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Tunisia's 2027 budget sets a strategic course for the oils and fats industry, earmarking 100 million dinars for the olive oil sector and 786 million dinars for water security initiatives. The announcements were made by Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzeri during the presentation of the government statement before the Assembly of Representatives of the People and the National Council of Regions and Districts.
The new financing line for olive oil will provide seasonal and investment loans under preferential terms and concessional interest rates. According to the government, this funding aims to bolster the storage capacity of the Office National de l'Huile (ONH), diversify international export markets, and incentivize local bottling to maximize the value-added potential of Tunisian exports.
The sector's performance remains robust, with olive oil exports surging by 39.5% as of late August 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Date exports also showed positive momentum, growing by 11% during the first eight months of the year, highlighting the strength of Tunisia's agricultural trade.
To ensure agricultural sustainability, the government is allocating 786 million dinars to water programs. Key projects include the completion of the Upper Mellègue Dam, increasing the storage capacity of the Bohermtma Dam, and modernizing the Medjerda-Cap Bon canal. The plan also involves expanding seawater desalination plants in Zarat, Djerba, and Sfax, alongside the renewal of 300 kilometers of water pipelines to minimize loss and secure supply for the peak demand in summer 2027.
The budget also outlines a four-year livestock replenishment program starting in 2027 with an initial 93 million dinars, alongside tax incentives for calf feed inputs. Additionally, Tunisia has launched its first-ever digital agricultural census, expected to be completed before the 2027-2028 season, to optimize the distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation resources.
Source: Diwan FM