Digital Safety in MENA: YouTube rolls out supervised kid accounts across Tunisia and the region, adding age-based content controls and parent-set limits for Shorts. Energy Transition: WWF North Africa reports Tunisia’s first operational artisanal fishing boat using solar-powered electric propulsion in Ajim (Djerba), a step toward decarbonising coastal fisheries. Power Infrastructure: Hitachi Energy wins a major €770M contract for Italy–Tunisia HVDC converter stations, linking Europe and North Africa with direct-current interconnection. Environment & Wildlife: A Tunisian sea turtle specialist warns of peak nesting season, noting key nesting sites like the Kuriat Islands and Chebba and urging beach vigilance. Regional Trade: COMESA’s secretary general visits Tunisia to boost participation in the bloc and expand trade, investment, and women-led business links. Energy Sector Finance: STEG’s debt is reported at about 7.356 billion dinars (June 23), with unpaid receivables around 6.061 billion dinars, pushing for new guarantees and reforms. Tech & Business: Objectway acquires FNZ Switzerland’s private banking technology business, expanding its pan-European footprint with ongoing collaboration involving Tunisia.
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Marine Conservation in Tunisia: Sea turtle specialist Dr. Imed Jribi says Tunisia hosts three Mediterranean species—leatherback, green, and loggerhead—with regular nesting on Kuriat Islands and Chebba, plus occasional nesting elsewhere; he warns all species remain threatened despite protection efforts. Clean Energy for Fisheries: WWF North Africa reports Tunisia’s first operational artisanal fishing boat using solar-powered electric propulsion in Ajim, Djerba—aimed at cutting emissions and proving a viable alternative to thermal engines for coastal communities. Regional Trade Integration: COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe is in Tunisia to boost participation in the bloc, linking Tunisian stakeholders to institutions and events on trade finance, women’s entrepreneurship, and energy regulation. AI Startup Growth in MENA: Propeller’s Kernel Camp in Silicon Valley graduated five startups from Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt, focusing on AI infrastructure, developer tools, robotics, cybersecurity, and enterprise software. Human Rights Watch: Tunisian lawyer-journalist Sonia Dahmani faces further jail time after convictions tied to criticism of prison conditions and anti-migrant policies, under Tunisia’s cybercrime law. Tech & Finance (Tunisia link): Objectway says it expanded its private banking tech footprint via acquisition of FNZ Switzerland, citing ongoing collaboration and an operational presence that includes Tunisia.
Solar & Fisheries: Tunisia saw its first artisanal fishing boat in Ajim (Djerba) powered entirely by solar electricity for electric propulsion—WWF North Africa says it’s a practical decarbonisation step for coastal communities and a model for a sustainable blue economy. Energy Infrastructure: Tunisia’s investment push also spotlights energy sovereignty, with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri citing the ELMED electricity interconnection and a renewables scale-up as part of the 2026–2030 development plan. Startup & AI Ecosystems: Propeller wrapped its eight-week Kernel Camp in Silicon Valley, graduating five AI/deep-tech startups including OORB from Tunisia, with mentorship from major tech investors and operators. Fintech & Payments: Central banks and infrastructure providers across Africa agreed interoperable payment systems are key to boosting cross-border trade, with Tunisia among the countries at the summit discussing standards and PAPSS-style local-currency settlement. Civic Space & Justice: A Tunisian journalist and lawyer, Sonia Dahmani, faces further jail terms and new charges after convictions tied to criticism of prison conditions and anti-migrant policies—an example of tightening civil society space.
Solar & Fisheries: Tunisia saw its first artisanal fishing boat powered entirely by solar energy, with WWF North Africa backing a pilot in Ajim (Djerba) that swaps thermal propulsion for clean electric drive. Energy Infrastructure: Hitachi Energy won a €770m contract for Elmed converter stations, supporting the first direct-current interconnection between Europe and North Africa—an energy-sovereignty boost for Tunisia’s grid and renewables. Startup & AI/Deep Tech: Open Startup marked its 10th anniversary in Tunisia by launching “The Science Road,” a new platform to move African research-led ventures into commercial growth, plus a new early-stage investment arm called Openers First. Venture Acceleration: Propeller concluded its first Kernel Camp in Silicon Valley, graduating five AI/deep-tech startups from Tunisia and across MENA. Payments & Trade: African central banks agreed interoperable payment systems (including ISO 20022 and PAPSS) are key to lowering cross-border costs and boosting intra-African trade, with Tunisia among participants. B2B Regional Links: Libya and Tunisia firms met in Tripoli to push construction and contracting deals, reflecting rising Tunisian exports to Libya. Higher Education Admin: Tunisia’s ministries opened a baccalaureate registration fix window (June 30–July 1) for candidates to correct phone numbers ahead of university orientation passwords.
