AGP Executive Report

AI & Cybersecurity Benchmark: Bahrain topped Arab rankings for government readiness in AI and landed in the top global tier for cybersecurity in a new UN SDG review—placing Tunisia among the countries in the next tier. Tunisia’s IT Push: A Germany Trade & Invest report says Tunisia is moving from “well-kept secret” to a credible nearshoring hub for German firms, citing talent, proximity, and competitive costs. Water Under Pressure: The AfDB and Tunisia are urging a shift from emergency drought responses to a permanent resilience “architecture,” warning rainfall could drop sharply in central and southern regions. Health Milestone: WHO has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Housing for Disability: UN-Habitat and Alwaleed Philanthropies signed a WUF13 partnership to expand inclusive, accessible housing solutions—Tunisia’s ministry backs a pilot approach. Blue Economy & Tourism: Tunisia is advancing a coastal tourism and blue economy strategy, including eco-tourism and sustainable maritime transport.

AFCON Fallout in Rabat: A disputed AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal has reignited debate across North and Sub-Saharan Africa over racism, corruption claims, and the role of VAR—after Senegal’s coach pulled players off the pitch in protest and the match turned into a wider flashpoint. Tunisia Climate Push: Tunisia has unveiled “NDC 3.0,” a $55bn plan (2026–2035) prioritizing water and agriculture, warning the economy could shrink by 3.4% by 2030 without urgent action. Blue Economy & Health Wins: Tunisia is advancing a coastal tourism and blue economy strategy, while WHO has validated the country’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Water-Smart Tech: FAO training in Tunis is boosting North Africa’s use of AI and geospatial tools to manage water and land. Migration Returns: IOM says 22,377 irregular migrants have benefited from Tunisia’s voluntary return and reintegration programme since 2022. Women’s Entrepreneurship: Nabeul received 35 “Raïdet” grants for women-led projects, totaling over 295,000 dinars.

Political Risk Watch: A new Allianz Commercial risk report puts war and political violence at the top of business fears worldwide, with war overtaking civil unrest as the #1 exposure for companies. Climate & Water: Tunisia has unveiled “NDC 3.0,” a $55 billion plan for 2026–2035 focused on water and agriculture, warning the economy could shrink by 3.4% by 2030 without urgent action. Public Health: The WHO has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, citing long-term primary healthcare and the SAFE strategy. Space for Monitoring: Tunisia is moving ahead with its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation to support environmental monitoring and agriculture. Mosquitoes & Health Response: A Tunisian expert says nearly four new mosquito species have been detected, meaning municipalities may need to adjust control methods. Blue Economy: Tunisia is pushing a coastal tourism and blue economy strategy, highlighting marinas and island eco-tourism. Weather: Sunday brings scattered rain in the morning, then partly cloudy skies, with rough seas and locally strong winds in the south.

Health Milestone: WHO has officially validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health threat, a major win after decades of work using the SAFE approach (surgery, antibiotics, hygiene, and environmental improvements). Blue Economy Push: Tunisia is advancing a coastal tourism and blue economy strategy, highlighting marinas, islands for eco- and scientific tourism, and links to renewable energy and sustainable maritime transport. Space Ambition: Tunisia is developing its first government satellite, aimed at Earth observation for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and resource management. Water & Tech Skills: FAO trained North African officials in AI and geospatial tools for water and land management, including remote sensing workflows. Climate Watch: Weather updates warn of unstable conditions with scattered rain and possible hail, plus rough seas. Policy Focus: Tunisia’s foreign exchange code is back in parliament debate, with lawmakers pushing for a framework that improves the investment climate.

Blue Economy Push: Tunisia is moving to scale up its coastal tourism and “blue economy” plan, spotlighting six major marinas (nearly 2,930 berths) and a region-by-region model that links eco-tourism, renewable energy, sustainable maritime transport and innovation—building on earlier steps like new solar power plants. Health Milestone: The WHO has validated Tunisia as free of trachoma as a public health threat, praising decades of primary healthcare work and the SAFE approach (surgery, antibiotics, hygiene and environmental improvements). Space & Tech: Tunisia is developing its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation, aimed at strengthening national capacity for environmental monitoring, agriculture and resource management. Water Intelligence Training: FAO trained North African officials in AI and geospatial tools to better manage water, land and oasis ecosystems. Agriculture Diplomacy: Italy’s ambassador visited Wafra Agricole, highlighting private-sector tech and know-how ties for food security.

