The Tunisian government is accelerating work on a new national development model through the 2026–2030 Development Plan, which it says will mark a clear break from past economic and social policies.
Prime Minister Sarra Zafrani Zanzri chaired a ministerial council meeting at the Kasbah Palace focused entirely on finalising the plan.
Zanzri said the plan was prepared using a bottom-up approach for the first time in Tunisia, gathering input from local, regional, and interregional councils before reaching a national framework. She described the method as a way to promote social justice, balanced growth, and stronger coordination between economic and social policies, in line with President Kais Saied’s vision.
The plan takes into account global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, slower global growth, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and climate change. It places strong emphasis on social inclusion, renewable energy, environmental protection, and the green and circular economy.
Economically, the government aims to boost growth by supporting high value-added sectors, innovation, and investment, while creating jobs and reducing unemployment, particularly among young people and graduates. Protecting purchasing power and controlling prices remain key priorities. The government targets an inflation rate of around 5.3 percent in 2026, following a peak of 7 percent in 2024 and a gradual slowdown in 2025, according to official data.
Social protection and regional development are central pillars of the plan, with increased public investment planned for less developed regions to reduce disparities and improve infrastructure and basic services.
Economy and Planning Minister Samir Abdelhafidh presented the plan’s macroeconomic framework and sectoral priorities, while also noting challenges related to liquidity and public debt in early 2026. Tunisia is expected to repay about 9.5 billion dinars in foreign-currency debt this year, including IMF obligations and a major eurobond maturity.
To meet its financing needs, the government plans an exceptional loan from the Central Bank of Tunisia, the country’s first issuance of sovereign Sukuk, and increased reliance on tourism revenues, remittances, and key exports. The draft plan will be submitted to the Council of Ministers after incorporating feedback, which the government sees as a key step toward more inclusive and balanced development.
