AGP Executive Report

Press Freedom Under Pressure: A Tunisian judge ordered the detention of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi after police stopped him at Radio Express FM, with charges cited as illicit enrichment and money laundering—rights groups warn this signals a wider squeeze on independent voices. Cybersecurity Push: The Prime Minister issued a circular making stricter protections mandatory for public institutions’ digital systems, including hosting rules, HTTPS, multi-factor authentication, and annual security audits. Heat and Human Rights: Tunisia’s League for Human Rights says 20 prisoners have died in detention in recent weeks amid extreme heat and poor ventilation, while authorities have not confirmed heat-related deaths. Renewables With Japan Support: The 75 MW El Fahs wind project in Zaghouan was selected for Japanese grant funding under the JCM, adding momentum to Tunisia’s energy transition. Water-Energy Reliability Shock: Reports say summer power cuts have broken business trust in STEG, pushing firms toward self-generation and reshaping how companies plan for outages. Clean Tech for Textiles: Tunisian firm PigmentOco won an Avantex Fashion Pitch award for supercritical CO₂ dyeing, targeting water-heavy pollution in garment production.

Renewables Push: Tunisia’s El Fahs 75 MW onshore wind project in Zaghouan has been selected for Japanese support under the Joint Crediting Mechanism, with Japan’s embassy saying it’s the first wind project approved under the mechanism and part of a wider Japan–Tunisia renewables push. Tourism Diversification: A new IACE study urges Tunisia to speed up diversification of tourism beyond the usual model, projecting five underused niches (senior, health & wellness, guesthouses/rural, luxury, and short-term rentals) could bring nearly 2.7 billion dinars by 2030 and create 21,500+ jobs. Heat & Rights Under Strain: The Tunisian League for Human Rights reports 20 prisoner deaths linked to extreme heat, while Human Rights Watch says authorities are escalating pressure on civil society, prosecuting dozens of NGO-linked people and holding some in preventive detention beyond legal limits. Weather & Safety: Civil Protection warns of heavy rain, flash-flood and runoff risks, urging people to avoid wadis and flooded roads and drivers to stay on safer routes. Nature & Heritage: Tunisia received UNESCO recognition for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its geological sites and potential for local environmental tourism.

Heat & Health Crisis: Tunisia’s League for Human Rights says 20 prisoners have died in detention in recent weeks amid extreme heat, citing suffocation, poor ventilation and overcrowding; authorities have not yet confirmed heat-related deaths. Energy Reliability & Water Stress: Rights groups and doctors link the broader crisis to long power outages and water cuts during the heatwave, while STEG power cuts have pushed businesses toward self-generation. Renewables Push: Japan’s Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism grant backs Tunisia’s 75 MW El Fahs onshore wind project, with earlier MCC support for 50 MW solar plants in Tozeur and Sidi Bouzid. Wildfire Fallout: Civil Protection reports summer wildfires destroyed over 14,000 hectares, with fast-spreading blazes worsened by thunderstorms and strong winds. Flood Risk Alerts: Civil Protection warns of heavy rain, flash-flood and runoff dangers, urging drivers to avoid wadi beds and flooded roads. Governance & Civic Space: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia has intensified pressure on civil society, prosecuting and detaining NGO workers and widening suspensions. Civil Protection & Weather: Meteorology forecasts localized thunderstorms, hail in isolated areas, and gusts that may exceed 70 km/h.

Renewables Boost: Tunisia’s 75 MW El Fahs onshore wind project secured a Japanese government grant under the Paris Article 6 Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism, with more solar projects also moving forward. Wildfire Pressure: Civil Protection reports Tunisia’s summer wildfires destroyed over 14,000 hectares, with thousands of fires and rekindling linked to storms and strong winds. Heat + Utilities Crisis: Extreme heat is driving rotating power cuts and disrupting water supplies, leaving hospitals and households under heavy strain. Power Cuts Schedule: STEG warned of intermittent outages on Sept. 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. across multiple regions, urging businesses to prepare for continuity. Flash-Flood Safety: Civil Protection issued guidance to avoid flood-prone areas, wadis and flooded roads as heavy rain raises flash-flood risks. Civil Society Under Fire: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia has intensified pressure on NGOs, with mass suspensions, long preventive detention, and convictions tied to civil society work. Governance Reform: The Prime Minister outlined six priorities for faster structural reform of public enterprises, including clearer performance targets and stronger oversight. UNESCO Nature Win: Tunisia officially received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its geological and environmental tourism value.

