AGP Executive Report

Heat & Power Resilience: Tunisia is facing record-breaking heat near 50°C, with meteorology placing provinces under orange alert and health authorities urging hydration and travel limits; a separate report warns that load shedding is “normal,” but the real concern is operating with too little safety margin and unclear public information. Energy Efficiency Push: ANME, with AfDB support, is moving to set up a financing scheme to accelerate energy-efficient air conditioning—aiming to cut peak demand and ease grid pressure, but noting barriers like upfront costs and weak incentives. Green Hydrogen Strategy: A Tunisia-focused study highlights northern Tunisia’s potential to produce nearly 3 GW of competitive green hydrogen for Europe, feeding into broader regional hydrogen ambitions. Industrial Tech Jobs: Germany’s Deltec confirms its first production site outside Germany in Borj Cédria after acquiring Cicor’s facility, planning a 10,000+ m² expansion and 500+ long-term jobs. AI Governance Watch: China’s WAICO launch raises the question of where Tunisia should position itself in competing international AI standards and cooperation frameworks. Civic Space Under Pressure: ARTICLE 19 condemns the conviction of journalist Haythem El Mekki, while another report flags the sentencing of Sihem Bensedrine as a blow to Tunisia’s transitional justice process. Research-to-Policy Link: Tunisia’s CMF partners with ESC Tunis’s LARIMRAF lab to boost applied research and training for the financial market. Regional Tech & Business: Uber’s €41.5/share deal to acquire Delivery Hero includes Glovo operations in Tunisia, signaling more platform consolidation across MENA.

Heat & Power Risk: Tunisia is hit by a record-breaking heat wave, with Kairouan reaching 49.7°C and Zaghouan 48.6°C; 10 provinces are on orange alert as authorities urge hydration and limiting travel during peak hours. Energy Efficiency Finance: ANME with the AfDB is seeking a consultancy to design a national financing scheme to speed up energy-efficient air conditioning adoption and cut summer peak strain. Local Tech Jobs: FIPA says German DELTEC has acquired Cicor’s Borj Cédria production site, planning a new 10,000+ m² facility and creating 500+ jobs long term. Research-to-Regulation Link: Tunisia’s CMF signed with ESC Tunis’s LARIMRAF to boost applied research, training, and joint studies for the financial market. Media Freedom Under Pressure: Journalist Haythem El Mekki was sentenced on appeal to one year in prison, a new blow to press freedom. Global Mobility Tech: Uber agreed to buy Delivery Hero for €41.50/share, including Glovo operations in Tunisia. AI & Misinformation: A study says AI-generated content spread during Morocco’s 2026 World Cup campaign, making misinformation harder to spot across multiple countries including Tunisia.

Higher Education & Research Partnerships: Tunisia’s Higher Education Council (HEC) approved new international cooperation deals, including Applied Science University partnerships spanning Tunisia, India, Saudi Arabia, Kenya and the UK, plus agreements for Bahrain’s medical and management institutions. Energy Efficiency Finance: ANME, with AfDB support, is preparing a financing scheme to speed up energy-efficient air-conditioning adoption in Tunisia, aiming to cut peak electricity demand. Tech & Jobs in Electronics: FIPA-Tunisia says German DELTEC has acquired Cicor’s Borj Cédria production site, planning a 10,000+ sqm facility and creating 500+ jobs. AI Governance Watch: Tunisia ranked 110th of 135 in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, pointing to weak safeguards and limited governance maturity. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Journalist Haythem El Mekki was sentenced on appeal to one year in prison, a new blow to media freedom under Tunisia’s telecom laws. Civic Space & Transitional Justice: A conviction against Sihem Bensedrine is condemned as undermining Tunisia’s transitional justice process and chilling human-rights work. Hydrogen Outlook: A new IEA-backed Global Hydrogen Review highlights Africa’s low-emission hydrogen pipeline, with Tunisia in the wider regional picture.

Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted new, science- and risk-based guidelines for food allergen labeling, aiming to curb inconsistent “precautionary” labels that can unnecessarily limit choices for people with allergies. UK Student Mobility: UK Visas & Immigration reminded applicants to prepare six key documents early for the 2026 student visa, warning that missing or incorrect paperwork can delay decisions. AI Governance in Tunisia: Tunisia ranked 110th out of 135 in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, with gaps flagged in turning digital foundations into strong safeguards for reliability, user protection, and risk management. Tunisia’s Research & Health: NAMRU EURAFCENT and partners published findings on the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in northern and central Tunis, mapping seasonal activity to support dengue risk monitoring. Finance & Research Link: Tunisia’s Financial Market Council (CMF) partnered with ESC Tunis’s LARIMRAF to boost applied research, training, and collaboration on financial market development. Energy & Climate Cooperation: A Tunisia–Nigeria push seeks off-grid solar and smarter water solutions for public services in Bauchi State, alongside calls for modern surveillance tech. Regional Security Capacity: AFRICA SHIELD 2026 held in Tunis to strengthen counterproliferation cooperation and capacity across African law enforcement and policy bodies. Mobility Deal With Tunisia Footprint: Uber agreed to acquire Delivery Hero, including Glovo operations in Tunisia, as part of a wider MENA consolidation.

AI for Africa’s economy: A new push for AI across Sub-Saharan Africa is moving from strategy to real-world results, with governments and big tech backing cloud, data centres and skills—while the UN warns job gains depend on closing infrastructure and training gaps. Tunisia’s AI governance score: Tunisia ranks 110th of 135 in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, scoring well on “enabling conditions” but weak on safeguards like reliability, user protection and risk management. Healthcare science in the region: AstraZeneca Egypt and NEMAG held the first Immuno-Oncology Summit in Cairo, bringing Tunisian and wider North Africa experts to share advances in immuno-oncology and multidisciplinary cancer care. Local research with public-health impact: NAMRU EURAFCENT researchers published findings on the Asian tiger mosquito in northern and central Tunis, mapping seasonal activity to support dengue monitoring. Finance research partnership: Tunisia’s CMF signed an agreement with ESC Tunis’s LARIMRAF lab to boost applied research, training and studies for the country’s financial market. Security tech cooperation: Kuwait’s security-media officials highlighted using digital platforms and AI for faster, higher-quality public safety messaging, with Tunis hosting the Arab security media conference. Africa climate resilience: A WEFE Nexus Summit under the TRANS-SAHARA project convened partners across Ghana and Tunisia to tackle water, energy, food and ecosystem resilience. Business and tech markets: Uber agreed to acquire Delivery Hero and also take over Glovo’s operations across multiple countries including Tunisia, reshaping delivery competition in Africa.

AI Governance: Tunisia slipped to 110th out of 135 in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, scoring 16.37/100 and showing gaps in turning “enabling conditions” into real trust and safety safeguards. Financial Market Research: Tunisia’s Financial Market Council (CMF) partnered with ESC Tunis’s LARIMRAF lab to boost applied research, training, and joint studies for the country’s financial market. Public Health & Research: NAMRU EURAFCENT researchers and partners in Tunisia published new findings on the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in northern/central Tunis, mapping seasonal activity and supporting dengue surveillance. Mobility & Tech M&A: Uber announced a takeover agreement for Delivery Hero, expanding its delivery reach across 99 markets. World Cup Tech & Politics: A debate flared over FIFA’s “universality” as US immigration rules reportedly blocked many Africans from participating and attending, undercutting the tournament’s inclusion promise. Tunisians Abroad: A parliamentary committee approved a draft law to amend the National Council for Tunisians Residing Abroad, including placing it under the Prime Ministry and revising its composition.

Security & AI in Public Safety: Kuwait’s security media officials say digital platforms and artificial intelligence should boost timely, high-quality messaging and help engage younger audiences, with Arab cooperation in Tunis framed as key to community safety. Tunisia Rights Watch: More than 400 scholars and human rights leaders call for the immediate release of Tunisian political prisoner R. Ghannouchi, sentenced in June 2026 to life plus 30 years. Health Research (Tunisia): NAMRU EURAFCENT researchers report peer-reviewed findings on the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus in northern and central Tunis, mapping seasonal activity and supporting dengue surveillance. Tunisians Abroad (Policy): A parliamentary committee approved a draft law amending the National Council for Tunisians Residing Abroad, shifting authority to the Prime Ministry and revising its composition. Tech & Society (Tunisia-linked): A World Cup “Connected Ball” dispute resurfaces around a possible cable impact before England’s goal, highlighting how sports tech can trigger new rule debates. Global Context: A new Freedom and Prosperity Index warns rule-of-law erosion is accelerating since 2020, tying institutional decline to falling prosperity.

