ABOUT TUNISIA

Amongst all the countries in the African continent, Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is the northernmost country in Africa, known for its Mediterranean coastline, vast Saharan interior, and a rich history. It is one of Africa’s smallest nations by area. The capital of Tunisia is Tunis, which is its largest and most populated city, serving as the main economic and administrative hub. According to the report of the World Bank, Tunisia is classified as a Lower-Middle Income Economy, actively engaged in economic reforms to enhance its market competitiveness and attract foreign investment. The currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND), and the value of 1 Indian Rupee is approximately 0.0345 Tunisian Dinars (or 1 TND is approximately 28.98 INR) as of today’s exchange rates (June 2025). The population of Tunisia is estimated to be around 12.3 million in 2024. Its neighbouring countries are Algeria to the west and southwest, and Libya to the southeast. The official language of the country is Arabic, while French is also widely spoken, particularly in business and administration. The overwhelming majority of the Tunisian population practices Sunni Islam, with small Christian and Jewish communities also present. Currently, Tunisia has several international airports, including Tunis-Carthage International Airport, Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, and Djerba–Zarzis International Airport, offering convenient air connectivity to various parts of the world. As Tunisia borders the Mediterranean Sea, it has several key commercial seaports, notably Radès, Sfax, Sousse, and Bizerte, which are crucial for fulfilling the country’s trade requirements and serving as vital gateways for imported and exported goods, especially with Europe.

The corporate income tax rate in Tunisia is generally 15% for most companies. However, certain sectors or activities, such as financial institutions and hydrocarbon producers, may face higher rates (up to 35%). There are also various incentives for companies in specific sectors or export-oriented activities. Opesh Group of companies will be helping you in completing the Due Diligence process which includes financial planning, registration process, business options, and if required, even helping you find a rental property for your office.

Establishing a business in Tunisia has to be done with utmost care, keeping in mind the laws of the country. Tunisia has a comprehensive legal framework for investment, with the Investment Law providing various guarantees and incentives for foreign investors. A foreign investor who is planning to start his business in Tunisia can form many different company types in the country, such as a Limited Liability Company (SARL/SUARL – wholly-owned), a Joint Stock Company (SA), or a Branch Office. A Limited Liability Company (SARL or SUARL for sole ownership) formed and registered in Tunisia generally allows foreign investors to own 100% of the company, offering a straightforward path for direct investment.

In case an investor is planning to establish an SARL/SUARL in Tunisia or a corporate business setup, Opesh Group will be helping you in taking the right decision for setting up your business in Tunisia and we will also guide you about how to follow the procedure while formulating your company in Tunisia.

Types of Business which can be started in Tunisia:

• Tourism: Tunisia is a well-established tourist destination with a diverse offering including historical sites (Carthage, Roman ruins), beautiful Mediterranean beaches, and Saharan desert landscapes. Opportunities are vast in hospitality (hotels, resorts), eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and related services, including digital platforms for travel.
• Manufacturing: This is a strong sector, particularly in textiles, automotive components, and electronics, with significant linkages to European markets. Opportunities exist in precision manufacturing, sub-contracting, and producing goods for export.
• Agriculture & Agro-processing: Tunisia excels in olive oil and date production, along with citrus fruits and grains. Opportunities are immense in modern farming techniques, irrigation solutions, organic farming, and value-added food processing for both domestic and export markets.
• Information & Communication Technologies (ICT): Tunisia has a relatively developed ICT infrastructure and a skilled workforce. Opportunities lie in software development, IT services, call centers, fintech solutions, and digital transformation for various industries.
• Renewable Energy: Tunisia is highly committed to developing its renewable energy sector, especially solar and wind power, to meet growing energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This creates significant opportunities in developing and operating renewable energy projects.
• Infrastructure & Logistics: With its strategic location and efforts to upgrade infrastructure, opportunities exist in developing and maintaining transport networks (ports, roads, railways), logistics parks, and urban infrastructure.
• Healthcare: The healthcare sector is undergoing modernization. Opportunities exist in specialized medical services, medical tourism, pharmaceutical distribution, and manufacturing of medical devices.
• Mining (Phosphates): Tunisia is a significant producer of phosphates, a key mineral for fertilizers. Opportunities exist in phosphate extraction, processing, and the development of related chemical industries.

Advantages of Starting Business in Tunisia:

• Strategic Location: Its proximity to Europe and access to the Mediterranean Sea makes it an ideal gateway between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, facilitating trade.
• Skilled & Educated Workforce: Tunisia boasts a relatively well-educated and multilingual workforce, particularly in technical and professional fields.
• Developed Infrastructure: Possesses a reasonably well-developed infrastructure including modern ports, airports, and telecommunications networks.
• Access to Markets: Enjoys free trade agreements and preferential access to key markets like the European Union, the Maghreb region, and other African countries through various blocs.
• Government Incentives for FDI: The government actively promotes foreign direct investment through various incentives, tax breaks, and support services, especially for export-oriented businesses.
• Political Stability (Improving): While having experienced transitions, the country has generally maintained a level of stability crucial for business operations.

Business Opportunities for Indians in Tunisia:

There are excellent business opportunities in Tunisia for new investors who are planning to start their business abroad. India and Tunisia share a growing trade relationship, with Tunisia serving as a gateway for Indian goods into North Africa and parts of Europe. Indian investors, with their strengths in manufacturing, IT services, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, and renewable energy, can find significant opportunities. There is also potential in agro-processing, especially for products like olive oil and dates.

Imports & Exports:

Many goods are imported and exported from Tunisia. Imports and exports business is an ever-growing business in any country; however, you need to do proper R&D before investing in that product which you can import or export. You need to check whether that product is suitable for your target market and how much revenue you will be able to generate from that market.

Major items which are exported from Tunisia to India:

• Phosphates and phosphoric acid
• Olive oil
• Dates
• Lead
• Textile products
• Mechanical and electrical equipment

Major items which are imported in Tunisia from India:

• Pharmaceutical products
• Vehicles and automotive components
• Machinery and equipment
• Iron and steel products
• Rice and other food items
• Textiles and apparel
• Chemicals

Manufacturing:

Opportunities in manufacturing are strong, particularly for export-oriented units leveraging Tunisia’s proximity and trade agreements with Europe. This includes automotive components, electrical and mechanical parts, textiles and apparel, and food processing (e.g., olive oil bottling, date processing).

Mining:

The mining sector in Tunisia is primarily centered around phosphates. Opportunities exist in the extraction, processing, and value addition of phosphates to produce fertilizers and other chemical products. There are also deposits of iron ore and other minerals that could be explored.

Major Indian companies which are currently working in Tunisia:

While the presence might not be as widespread as in some larger economies, Indian companies have established themselves in specific sectors:

• Mahindra & Mahindra: Opened a pickup truck assembly plant in Sousse, which was its first assembly facility in Africa.

• Jyoti Structures and KEC International Ltd.: Involved in the erection of electric transmission lines.

• Pharmaceutical companies: Several Indian pharma companies have a strong market presence through exports and distribution.

• IT Services: Indian IT companies have explored and engaged in providing IT solutions and services.

• GDP = $48.5 billion (2023 est.)

• GDP Growth = 0.42% (2023 est.)

• Ease of doing business rank = 78 (2020 – Note: The World Bank discontinued this report, but this is the last available ranking.)

• GDP per Capita = $3,978 (2023 est.)

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