Wildfire Response in Tunisia: Tunisia’s Civil Protection warned of heavy rain, runoff and flash-flood risks, urging people to avoid waterways and wadi beds and not drive through flooded passages. Forest Fire Crisis: A severe summer wildfire season has scorched over 14,000 hectares, with fast-moving blazes in Siliana and Kairouan forcing evacuations of 100+ families and deploying ground teams plus air drops. Heat + Power Strain: Extreme heat is driving rotating power cuts and disrupting water supplies that rely on electric pumping, leaving hospitals and households under pressure. Power Cut Schedule: STEG also announced intermittent outages on Tuesday (1 p.m.–6 p.m.) across Greater Tunis, North, Northwest, Central Tunisia, Sfax and the South/Southwest. UNESCO Nature Boost: Tunisia officially received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, Tunisia’s first UNESCO-listed geopark, highlighting geological and environmental tourism potential. Civic Space Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia has intensified pressure on civil society, prosecuting and detaining NGO workers and suspending associations.

Severe Weather & Flood Risk: Tunisia’s Civil Protection issued fresh warnings as heavy rain and runoff could trigger flash flooding, urging people to avoid waterways and wadi beds, not drive through flooded passages, and watch for roads/bridges being submerged. Wildfires & Evacuations: Wildfires linked to strong winds and extreme heat forced authorities to evacuate 100+ families in Kairouan and Siliana, with aircraft and reinforcements deployed; no casualties were reported. Heatwave Power-Water Crisis: Extreme temperatures near 50°C are driving rotating power cuts that disrupt water supplies, strain hospitals, and worsen shortages—highlighting Tunisia’s fragile grid and dependence on imported gas. Energy Disruptions (STEG): STEG announced intermittent power cuts on Sept. 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. across multiple regions, depending on grid conditions. Conservation & Tourism: Tunisia officially received UNESCO recognition for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, boosting environmental and cultural tourism potential in Gabès, Tataouine, and Médenine. Civil Society Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch reports intensified government pressure on Tunisian civil society, including prosecutions, long preventive detention, and mass suspensions of associations. Summer Wildfire Scale: A report says over 14,000 hectares of forest were destroyed this summer, with thousands of fires and major blazes stretching response capacity.

Wildfire Crisis: Tunisia’s summer wildfires have destroyed over 14,000 hectares of forest, with Civil Protection reporting 13,463 fires extinguished between June 1 and Aug. 30, and major blazes rekindled by thunderstorms and strong winds. Evacuations in Kairouan & Siliana: Authorities evacuated more than 100 families as flames spread toward homes; residents were moved to schools and a youth camp, while two military aircraft and reinforcements supported firefighting. Heat, Power, Water: Extreme heat near 50°C is driving rotating STEG power cuts that disrupt water supplies and strain hospitals, leaving many Tunisians without reliable electricity or water. STEG Outage Plan: STEG also announced intermittent power cuts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in multiple regions on Sept. 1, depending on grid conditions. Civic Space Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia has intensified pressure on civil society, prosecuting activists and suspending dozens of associations, narrowing post-2011 civic space. Tourism & Investment: Tunisia says visitor numbers have topped 6 million by early August, with Spanish hotel chains moving from intentions to project implementation.

Heatwave & Utilities Crisis: Tunisia is sweltering near 50°C, with rotating power cuts and water disruptions hitting hospitals and households hard, as demand spikes and grid fragility shows. Planned Outages: STEG warns of intermittent power cuts on Sept. 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. across Greater Tunis, North, Northwest, Central Tunisia, Sfax and the South/Southwest, depending on grid conditions. Wildfires & Evacuations: More than 100 families were evacuated in Kairouan and Siliana as wildfires spread fast in strong winds; military aircraft and civil defense teams were deployed, with no casualties reported. Fire Risk & Policy: Algeria moves to reinstate the death penalty for arsonists after deadly forest fires, underscoring how extreme heat is driving disaster response across the region. Tunisia-Germany Cooperation: President Saied met Germany’s foreign minister and discussed stronger ties in energy, environment, education, research and digital transitions, alongside reviewing EU partnership terms. Regional Climate Activism: North Africa’s social movements are shifting toward practical demands, with environmental and climate concerns increasingly shaping protests and pressure on energy transitions. Wildfire Response Capacity: A shortage of Canadair water bombers is leaving Europe struggling to keep up with fires, even as aircraft have been used to help Tunisia.

