Tunisian banks are grappling with a high ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs), which stood at 13.5% of total loans as of 2025, according to the World Bank. This figure is among the highest in the Middle East and North Africa region, yet economists rarely discuss it on television, focusing instead on liquidity or growth.
Financial inclusion remains low, with only 37% of Tunisian adults having a bank account in 2024, per the Global Findex database. This limits access to credit for small businesses and rural populations, a fact often omitted in public debates.
State-owned banks dominate the sector, holding over 40% of total assets, but they suffer from inefficiencies and political interference. A 2025 IMF report highlighted that these banks require restructuring to reduce fiscal risks.
Reforms have been slow, with the central bank urging better governance and transparency. However, economists on TV tend to avoid criticizing the sector due to political sensitivities or lack of data.
