Bank financing—both public and private—allocated to the transport sector represents only 3.1% of the total loans granted, according to data from the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT).
The outstanding amount of these loans is estimated at 2,847 million dinars (MD), compared to a total of 90,305 MD in loans across all sectors, according to the same source.
In fact, the manufacturing industries sector dominates in terms of loan distribution, receiving 28,062.8 MD as of the end of March 2025.
It is followed by the trade and vehicle/motorcycle repair sector, which received 24,158.5 MD, according to Central Bank data.
The transport sector relies mainly on bank financing, particularly from public banks as well as state subsidies for its operations, especially since most of the companies in this sector are public enterprises that provide essential services to the economy and development at both the local and national levels.
It is worth noting that the 2025 budget for the Ministry of Transport is estimated at 1,076.47 million dinars, reflecting a 2.4% increase compared to 2024.
This budget is distributed as follows: Land transport (993 million dinars), civil aviation (12.8 million dinars), maritime transport (34.6 million dinars) and management and support programs (35.8 million dinars).
However, the operational data of public transport companies,whether maritime, land, or air, shows that these enterprises are facing financial difficulties due to a lack of funding and loans, leading to accumulated losses and significant debt.
Public transport companies in Tunisia employ 21,500 people, with annual wage expenses estimated at around 1 billion dinars.
