AGP Executive Report

Migration Tragedy: Four bodies recovered and 10+ missing after a migrant boat sank off Ben Guerdane/Zarzis in southeastern Tunisia, with survivors citing engine failure and severe weather scattering people across strong currents. Public Protest & Basic Needs: Hundreds of Tunisians marched in Tunis demanding President Kais Saied’s resignation, citing rising prices, shortages of goods and medicines, and recurring power and water outages alongside environmental problems. Flood Readiness: The Prime Minister chaired a restricted meeting to prepare for the rainy season, stressing integrated planning, infrastructure maintenance, early warning, and coordination in flood-prone areas. Climate Disruption: Tunisia is also facing wider climate pressure as wildfires and heatwaves hit the region, raising the stakes for preparedness and resilience. Land & Water Governance: New decrees set mandatory cadastral surveys starting Nov 1 in Kasserine, Mahdia, Jendouba, Médenine, Sfax and Gabès, targeting unregistered rural/agricultural properties (not expropriation). Health Infrastructure: A new medical imaging unit opened at Sfax’s Airport Intermediate Health Centre after renovations and new equipment installation.

Migration Tragedy off SE Tunisia: Four bodies were recovered and 10+ people were missing after a migrant boat sank near Ben Guerdane/Zarzis, with survivors saying engine failure and strong currents scattered passengers across the central Mediterranean; Tunisia remains a key departure point for crossings to Europe. Protests & Environmental Strain: Thousands marched in Tunis calling for President Kais Saied’s resignation, citing rising prices, shortages, and worsening daily life tied to power/water outages and environmental problems. Climate Preparedness in Tunisia: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri led a restricted ministerial meeting on rainy-season readiness, stressing early warning, maintenance, flood-risk prevention, and coordination ahead of autumn and winter disruptions. Sfax Flood-Prevention Push: The Sfax governor set an end-of-August deadline to finish drainage and “blue point” works, inspecting Oued Sidi Salem and Oued Maou sites to reduce flood risk. Health & Water Infrastructure: A new medical imaging unit opened at Sfax’s Airport Intermediate Health Centre, while separate reporting highlights Tunisia’s broader water-security challenges. EMF & Mental Health: A study linked extremely low frequency EMF exposure at power plants to poorer sleep and higher depression/anxiety, even below regulatory limits.

Climate & Weather Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of a heat surge starting Saturday, Aug 22, with highs around 40–46°C and sirocco, then a brief dip on Aug 25 before temperatures stay 4–8°C above seasonal norms. Flood Preparedness: In Sfax, the governor is pushing to finish rain-prevention works before end of August, inspecting drainage “blue points” and flood-risk areas to speed up response during autumn storms. Water Security: Sousse’s seawater desalination project has entered its trial phase; the plant is fully built and testing, aiming to add major supply for Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia amid ongoing drinking-water shortages and protests. Health & Infrastructure: Sfax’s Airport Intermediate Health Centre opened a new medical imaging unit after renovations, upgrading access to safer, higher-quality diagnostics. Public Pressure: Tunis saw renewed protests against President Kais Saied, with demonstrators citing worsening economic conditions alongside recurring water and power cuts. Environment & Science: A Tunis-linked science competition win highlights environmental science talent, while broader reporting flags how climate extremes are hitting North Africa hard.

Climate Preparedness: Tunisia’s Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri chaired a restricted ministerial meeting to step up readiness ahead of the rainy season, stressing integrated planning, infrastructure maintenance, monitoring, early warning and faster coordination to prevent flood impacts. Flood Risk Work in Sfax: In Sfax, the governor inspected “blue points” like Oued Sidi Salem and Oued Maou to track drainage upgrades, with a push to finish all preventive works before the end of August. Heat Alert: The National Institute of Meteorology warned that from Saturday, Aug 22, temperatures will jump 6–10°C above seasonal norms (40–46°C) with sirocco, before a brief dip on Aug 25. Water Security in Sousse: Sousse’s seawater desalination plant has entered trial testing after reaching full completion, aiming to add major supply for Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia amid ongoing water shortages and protests. Health Access in Sfax: A renovated medical imaging unit opened at the Airport Intermediate Health Centre in Sfax, bringing modern equipment and improved service conditions for patients and staff. Protests & Pressure: Reuters reports renewed anti-president protests in Tunis tied to economic decline, shortages, and deteriorating public services—an environment-linked backdrop to wider unrest.

