AGP Executive Report

Coastal Shock in Tunisia: Environment Minister Habib Abid says sea level rise and wave intensity hit harder than expected in 2026, with Mediterranean waves reaching 6–8 meters along parts of the Tunisian coast between Jan 19–21, forcing authorities to speed up adaptation plans and coastal protection projects. Renewables Reality Check: A new report puts Tunisia’s clean energy share at just 4.03% of electricity generation in 2025 (down from ~4.4% in 2024), as solar and wind contributions slipped while gas still dominates. Climate Funding Pressure: Tunisia estimates $29bn needed for 2026–2035 to adapt to climate impacts, with water the biggest bill ($10.7bn). Food Prices Under Scrutiny: OTIC warns intermediaries are driving up red meat prices ahead of Eid, calling for tighter regulation and stronger support for farmers and the national herd. Diplomacy Watch: Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria reaffirmed their Libya “neighboring countries” mechanism push for a comprehensive political solution. Regional Context: Morocco’s mass deportations of sub-Saharan migrants continue amid tighter EU border cooperation.

Climate Adaptation: Tunisia’s Environment Minister Habib Abid says sea-level rise and wave intensity along the coast in 2026 have already exceeded earlier forecasts, with waves recorded at 6–8 meters on parts of the shoreline and damage forcing authorities to speed up coastal protection plans. Diplomacy on Libya: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi urged Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria to keep the trilateral mechanism on Libya moving, with foreign ministers stressing that only a comprehensive political solution can end the crisis. Trade & Growth: Tunisia is pushing for stronger African participation in global expos, aiming to turn “symbolic” pavilion presence into real economic diplomacy and cooperation. Food Prices Pressure: OTIC warns Eid Al-Adha red-meat prices are being inflated by intermediaries, with margins reportedly reaching 300–400 dinars during sheep resales. Business Spotlight: Monoprix posted a historic 2025 profit jump, with net income up about 51.6%, alongside a sharp cash-flow rebound.

Consumer Pressure on Eid Meat: OTIC is warning that intermediaries are driving up red meat costs during Eid Al-Adha, with margins reportedly reaching 300–400 dinars and sheep resales pushing prices to 55–65 dinars per kilo—while it calls for tighter regulation, support for farmers, and steps like banning slaughter of females. Climate Funding Gap: Tunisia says it needs $29bn for 2026–2035 to adapt to climate impacts, with water and agriculture taking the biggest shares, warning of major GDP losses if risks aren’t tackled fast. Agriculture Reform Talks: An agriculture commission session is set to hear sector groups on restructuring meat and dairy herds and fixing problems in field crops and olive oil supply chains. Tunisia–Japan Links: The ARP president met Japan’s ambassador to push cooperation on industry, trade, culture, and modern tech including AI. Health Milestone: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted Tunisia’s trachoma elimination progress. Arts & Culture: Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival returns with an environment-focused lineup and major international stars.

Climate Finance Push: Tunisia says it needs $29bn (2026–2035) to adapt to climate shocks, with water the biggest bill at $10.7bn—and warns the economy could shrink if risks aren’t tackled fast. Water & Drought Planning: The AfDB backs a shift from emergency drought responses to a long-term resilience “architecture,” citing Tunisia’s increasingly dry years and projected rainfall drops. Energy Transition Support: The IFC reiterates backing for Tunisia’s reform drive, spotlighting renewable energy and the business climate as priorities. Renewables & Tech Diplomacy: Tunisia-Japan talks at the ARP focus on investment, modern tech and AI know-how, while Tunisia’s nearshoring pitch keeps gaining traction with German firms. Agriculture Under Pressure: A parliamentary agriculture commission hears industry groups on fixing meat, dairy and field crops—costs, collection problems, and input shortages included. Local Governance: President Saïed visits Takelsa to hear citizens on environmental violations and illegal construction. Health Cooperation: Tunisia and Egypt discuss deeper health collaboration under a “One Health” approach. Weather: Mostly clear skies this evening, calm seas, mild night temperatures.

Climate Adaptation Funding: Tunisia says it needs $29bn (2026–2035) to protect the economy and people from climate shocks, with water ($10.7bn) and agriculture/food ($8bn) taking the biggest share, warning GDP could shrink by 3.4% by 2030 if risks aren’t tackled fast. Renewables & Reforms: The IFC reaffirmed support for Tunisia’s reform drive, pointing to the energy transition as a top priority amid geopolitical strain. Tunisia-Japan Push: The ARP president met Japan’s ambassador to boost cooperation on industry, trade, culture, modern tech and AI, and to encourage Japanese investment. Food & Farming Pressure: An agriculture commission hearing will focus on the future of meat, dairy and olive oil, while sector voices warn field crops need structural fixes. Energy Politics: Eni’s withdrawal from an offshore gas consortium tied to Israel is framed as a political blow. Trade on the Move: Tunisian olive oil brand Terra Delyssa launched in Nigeria, starting with Lagos and Abuja. Weather: Mostly clear Wednesday evening, light winds, calm seas.

