Finance Minister Michket Slama Khaldi stated that the cost of major natural disasters in Tunisia could reach 1.9% of the country’s GDP, according to Express FM.
Speaking at the 18th edition of the Carthage Insurance and Reinsurance Forum, the minister noted that droughts account for more than half of recorded natural disasters.
She added that floods are responsible for around 60% of total economic losses, emphasizing that these losses affect vital sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism and disproportionately impact the most vulnerable social groups.
The minister highlighted that Tunisia has strengthened its capacity to respond to international developments, making natural disaster and climate change management a national priority.
She explained that in recent years, Tunisia has adopted a comprehensive approach to resilience, based on prevention and adaptation, alongside the establishment of effective financial protection mechanisms.
This approach has been implemented through a range of government measures, including enhanced risk management systems and the development of innovative financing and insurance tools for natural disasters.
Finally, the Finance Minister noted that the government is committed to a participatory approach, strengthening coordination among public institutions, the private sector and technical and financial partners to ensure efficient interventions and rapid responses to climate crises.