Climate Preparedness: Tunisia’s Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri chaired a restricted ministerial meeting focused on rainy-season readiness, calling for integrated planning, infrastructure modernization, maintenance, early warning systems, and faster coordination to prevent climate-related disruptions. Flood Risk Management: In Sfax, the governor set an end-of-August deadline for flood-prevention works, inspecting drainage “blue points” and urging services to complete interventions before autumn heavy rain. Water Security: In Sousse, a seawater desalination plant has entered trial testing after reaching full completion, aiming to add major drinking-water supply for Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia amid ongoing shortages and protests. Heat and Sirocco Alert: Tunisia’s meteorology institute says temperatures will rise from Saturday Aug. 22, with highs around 40–46°C and sirocco expected, before a brief dip on Aug. 25. Protests and Pressure: Hundreds marched in Tunis calling for President Kais Saied’s departure, rejecting “one-man rule” as economic strain, public-service deterioration, and shortages fuel unrest. Electric Mobility: ANME opened the call for applications for a 10,000-dinar electric taxi subsidy, with a Sept. 18 deadline for eligible individual taxi license holders.

Water Security in Sfax: Sfax officials are pushing flood-prevention works in the most vulnerable “blue points” (Oued Sidi Salem, Oued Maou and the Oued Maou bridge), with the Sfax governor urging all scheduled interventions to be completed before the end of August and calling for tighter coordination for the autumn rains. Desalination Progress in Sousse: Tunisia’s Sousse seawater desalination plant has reached 100% completion and entered its trial phase, with testing underway; the project targets 50,000 m³/day (expandable to 100,000) to support Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia amid ongoing drinking-water shortages and protests. Heat and Sirocco Alert: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of rising temperatures from Saturday Aug. 22, with highs around 40–46°C and sirocco, then a brief dip on Aug. 25 before another rise later in the week. Electric Mobility Deadline: ANME set Sept. 18 as the deadline to apply for a 10,000-dinar subsidy to buy an electric individual taxi, under a GEF-funded program supervised with UNIDO and the environment ministry. Climate Extremes Context: A Foreign Policy Africa Brief highlights how wildfires, drought and flooding across North and West Africa are worsening food crises, with Tunisia among the affected countries.

Demographic Pressure on the Future: A new global analysis suggests the world may already be below replacement fertility, with fast declines showing up not just in rich countries but also middle-income places like Tunisia. Climate Extremes & Flood Risk: Foreign Policy’s Africa brief highlights climate-driven wildfires and flooding across the region, with experts warning that flooding is becoming more persistent as cities fail to manage drainage and waste. Sfax Flood-Prevention Push: In Tunisia, the Sfax governor has set an end-of-August deadline for “blue point” drainage works, inspecting Oued Sidi Salem and Oued Maou to speed up interventions and improve emergency readiness for autumn rains. Water Security in Sousse: Sousse’s seawater desalination plant has entered trial phase, fully completed and now testing, aiming to add major supply for Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia amid ongoing drinking-water shortages. Heatwave Forecast: Tunisia’s meteorology service warns of rising temperatures from Saturday Aug 22, with sirocco and highs around 40–46°C, before a brief dip and another rise. Electric Mobility Deadline: ANME set Sept 18 as the deadline to apply for a 10,000-dinar subsidy for electric taxis, supporting Tunisia’s shift to cleaner transport. Mediterranean Biodiversity Threat: A report flags warming seas and invasive species spreading in the Mediterranean, with lionfish and other newcomers reshaping ecosystems and fisheries. UNESCO Tourism Boost for Sidi Bou Said: Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said is seeing a surge in visitors after UNESCO World Heritage listing, bringing both economic hopes and added preservation responsibility.

Water Security in Sousse: Tunisia’s Sousse seawater desalination plant has entered its trial phase, with the facility now 100% complete and undergoing testing; it will produce 50,000 cubic meters per day, with a possible expansion to 100,000, aiming to ease drinking-water shortages that have triggered protests and higher bottled-water prices. Flood Preparedness in Sfax: The Sfax governor has set an end-of-August deadline to finish flood-prevention works, inspecting key “blue points” and drainage sites to speed up coordination and emergency response ahead of autumn heavy rains. Electric Mobility Push: ANME says applications for a 10,000-dinar subsidy to buy an electric individual taxi close on September 18, under a GEF-funded program to roll out 47 electric taxis. Climate Threats in the Mediterranean: A new report warns that global warming is driving invasive species into the Mediterranean Sea, with scientists estimating a new species arriving every two weeks and stressing impacts on marine life and fisheries. Biodiversity & Heritage: Sidi Bou Said’s UNESCO listing is already boosting global attention, while Malta’s “very unusual” loggerhead turtle season—11 false crawls and no confirmed nests—highlights how fragile nesting conditions are across the region.