World Cup Viewing in Austria: With the 2026 men’s World Cup starting June 11 and running to July 19 across 16 US/Canada/Mexico host cities, fans in Europe face late-night kickoffs. Austria is set to screen matches locally or watch at home, and it’s a big moment for the “Red-White-Red” team—back on the World Cup stage after 28 years. Tunisia–Health Cooperation: Tunisia and Egypt are pushing deeper health-sector ties, while Tunisian officials also met counterparts in Geneva to strengthen “One Health” work on epidemics, climate-linked health risks, antimicrobial resistance, and emergency response. Water & Climate Planning: Tunisia’s NDC 3.0 backs a $55bn plan (2026–2035) focused on water and agriculture, warning drought is a structural shift—not a temporary crisis. Migration Returns: IOM Tunisia says voluntary return and reintegration has reached 22,377 beneficiaries since 2022, with about 400 more returns being prepared. Weather: Wednesday evening looks mostly clear, with light-to-moderate winds and calm seas.

Health Diplomacy: Egypt and Tunisia are set to deepen cooperation in healthcare, with ministers meeting in Geneva to push “One Health” work on epidemics, health security, climate impacts, antimicrobial resistance, and food and water safety—plus plans for primary care, hospital management, emergency systems, medical tourism, shared medicine procurement, and doctor exchanges. AI & Cybersecurity Spotlight: Bahrain ranks high in UN-backed assessments of government AI readiness and lands in the top tier for cybersecurity, underscoring a wider push across the region to modernize public services and protect digital systems. Water & Climate Planning: Tunisia’s drought response is shifting from emergency mode to long-term resilience, with a new AfDB-backed report calling for an “architecture for resilience,” as rainfall declines and heat rise threaten water and agriculture. Migration Update: IOM Tunisia says voluntary return and reintegration has reached 22,377 people since 2022, and it’s preparing for around 400 more returns. Weather: Passing clouds and slightly warmer conditions are expected, with light-to-moderate winds and a slightly rough sea.

AI & Cybersecurity Benchmark: Bahrain topped Arab rankings for government readiness in AI and landed in the top global tier for cybersecurity in a new UN SDG review—placing Tunisia among the countries in the next tier. Tunisia’s IT Push: A Germany Trade & Invest report says Tunisia is moving from “well-kept secret” to a credible nearshoring hub for German firms, citing talent, proximity, and competitive costs. Water Under Pressure: The AfDB and Tunisia are urging a shift from emergency drought responses to a permanent resilience “architecture,” warning rainfall could drop sharply in central and southern regions. Health Milestone: WHO has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Housing for Disability: UN-Habitat and Alwaleed Philanthropies signed a WUF13 partnership to expand inclusive, accessible housing solutions—Tunisia’s ministry backs a pilot approach. Blue Economy & Tourism: Tunisia is advancing a coastal tourism and blue economy strategy, including eco-tourism and sustainable maritime transport.

AFCON Fallout in Rabat: A disputed AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal has reignited debate across North and Sub-Saharan Africa over racism, corruption claims, and the role of VAR—after Senegal’s coach pulled players off the pitch in protest and the match turned into a wider flashpoint. Tunisia Climate Push: Tunisia has unveiled “NDC 3.0,” a $55bn plan (2026–2035) prioritizing water and agriculture, warning the economy could shrink by 3.4% by 2030 without urgent action. Blue Economy & Health Wins: Tunisia is advancing a coastal tourism and blue economy strategy, while WHO has validated the country’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Water-Smart Tech: FAO training in Tunis is boosting North Africa’s use of AI and geospatial tools to manage water and land. Migration Returns: IOM says 22,377 irregular migrants have benefited from Tunisia’s voluntary return and reintegration programme since 2022. Women’s Entrepreneurship: Nabeul received 35 “Raïdet” grants for women-led projects, totaling over 295,000 dinars.

Political Risk Watch: A new Allianz Commercial risk report puts war and political violence at the top of business fears worldwide, with war overtaking civil unrest as the #1 exposure for companies. Climate & Water: Tunisia has unveiled “NDC 3.0,” a $55 billion plan for 2026–2035 focused on water and agriculture, warning the economy could shrink by 3.4% by 2030 without urgent action. Public Health: The WHO has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, citing long-term primary healthcare and the SAFE strategy. Space for Monitoring: Tunisia is moving ahead with its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation to support environmental monitoring and agriculture. Mosquitoes & Health Response: A Tunisian expert says nearly four new mosquito species have been detected, meaning municipalities may need to adjust control methods. Blue Economy: Tunisia is pushing a coastal tourism and blue economy strategy, highlighting marinas and island eco-tourism. Weather: Sunday brings scattered rain in the morning, then partly cloudy skies, with rough seas and locally strong winds in the south.

