AGP Executive Report

AI in Browsers: Google is rolling out Ask Gemini in Chrome to more African markets, including Tunisia, as part of a wider push to make the browser more helpful with built-in AI. Water Governance: Tunisia’s Prime Minister chaired a small cabinet meeting focused on accelerating water-system governance and reform, aiming to secure drinking water as a constitutional right and improve maintenance to prevent sudden cuts. Healthcare Upgrade: In El Hamma (Gabès), the local hospital performed its first surgical operation after renovating and equipping two operating theatres with modern technology and support from Gabès University Hospital. Biodiversity Project: The Green4Value initiative was launched to better manage and conserve Tunisia’s arboretums, linking biodiversity protection with scientific research and socio-economic development. Tech & Aerospace: Tunisia’s Telnet Group reported strong 2025 revenue growth and highlighted continued R&D, including investment in its nanosatellite development program. Digital Culture Cooperation: Tunisia and Djibouti are exchanging expertise on digital transformation in the cultural sector via a technical visit coordinated by TICDCE.

Water Governance: Tunisia’s Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri chaired a restricted ministerial council on the water system, stressing governance and reform to secure the constitutional right to drinking water, protect water wealth, keep infrastructure running year-round, and diversify non-conventional sources. Security & Counterterror: Tunisia reported two earlier-year counterterror raids—one in Kasserine that stopped an attack near a market, and another near the Tunisian-Algerian border—showing operational capacity against extremist networks. Marine Science: Volunteer divers in the Strait of Sicily, between Sicily and Tunisia, captured what experts call the first underwater footage of an adult great white in the Mediterranean during ghost-net removal, highlighting biodiversity and the value of removing abandoned gear. Connectivity: Algeria and Tunisia plan a new submarine telecom cable linking both countries to Italy, aiming to boost international data capacity and resilience of regional connectivity. Oil Outlook: A report says Tunisia’s Ashtart oil field is expected to reach peak economic activity in 2031, with production still a major share of national output. Humanitarian Crisis (Libya): Amnesty International urged the Libyan Arab Armed Forces to immediately release 10 Global Sumud activists detained for attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

World Cup 2026 on Free-to-Air TV: BBC and ITV will broadcast every match, with coverage split across channels as the tournament expands to 48 teams. Tunisia Water Governance: Prime Minister Sara Zaâfrani Zenzri chaired a restricted ministerial council focused on accelerating public projects for the national water system, stressing water sovereignty, infrastructure upkeep, and stronger rules for managing and protecting water resources. Tunisia Energy Outlook: A report projects the Ashtart oil field’s “peak economic activity” in 2031, noting it is a major contributor to national production and raising questions about long-term profitability. Marine Science in the Mediterranean: Volunteer divers filmed what experts call the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean during a ghost-net removal dive between Sicily and Tunisia, highlighting both rare sightings and the need for better understanding of local shark populations. Connected Mobility Tech: Iteris’ BlueTOAD Spectra CV roadside unit received OmniAir certification, aiming to improve interoperability and security for V2X deployments. Regional Connectivity: Algeria and Tunisia plan a new submarine telecom cable linking to Italy to boost data capacity between North Africa and Europe. Academic Recognition in Tunisia: Two University of Tunis El Manar lecturers earned international recognition—one for pedagogical innovation and another shortlisted for a cybersecurity volunteer award.

Marine Conservation Breakthrough: Volunteer divers in the Strait of Sicily, between Sicily and Tunisia, captured what experts call the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean during a ghost-net removal dive near a shipwreck. Researchers say the encounter is rare and scientifically valuable for a critically endangered population that’s still poorly understood. Connected Mobility Tech: Iteris’ BlueTOAD Spectra CV roadside unit has received OmniAir certification, a step aimed at improving interoperability and security for V2X deployments. Tunisia Governance & Delivery: A small Tunis cabinet meeting focused on speeding up the implementation of public programmes and projects, stressing better project readiness checks and faster, simpler procurement. Tunisia in Higher Education: University of Tunis El Manar announced two lecturers’ international recognition—one for pedagogical innovation and another shortlisted for a cybersecurity women award. Renewables in the Region: Arab renewable capacity rose to about 39.2 GW in 2025, with solar dominating; Tunisia’s added share was smaller but included.

