Some criticisms have been raised regarding the 2026 Finance Law.
In an interview with Africanmanager, on the sidelines of a media event organized by CONECT on the Finance Law and electronic invoicing, academic and researcher Abdelkader Boudrika focused on two main issues: the lack of strategic vision and insufficient support for investment.
Q: As with every Finance Law, experts thoroughly examine this legislation, which is crucial for many areas of economic and social policy that the government implements throughout the fiscal year. How does the 2026 Finance Law fare?
A: Although the 2026 Finance Law includes a social dimension, it lacks strategic vision and does not emphasize support for investment, particularly private investment.
The current debate should focus on several key issues, including tax and administrative reform, a comprehensive development plan, the national strategy for SMEs, a roadmap to improve the business climate, the investment law, better access to financing, and the foreign exchange law.
Q: Does this mean that the 2026 Finance Law is poorly aligned with Tunisia’s near-future prospects?
A: We are seeing a form of pragmatism, but there is no clear strategic vision or overarching plan, apart from incorporating social justice into some measures in the initial draft.
The Finance Law fails to reflect a clear state policy to support investment. On the other hand, the Finance Law should not be overloaded, as it is fundamentally a budgetary law.
In recent years, the Finance Law has been presented as setting public policy strategies, when in reality, these strategies are formulated in the development plan, the national SME strategy currently under preparation, and the roadmap to improve the business climate, also in development.
Q: What do you think about the electronic invoicing law?
A: Before adopting new legislation, such as the electronic invoicing law, and considering the controversy it sparked, it is essential to test it with businesses to evaluate their ability to implement it.
This is particularly important because SMEs are the main driver of the national economy, contributing about 25,000 jobs per year according to the latest CONECT study.
They are also the most affected by administrative complexity and proposed changes. While new legislation is needed, this was not fully considered, for example, in the electronic invoicing law.
The real debate should focus on defining major objectives and orientations for 2030–2035. While a national strategy and development plan are underway, discussions should center on reforms in taxation, administration, investment, public spending, and access to finance.
Q: What do you see as the major issues that the 2026 Finance Law should address?
A: A Finance Law, no matter how important, is just a Finance Law, not the best law Tunisia has ever had. It will be implemented like all previous Finance Laws.
The current debate should focus on several key issues, including tax and administrative reform, a comprehensive development plan, the national SME strategy, a roadmap for improving the business climate, the investment law, better access to financing, and the foreign exchange law.
