnings for severe weather.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalists protested the arrest of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, detained after he was preparing to enter Express FM Radio, with authorities citing illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges that his lawyer says lack concrete evidence. Severe Weather Watch: Tunisia’s meteorology service issued a yellow alert for Siliana, Kef and Kasserine as thunderstorms and stronger winds are expected, with risks of rain-related impacts. Heat Stress for Livestock: The veterinary services warned farmers about heat stress from Sept 7–13, with temperatures forecast up to 41°C and higher humidity, urging more water, ventilation and shade for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows. Renewables Push: Tunisia awarded contracts for 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW under its sixth authorization round, with many sites in southern and central governorates. Wind Power Review: Kébili officials reviewed the environmental and social impact assessment for a wind plant covering about 7,138 hectares as part of the national renewables strategy. Water Shortages Story: A report revisits Tunisia’s summer of shortages, linking water and power cuts to grid stress and the knock-on effects for daily life. Clean Tech From Sand: Researchers in Tunisia turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in 30 minutes under simulated sunlight, pointing to faster, safer pollution-fighting methods.

Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology has issued a yellow alert for Siliana, Kef and Kasserine, warning of thunderstorms, scattered rain and stronger winds later today, with a risk of weather-sensitive disruptions. Heat & Livestock: The Veterinary Services warn of heat stress for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows from Sept 7–13, with temperatures expected up to 41°C and higher humidity—urging farmers to boost water, shade and ventilation. Renewables Push: Tunisia awarded contracts for 455 MW of solar projects under its sixth authorization round, spanning many governorates and including multiple sites in Kébili. Climate-Smart Farming Cooperation: Tunisia and ACSAD discussed expanding technical and research cooperation, including joint projects to adapt to climate change and improve livestock breeds for arid conditions. Energy Transition Planning: In Kébili, officials reviewed the environmental and social impact assessment for a planned 7,138-hectare wind power plant as part of the national renewables strategy. Governance & Rights: Tunisian journalists protested the arrest of investigative editor Mohamed Yousfi, with unions and rights groups alleging a broader crackdown on independent media.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalists protested outside a court demanding the release of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, detained after he was stopped while heading to a radio interview; critics say the illicit enrichment and money laundering charges are being used to intimidate independent voices. Extreme Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology issued a yellow alert for Siliana, Kef and Kasserine as thunderstorms and stronger winds are expected, with risks of localized hazards. Water & Heat Stress: Veterinary services warned of heat stress for livestock from Sept 7–13, with temperatures forecast up to 41°C and higher humidity, urging farmers to boost cooling, ventilation and clean water access. Renewables Push: Tunisia awarded contracts for 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW under its sixth authorization round, with many sites in southern and central governorates. Climate & Agriculture Cooperation: Tunisia met ACSAD to expand technical and research cooperation, including joint projects to adapt to climate change and support arid-zone agriculture. Early Warning Capacity: Korea’s meteorological agency will transfer numerical weather prediction and AI tools to Tunisia and other African nations to strengthen early warning systems.

Water & Power Strain: Tunisians describe a summer of shortages as daily life was hit by water rationing and long STEG power cuts, with 2.3 million bottles of mineral water reportedly being distributed daily in major supermarkets. Heat & Livestock Risk: The veterinary services warn of heat stress for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows from Sept 7–13, with temperatures forecast up to 41°C and higher humidity. Weather Watch: Siliana, Kef and Kasserine are under a yellow alert for thunderstorms, scattered rain and stronger winds. Renewables Push: Tunisia awarded contracts for 309 solar projects totaling 455 MW under the sixth authorization round, with many sites in southern and central governorates. Wind Power Review: Kébili reviewed the environmental and social impact assessment for a wind plant in Tabbaga covering about 7,138 hectares. Climate & Research Cooperation: Tunisia met ACSAD to expand technical and research cooperation, including joint projects to adapt to climate change and support agriculture. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges cited as illicit enrichment and money laundering, prompting calls for his release. Early Warning Capacity: Korea’s meteorological agency will transfer numerical weather prediction and AI models to five African nations, including Tunisia, to strengthen early warning systems. Cybersecurity Measures: The PM issued a circular requiring stronger protection of public digital systems, including hosting rules, HTTPS, multi-factor authentication and annual audits. Solar Degradation Breakthrough: Researchers turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in 30 minutes under simulated sunlight.

Renewables in Kébili: The Kébili governorate reviewed the environmental and social impact of a new wind power project in the Tabbaga area, spanning Souk Lahad, North Kébili and South Kébili, covering about 7,138 hectares, as Tunisia targets 35% renewables by 2030 and 50% by 2035. Heat warning for livestock: Tunisia’s veterinary services warned farmers about heat stress from Sept 7–13, with temperatures forecast at 30–41°C and higher humidity, urging more clean cool water, better ventilation and shade for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows. Weather watch: Tunisia’s meteorology institute said conditions should stay mostly stable early in the week, with local thunderstorms on Tuesday and possible disturbances from Thursday. Water and press freedom under strain: A Tunisian judge ordered the detention of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi as he arrived for a radio interview, with the journalists’ union and rights groups warning of shrinking press freedom. Tourism push with sustainability angle: A study by IACE says Tunisia can grow greener, less seasonal tourism by developing five underused niches, projecting up to 2.7 billion dinars by 2030 and 21,500 jobs. Cyber protection in public services: The prime minister issued a circular requiring stronger cybersecurity for public websites and e-services, including hosting rules, HTTPS and multi-factor authentication.