Tunisia Investment Forum: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri said Tunisia’s GDP growth hit 2.6% in 2025 (up from 1.4% in 2024) and foreign direct investment rose by over 30%, as the country rolls out its 2026–2030 development plan with a new National Investment Platform and wider digitalisation of investment procedures. Energy & infrastructure: Tunisia is pushing energy sovereignty, with the ELMED electricity interconnection project and renewable expansion highlighted at the forum. Deep-tech push from Tunisia: Open Startup marked its 10th anniversary in Tunis by launching “The Science Road,” a new acceleration and early-stage investment direction for research-led ventures in health, climate and AI, including a new investment arm called Openers First. Digital economy rules: From July 1, 2026, more on-site consumption businesses in Tunisia must install digital fiscal cash registers to improve transaction traceability and curb tax evasion. Health/biotech update: AB Science reported completion of Step 3 in its Phase 1 study of AB8939 plus venetoclax for refractory/relapsed AML, reporting a 67% overall response rate and no dose-limiting toxicities. Education admin: Tunisia’s ministries said baccalaureate candidates can fix phone numbers on bac.education.tn from June 30 to July 1 to receive university orientation passwords by SMS starting July 3.
Tunisia Investment Forum: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri told the 22nd Tunisia Investment Forum that GDP growth rose to 2.6% in 2025 (from 1.4% in 2024) and that foreign direct investment jumped by over 30%, with 4,296 foreign firms now operating and TND 53bn in total investment. She also flagged the 2026–2030 development plan, a new National Investment Platform for full digitalisation of procedures, and reforms covering startups, foreign exchange, hydrocarbons and mining, alongside energy sovereignty priorities like the ELMED interconnection and renewables. Deep-tech & startups: Open Startup marked its 10th anniversary in Tunis by launching “The Science Road,” a unified platform to move African research-led ventures into the market, focusing on health, climate and AI, and introducing an early-stage investment arm called Openers First. Health biotech update: AB Science reported completion of Step 3 of Phase 1 for AB8939 plus venetoclax in refractory/relapsed AML, reporting a 67% overall response rate and no dose-limiting toxicities in six patients. Education admin: Tunisia’s ministries said baccalaureate candidates who missed their university orientation password can update phone numbers via bac.education.tn from June 30 to July 1, with passwords sent by SMS starting July 3. Energy infrastructure: Hitachi Energy won major contracts for Elmed converter stations, supporting the first direct-current interconnection between Europe and North Africa.
Tunisia Education & Youth: Tunisia’s baccalaureate results bring a tough follow-up: only 35.67% pass in the main session, with many candidates pushed to control sessions or reattempts, turning university orientation into the real pressure point. Health & Governance (Tunisia-linked): Transparency International Bangladesh launches a multi-country SRHR integrity project implemented in Bangladesh, Zambia, Ecuador and Tunisia, aiming to improve service quality and accountability in healthcare delivery. Biotech Update: AB Science reports completion of Step 3 in Phase 1 for AB8939 plus venetoclax in refractory/relapsed AML, reporting a 67% overall response rate and no dose-limiting toxicities. Public Finance & Energy: Tunisia’s STEG debts hit about 7.356 billion dinars (as of June 23), with lawmakers reviewing guarantee agreements to support continuity and the 2024–2028 performance contract. Tech & Industry (Tunisia): Swedish Autoliv inaugurates an 84 million dinar extension at El Fahs, localizing the full steering-wheel production chain with digitized, automated lines. Jobs & Skills: Tunisia’s Ministry of Finance opens an external competitive exam to recruit 16 technicians (chemical analysis and civil engineering), with registrations starting Sept 1, 2026. AI & Consumer Impact: Memory chip shortages tied to AI demand are pushing up prices for consumer electronics, with Apple and Microsoft raising iPad/Mac and other product prices. World Cup (Tunisia angle): Tunisia is the only African team eliminated after losing all group matches, while Africa sets a record with nine of 10 teams reaching the knockout stage.
