AGP Executive Report

Water as the new battleground: A fresh global push is reframing water from “background utility” to a strategic asset—especially as chipmaking, data centers, and agriculture strain supplies and prices still don’t reflect scarcity. Tunisia’s climate bill comes due: Tunisia says it needs about $29bn (2026–2035) to adapt, with water the biggest slice ($10.7bn), warning that unmanaged risks could hit GDP hard. Tech and fraud crackdown: The US moved against an India-linked tech-support scam network, with two US telecom executives pleading guilty after a multi-year probe. Business and investment signals: FIPA-Tunisia is courting new manufacturing—plastic footwear talks with an Ivorian investor employing nearly 900, and a Turkish carbon-fibres investment confirmed. Economy update: Tunisia’s Q1 2026 GDP rose 2.56% year-on-year, led by a rebound in agriculture and agri-food. Diplomacy: Tunisia met Oman’s ambassador to boost trade, investment, and research ties.

Legal Showdown: The US Justice Department has filed an emergency appeal over a federal judge’s decision pausing sanctions on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, arguing the ruling wrongly treated her as protected by the First Amendment despite her being a foreign national living abroad. Cybercrime Crackdown: US authorities also moved fast against an India-linked tech-support scam network, with two former executives (Adam Young and Harrison Gevirtz) pleading guilty after FBI action shut down the operation that targeted elderly victims. Tunisia Tech & Industry: FIPA says Turkish firm Aksa Composites (Akkök Group) confirmed a strategic investment to build a carbon fibres and advanced composites manufacturing unit in Tunisia. Climate Finance: Tunisia is seeking $29bn for 2026–2035 to strengthen climate adaptation, with water the biggest funding need. Regional Links: Tunisia and Algeria pushed ahead on health cooperation, including a plan for a joint commission and expertise exchanges.

Demographic Shock: A new global “baby bust” narrative is replacing the old “dying Russia” story—fertility rates are now below replacement across most of the world, with Europe’s collapse accelerating as wars and migration hollow out working-age populations. Climate Finance for Tunisia: Tunisia says it needs $29bn (2026–2035) to adapt to climate impacts, with water the biggest bill ($10.7bn) and risks that could cut GDP by 3.4% by 2030. Education & Gender Gap: Tunisia’s baccalaureate debate turns to dropout: more girls reach the exam than boys, pointing to a deeper problem in keeping boys in school. Tech & Security: Tunisia is among countries in Interpol’s Operation Ramz, which arrested 201 cyber suspects across MENA. Global Tech Crime: In the US, two former executives pleaded guilty for enabling an India-based tech-support scam that targeted elderly victims. Tunisia–Japan Push: Tunisia’s parliament meets Japan’s ambassador to expand cooperation in AI and advanced industries.

Climate Adaptation Funding: Tunisia says it needs $29bn (2026–2035) to protect the economy and people from climate shocks, with water the biggest bill ($10.7bn) and agriculture next ($8bn). Sports Education Boost: A new master’s in sports management and events launches in Abu Dhabi, aiming to match the region’s fast-growing sports ecosystem with trained talent. Tunisia–Japan Tech Push: Tunisia’s parliament chief met Japan’s ambassador to deepen cooperation in industry, trade, culture, AI, and advanced industries. World Cup Fan Energy in Kansas City: Fans are already planning match-day rituals—Argentina’s banderazo, the Netherlands’ fanwalk, and Tunisia tied to the event calendar. Cybercrime Crackdown: The FBI shut down an India-linked tech-support scam network that targeted elderly victims, with two US executives pleading guilty for enabling the operation. Education Debate: Tunisia’s baccalaureate gender gap is being linked to boys’ school dropout, not just girls’ performance. Carbon Fibres Investment: FIPA says a Turkish firm confirmed a $5m carbon-fibre manufacturing investment in Tunisia.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Two former executives of a U.S. call-routing and analytics firm, Adam Young and Harrison Gevirtz, pleaded guilty for knowingly enabling India-based tech-support scams that targeted Americans—many elderly—out of millions; the FBI says the operation was shut down, and sentencing is set for June 16, 2026. Tunisia–Health Diplomacy: Tunisia and Algeria agreed to accelerate a joint health cooperation commission in Geneva, with plans for scientific mobility, expertise exchange, and stronger organ-transplant collaboration. Hajj Support: A Tunisair flight carried 21 beneficiaries—families of martyrs—supported by the Fidaa Foundation for the 2026 Hajj, covering all expenses after a selection process started in October 2025. Digital Economy: Tunisia’s insurtech EYST secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand claims-settlement tech, including instant virtual bank-card reimbursements. AI & Jobs: Tunisia’s IT nearshoring momentum continues as German firms look closer to the country for talent and cost advantages.

