Tunisia News · Friday, 30 October 2026

Tunisia

Tunisia's energy deficit reaches 10.48 billion dinars, about half the trade gap, finance minister says

Finance Minister Mechket Salma Khaldi told parliamentary committees on Thursday that the energy deficit reached 10.48 billion dinars as of 23 October, around half of the country's total trade deficit, as energy imports grew 13.1% against 8.6% export growth. She also repeated the reserves figure the central bank had already given for the same date, 93 days of import cover against 107 a year earlier, while tourism revenue rose 3.7% and remittances grew 4.4%.

Source: Webdo · Thursday, 29 October 2026

Former US secretary of state Pompeo hired to help Zenith Energy's $573 million arbitration claim against Tunisia

Zenith Energy, a British-registered oil firm, has engaged former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's advisory firm to assist its $573 million International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes case against Tunisia, which it accuses of blocking development of the Sidi El Kilani and Ezzaouia oil concessions in breach of a 1989 UK-Tunisia investment treaty. The company's claims across related cases total roughly $640 million; final arguments were filed on 30 September and a ruling is expected in early 2027. Tunisia disputes the allegations and says it owes nothing.

Source: Kapitalis · Thursday, 29 October 2026

US embassy enlists CrossBoundary to draw American investors into Tunisia's PhosCo phosphate project

The US embassy in Tunis announced on Thursday a partnership with investment advisory firm CrossBoundary to connect American investors with PhosCo, the Australian-backed company developing the Gasaat phosphate deposit in Kasserine, estimated at 166.6 million tonnes. The programme, backed by a $1.5 million US grant, aims to mobilise over $100 million in private American investment for a 30-40% stake in PhosCo, alongside roughly $15-25 million in US equipment exports.

Source: Webdo · Thursday, 29 October 2026

Private pharmacists to suspend CNAM billing from 1 November, union says

The Tunisian union of private pharmacy owners announced on Friday that it will suspend the tiers payant system for patients insured by the national health insurance fund CNAM, starting 1 November. The union said it had told CNAM since 19 October that the arrangement could not continue without payment of sums owed, and that pharmacies need the money to keep buying medicines amid ongoing shortages. CNAM-insured patients will have to pay for prescriptions upfront from that date and then seek reimbursement.

Source: La Presse · Friday, 30 October 2026

Geopolitics

Houthi forces claim six missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports and oil sites

Yemen's Houthi movement said on Thursday it struck six targets in Saudi Arabia, including the Ras Tanura refinery, the Abqaiq oil facility and airports in Riyadh and Dammam, saying it hit 'vital commercial and military infrastructure.' Saudi air defences intercepted two of the missiles over Riyadh; one person was wounded by falling shrapnel. The claims have not been independently verified, and Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry called for renewed negotiations to avoid further military escalation.

Source: Al Jazeera · Friday, 30 October 2026

US Vice President Vance writes to Iranian security chief in bid to revive nuclear talks

JD Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, seeking a framework for negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and a way to avoid renewed US strikes, officials said Thursday. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is 'still giving diplomacy a chance' while its forces remain ready to defend the country. The contact comes amid warnings that Washington could resume military action against Iran after the 3 November US midterms.