Tunisians Abroad: A parliamentary committee approved a draft law to amend the 2016 framework for the National Council for Tunisians Residing Abroad, including shifting the council under the Prime Ministry and revising its overseas representation to improve coordination and effectiveness. Public Health Research: NAMRU EURAFCENT researchers in Tunisia published a peer-reviewed study mapping the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) across northern and central Tunis, highlighting seasonal activity and the need for ongoing dengue-related monitoring with local partners. AI & Security: A report says terrorist groups are increasingly using generative AI to plan and improve attacks, including guidance for modifying vehicles and tactics. World Cup Tech & Controversy: FIFA-linked coverage keeps focusing on the 2026 semifinals and on whether technology (VAR, sensors, and ball tracking) can settle disputes—after renewed debate around the “Hand of God” legacy and a cable-related goal incident. Sports Milestone: Mexico’s Katia Itzel García became the first Latin American woman to referee a men’s FIFA World Cup match as Tunisia played the Netherlands.

Public Health Research: NAMRU EURAFCENT researchers in Tunisia published a peer-reviewed study on the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Northern and Central Tunis, mapping where it’s likely to spread and when seasonal activity peaks—key for dengue risk monitoring. Science Policy & Mobility: Tunisia’s parliamentary committee approved a draft law to amend the 2016 framework for the National Council for Tunisians Residing Abroad, including placing the council under the Prime Ministry and revising its overseas representation. International Tech & Security: A US-linked case reports the arrest in Spain of James “Fergie” Cox Chambers Jr., alleging money laundering and support networks tied to Hamas, with claims that transfers involved Tunisian accounts. Tunisia in Global Sports Tech: FIFA’s “Connected Ball” and spidercam-related controversy around World Cup decisions keeps resurfacing, including claims about whether cables were hit during key moments. Tunisia–Nigeria Cooperation: Tunisia’s foreign minister spoke with Nigeria’s counterpart, highlighting plans to deepen ties in ICT, healthcare, medical tourism, manufacturing, and petroleum, with a joint commission session planned in Tunis.

Digital Health in Tunisia: The National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology has started adopting Tunisia’s National Health Identifier (INS) from July 4, aiming to link it to patients’ medical and administrative records to reduce duplicate data and improve care coordination. Tunisia-Africa Research & Innovation: Tunisia’s push to expand academic influence in Africa is highlighted as universities become “soft power” engines, alongside regional efforts like harmonising microplastics monitoring and broader digital plant health drives. Tunisia in Global Tech Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign ministry says Mohamed Ali Nafti held talks with Nigeria’s counterpart, with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation in ICT, healthcare, medical tourism, manufacturing and petroleum, and to prepare for the next Tunisian-Nigerian Joint Commission in Tunis. World Cup Tech Debate (Global, with Tunisia links): FIFA’s 2026 tournament continues to spark arguments about AI, VAR and connected-ball sensors after controversial moments involving camera systems and VAR decisions—while Tunisia’s own World Cup match coverage includes a historic refereeing milestone in Kansas City.

Tunisia Digital Health: Tunisia’s National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology has started adopting the National Health Identifier (INS), linking it to patients’ medical and administrative records to reduce duplicate data and improve secure information exchange across healthcare structures. Tunisia Research & Industry: Pusterla 1880 Tunisie (Sousse) opened a new £4m packaging facility with automated production for premium boxes and specialist packs, boosting high-end packaging capacity for European beauty, fragrance, drinks and jewellery brands. Tunisia Science & Education: Tunisia expands its academic influence in Africa, with universities increasingly acting as soft-power engines through research, innovation and talent attraction. Regional Tech & Health: Africa’s startup funding in H1 2026 reached $1.58B across 241 disclosed rounds, showing growing capital concentration among mature fintech, logistics and infrastructure players. AI & Security: A report highlights how terrorist groups are using generative AI to improve battlefield tactics, including motorcycle modifications for attacks. Environment & Health (MENA): Scientists warn that banned flame-retardant chemicals (PBDEs) still persist in the environment across the Middle East and North Africa, with risks tied to legacy products and recycled plastics.

Tunisia’s digital health push: The National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology has started adopting Tunisia’s National Health Identifier (INS), linking it to patients’ medical and administrative records to reduce duplicate data and improve safer information exchange across healthcare facilities. Microplastics monitoring in Africa: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, aiming for comparable data and better marine pollution policies. Local research capacity: GAEC hosted African scientists to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols, reinforcing regional lab and analytical work. Tunisia–Nigeria tech and health ties: Tunisia’s foreign minister held phone talks with Nigeria’s counterpart, highlighting plans to expand cooperation in ICT, healthcare, medical tourism, manufacturing and petroleum, with a joint commission session planned in Tunis. Tunisia’s industrial upgrades: Pusterla 1880 Tunisie opened a new £4m facility in Sousse to boost high-end secondary packaging for global beauty, fragrance and premium drinks brands. AI and peacebuilding: A G20 Interfaith Forum webinar will discuss how AI can support early conflict detection and dialogue while keeping humans in charge.

