Yassine Gouiâa, President of the National Organization of Entrepreneurs (ONE), said in his 2025 economic assessment that Tunisia’s growth remained weak at just 2.5%, a level insufficient to generate jobs or reduce unemployment.
Speaking to Express FM, Gouiâa noted that inflation remained largely stable, a positive sign to maintain, but the unemployment rate hovered around a worrying 16%, reflecting the failure of current policies to make a real impact on employment.
On public finances, he warned that public debt reached around 85% of GDP, calling the level alarming and urging urgent measures to limit its effects on investment and government finances.
While most economic indicators were weak in 2025, Gouiâa highlighted a 17% rise in declared investment compared to 2024, totaling TND 3.2 billion in the first seven months of the year, which he called one of the few positives. The private sector contributed about 50,000 jobs, showing some diversification in private initiatives despite difficult business conditions.
Weak points in 2025
Gouiâa stressed that the main challenge for businesses, especially SMEs, is the high cost of financing. The issue is not the availability of funding, but delays in disbursement and implementation; several financing lines announced since 2024 are still waiting for the necessary implementing decrees.
He argued that funding, while crucial, is the weakest link for entrepreneurs, who also need incentive legislation, proper infrastructure, efficient ports and airports, active economic diplomacy, and strategic partnerships.
Gouiâa called for a clear state vision to open foreign markets to private businesses, bold measures to combat the parallel economy and bureaucracy, the inclusion of technologically advanced private companies, and greater use of foreign expertise.
He added that the private sector “resisted in 2025 despite the state, not thanks to it,” achieving results through significant effort in the absence of effective incentive policies. He noted that investment exists but lacks real ambition, and that 17% growth is insufficient given high financing costs, multiple obstacles, and limited job creation relative to unemployment levels.
Threats to business sustainability
Gouiâa also warned that continued fiscal and financial pressure threatens the sustainability of structured companies, potentially pushing economic activity toward the informal sector. He urged the removal of barriers to private business, alongside a clear roadmap and integrated strategic vision to strengthen investor confidence and support investment.
On electronic invoicing, he said traders, shop owners, and accountants face uncertainty due to insufficient official clarification on implementation methods and timelines.
The ONE will hold the “ONE Business Forum” on January 20, 2026, which Gouiâa described as the largest economic event in Tunisia, bringing together over 500 Tunisian and international business leaders to promote networking, strengthen professional ties, and establish strategic partnerships to consolidate the private sector and improve market access.
