# North African economic and tourism index rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-african-economic-and-tourism-index-rankings
> Updated: 2026-10-14T19:15:24.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 4.

Recent 2026 global indices have highlighted the economic, innovation, and tourism performance of North African nations, specifically Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.

Tunisia has shown progress in innovation, rising to 71st in the Global Innovation Index and ranking fourth in Africa. Its strengths include scientific production and high-tech exports, though it faces challenges regarding private sector involvement in R&D. In relocation metrics, Tunisia ranks 124th globally, outperforming Algeria but trailing Morocco.

Algeria has demonstrated growth in its tourism sector, rising to 89th globally in the Travel & Tourism Development Index. In 2025, the country recorded 2.2 million international visitors, ranking sixth among African tourist destinations due to investments in infrastructure and air connectivity. Algeria is also expanding its role in the regional technology sector and is set to host the fifth edition of the African Startup Conference (ASC) in Algiers from December 5 to 7. Focused on ‘Deep Tech’, the event aims to connect startups with investors and partners such as the African Union, Afreximbank, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

However, Tunisia is currently facing a significant decline in visitors from Algeria, its primary tourism market. Data from the National Tunisian Tourism Office (ONTT) indicates that Algerian arrivals in September 2026 dropped by 40.1% compared to the previous year, following a nearly 33% decrease in August. Analysts suggest this downturn may be linked to rising inflation, a surge in Algerian domestic tourism, and new Algerian banking regulations regarding tourist currency allocations. In response, Tunisian officials are pursuing market diversification, targeting high-end Swiss travelers through cultural, gastronomic, and wellness tourism.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Tunisia faces 40% drop in Algerian tourist arrivals

Tunisia reports a 40% drop in Algerian tourists for September 2026, prompting calls to diversify markets toward high-end travelers through cultural and wellness tourism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-faces-40-drop-in-algerian-tourist-arrivals

### 2026-10-10: Algeria sees tourism growth and prepares for African Startup Conference

Algeria ranks as a top 10 African tourist destination with 2.2 million visitors in 2025 and prepares to host the African Startup Conference in Algiers this December, focusing on Deep Tech.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/algeria-sees-tourism-growth-and-prepares-for-african-startup-conference

### 2026-10-05: North African nations ranked in 2026 relocation and tourism indices

2026 indices show Tunisia and Morocco leading North African rankings in relocation attractiveness and tourism development, while Algeria shows progress but remains behind its neighbors.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-african-nations-ranked-in-2026-relocation-and-tourism-indices

### 2026-10-01: Tunisia and Algeria show progress in global innovation and tourism indices

Tunisia rose to 71st in the Global Innovation Index, driven by scientific talent, while Algeria climbed four spots in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-and-algeria-show-progress-in-global-innovation-and-tourism-indices

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Cite as: North African economic and tourism index rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-african-economic-and-tourism-index-rankings