Digital Health in Tunisia: The National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology has started adopting Tunisia’s National Health Identifier (INS) from July 4, aiming to link it automatically to patients’ medical and administrative records to reduce duplicate identities and improve secure data exchange across healthcare facilities. Tunisia’s Industrial Push: IFC plans €52m to back Marquardt’s Tunisian expansion, including production modernization, new equipment and working capital—expected to strengthen supply links with Tunisian SMEs and boost skills via university and vocational partnerships. Microplastics Monitoring (Africa-wide, Tunisia-relevant): Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonize coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, supporting comparable data and better marine pollution policy. AI & Security Risks: A report highlights how generative AI can help terrorist groups gain battlefield advantages, from planning attacks to modifying equipment. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign ministry discussed strengthening cooperation with Nigeria, including ICT, healthcare and medical tourism, ahead of the Tunisian-Nigerian Joint Commission.

Digital Health in Tunisia: The National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology has started adopting Tunisia’s National Health Identifier (INS), linking it to patients’ medical and administrative records to reduce duplicate identities and improve secure data exchange across healthcare facilities. AI & Security: A new report highlights how terrorist groups are using generative AI to gain battlefield advantages, including guidance for modifying vehicles and planning attacks. Ethical AI in Peacebuilding: A G20 Interfaith Forum webinar will discuss how AI could support early conflict detection and dialogue—while stressing it must remain a tool for human peacemakers. Microplastics Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonize coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, aiming for comparable data and better marine protection policies. Tunisia’s Industry & Jobs: IFC plans €52m to back Marquardt’s Tunisian expansion, supporting modernization, equipment upgrades, and skills partnerships with local SMEs, universities, and training centers. Local Tech/Industry Expansion: Pusterla 1880 opened a new £4m Tunisia packaging facility in Sousse, boosting high-end secondary packaging capacity for global beauty, fragrance, and premium drinks brands.

Digital Health in Tunisia: The National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology has started adopting Tunisia’s National Health Identifier (INS), linking it to patients’ medical and administrative records to reduce duplicate data and improve secure information exchange across healthcare structures. AI for Peacebuilding: The G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) is set to host a July 16 webinar on “AI and Peacebuilding,” with speakers stressing AI should support human-led peacemaking, not replace it. Tunisia–Nigeria Tech & Health Ties: Tunisia’s foreign minister held phone talks with Nigeria’s counterpart, highlighting plans to deepen cooperation in ICT, healthcare, medical tourism, manufacturing and petroleum, with a joint commission session planned in Tunis. Tunisia’s Research & Industry Push: Tunisia’s national institute of nutrition adopts INS; meanwhile, IFC plans €52m to back Marquardt’s Tunisian expansion, aiming to modernize production and strengthen links with local SMEs and training partners. Marine Science & Microplastics: GAEC is part of a wider effort to harmonize microplastics monitoring protocols across 21 African countries using nuclear and isotopic techniques.

Digital Health in Tunisia: The National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology has started adopting Tunisia’s National Health Identifier (INS) from July 4, aiming to link it automatically to patients’ medical and administrative records to reduce duplicate data and improve secure information exchange. Tunisia’s Industrial Tech Push: IFC plans €52m financing to expand German auto supplier Marquardt’s Tunisian operations, backing equipment upgrades and working capital while strengthening links with local SMEs and training partners. Automotive Investment Signal: Wärtsilä is set to supply propulsion solutions for nine Grimaldi Group ferry newbuilds, including fuel-flexible engines—an indirect boost for Tunisia’s wider high-tech manufacturing ecosystem. Road Safety Strategy: Tunisia’s road safety observatory says accidents cost about 1.73bn dinars a year (1.15% of GDP), and a 2025–2034 multisector plan targets prevention with training and smart enforcement like radars. Microplastics Monitoring (Africa-wide): Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonize coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, with Tunisia among participants. Tunisia–Nigeria Cooperation: Foreign ministers of Tunisia and Nigeria discussed deepening ties in ICT, healthcare, medical tourism, manufacturing and petroleum, with a joint commission session planned in Tunis.