The Tunisian State will continue, in 2026, to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to stimulate investment, facilitate access to financing and ensure the sustainability of their activities, while strengthening their role in the creation of jobs and wealth, according to the 2026 draft economic budget.
In this context, it is planned to establish new credit lines intended to cover the management and operating needs of companies, as well as to support their self-financing.
Furthermore, the authorities plan to reactivate the measure relating to the State covering the gap between the interest rate applied on investment loans and the money market rate, within the limit of three percentage points. This measure will concern investments made in 2026 and 2027.
In 2025, several mechanisms had already been put in place to grant loans on advantageous terms to SMEs and start-ups, whether to finance their investments, their operating needs or to strengthen their equity.
The government document also indicates that notable progress has been recorded in the preparation of the national strategy for the promotion of SMEs, the implementation of which is planned from the beginning of 2026. This strategy aims in particular to improve the liquidity of companies and to diversify sources of financing, direct or indirect.
According to the same source, the main measures will relate to the modernization of the legislative and regulatory framework, in order to adapt it to market requirements and international standards, as well as the diversification of financial instruments to better respond to the real needs of SMEs.
The government also plans to move forward with the reform of the guarantee system, in order to encourage banks and growth capital investment structures to become more involved in financing businesses.
In 2025, a new guarantee mechanism was introduced for financing granted to SMEs under financial restructuring programs.
The authorities have also decided to exempt these companies – those indebted to the SME financing bank – from full or partial payment of late payment penalties, while allowing them to reschedule the repayment of capital and interest over a maximum period of ten years.
Finally, income and profits reinvested via crowdfunding operations may be fully deducted from taxable income or profit, a measure intended to encourage productive investments.
S.H