Electric Mobility Push: Tunisia’s energy agency ANME set September 18 as the deadline to apply for a 10,000-dinar subsidy to buy an electric individual taxi, as the GEF-funded program rolls out 47 electric taxis under UNIDO and the Ministry of Environment oversight. Digital Administration: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed Tunisia’s digital transformation drive across public services and investment procedures, stressing measurable indicators, anti-corruption gains, and “smart administration” to cut regional gaps. Tourism & Heritage: Sidi Bou Said is seeing a tourism surge after its late-July UNESCO World Heritage listing, with residents and local vendors hoping for higher visitor spending alongside stronger preservation duties. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s forecast calls for thunderstorms with locally heavy rain and isolated hail, mainly in western central and southern regions, with gusty winds during storms. Mediterranean Ecology: New research highlights invasive species spreading in the Mediterranean as warming seas and the Suez Canal boost arrivals, raising pressure on native wildlife and fisheries.

Electric Mobility Push: Tunisia’s ANME says Sept. 18 is the deadline to apply for a 10,000-dinar subsidy to buy an electric individual taxi, under a GEF-funded program with UNIDO and the environment ministry. Climate & Biodiversity Alarm: A new study warns the Mediterranean is being reshaped by warming seas and the Suez Canal, with invasive species now entering fast—scientists cite more than 1,000 non-indigenous species and major ecological disruption. Weather Watch: Tunisia’s meteorology service flags thunderstorm cells with locally heavy rain, possible hail, and gusts over 80 km/h in several regions, with rain totals that may reach 60 mm locally. Tourism & Heritage: Sidi Bou Said is seeing a surge in global visitors after its UNESCO World Heritage listing, bringing both economic hopes and added pressure to protect the historic site. Marine Safety & Hazards: A regional airfield safety partnership event in Mauritania brought together the U.S. Air Force and 10 African nations, including Tunisia, to share practices on flightline safety and environmental hazards. Invasive Species Control: Cyprus researchers are tracking and managing lionfish spread using experimental traps, linking the problem to warmer waters and easier migration routes.

UNICEF Digital Rights Poll: A UNICEF/GSMA U-Report survey gathered 211,300 responses in 119 countries on how young people experience life online, including questions on AI use—useful context for Tunisia’s youth and digital policy debates. Mediterranean Invasive Species: New research highlights how global warming and the Suez Canal are accelerating invasive species into the Mediterranean, with lionfish and other newcomers reshaping food chains and threatening fisheries. Tunisia Weather Alerts: The National Institute of Meteorology warns of thunderstorm cells with locally heavy rain and possible hail, with gusts over 80 km/h in parts of the country. Tourism & Heritage Boost: Sidi Bou Said’s UNESCO listing is driving a surge in global visitors, while Tunisia’s tourism sector reports 5.828 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (+2.6%); authorities link gains to cleanliness and environmental improvement programs. Agroecology Support Call: Tunisia’s “Soil Matters” project opened applications for MSMEs offering agroecology and soil-health services, aiming to strengthen market access and sustainability of farming systems. Digital Transformation Update: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on Tunisia’s digital transformation projects to modernize public services, cut corruption, and reduce regional disparities.

UNESCO Tourism Boost: Sidi Bou Said has been newly inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and locals are hoping the global spotlight will bring more visitors and money—while also raising the stakes for protecting the town’s historic blue-and-white character. Climate & Nature Watch: Malta’s loggerhead turtle nesting season is “very unusual”: 11 nesting attempts were recorded but no confirmed nests so far, unlike 2025 when nests produced 319 hatchlings—an early warning as Mediterranean conditions shift. Storm Risk in Tunisia: Tunisia’s meteorology service warns of thunderstorm cells with locally heavy rain and isolated hail, with gusts that may exceed 80 km/h, mainly affecting western, northern and central areas before spreading locally. Agroecology Support Call: Tunisia has launched “Soil Matters” to back MSMEs offering agroecology and soil-health solutions; applications are open until Aug. 30, aiming to strengthen skills, market access and networking. Digital Governance: A restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on Tunisia’s digital transformation projects, stressing measurable results, anti-corruption gains, and faster, fairer public services. Tourism Numbers: Tunisia reports 5.828 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 2.6% year-on-year, with cleanliness and inspection campaigns highlighted as key to improving the visitor experience.