Energy Infrastructure: Hitachi Energy won a ~€770M contract to build HVDC converter stations for the Elmed Italy–Tunisia interconnector, with sites in Partanna (Italy) and Mlaabi on Tunisia’s Cape Bon peninsula—aimed at boosting grid security and reliability across the Euro-Mediterranean. Power Sector Finance: Tunisia’s STEG debts hit about 7.356 billion dinars (as of June 23), with unpaid receivables around 6.061 billion dinars; lawmakers discussed two guarantee agreements to support funding for the 2024–2028 performance contract. Industry & Jobs: Autoliv inaugurated an 84M-dinar extension at its El Fahs facility in Zaghouan, localizing the steering-wheel production chain using Industry 4.0-style digitized automation. Health Governance (Tunisia-linked): Transparency International Global Health-backed multi-country work launched in Tunisia to strengthen integrity and accountability in sexual and reproductive healthcare services. AI & Consumer Tech: A global memory-chip shortage tied to AI data centers is pushing up prices for consumer devices, including Apple iPads/Macs and Xbox consoles. Space/Science Note: Tunisia’s WHO validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem also made the week’s science-health radar.
Energy & Infrastructure: Terna and Tunisia’s STEG awarded Hitachi Energy a ~€770M contract for Elmed, the first HVDC submarine electricity link between Italy and Tunisia, with 600MW capacity and ~220km of mostly undersea cable. Industry & Jobs: Swedish safety supplier Autoliv inaugurated an €84M extension at its El Fahs site in Zaghouan, localizing the full steering-wheel production chain and adding Industry 4.0 digitized lines. Power Sector Finance: STEG debts hit about 7.356B dinars (as of June 23), with unpaid receivables around 6.061B dinars; lawmakers discussed two guarantee agreements to secure new funding. Health & Biotech: Appili Therapeutics reported fiscal 2026 results and momentum for LIKMEZ in the U.S., alongside new non-dilutive funding and pipeline updates. Science & Society: A study using AI pitch scoring ranked Japan’s World Cup anthem singing highest, while Tunisia recorded the lowest “commitment” rate—sparking debate online. Global Tech Policy: The U.S. asked OpenAI to stagger GPT model release to trusted partners first, citing security concerns after Anthropic access restrictions. Sports (Tunisia angle): Tunisia were eliminated from World Cup 2026 group play, while Africa set a record nine teams in the knockout stage.
Energy Infrastructure: Terna and STEG awarded Hitachi Energy a ~€770M contract for the Elmed HVDC interconnector—two converter stations (Italy’s Partanna and Tunisia’s Mlaabi) for a 600MW, ~220km submarine link across the Strait of Sicily, a major Europe–North Africa grid upgrade. Power & Finance: Tunisia’s STEG debts hit about 7.356 billion dinars (as of June 23), with unpaid receivables around 6.061 billion; lawmakers discussed two guarantee agreements to secure new funding for continuity and the 2024–2028 performance contract. Industry & Jobs: Swedish Autoliv inaugurated an 84 million dinar extension at El Fahs (Zaghouan), localizing steering-wheel production with a fully integrated, digitized manufacturing chain using Industry 4.0 tools. Economy Watch: The Central Bank’s governor urged Tunisia to protect gains on inflation, the exchange rate, reserves and external risks, stressing reforms, export-led growth and non-debt capital inflows like FDI. Health & Research Culture: An OpEd highlights how African science underpins fast Ebola outbreak diagnosis and response capacity, pointing to strengthened regional lab and disease-detection systems. Tech Policy (Global): The U.S. reportedly asked OpenAI to stagger GPT model releases for security review after Anthropic access restrictions, keeping AI governance in the spotlight.
HVDC Power Link for Tunisia-Italy: Terna and STEG awarded Hitachi Energy a ~€770M contract for the Elmed project—two converter stations (Partanna, Italy and Mlaabi, Tunisia) for a 600MW bi-directional HVDC submarine interconnector, aiming to boost Euro-Mediterranean grid security and reliability. Tunisia Energy & Renewables: A separate update highlights Tunisia’s Sidi Bouzid II solar plant (120MW) reaching financial close, with commercial operation targeted for late 2027. Tunisia Economy Watch: Tunisia’s central bank data points to tight liquidity and modest net foreign exchange reserves (about 102 days of imports), while banks remain reliant on central bank refinancing. Tech & Consumer Pressure: Africa’s smartphone market shrank 12% YoY in Q1 2026 as higher memory costs raised prices and reduced cheap-device availability. Biotech/Health: Appili Therapeutics reported fiscal 2026 results and progress on its infectious-disease pipeline, including LIKMEZ traction in the U.S. World Cup, Tunisia in the Spotlight: Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to top Group F, with Tunisia eliminated after conceding 12 goals in the tournament. Science & Society (Africa): An OpEd argues Ebola response success depends on fast African lab science and strengthened regional disease-detection capacity.