Public Projects Oversight: Tunisia’s small cabinet meeting in Kasbah, chaired by PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, focused on speeding up public programme delivery by tightening project readiness checks (technical, land, economic, social, environmental) and improving procurement to cut delays. Marine Conservation Breakthrough: Divers in the Strait of Sicily between Sicily and Tunisia captured what’s believed to be the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean during a ghost-net removal mission, highlighting both rare wildlife presence and the need to curb abandoned fishing gear. Tunisia Education & Tech Recognition: University of Tunis El Manar announced two international wins: Dr. Sawssen Turki received the 2026 John Demal Prize for pedagogical innovation, and Dr. Nihel Ben Youssef was shortlisted for a global cybersecurity volunteer award. AI Governance Webinar: Regulating AI Inc. and Club de Madrid co-hosted a session on democratic AI governance ahead of Geneva 2026, bringing together policymakers and AI practitioners around rights-based action priorities. Renewables in the Region: A new Arab Energy Organisation report says Arab renewable capacity rose to about 39.2 GW in 2025, with solar dominating; Tunisia added a smaller share (0.1 GW).

World Cup 2026 Fan Life in LA: Los Angeles is rolling out a four-day FIFA Fan Festival at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (tickets from $10) plus 10 World Cup Fan Zones across Southern California, with the tournament kicking off June 11 and running to July 19 across 16 stadiums in the USA, Canada and Mexico. AI Governance: Regulating AI Inc. and Club de Madrid co-hosted a webinar on democratic AI governance ahead of Geneva 2026, focusing on rights-based policy priorities. Renewables Watch (MENA): Arab renewable capacity jumped to 39.2 GW in 2025 (+35.9%), led by solar (72.3% of additions); Tunisia added 0.1 GW. Tunisia in the spotlight (tech & business): XPENG is expanding its North Africa footprint with operations in Morocco and Tunisia, including a 2,500 m² Tunisia sales and service center. Marine Science: Divers captured what’s believed to be the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean between Sicily and Tunisia, highlighting how little is known about the region’s shark population. Connectivity at events: Proximus tested multiple simultaneous 5G network slices at Belgium’s King Baudouin Stadium for medical support, media coverage and mobile payments during a Tunisia match.

North Africa EV push: XPENG says it has launched operations in Morocco and Tunisia after entering Egypt, forming a “strategic triangle” and opening its largest North Africa sales and service center in Tunisia (2,500 m²) to expand aftersales support for models like the G6 and G9. Digital connectivity for Tunisia: The ViaTunisia subsea cable link between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service, aiming to boost secure, high-capacity Europe–North Africa connectivity and add resilience via a diversified route. Academic integrity under pressure: Tunisia’s baccalaureate fight against fraud is intensifying as cheating shifts from earpieces and groups to AI-assisted cheating; the 2026 session has 162,435 candidates (up from 151,808 in 2025). Water stress mapping: Tunisia’s “thirst map” is expanding as rising temperatures threaten to worsen water shortages, spotlighting climate-driven pressure on resources. Solar eclipse watch: A total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of Europe and North Africa, including Tunisia, with ESA streaming coverage and a longer eclipse expected in 2027.

Education Integrity in Tunisia: Tunisia’s baccalaureate cheating scandal is escalating fast, with exam leaks now spreading openly via social media and new tools, raising fresh doubts about the Ministry of Education’s ability to protect national exams and safeguard the credibility of Tunisian diplomas. Water Security Watch: Water expert Houcine Rhili warns Tunisia could face a difficult summer for drinking water supply, pointing to persistent regional cuts even in winter and stressing that the real challenge is also logistics, distribution networks, pumping stations, and investment by SONEDE—not just dam levels. Digital Connectivity for Tunisia: The ViaTunisia subsea cable segment linking Marseille to Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, aiming to boost secure, high-capacity connectivity between Europe and North Africa and add resilience through route diversification. E-Commerce Reality Check: UNCTAD’s development specialist notes Tunisia’s e-commerce potential, citing 76% internet penetration, while highlighting the need for better financing and digitization to unlock growth.