World Cup momentum: Japan’s “Samurai Blue” head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 on a high after qualifying strongly and posting recent friendly wins, with Tunisia drawn in Group F alongside the Netherlands and Sweden—kickoff for Japan is set for June 14 in Texas. Tunisia in the spotlight: Tunisia’s presence in the tournament is also showing up locally, with World Cup-themed teaching in Kansas City that includes Tunisia among the teams tied to the metro. Cybersecurity crackdown: Interpol’s Operation Ramz wrapped up across 13 MENA countries, including Tunisia, leading to 201 arrests and disruption of phishing and fraud networks affecting thousands. Digital economy push: Tunisia keeps leaning into tech growth—German nearshoring interest is rising, and Tunisian insurtech EYST just secured six-figure funding to speed up claims via instant virtual bank cards. Health ties: Tunisia and China renewed cooperation in digital health and AI, including work on plant-based medicines.

AI & Cybersecurity Benchmark: A new UN report puts Bahrain among Arab leaders for government readiness in AI and ranks it in the top global tier for cybersecurity—an indicator of how fast the region is moving from pilots to public-service tech. Cross-Border Cyber Crackdown: INTERPOL’s “Operation Ramz” wrapped up after months across 13 MENA countries, leading to 201 arrests and thousands of victims notified, with Tunisia among the participating states. Youth AI in Cities: The “International Youth AI” competition concluded in Baku under WUF13, with winners from Tunisia among the top creators using AI for resilient, sustainable city storytelling. Tunisia’s Startup Push: Tunisian insurtech EYST secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand its instant-claims platform using virtual bank cards. Trade & Jobs Momentum: Tunisia’s Sousse governorate reviewed Zollner’s expansion plan—aiming for 3,000 jobs by 2030—while Tunisia also keeps lining up major industry fairs like SAPRI and IFSA Africa.

Tunisia Startup Funding: Tunisian insurtech EYST just secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to speed up claims settlement using instant virtual bank cards, with plans to expand product, sales, and teams internationally. AI for Safety & Services: Iteris launched VantageNode™, an AI intersection detection system aimed at bringing high-quality vehicle and pedestrian detection to smaller, budget-limited junctions—an approach that mirrors the wider push to make advanced tech usable beyond big cities. Digital Identity Watch: A new report highlights how several African countries are moving faster than some G7 peers on digital ID laws, but warns the real gap is between what’s written and what’s built in practice. Local Industry Momentum: In Sousse, Tunisia’s governorate backed German firm Zollner’s expansion, targeting 3,000 jobs by 2030 as it builds a new electronic components production unit. Regional Tech & Jobs: Across Africa, leaders are also pushing women-led investment and job creation, while AI adoption maps show the UAE and Singapore leading usage in 2026.

Tunisia’s Industrial Push: Sousse is moving ahead with German firm Zollner’s expansion in Enfidha, aiming to add a production unit for electronic components and create 3,000 jobs by 2030, with authorities urged to fast-track approvals. Digital Government Rollout: Tebourba’s first Digital Services House has opened, with more planned across governorates to reach 34 facilities by next June and serve nearly 900,000 citizens. Startups & Finance: Tunisian insurtech EYST secured funding from 216 Capital to speed insurance claims via instant virtual bank cards for reimbursements. Space & Water Tech: Tunisia is developing its first government satellite for Earth observation, while the Ministry of Agriculture is promoting AI tools for designing solar irrigation systems. Global Signals: Allianz warns war risk has surged to a record high for businesses, and India’s film board blocked an award-winning docudrama tied to the Israel-Hind Rajab controversy.

Tunisia’s Digital Push: Tebourba’s first Digital Services House officially opened, with 26 services from 7 public institutions—part of a plan to reach 34 houses by next June and cover 21 governorates for nearly 900,000 citizens. Fintech Momentum: Insurtech startup EYST secured funding from 216 Capital to speed claims payouts via instant virtual bank cards. Space Ambition: Tunisia began developing its first government satellite (a 6U CubeSat) for Earth observation to support agriculture, environmental monitoring, and resource management. Policy & Security: Parliament’s legal committee is set to review Penal Code and narcotics law revisions, while broader debates on governance and rights continue across the region. Tech for Water & Energy: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry highlighted AI-assisted solar field design tools to improve efficiency and support smarter water-energy planning.