Energy Infrastructure: Terna and STEG awarded Hitachi Energy a ~€770M contract for Elmed, the first HVDC Europe–North Africa interconnector, with converter stations in Italy (Partanna) and Tunisia (Mlaabi) for a 600MW, ~220km submarine link. Renewables & Power Planning: Sidi Bouzid II solar plant (120MW) reached financial close, aiming for commercial operation in H2 2027, supported by EU and sustainability guarantees. Health & Biotech: Appili Therapeutics reported FY2026 results and said LIKMEZ is gaining traction in the U.S., alongside a new US$40M NIAID award supporting VXV-01 progress. Public Health Science: An OpEd highlights how African labs and researchers rapidly identified a rare Ebola strain in DRC, showing why local science capacity matters in outbreaks. Digital Tech & Markets: Africa’s smartphone market shrank 12% YoY in Q1 2026 as higher memory costs squeezed affordable models and reshuffled brand rankings. Tunisia Economy Watch: Tunisia faces higher import/export costs as global shipping insurance and freight rates rise, with over 90% of trade moving by sea. World Cup Tech & People: Katia Garcia became the first Mexican woman to referee a men’s World Cup match as Tunisia played the Netherlands in Kansas City.
Energy Infrastructure: Hitachi Energy won ~€770M to build converter stations for the Elmed HVDC submarine link between Italy and Tunisia (600 MW, ~220 km, cable depths up to 800 m), with stations in Partanna (Italy) and Mlaabi (Tunisia). Renewables in Tunisia: Scatec and Aeolus’ Sidi Bouzid II solar plant (120 MW) reached financial close, aiming for commercial operation in H2 2027 and cutting ~107,000 t/y of CO2. Tech & Economy: Tunisia’s PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri highlighted growing Tunisia–Italy momentum, with trade around TND 20.5B in 2025 and Italian investment in energy leading. Digital Consumer Tech: Africa’s smartphone market fell 12% YoY in Q1 2026 as higher memory prices squeezed entry-level availability; Samsung regained #1 while Honor surged. Science/Health: WHO validated Tunisia’s trachoma elimination as a public health problem. Sports Tech Spotlight: Katia Garcia is set to officiate a men’s World Cup match, becoming the first Mexican woman to do so. World Cup (Tunisia): Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 in Group F, sending Tunisia out while the Dutch topped the group.
Tunisia Energy & Grid: Tunisia’s electricity system can absorb up to 35% renewables by 2030 with limited reinforcement, but upgrades are expected to start around 2035, according to energy modelling work presented in Tunis under the EU “OpenMod4Africa-Tunisia” project. Power Interconnection (Elmed): Hitachi Energy won about €770M to build converter stations for the Italy–Tunisia Elmed HVDC submarine link—a 600 MW, ~220 km project connecting Sicily to Tunisia’s Cap Bon. Tech & Computing: Nuclei System Technology and Lauterbach completed the world’s first RISC-V Data Trace joint debugging, aiming to strengthen advanced debug trace for complex embedded systems. Digital Economy Planning: Tunisia’s 2026–2030 Development Plan draft puts knowledge, innovation, digital transformation, private investment and regional balance at the center, with implementation framed as a more bottom-up process. Health Research: A Tunisian-led case report highlights diagnostic and treatment challenges in rare combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma, published in Oncoscience. World Cup (Tunisia): Tunisia’s Group F campaign ends as the Netherlands face them in the final group match, with Tunisia already eliminated.
Energy Infrastructure: Prysmian received notice to proceed for the €460m Elmed Italy–Tunisia submarine power interconnector, a 220 km link (200 km undersea) connecting Sicily to Tunisia’s Cap Bon with 600 MW capacity, marking the first direct current Europe–Africa grid connection. Health & Research: A Tunisian-led case report in Oncoscience highlights how diagnosing rare combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) can be tricky, tracing a patient’s path from imaging and AFP signals to a complex final clinical picture. Tech & Industry: Nuclei and Lauterbach say they’ve completed the world’s first RISC-V Data Trace debugging, aiming to close a major gap in advanced trace for verifying embedded systems. Regional Cooperation: The League of Arab States and UNODC held a 3rd review meeting in Cairo on the 2023–2028 Regional Framework for Arab States, focusing on drugs, transnational crime, terrorism, corruption and financial crimes. Tunisia–Italy Ties: Tunisian PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri opened the Tunisian-Italian Economic Forum, stressing a “qualitative leap” in cooperation including economy, investment, trade, energy, higher education and scientific research. Public Health Milestone: Tunisia was validated by WHO for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
Energy Infrastructure: Prysmian got the go-ahead to build the Elmed Italy–Tunisia submarine power interconnector, a €460m project linking Sicily to Tunisia’s Cap Bon with a 600 MW direct-current link. AI & Agriculture: Tunisia’s RoboCare secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to scale its AI precision-agriculture platform, targeting earlier crop disease detection and water savings. Digital Economy & Finance: Tunisia’s listed banks disclosed executive pay in 2025 statements, with Attijari and UIB topping compensation totals—raising questions about alignment with the wider economy. Science & Public Health: A report on Ebola response spotlights how fast African lab work identified a rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain in the DRC, underscoring the role of local research capacity. Global Tech & Tunisia’s Talent: The Order of Tunisian Engineers warns that weaker ties with engineers abroad are a development loss, proposing a digital platform to reconnect expertise. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO expanded its Global Geoparks Network, with Tunisia receiving its first-ever geopark designation. Sports Tech Angle: World Cup coverage continues to drive demand for streaming and match tech, while Tunisia’s team is already out after losses to Sweden and Japan.