Heatwave & public health: Tunisia’s doctors group says emergency departments are under “unprecedented” pressure, with deaths linked to soaring temperatures and heatstroke, urging a health emergency as Kairouan hit near-record highs. Water & power crisis: Protests are spreading over water cuts, electricity outages and rising living costs, while rotating power cuts are also tied to water disruptions. Thirst bottleneck: Reports describe “Wild West” scenes of queues and truck-chasing for bottled water, reflecting a deeper breakdown in trust and tap-water reliability. Wildfire risk: Siliana’s Mount Boulmane wildfire flared again as winds topped 100 km/h, forcing reinforcements and renewed firefighting. Waste-to-energy progress: An integrated gas extraction and recovery unit at the Errahma controlled landfill is about 90% complete, aiming to cut methane emissions and later produce green electricity. Green finance: The EBRD expands its risk-sharing with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m and adds an ESG investment facility to back energy, waste and other sustainability upgrades. Diplomacy & environment-linked cooperation: President Kais Saied met Germany’s foreign minister, discussing cooperation in energy, tech innovation and reviewing EU partnership terms. Weather watch: Forecasts point to thunderstorms with possible hail and gusty winds in parts of the north and center, with rougher seas in the north.

Heatwave & water crisis: Tunisia is seeing “unprecedented” thirst scenes as people queue for bottled water while power cuts disrupt water supplies, exposing a deeper breakdown in trust and tap-water reliability. Extreme heat impacts health: Doctors’ group reports “unprecedented” pressure on emergency departments, with deaths linked to the severe heatwave and Kairouan hitting 49.8°C. Wildfire flare-up (Siliana): At Mount Boulmane, winds over 100 km/h reignited a wildfire; ash reportedly drifted toward Kairouan, and reinforcements were requested as teams cooled hotspots to prevent re-ignition. Storm outlook: Monday weather warns of thunderstorms in western and central-north regions, with possible hail and gusts above 70 km/h. Waste & climate mitigation (Nabeul): Errahma landfill gas recovery unit is ~90% complete, aiming to cut methane and later convert it into green electricity. Phosphate mining debate: Namibia’s Sandpiper project faces opposition citing Tunisia’s Gafsa mining legacy and calls for independent oversight. Finance for greener business (EBRD): EBRD expands Attijari Bank Tunisia risk-sharing to €70m and adds an ESG facility to back energy efficiency, renewables and waste-reduction investments.

Heatwave Crisis in Tunisia: Tunisia’s extreme heat is back at full force, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C on Aug. 27 as rotating power cuts disrupt water supplies and doctors warn emergency departments are under strain. Health System Under Pressure: An independent doctors’ group says hospitals are seeing an “unprecedented” surge in heatstroke cases and deaths, urging a formal “health emergency” as official figures lag. Weather Watch: Meteorology forecasts localized thunderstorms with heavy rain and possible hail in parts of the north and center, with gusty winds during storms, while temperatures ease slightly in some areas. Waste-to-Energy Progress (Nabeul): Tunisia’s Errahma controlled landfill gas recovery unit is about 90% complete, aiming to cut greenhouse gases by converting methane and later producing green electricity. AI Governance Update: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the 2026 African AI Governance Index, scoring 2.12/4, with strengths in policy frameworks but concerns over talent retention. Green Finance Boost: The EBRD expanded its risk-sharing with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m and added an ESG investment facility to support cleaner, more sustainable business projects. Regional Fire Risk: Algeria’s deadly wildfires—driven by the same North Africa heatwave—left at least 12 dead and 54 injured, underscoring the wider climate threat.

Heatwave Health Crisis: Tunisia’s independent young doctors group reports an “unprecedented” surge in heatstroke cases and deaths in emergency departments, urging a formal “health emergency” as officials have not yet published official figures. Meteorology & Risk Alerts: The National Institute of Meteorology warns of continued extreme heat with sirocco effects, plus localized thunderstorms and gusty storms; vulnerable groups are told to limit outdoor exposure and hydrate. Wildfire Spillover Region: Algeria’s deadly northern wildfires—linked to the same heatwave—have killed at least 12 and injured 54, with evacuations underway, underscoring the rising fire threat across the Maghreb. Waste & Climate Action: Tunisia’s Errahma controlled landfill near Nabeul is nearing 90% completion on a gas extraction and treatment unit, aiming to cut greenhouse gases by converting methane and later producing green electricity. Green Finance for Industry: The EBRD expands its risk-sharing with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m and adds an ESG investment facility to back energy efficiency, renewables, waste reduction and other sustainability upgrades. Biodiversity Protection: Sierra Leone’s NPAA steps up protection of Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, targeting illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment—an environmental governance reminder for the region.