Public Health Win: The WHO has validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health threat, praising decades of sustained political commitment and the SAFE approach (surgery, antibiotics, hygiene and environmental improvements) through primary care and nationwide screening. Water & Tech for Nature: FAO trained North African officials in AI and geospatial tools to better manage water, land and oasis ecosystems, including practical work on the MERWAT platform. Space for Monitoring: Tunisia has begun developing its first government satellite, a 6U CubeSat for Earth observation to support environmental monitoring, agriculture and resource management. Mosquito Watch: New mosquito species have been detected in Tunisia, with experts warning municipalities may need to adjust control methods. Weather: Sunday brings locally dense cloud and scattered rain, with rough seas and slightly cooler temperatures.

Mosquito Watch in Tunisia: Environmental specialist Adel Hentati says nearly four new mosquito species have been detected in Tunisia, based on work at the Municipality of Tunis lab—meaning last year’s control methods may not be fully effective, though he stresses there’s no major danger right now. Weekend Weather Alert: Hentati also warns of an unstable weekend, with short showers and possible hail inland and cooler nights, as warmer-than-usual Mediterranean waters feed the mix. Health Milestone: Tunisia just got WHO validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, a long-running win tied to water, sanitation and hygiene improvements. Water-Energy Tech Push: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry highlighted AI-assisted solar field planning and smarter irrigation, linking water, food and energy. Global Context: The U.S. is waiving up to $15,000 visa bonds for some World Cup ticket holders from Tunisia and other qualifying countries.

Mosquito alert in Tunisia: Environmental specialist Adel Hentati says nearly four new mosquito species have been detected in Tunisia, warning municipalities may need to adjust last year’s control methods as warmer, more humid conditions can slow campaigns—though he stresses there’s no major danger right now. Health milestone: Tunisia also just got WHO validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, a decades-long win tied to stronger primary care and the SAFE strategy. World Cup ripple effects: As the 2026 tournament nears, the Trump administration has suspended a controversial visa-bond requirement for ticket-holding fans from five qualified countries, including Tunisia—after backlash over costs and access. Water & energy push: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry says AI tools are being used to design solar projects and improve water-energy planning. UNESCO recognition: Tunisian researcher Oula Amrouni was elected to UNESCO’s Ecohydrology scientific committee, boosting Tunisia’s voice on water, ecosystems, and climate solutions.

World Cup Momentum: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino says the 2026 tournament will be watched by “six billion” people at home, with 48 teams and a June 12 start across the U.S., Mexico and Canada—while Tunisia’s own squad news is getting sharper as coach Sabri Lamouchi makes bold cuts, including dropping captain Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah. Visa Relief for Tunisians: The U.S. has suspended the controversial visa-bond rule (up to $15,000) for ticket-holding fans from World Cup-qualified countries, including Tunisia—an abrupt retreat after backlash. Climate Pressure on Play: A new study warns heat could make many matches unsafe, with some venues lacking air conditioning. Tunisia Weather Watch: Unstable weekend conditions are forecast with short showers, possible hail, and cooler nights. Health Milestone: WHO validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Water-Energy Tech Push: Tunisia is moving to use AI to save water and improve renewable energy planning.

World Cup Visa U-turn: The Trump administration has suspended the controversial $15,000 visa bond for ordinary fans from World Cup-qualified countries—including Tunisia—as long as they hold valid FIFA tickets, easing a major travel cost barrier that had drawn backlash. Heat and Safety Watch: A new study warns climate change could make about a quarter of World Cup matches unsafe, with some venues lacking air conditioning—raising pressure for cooling and hydration rules. Tunisia Health Milestone: The WHO has validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, praising long-term primary care and the SAFE strategy. Education Timing Stress: Tunisia’s primary exams overlap with Eid Al-Adha; parents are urged to keep children calm and revise without Eid-related pressure. Digital Payments Push: Tunisia’s central bank is rolling out the TUNPAY label to standardize mobile payments, after rapid growth in 2025 usage. Local Business & Jobs: Italy’s Pusterla 1880 inaugurated a new Sousse production site, citing investment and job creation. Weather: Thunderstorms are expected in Tunisia’s south and western highlands, with gusty winds and rough seas along parts of the coast.

World Cup Visa Shake-Up: The Trump administration has suspended a controversial U.S. visa bond rule that could have cost up to $15,000 for ordinary fans from World Cup-qualified countries—Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia—if they hold valid FIFA tickets and opt into the FIFA Pass for faster appointments. EU Migration Backlash: In Brussels, the EU’s decision to open deportation talks with Taliban representatives is drawing fierce human-rights criticism over fears it erodes Europe’s commitments. Tunisia Health Win: WHO validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, citing long-term primary health care and the SAFE strategy. Local Education Pressure: Tunisia’s primary exams overlap with Eid Al-Adha; parents are urged to keep children calm and avoid piling on stress. Weather Watch: Partly cloudy conditions with thunderstorms expected in the south and western highlands, plus strong winds and rough seas along parts of the coast.