MENA Economic Outlook: BMI warns the Middle East and North Africa is set to rebound in 2027 (+8.5%) after a deep 2026 slump (-3.3%), blaming prolonged disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—an issue that could also hit tourism and food supplies. Weather Watch (Tunisia): Tunisia’s meteorology institute issued a warning for thunderstorm cells with locally heavy rain, hail and strong gusts (up to 80 km/h), with the heaviest totals expected in several western, northern and central governorates. Stormier August Ahead: A climatology researcher says Tunisia may see more unstable, localized storms between Aug 15–22, with 20–40 mm possible in short bursts and gusts up to 70–100 km/h under the strongest cells. Agroecology Support: Tunisia launched a call for applications for MSMEs offering agroecology and soil-health services under the “Soil Matters” project, seeking to boost technical capacity and market access. Tourism & Cleanliness: Tunisia reports 5.828 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (+2.6%), citing inspection campaigns and environmental improvement programs as key to visitor experience. Mediterranean Biodiversity Alarm: Scientists warn invasive species are thriving as Mediterranean waters warm, with impacts on ecology and food webs. Protected Areas Enforcement: Tunisia’s regional coverage also highlights stronger protected-area crackdowns, including efforts to stop encroachment in sensitive wetland zones.

Thunderstorm Alert: Tunisia’s meteorology institute warns of storm cells with locally heavy rain, possible hail, and strong gusts (over 80 km/h), with the worst totals expected in Béja, Siliana, Le Kef, Zaghouan, Kairouan, Sidi Bouzid and Sfax, and up to 60 mm locally in Kasserine and the Sahel. Climate Risk Outlook: A climatology researcher flags a more unstable second half of August, with higher chances of frequent, localized thunderstorms between Aug 15–22, including hail and short bursts of 20–40 mm and gusts up to 70–100 km/h in active areas. Agroecology Support: A call for Tunisian MSMEs under the “Soil Matters” project seeks soil-health and agroecology services, with applications due Aug 30 and €2.3m funding via GIZ and APIA. Tourism & Cleanliness: Tunisia reports 5.828 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (+2.6%), citing inspection campaigns and environmental improvement programs as key to boosting the visitor experience. Protected Areas Enforcement: Tunisia’s regional news echoes stronger protected-area action, with NPAA demolition work targeting encroachment in Sierra Leone’s Aberdeen Creek Ramsar wetland.

Digital Governance: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting (Aug 15) reviewed progress on digital transformation to modernize public services, cut corruption, and reduce regional gaps, including the National Investor Platform and more digital investment procedures and enterprise register transactions. Severe Weather Watch: The National Institute of Meteorology warns of thunderstorm cells with locally heavy rain (20–40 mm; up to 60 mm in Kasserine/Sahel), possible hail and strong winds over 80 km/h, urging people to follow official alerts. Stormier August Outlook: Climatology researchers say the second half of August (Aug 15–22) could bring more frequent, localized storms—sometimes near-daily—especially in Le Kef, Siliana, Kasserine, Kairouan and Sidi Bouzid. Agroecology Support: A call for Tunisian MSMEs under the “Soil Matters” project seeks soil-health and agroecology services, with applications due Aug 30. Tourism & Cleanliness: Tunisia reports 5.828 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (+2.6%), citing inspection campaigns and environmental improvement efforts. Protected Nature: Tunisia’s environment news also echoes wider regional pressure on biodiversity, as Mediterranean waters face accelerating invasive species impacts.

Severe Weather Alert: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology (INM) warns of thunderstorm cells with locally heavy rain this Saturday, Aug. 15, with 20–40 mm expected in several governorates and locally up to 60 mm in Kasserine and the Sahel; hail and strong gusts over 80 km/h are possible, and residents are urged to follow updates via the INM alert map and mobile app. Stormier August Outlook: A climatology researcher says the second half of August could turn more unstable, with a higher chance of localized, sometimes intense storms—especially between Aug. 15 and 22—bringing hail, short heavy downpours (20–40 mm), runoff in wadis, and gusts of 70–100 km/h in affected areas. Agroecology Support Call: Tunisia’s “Soil Matters” project has opened applications for MSMEs offering agroecology and soil health services, with a deadline of Aug. 30, 2026, aiming to boost technical and market capacities for sustainable farming solutions. Tourism & Cleanliness Push: Tunisia reports 5.828 million visitors by end-July 2026, up 2.6% year-on-year, while authorities stress inspection campaigns and cleanliness/environment improvements to protect the visitor experience. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A Reuters investigation says the Mediterranean now hosts over 1,000 non-indigenous species (about 800 established), with new arrivals estimated every two weeks—an accelerating shift linked to warming waters.