Tunisia launches interest‑free micro‑finance credit lines for SMEs and individuals

The Tunisian government issued Decree No. 2026‑148 on 23 July 2026, published in the Journal officiel de la République tunisienne (JORT), to create “honour” credit lines for micro‑finance. The scheme provides interest‑free, guarantee‑free loans with a maximum two‑year repayment period and up to six months of grace.

Eligible beneficiaries include individuals, micro‑project promoters (investments up to 150,000 dinars), small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises (investments between 150,000 dinars and 15 million dinars), and community companies. Loan caps are set at 5,000 dinars for individuals, 10,000 dinars for micro‑projects and 25,000 dinars for SMEs or community firms.

Each bank must open a dedicated “honour‑line” account and allocate 8 % of its 2025 net profit to the fund – roughly 120 million dinars based on 2025 earnings. The mechanism draws on profits realized in 2025, not 2024, and aims to ease financing for sectors that struggle to meet traditional collateral requirements. Banking expert Sofiane Ouerimi warned that the allocated resources may be insufficient to meet demand.