As Tunisia’s economy shows tentative signs of recovery, a new World Bank report positions the strengthening of social safety nets not just as a moral imperative but as a critical economic strategy for sustainable growth. The report, titled “Strengthening Social Safety Nets for More Efficiency and Equity,” contends that well-targeted social protection is essential for supporting vulnerable households and building a more resilient and inclusive economy. The analysis highlights Tunisia’s flagship cash transfer program, AMEN, as a cornerstone of this effort. Over the past decade, the program’s coverage has tripled,…
Day: November 27, 2025
Carthage Theatre Days Spotlight Resistance, Corruption, and Social Decay
The 26th edition of the Carthage Theatre Days featured a powerful lineup of plays operating outside and within the official competition, using the stage to dissect pressing political and social issues across the Arab world. Jawad Al-Asadi’s “Circus”: A Metaphor for a Shattered Iraq Playing outside the official competition, Iraqi director Jawad Al-Asadi’s “Circus” presented a bleak, abstract vision of a society destroyed by war. The play, devoid of traditional circus elements, unfolded in a dimly lit space haunted by the sound of a distant dog. It centered on a…
International Theatre Forum Concludes with Provocative Debates on Philosophy, Politics, and the Future of Arab Stage
The third and final day of the international theatre forum, “The Theatre Artist: Their Time and Works,” featured compelling discussions that challenged classical canons and explored the role of theatre in the Arab world. In a standout presentation, Tunisian philosopher and novelist Oum Ezzine Ben Sheikha posed a radical question: why must Arab theatre “kill” Western classics like Othello and Lear to find its own voice? She argued that theatre and philosophy are intertwined disciplines that both interrogate human existence. “Theatre is the place where our minds and bodies, tamed…
Euro-Med Energy Bridge: Elmed Cable On Track for 2028, Set to Boost Energy Security
The Elmed submarine power cable, a strategic energy link between Italy and Tunisia, is progressing on schedule and is poised to transform the two nations’ energy landscapes by the end of 2028, according to high-level confirmations at the International Energy Transition Exhibition in Tunis. Tunisian Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Wael Chouchane, assured that the project “is progressing as planned and will be completed on time,” describing it as a “structuring partnership” that will significantly impact the energy security of both countries. The ambitious project, a joint venture between…
Tunisia’s Economy Shows Tentative Recovery, But Structural Woes Remain: World Bank
Tunisia’s economy is mounting a fragile comeback, fueled by a rebound in agriculture, construction, and tourism, according to a new World Bank report. However, the recovery is threatened by deep-seated structural problems and a tight external financing situation. The World Bank’s latest Economic Update for Tunisia, titled “Strengthening Social Safety Nets for Increased Efficiency and Equity,” reveals that the country’s Real GDP grew by 2.4% in the first nine months of 2025. This marks a significant step forward after years of sluggish growth compounded by the aftermath of the COVID-19…