World Cup Travel Shake-Up: The Trump administration has suspended the controversial visa bond rule that could have charged World Cup ticket-holders up to $15,000 to enter the U.S., exempting fans from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia who opt into the FIFA Pass system—an abrupt retreat after backlash over cost and fairness. Heat and Safety Warning: A new study flags that climate change could make about a quarter of World Cup matches unsafe, with some venues lacking air conditioning and rules allowing postponements only at very high heat levels. Tunisia-Linked Security & Search: In Morocco, the U.S. Army recovered the remains of a second soldier missing during African Lion 26, ending an 11-day search. Local Economy Push: Tunisia’s Prime Minister says the country is betting on startups and AI-driven digital transformation to build a more flexible development model. Agri Outlook: Tunisia’s central bank expects better 2025–26 yields thanks to favorable rains, including a major jump in expected olive oil output.

New Investment in Sousse: Italian luxury packaging group Pusterla 1880 has opened a new production site in Sousse, backing Tunisia’s manufacturing push and creating 260 jobs, with the Italian ambassador highlighting a “balanced partnership” built on innovation and skills. World Cup Travel Relief: The Trump administration is suspending a visa bond requirement of up to $15,000 for ordinary fans from World Cup-qualified countries who hold FIFA tickets—covering Tunisia among others—after the bond was introduced last year amid wider immigration crackdowns. Tunisia-UN Cooperation: Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met UN Office for Project Services leadership to review future cooperation, citing ongoing projects and nearly $74.6m in active work in Tunisia. Food & Water Signals: Tunisia’s central bank says the 2025–2026 agricultural season is benefiting from good rainfall and improved dam reserves, with olive oil production forecast to jump sharply. Wildlife Pressure: Ennahli Park was temporarily closed after complaints about wild boars moving toward nearby neighborhoods, with authorities organizing a controlled hunting day to reduce numbers.

World Cup Travel Rules: The Trump administration is suspending a requirement that foreign fans from five World Cup-qualified countries—including Tunisia—pay up to $15,000 in visa bonds, easing entry for ticket holders who opt into the FIFA Pass fast-appointment system. Tunisia’s Innovation Push: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri said Tunisia wants a development model built on start-ups, AI strength, and a more flexible investment law—meeting Tunisian entrepreneurs and InstaDeep leadership. Mediterranean Tech Links: Italy’s Embassy in Tunis and the Terna Innovation Zone launched “Innovation Talks”, focusing on AI, climate resilience, and Mediterranean innovation networks. Local Industry Calendar: Tunisia will host Automotive Industry Innovation Day 2026 on June 4, with partners and experts discussing sustainability, digitalisation, and future skills. Tunisia Tourism Pressure: Coverage also flags tourism slowing amid fallout from the Middle East war.

Health Sovereignty: Kenya is pushing faster local vaccine and medicine manufacturing, citing supply-chain shocks and calling for tech transfer, regulatory harmonisation, and regional market access. Tunisia Diplomacy: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri used the Africa–France “Africa Forward” summit to argue for peace built on international law, sovereign equality, and a fairer global financial system, while Tunisia also moves to deepen cooperation with the EBRD on renewables, infrastructure, transport, digital transition, and governance. Industry & Jobs: Tunisia will host Automotive Industry Innovation Day 2026 on June 4, spotlighting sustainability, digitalisation, R&D, and skills for future mobility. Environment & Farming: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry warns growers about mildew risk as May conditions turn favourable, urging immediate monitoring and approved treatments. Regional Flashpoints: A Libyan Coast Guard-linked vessel fired on a migrant rescue ship in the Mediterranean, according to Sea-Watch. Weather: Tunisia expects partly cloudy skies with a slight temperature drop, but coastal winds may be strong.

Road Safety Meets National Security: International Roadcheck 2026 is underway across North America, with thousands of CVSA-certified inspectors running 72 hours of intensive roadside checks—while organizers stress the bigger stakes: the same heavy trucks that move freight can also be used for criminal interdiction and mass harm. Migration at Sea: Sea-Watch says a Libyan Coast Guard-linked vessel fired on its rescue ship after it saved 90 people, ordering it toward Libya and threatening boarding. Energy Diplomacy: EU energy officials reiterated “crystal clear” support for the Great Sea Interconnector linking Cyprus, Greece and Israel, framing it as a regional security and price-stability boost. Tunisia’s External Partnerships: Tunisia’s PM met the EBRD in Nairobi, signaling a push to deepen cooperation in renewables, infrastructure, energy and governance. NGO Crackdown: Amnesty warns Tunisia’s courts and authorities are escalating pressure on NGOs, including threats of dissolution. Weather & Farming: Tunisia’s agriculture ministry warns mildew could spread in May, urging farmers to monitor closely and use approved fungicides.