Digital Infrastructure: ViaTunisia’s Marseille–Bizerte subsea cable segment has reached ready-for-service status, boosting secure, high-capacity connectivity between Europe and North Africa and adding resilience via route diversification. Education & Tech Misuse: Tunisia’s baccalaureate cheating is escalating beyond traditional leaks, with exam fraud spreading openly through social media and increasingly involving advanced tools and AI, raising concerns about exam protection and the credibility of diplomas. Water Security: Water expert Houcine Rhili warns Tunisia could face a tough summer for drinking water supply, pointing to distribution logistics, pumping, and maintenance gaps even as dam filling sits around 60%. Tech Sovereignty: Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC) launched ST2A, a pan-African alliance aiming to pool Tunisian expertise in ICT, AI, cybersecurity, sovereign cloud, connectivity, and space applications to support Africa’s digital transformation. Solar & Energy Trade: Tunisia’s imports of Chinese solar panels reportedly surged by 700% in a year, signaling fast-growing demand for solar capacity. Climate Risk & Sports: A report flags heightened heat and humidity risks for World Cup matches, with climate change expected to shape tournament conditions.

Education Integrity in Tunisia: Tunisia’s baccalaureate cheating scandal is escalating, with leaks now spreading openly via social media and even AI-generated content, raising fresh doubts about how the Ministry of Education can protect exam integrity and the credibility of Tunisian diplomas. Water Security: Development and water expert Houcine Rhili warns Tunisia could face a difficult summer for drinking water, pointing to persistent regional cuts even in winter and stressing that distribution networks, pumping stations, and investment matter as much as dam levels. Digital Connectivity: ViaTunisia’s subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, aiming to boost secure, high-capacity connectivity between Europe and North Africa. Tech Sovereignty Push: Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC) launched ST2A, a pan-African consortium to pool Tunisian expertise in ICT, AI, cybersecurity, e-health, and secure data centers for Africa’s digital transformation. E-commerce Snapshot: UNCTAD notes Tunisia’s e-commerce potential, citing 76% internet penetration and calling for better financing and digitization support to grow online trade. Public Project Delivery: Tunisia’s government reviewed progress on major projects, urging faster procurement, stronger project preparation, and tighter execution standards across sectors.

Exam Integrity Under Pressure: Tunisia’s baccalaureate cheating fight is escalating fast, with union officials saying leaks have “exceeded all expectations” and are now openly traded via social media, while security forces in Kasserine dismantled a tech-enabled cheating network and arrested key suspects. Water Security Watch: Water expert Houcine Rhili warns Tunisia could face a tough summer for drinking water, pointing to persistent cuts even in winter and stressing that logistics, distribution investment, pumping, and maintenance matter as much as dam levels (around 60%). Digital Infrastructure: ViaTunisia’s subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, boosting resilient, high-capacity Europe–North Africa connectivity. Tech Sovereignty Push: Tunisia Africa Business Council launched ST2A, a pan-African consortium targeting sovereign cloud, secure data centers, cybersecurity, AI, e-health, e-education, fintech, and satellite applications. E-Commerce Snapshot: UNCTAD-linked commentary highlights Tunisia’s e-commerce potential, citing 76% internet penetration and ongoing work to improve financing and digital readiness. Public Project Delivery: Tunisia’s government reviewed major health and cross-sector projects, including hospital construction and an e-health information system, aiming to speed execution and improve procurement.

Tunisia’s Digital Infrastructure: Orange Wholesale has activated the ViaTunisia segment of the Medusa subsea cable, putting a direct Marseille–Bizerte fiber link into service to boost Europe–North Africa bandwidth and resilience. Exam Integrity in Tunisia: Security forces in Kasserine dismantled an exam-cheating network using advanced tech during the baccalaureate period; suspects were arrested and money seized, with further legal steps underway. Tech Sovereignty Push: Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC) launched the Alliance for Technological Sovereignty in Africa (ST2A), aiming to pool Tunisian ICT, AI, cybersecurity, health tech and connectivity expertise for African digital transformation projects. Public Projects Oversight: Tunisia’s government reviewed progress on major sector projects, stressing faster execution, better project preparation, and tighter procurement to meet deadlines. Health & e-Services: The Presidency highlighted key monitored projects including hospital construction and upgrades plus an e-health information system to improve access and equity. Connectivity & Governance in the Region: A ViaTunisia subsea segment reached ready-for-service status under EU co-financing, strengthening a secure, diversified digital bridge between Europe and Tunisia.