Tunisia’s Digital Push: Tebourba’s first Digital Services House officially opened, with 26 services from 7 public institutions—part of a plan to reach 34 houses by next June and cover 21 governorates. Space Ambition: Tunisia is developing its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation, aimed at agriculture, environmental monitoring, and resource management. Food Tech & Trade: Tunisia is set to host IFSA Africa (June 9–11) for food industry and packaging, while FAO trained North African officials in AI and geospatial tools to manage water and land ecosystems. Data Security Debate: A new report says several African digital-ID laws are outpacing parts of the G7, but warns the real risk is the gap between what’s written and what’s deployed. Culture & Sound: Are You Alien released a vinyl-only compilation, “Transmission Signals,” spotlighting Tunisia’s underground electronic scene.

Space & Sovereignty: Tunisia has started building its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation, to strengthen national capacity in agriculture, environmental monitoring and resource management. Water-Tech Training: FAO trained North African officials in geospatial data, remote sensing and AI to better manage water and land ecosystems, using the MERWAT platform as a practical base. Digital Services Expansion: Tebourba’s first Digital Services House is now open, with more facilities planned to reach 34 by next June and serve hundreds of thousands of citizens. Policy & Justice: Parliament’s General Legislation Committee is set to review draft changes to the Penal Code and drug-offence law on May 18. Human Rights & Culture: Tunisia marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, while Russia’s cultural diplomacy continues to operate through loopholes despite EU sanctions.

Human Rights & Health: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, calling out ongoing violence and discrimination. Search & Rescue: In Morocco, the U.S. military says the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean; teams are still searching for a second missing soldier from African Lion 26. Tunisia Governance & Services: Tebourba’s first Digital Services House officially opened, with more planned across governorates to expand public services. Law & Policy: Tunisia’s Parliament is set to examine revisions to the Penal Code and updates to drug-offence law. Water, Energy & AI: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry held an AI-focused info day on designing solar fields and improving water/energy efficiency. Science & Agriculture: Tunisian researchers sequenced complete genomes of durum wheat landraces Mahmoudi and Chili to boost climate resilience. World Cup Build-up: Tunisia’s new World Cup squad under Sabri Lamouchi reportedly omits captain Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah.

Morocco Search Update: A U.S. Army soldier missing during African Lion 26 has been found dead in the Atlantic, with the search still ongoing for a second missing service member. Tunisia Law Reform: Tunisia’s parliament committee is set to hold a hearing on May 18 on draft changes to the Penal Code and a revision of the drug offences law. Fertiliser Shock & Food Risk: As conflict-driven supply disruptions threaten fertiliser flows, agencies warn Africa could face a fresh food crunch—pushing interest in chemical-free agroecology options. Water-Energy Tech Push: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry says it’s using AI-backed tools to design solar energy fields and improve irrigation planning, aiming to save water and energy. Digital Services Expansion: Tebourba’s first Digital Services House has officially opened, with more planned across governorates. World Cup Fever: The 2026 tournament countdown continues, with FIFA expecting massive global viewership and Tunisia tied to the visa-bond waiver debate for ticketed fans.

World Cup momentum: FIFA says the 2026 tournament will be watched by about six billion people worldwide, with 48 teams and matches starting June 12 across the US, Mexico and Canada—while the US eases controversial visa-bond rules for ticketed fans and players from qualified nations including Tunisia. Tunisia digital services: Tebourba’s first Digital Services House has officially opened, with more planned nationwide to reach 34 facilities by next June and expand access to dozens of public services. Water + AI push: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry held a day on using AI-backed software to design solar-powered irrigation and improve water/energy efficiency. Seismic context: A Tunisian geology professor says tremor detections have roughly doubled since 2023, though most events remain weak. Regional connectivity: A new high-capacity Atlantic subsea cable plan (“Via Africa”) aims to boost resilience and bandwidth diversity across West Africa. Security update: In Morocco, the remains of a US soldier missing during African Lion exercises were recovered; search continues for a second missing soldier.

World Cup & visas: The US will waive controversial World Cup visa bonds for ticketed players, staff and fans from qualifying countries, easing travel for Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia. Tunisia & mobile money: Tunisia’s Central Bank is rolling out a unified “TUNPAY” label for mobile payments, after a jump in 2025 usage (31% growth in value; 8.4M transactions). Tunisia & startups: Tunisia’s PM says the country is betting on startups and AI to shape a more flexible development model, while Tunisia–UN cooperation talks continue. Regional tech push: Kenya’s Konza Technopolis hosted IPDAYS to link North African startups with Sub-Saharan markets, including a formal collaboration agreement with Tunisian partners. Security in the region: US Africa Command says one missing soldier’s remains were recovered in Morocco; search continues for the second. Culture & art: Art Dubai spotlights “standing by the ruins,” with works drawing on Gaza’s destroyed heritage.