Economy

Kais Saied economic policies and Tunisia growth outcomes 2026

Tunisia recorded subdued growth and higher domestic debt under Kais Saied policies between 2021 and 2025.

By Eleanor Vance •September 3, 2026 •2 min read

Kais Saied economic policies and Tunisia growth outcomes 2026

Kais Saied took power in 2019 promising self-reliance and recovery of stolen assets. Tunisia recorded GDP growth of 2.8 percent in 2022, 0.2 percent in 2023 and 1.6 percent in 2024 according to World Bank data. Public debt rose from 67.8 percent of GDP in 2019 to nearly 85 percent in 2024. This article examines the recorded indicators, financing shifts and daily impacts on households.

What economic indicators show since 2021

After a 4.7 percent rebound in 2021, annual growth fell to 2.8 percent in 2022, 0.2 percent in 2023, 1.6 percent in 2024 and roughly 2.5 percent in 2025. Unemployment stayed near 15 percent. The state increased borrowing from domestic banks and the central bank, including an interest-free 7 billion dinar loan in 2024 and another in foreign currency in 2025.

Changes in public debt and financing

Gross financing needs doubled from 7.9 percent of GDP in 2019 to 16 percent in 2024. Access to external markets narrowed, raising reliance on domestic sources. Cash outside banks reached record levels after policies favoring electronic payments were scaled back.

Effects on households and services

Inflation peaked at 10.4 percent in 2023 before easing to 5.7 percent in 2025, yet prices remained elevated. Food costs stayed high. Electricity and water supply interruptions became frequent, and the health system reported shortages of medicines.

Community companies and investment climate

Community enterprises were launched as an alternative ownership model but required ongoing treasury support to operate. Pursuit of business figures reduced investor activity and contributed to company closures without delivering substantial recovered funds to the state budget.

Frequently asked questions

What was Tunisia GDP growth under Saied?

World Bank figures list 2.8 percent in 2022, 0.2 percent in 2023, 1.6 percent in 2024 and about 2.5 percent in 2025.

How did public debt change?

Public debt increased from 67.8 percent of GDP in 2019 to nearly 85 percent in 2024.

Did self-reliance reduce external borrowing?

Domestic borrowing rose sharply, yet Tunisia still sought external financing at higher costs linked to credit ratings and relations with lenders.

What happened to community companies?

They depended on public financing for survival rather than generating independent growth or reducing pressure on state resources.

Did unemployment decline?

Unemployment remained near 15 percent with growth rates insufficient to create the needed jobs.

Key takeaways

GDP growth averaged around 2 percent annually from 2022 to 2025.

Public debt reached nearly 85 percent of GDP by 2024.

Central bank direct lending to the treasury totaled 14 billion dinars across 2024 and 2025.

Inflation eased from 10.4 percent to 5.7 percent but price levels stayed high.

Community enterprises required continued state support to continue operations.

By Eleanor Vance

Eleanor Vance brings a unique perspective to her role as an Energy and Infrastructure Analyst, with a particular focus on the intersection of these critical sectors with education. Her reporting delves into how energy policy and infrastructure development directly impact educational opportunities and outcomes across various communities. She meticulously examines the availability of resources, the construction of facilities, and the technological advancements that shape learning environments. Vance is known for filing in-depth explainers that break down complex energy and infrastructure projects, as well as longer investigations that uncover systemic issues affecting educational access and quality. Her daily stories often highlight the immediate effects of policy changes on students and educators. Eleanor approaches each story by starting with a deep dive into official reports, academic studies, and policy documents, followed by extensive interviews with stakeholders ranging from government officials and industry experts to local community leaders, teachers, and students. She prioritizes on-the-ground reporting, visiting schools and project sites to gather firsthand accounts and observe conditions directly. Her verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple, diverse sources, ensuring accuracy and providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. From Eleanor’s reporting, readers gain a clear and nuanced understanding of how energy and infrastructure decisions are not merely economic or political, but profoundly influence the future of education and human development. Her work offers insights into the challenges and opportunities within these sectors, empowering readers with the knowledge to understand their broader societal implications.