Tunisia’s Tech Push for Africa: The Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC) launched the Alliance for Technological Sovereignty in Africa (ST2A), a pan-African consortium uniting Tunisian ICT, telecom, AI, cybersecurity and digital-health players to back projects across sovereign cloud, secure data centers, connectivity (terrestrial/subsea/satellite), e-government, digital identity and even space applications. Public Projects Under Review: Tunisia’s government held a restricted ministerial council meeting to speed up public project delivery, with focus on better project preparation, faster procurement and fewer execution delays. Health Infrastructure Plan: The Presidency’s monitored key projects include new and upgraded hospitals (Kairouan’s King Salman University Hospital, multiple regional hospitals, multidisciplinary facilities in Sidi Bouzid and Gafsa) plus rehabilitation and an e-health information system. Exam Integrity Crackdown: In Kasserine, security forces dismantled a tech-enabled exam-cheating network targeting the baccalaureate; arrests were made and money seized, as lawmakers move to update penalties for electronic fraud. Connectivity Upgrade: Orange Wholesale activated the ViaTunisia segment of the Medusa subsea cable, opening a direct Marseille–Bizerte fiber route to boost resilience and bandwidth for Europe–North Africa digital traffic. Solar Momentum: Tunisia’s imports of Chinese solar panels jumped 700% year-on-year (to 80 MW in April 2026), while a separate report shows Tunisia’s solar growth and regional clean-energy competition.

World Cup 2026 Heat Watch: An NPR analysis warns that over a third of matches could face dangerously hot, humid conditions, with Miami flagged as especially risky for players, fans, and workers. Tunisia Solar Push: Tunisia’s imports of Chinese solar panels jumped from 10 MW (Apr 2025) to 80 MW (Apr 2026), up 700%, placing it 7th among Arab importers. Tunisia Digital Commerce: Tunisia recorded 19.3 million e-commerce transactions in 2025, worth 1,375 million dinars, with 1,005 websites using electronic payments. Libya Seismic Update: A 4.3-magnitude tremor was detected near Misrata, felt in several cities, showing continued regional seismic activity. Libya AI Governance: Libya adopted an AI ethics charter and launched a 2026–2030 national AI strategy focused on digital infrastructure, skills, and trusted public services. Tunisia Education Logistics: Tunisia mobilized 5,988 exam centers for the 2026 Baccalaureate main session, with results expected by June 23. Tunisia–Africa Investment Link: Tunisia’s Permanent Deal Room was launched to connect African projects in energy, tech, healthcare, and agriculture with investors and partners year-round.

Tunisia Solar Boom: Tunisia’s imports of Chinese solar panels jumped from 10 MW in April 2025 to 80 MW in April 2026, a record +700%, placing it 7th among Arab importers as Egypt and Morocco lead. E-Commerce Push: Tunisia recorded 19.3 million e-commerce transactions in 2025 worth 1,375 million dinars, with 1,005 websites using electronic payments, as consultations on a national e-commerce strategy begin. Education Milestone: Tunisia’s 2026 Baccalaureate main session starts June 3 with 162,435 candidates across 5,988 exam centers; results are due June 23. Digital Infrastructure: ViaTunisia, part of the Medusa subsea cable system linking Marseille to Bizerte, has been declared ready for service, with EU co-financing. Seismic Update: A 4.3-magnitude tremor was felt in Misrata, Zliten and Al Khoms after an EMSC-recorded quake in the Mediterranean near Misrata. AI Governance (Libya): Libya launched a National AI Strategy 2026–2030 and an ethics charter focused on justice, transparency, accountability, and human-centered AI.

Tunisia Education: Tunisia’s 2026 Baccalaureate main session starts Wednesday, June 3, with 162,435 candidates. The Ministry of Education says 5,988 exam centers are mobilized nationwide, with results due June 23. Public Sector Tech Jobs: The Ministry of Social Affairs opens an external recruitment competition for 6 principal engineer posts (3 civil engineering, 3 IT). Registration starts June 1 and exams begin July 20. Tunisia–Korea SciTech Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti calls for a “renewed model” of fair Africa–Korea cooperation, pushing tech transfer, digital and green transitions, and infrastructure financing. Tunisia Connectivity: ViaTunisia, a Medusa subsea cable segment linking Marseille to Bizerte, is declared ready for service after EU co-financing. AI Governance in the Region: Libya adopts a National Charter on the Ethics of AI and launches a 2026–2030 AI strategy focused on digital infrastructure, skills, and innovation.