Tunisia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a fundamental role in the national economy. However, despite their importance, these businesses face significant obstacles that hinder their growth and sustainability.
In this context, Wissem Ben Amor, President of the Union of Small and Medium Industries (UPMI), stated that SMEs represent 90% of Tunisia’s economic fabric.
Speaking on Express FM on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, he emphasized the challenges they face and the need for support—whether from government structures or through bilateral partnerships with employer organizations.
The Importance of Artificial Intelligence
Ben Amor noted that the UPMI will continue working with the Assembly of People’s Representatives to develop legislation supporting SMEs.
He stressed the need for guidance to help businesses adapt to rapid changes, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), which he described as an impending “economic tsunami.”
He also highlighted the necessity of adopting modern technologies, such as Industry 4.0 and even 5.0 models, to ensure the competitiveness of industrial firms—no longer a choice but a necessity.
Expanding Regional Partnerships
Ben Amor mentioned ongoing discussions with employers in Mauritania, Algeria, and Libya to strengthen bilateral ties and support Tunisian businesses in expanding into these markets.
He called for a national strategy to bolster SMEs and guide them toward exports, noting Tunisia’s wealth of skilled talent capable of accessing both traditional and emerging markets.
He reaffirmed the UPMI’s commitment to improving Tunisia’s business climate and enhancing the resilience of local enterprises.
Nearly 870,000 SMEs, yet high closure rate
Meanwhile, Abderrazak Houas, spokesperson for the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ANPME), revealed that Tunisia has around 870,000 SMEs, but this sector suffers an annual closure rate of 39%.
In an interview with TAP TV, he added that the average lifespan of Tunisian SMEs is just 18 months.
Houas attributed business failures to outdated legislation—many laws date back to the 1960s and 70s—and a lack of policies promoting economic freedom.
He also pointed to financing difficulties, noting that most agricultural SMEs rely on self-funding, while state-backed financing supports only a limited number of businesses. Banks, he said, remain reluctant to invest in agriculture, viewing it as high-risk and unproductive.
Houas stressed that Tunisia’s closed economic system stifles business growth, calling for deep and cautious reforms, particularly in the foreign exchange code, to enable sustainable financing for the sector.
