Mohamed Louzir, Secretary General of the Tunisian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the 2026 Finance Law includes numerous new tax measures targeting businesses, leading to increased tax pressure.
He explained that this pressure was estimated at 33.5% of GDP in 2022, rose to over 34% by the end of 2025, and is expected to continue its upward trend in 2026.
Speaking on ExpressFM” on Monday, Louzir highlighted the increase in corporate income tax revenues, which rose from 2.8 billion dinars in 2022 to 6 billion dinars in 2025, an increase of 113% in three years, considered among the highest in Africa.
He warned that excessive tax pressure “kills the tax” and would negatively affect investment.
Louzir also called for a review and expansion of the tax base to include all economic activities and companies, stressing the need to integrate the informal economy, which accounts for more than 40% of GDP.
He noted that the private sector has recorded positive results and growth indicators, contributing significantly to the Tunisian economy, but said these results remain insufficient due to weak measures in place and the lack of legislative adaptation to this evolution.
He also addressed the burden of the public-sector wage bill, pointing out that the number of civil servants has increased by 35% since 2010, while the average annual gross salary has risen by 191%.
He considered that this increase in staff numbers, coupled with a real productivity deficit, represents a major problem requiring concrete solutions.
The Secretary General further explained that the weight of public debt, at the expense of public and private investment, has negatively affected companies’ ability to access financing and has contributed to the relocation of many Tunisian companies and foreign investments abroad.
He concluded by calling on the state to send clear signals to investors, implement effective reforms to restructure public enterprises and administrations, direct financing toward productive sectors, accelerate tax reform and provide tangible incentives for economic sectors and activities.