Heatwave Health Crisis: Tunisia’s independent young doctors group says hospitals are seeing an “unprecedented” surge in heatstroke cases and deaths, urging a formal health emergency as temperatures hit extreme levels including 49.8°C in Kairouan. Climate & Disaster Risk: Tunisia’s meteorology institute warns of continued above-season heat with sirocco making it feel hotter, while Algeria’s wildfires—fuelled by the same heatwave—have killed at least 12 and injured 54, underscoring the region-wide fire danger. Waste-to-Climate Project: In Nabeul, the Errahma controlled landfill gas extraction and treatment unit is about 90% complete, aiming to cut greenhouse gases by converting methane and later producing green electricity. Green Finance Push: The EBRD expands its risk-sharing with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m and adds a new ESG investment facility to back energy efficiency, renewables, waste reduction and other sustainability upgrades. AI Governance: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the 2026 African AI Governance Index, scoring 2.12/4—showing progress but also highlighting talent and execution gaps.

Heatwave Health Crisis: Tunisia’s independent young doctors group reports deaths in hospital emergency departments amid the ongoing severe heatwave, urging an immediate “health emergency” declaration as it cites an “unprecedented increase” in heatstroke cases and admissions, with authorities yet to publish official figures. Weather Watch: The National Institute of Meteorology says temperatures will stay above seasonal norms, with sirocco winds boosting the heat; a gradual cooling is expected from mid-next week. Wildfire Risk: Tunisia places most regions on high alert as extreme heat raises wildfire dangers. Waste-to-Energy Push: ANGed and UN-Habitat move to strengthen waste-to-energy projects, including training and regional knowledge exchange to support circular-economy waste recovery. Phosphate Mining Opposition: IPC says it opposes the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate project, citing environmental, social and public health concerns. Finance for ESG: The EBRD expands its risk-sharing facility with Attijari Bank Tunisia to €70m and adds an ESG investment line to back energy efficiency, renewables and waste-reduction projects. AI Governance Spotlight: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa in the inaugural African AI Governance Index, scoring 2.12/4 while noting gaps like talent retention.

Heatwave Watch in Tunisia: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology says temperatures are staying well above seasonal norms, with sirocco winds pushing inland and southern areas higher; a gradual cooling is expected from mid-next week, but for now residents are urged to limit outdoor activity and protect vulnerable groups. Wildfire Risk & Civil Protection Alerts: Tunisia’s Civil Protection has issued warnings that extreme heat could sharply raise wildfire risk, urging people not to light fires near forests or farmland, not to burn waste or crop residues, and to report any smoke immediately. Regional Fire Crisis (Algeria): Northern Algeria is battling deadly wildfires, with at least 12 reported dead and 54 injured as civil protection teams respond across multiple provinces, while the same heatwave grips Tunisia and the wider Maghreb. Waste-to-Energy Push: ANGed and UN-Habitat are strengthening cooperation to develop waste-to-energy projects, including training and knowledge-sharing to boost local capacity and support a circular economy. Land COP Drought Deal Delayed: UN land restoration talks ended without a drought protocol, pushing the issue to later negotiations, despite calls from African negotiators for a legally binding, regional approach to drought and migration.

Heatwave Watch (Tunisia): Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology says most regions are on high alert as temperatures stay 4–8°C above normal, with sirocco winds boosting the heat. A slight cooling is expected on parts of the north and eastern coast, but Saturday could still hit 37–42°C nationwide and up to 45°C in the southwest. Wildfire Risk: Tunisia’s Civil Protection warns the extreme heat could sharply raise wildfire danger, urging people to avoid lighting fires near forests and farmland, stop burning waste or crop residues, and report any smoke immediately to 198. Kairouan Heat Record: Kairouan reached 49.8°C, ranking among the world’s hottest cities, with temporary power cuts reported as STEG protects grid stability. Regional Fire Tragedy (Algeria): In neighbouring Algeria, wildfires killed at least 12 and injured 54, with evacuations reported as civil protection recorded 154 outbreaks in a day. Agriculture Under Pressure: Tunisia’s Agriculture ministry urges farmers, breeders and fishermen to protect livestock from heat stress and adjust irrigation to cooler hours.