Health Milestone: WHO has officially validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health threat, a major win after decades of work using the SAFE approach (surgery, antibiotics, hygiene, and environmental improvements). Blue Economy Push: Tunisia is advancing a coastal tourism and blue economy strategy, highlighting marinas, islands for eco- and scientific tourism, and links to renewable energy and sustainable maritime transport. Space Ambition: Tunisia is developing its first government satellite, aimed at Earth observation for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and resource management. Water & Tech Skills: FAO trained North African officials in AI and geospatial tools for water and land management, including remote sensing workflows. Climate Watch: Weather updates warn of unstable conditions with scattered rain and possible hail, plus rough seas. Policy Focus: Tunisia’s foreign exchange code is back in parliament debate, with lawmakers pushing for a framework that improves the investment climate.

Blue Economy Push: Tunisia is moving to scale up its coastal tourism and “blue economy” plan, spotlighting six major marinas (nearly 2,930 berths) and a region-by-region model that links eco-tourism, renewable energy, sustainable maritime transport and innovation—building on earlier steps like new solar power plants. Health Milestone: The WHO has validated Tunisia as free of trachoma as a public health threat, praising decades of primary healthcare work and the SAFE approach (surgery, antibiotics, hygiene and environmental improvements). Space & Tech: Tunisia is developing its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation, aimed at strengthening national capacity for environmental monitoring, agriculture and resource management. Water Intelligence Training: FAO trained North African officials in AI and geospatial tools to better manage water, land and oasis ecosystems. Agriculture Diplomacy: Italy’s ambassador visited Wafra Agricole, highlighting private-sector tech and know-how ties for food security.

Public Health Win: The WHO has validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health threat, praising decades of sustained political commitment and the SAFE approach (surgery, antibiotics, hygiene and environmental improvements) through primary care and nationwide screening. Water & Tech for Nature: FAO trained North African officials in AI and geospatial tools to better manage water, land and oasis ecosystems, including practical work on the MERWAT platform. Space for Monitoring: Tunisia has begun developing its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation to support environmental monitoring, agriculture and resource management. Mosquito Watch: New mosquito species have been detected in Tunisia, with experts warning municipalities may need to adjust control methods. Weather: Sunday brings locally dense cloud and scattered rain, with rough seas and slightly cooler temperatures.

Mosquito Watch in Tunisia: Environmental specialist Adel Hentati says nearly four new mosquito species have been detected in Tunisia, based on work at the Municipality of Tunis lab—meaning last year’s control methods may not be fully effective, though he stresses there’s no major danger right now. Weekend Weather Alert: Hentati also warns of an unstable weekend, with short showers and possible hail inland and cooler nights, as warmer-than-usual Mediterranean waters feed the mix. Health Milestone: Tunisia just got WHO validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, a long-running win tied to water, sanitation and hygiene improvements. Water-Energy Tech Push: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry highlighted AI-assisted solar field planning and smarter irrigation, linking water, food and energy. Global Context: The U.S. is waiving up to $15,000 visa bonds for some World Cup ticket holders from Tunisia and other qualifying countries.

Mosquito alert in Tunisia: Environmental specialist Adel Hentati says nearly four new mosquito species have been detected in Tunisia, warning municipalities may need to adjust last year’s control methods as warmer, more humid conditions can slow campaigns—though he stresses there’s no major danger right now. Health milestone: Tunisia also just got WHO validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, a decades-long win tied to stronger primary care and the SAFE strategy. World Cup ripple effects: As the 2026 tournament nears, the Trump administration has suspended a controversial visa-bond requirement for ticket-holding fans from five qualified countries, including Tunisia—after backlash over costs and access. Water & energy push: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry says AI tools are being used to design solar projects and improve water-energy planning. UNESCO recognition: Tunisian researcher Oula Amrouni was elected to UNESCO’s Ecohydrology scientific committee, boosting Tunisia’s voice on water, ecosystems, and climate solutions.

World Cup Momentum: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino says the 2026 tournament will be watched by “six billion” people at home, with 48 teams and a June 12 start across the U.S., Mexico and Canada—while Tunisia’s own squad news is getting sharper as coach Sabri Lamouchi makes bold cuts, including dropping captain Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah. Visa Relief for Tunisians: The U.S. has suspended the controversial visa-bond rule (up to $15,000) for ticket-holding fans from World Cup-qualified countries, including Tunisia—an abrupt retreat after backlash. Climate Pressure on Play: A new study warns heat could make many matches unsafe, with some venues lacking air conditioning. Tunisia Weather Watch: Unstable weekend conditions are forecast with short showers, possible hail, and cooler nights. Health Milestone: WHO validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Water-Energy Tech Push: Tunisia is moving to use AI to save water and improve renewable energy planning.