Public Health Milestone: Tunisia has been validated by the WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a decades-long win tied to sustained primary care and the SAFE strategy. AI & Agritech Funding: Sfax-based RoboCare, an AI precision agriculture startup, secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand across Africa and the Middle East and improve its models using satellite, drone and IoT data. Telecom & 5G Uptick: Tunisia’s telecom sector shows stronger performance in April 2026, with higher operator turnover and rising fixed wireless internet (5G FWA) subscribers following the 5G rollout. Engineering Talent Brain Drain: The Order of Tunisian Engineers warns that ruptured ties with engineers abroad are a development loss, proposing a digital platform to connect the diaspora with Tunisia’s ministries and councils. Energy & Industry Context: A broader Africa industrialisation piece highlights how local decision-making and partnerships are reshaping manufacturing growth, with Tunisia mentioned among North Africa supported by regional operations. Governance & Delivery: Tunisia’s PM urged faster, better-prepared public project implementation, stressing that the main challenge is turning funding into on-schedule delivery.
Tunisia Health Milestone: The WHO has validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, praising long-term political commitment and primary care efforts. AgriTech Funding: Sfax-based RoboCare, an AI precision agriculture startup, secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand across Africa and the Middle East and improve its disease/stress detection models. Startup Ecosystem: EmTech Capital’s EmergingTech Ventures Fund II (covering Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and Ivory Coast) received a cornerstone investment from Proparco via FISEA to back early-stage deeptech, fintech, e-health, ed-tech, agri-tech and cleantech. Telecom Performance: Tunisia’s telecom sector saw revenue growth after 5G rollout: April 2026 turnover rose to 313.6m dinars, while 5G fixed wireless access subscribers climbed to 298,717. AI Governance Talk: Former Tunisian PM Mehdi Jomaa discussed AI governance and why global south voices should shape policy. World Cup Tech & Tunisia: Japan’s 4-0 win over Tunisia highlighted “smart” ball tech used for key calls, while Tunisia’s early exit continues to dominate coverage.
Public Investment Push: Tunisia’s PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri urged ministers to make sure development projects are fully prepared and feasible before construction, saying the real challenge isn’t funding but delivering on schedule under the 2026–2030 plan. Global Health Milestone: The WHO validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, praising long-term political commitment and primary health care efforts. AI Governance Spotlight: Mehdi Jomaa discussed AI governance and why leaders need a clear vision (not necessarily technical expertise) while ensuring global south voices shape policy. Engineering Talent & Gender: A new report highlights how Middle East engineering demand is rising, but women remain underrepresented in STEM pipelines and workforces—pointing to regional pioneers breaking barriers. World Cup Tech & Tunisia’s Exit: Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 in the World Cup’s 1,000th match, with goal-line tech used to deny a near-miss; Tunisia is already eliminated as group standings update. Water as Strategy: Commentary argues Maghreb countries must treat water as a strategic asset amid drought pressure, not just a technical issue.
Public Investment Push: Tunisia’s PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri urged ministers to make 2026–2030 development projects fully ready and feasible before construction, stressing that the real challenge is turning funding into on-time delivery through continuous monitoring from central to local levels. Sports Tech & Tunisia’s Exit: Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 in the World Cup’s 1,000th match, with goal-line tech used after a near-miss; Tunisia were eliminated early under new coach Hervé Renard. Governance & Natural Resources: Tunisia’s tax police launched investigations into suspected price manipulation in the salt sector, including field inspections and audits of production and export mechanisms. Identity & Culture: A new explainer on the Imazighen (Amazigh) highlights their indigenous roots across North Africa, including Tunisia, and the push for recognition of language and history. Regional Tech/Business: Digital Projection named Axion Displays as its sales and service partner across North Africa, including Tunisia, covering support for display technology in multiple territories.
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