🇹🇳 Five Years After Saied’s Power Grab, Tunisia’s Economy Stagnates Amid Protest and Blackouts

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Tunisia CPI Inflation chart — Economic Pulse Net. Source: National Statistics Office.
Tunisia CPI Inflation chart — Economic Pulse Net. Source: National Statistics Office.

Key Takeaways

  • Tunisia marks the fifth anniversary of President Kais Saied’s power grab on July 25, 2021, amid deadly blackouts and no economic improvement for citizens, according to Al Jazeera on July 26-27, 2026.
  • Thousands protested in Tunis on July 26, 2026, demanding President Saied resign, reported asatunews.co.id.
  • Near-zero equity deals occurred in H1 2026, signaling a collapse in Tunisia’s startup ecosystem, per Launch Base Africa on July 29, 2026.
  • The Central Bank of Tunisia held its key policy rate at 7% on July 30, 2026, according to TradingView.
  • Tunisia’s parliament approved a $500 million loan from Afreximbank on July 30, 2026, reported libyanexpress.com.
Central Bank of Tunisia interest rate chart — Economic Pulse Net. Source: Central Bank.
Central Bank of Tunisia interest rate chart — Economic Pulse Net. Source: Central Bank.

The Data

TUNIS — Tunisia marks five years since President Kais Saied’s July 2021 power grab, and citizens are no better off, according to Al Jazeera on July 26-27, 2026. The anniversary was marred by deadly blackouts, reported Euronews.com on July 25, 2026, and thousands protested in Tunis on July 26 demanding Saied resign, per asatunews.co.id.

Inflation data from the National Institute of Statistics for the latest period is not available in current reports. However, the ongoing crisis has left Tunisians grappling with high living costs and no relief in sight, as Al Jazeera noted.

The Central Bank of Tunisia held its key policy rate at 7% on July 30, 2026, according to TradingView. The next decision date has not been announced, but the hold signals a cautious stance amid economic instability.

GDP growth data for 2026 is not yet available from the National Institute of Statistics. The economy has been in crisis since Saied’s takeover, with no clear driver for recovery, per Al Jazeera reports.

Labour market data for 2026 is not available from the National Institute of Statistics. Protests and power outages suggest widespread economic distress.

Startup Ecosystem Collapses

Tunisia’s startup ecosystem saw near-zero equity deals in the first half of 2026, according to Launch Base Africa on July 29, 2026. This marks a dramatic collapse for a sector once seen as a bright spot in the economy.

Investor confidence has evaporated amid political instability and economic crisis. The lack of funding threatens to kill off innovative young companies that could have driven future growth.

What This Means

For households, the cost of living remains high with no relief from inflation or power outages. Mortgage rates are likely elevated due to the central bank’s 7% policy rate, making home ownership unaffordable for many.

For businesses, borrowing costs remain high at 7%, squeezing margins. The collapse of startup funding means fewer new jobs and less innovation, while the $500 million Afreximbank loan approved on July 30 may provide some fiscal breathing room, per libyanexpress.com.

Outlook

The next key data releases will be inflation and GDP figures from the National Institute of Statistics, which are overdue. The central bank’s next meeting date is unknown, but rates are expected to stay at 7% unless conditions worsen.

Analysts expect continued political instability and economic stagnation. The $500 million loan from Afreximbank, approved on July 30, may temporarily ease fiscal pressure, but structural reforms remain unlikely, and protests are set to continue.


Data sourced from National Institute of Statistics (Tunisia) and Central Bank of Tunisia. Analysis by Economic Pulse Data Team.


Edited by Editorial Desk. Fact-checked by Editorial Desk. This is analysis, not financial advice.

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