AGP Executive Report

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: CAF has appointed Egyptian referee Shahenda El-Maghrebi to officiate the Cameroon–Malawi final in Rabat, with Tunisia’s Houda Afifen as second assistant and Dorsaf Ganouati handling VAR—another milestone for Tunisian officiating on the continental stage. Assumption in Tunisia: In La Goulette’s “Little Sicily,” worshippers marked the Feast of the Assumption with the Madonna of Trapani procession, blending Catholic ritual, Sicilian heritage, and Tunisian public life. Digital transformation: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting reviewed progress on digitalization across administration and services, stressing smarter governance, anti-corruption aims, and measurable impact. National Women’s Day politics: Ennahda called for the release of women detained for their political views, framing the day as solidarity with families affected by Tunisia’s rights crisis. Education policy in Sfax: The Sfax Regional Council discussed a possible single-shift system to ease transport pressure, alongside school infrastructure funding and a surveillance camera rollout. Culture & lifestyle: Tunisia’s SICAM marked National Women’s Day by recognizing women across all roles, from operations to management, with a simple but pointed message: contribution matters more than job title.

Digital Transformation Watch: Tunisia’s restricted Cabinet meeting (Aug 15) reviewed progress on digital transformation across administration, investment procedures and enterprise registration, with Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri pushing clear performance indicators to fight corruption and speed up a “smart administration” serving citizens. Women’s Rights & Politics: Ennahda marked Tunisia’s National Women’s Day by calling for the release of women detained for their political views, stressing that arrests deepen the country’s rights and humanitarian crisis. STEM & Education Policy: A Tunisian employers’ report warns Tunisia is training far fewer mathematicians—math’s share of baccalaureate candidates fell from 18% (2001-2005) to 6% (2021-2025)—a worrying mismatch with ambitions for AI and technological sovereignty. Education Logistics in Sfax: The Sfax Regional Council discussed easing school transport pressure and overcrowding by considering a single-shift system in some institutions, alongside new infrastructure and a school surveillance camera rollout (64% complete). Culture & Community: SICAM celebrated National Women’s Day by recognizing women across all job levels, using flowers to underline that appreciation doesn’t depend on titles. Sports & Youth Spotlight: Tunisia’s presence in regional youth sport continues to ripple outward as Mali and Nigeria set up the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket final in Abidjan, with Tunisia noted as the first African host of the U19 Women’s World Cup. Science in the Sky: A rare total solar eclipse drew millions across Europe and into North Africa, with Tunisia included in the wider eclipse path for the next major event in 2027.

National Women’s Day, Tunisia: Ennahda marks the occasion by calling for the release of women detained over political views, framing them as symbols of peaceful resistance and urging solidarity with their families. Education & youth culture: Sfax is weighing a single-shift school system to ease transport pressure, alongside new middle schools, surveillance-camera progress, and TND funding for infrastructure and maintenance. Tech & society: A Tunisian employers’ report warns that “technological sovereignty” plans are running into a math shortage, with the share of students choosing the mathematics track falling sharply since the early 2000s. Arts & film: Locarno Film Festival crowned Florin Șerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here,” with Monica Bellucci among top performers. Sports & identity: Tunisia’s Ahmed Jaouadi is noted in European swimming coverage as the reigning world champion, while Tunisia’s wider regional sports scene keeps buzzing through African youth basketball qualifiers. International spotlight: A total solar eclipse drew huge crowds across Europe and is set to sweep through North Africa next year, including Tunisia.

Multicultural Arts: Belfast’s Mela marks its 20th anniversary, with founder Nisha Tandon reflecting on how the festival grew from her early immigrant experience into a citywide celebration of shared food, music, and intercultural life. Women’s Rights & Politics: On Tunisia’s National Women’s Day, Ennahda calls for the release of women detained for their political views, framing them as symbols of peaceful resistance while urging solidarity with families under pressure. Workplace Culture: At SICAM, Tunisia’s National Women’s Day is marked by honoring women across all roles—recognition that, the company says, should not depend on job title or hierarchy. Education Policy: Sfax is weighing a single-shift schooling plan in parts of the governorate to ease transport strain and improve learning conditions, alongside school infrastructure and surveillance upgrades. Tech & Society: A Tunisian report warns that “technological sovereignty” can’t happen without stronger math training, citing a sharp drop in baccalaureate students choosing the mathematics track. Family & Demography: AFP reports fertility in the Maghreb is at a historic low, with Tunisia among the lowest, as economic stress and shifting social norms push couples toward having fewer children. Care Work Debate: Another Tunisia-focused piece questions new draft laws that would place care work leave and child-care support in ways that may unintentionally deepen gender inequality. Global Culture Lens: A documentary on Gaza survivors, “Who is Still Alive,” is selected as Switzerland’s Oscar entry—another reminder of how film keeps humanitarian stories in public view.

National Women’s Day, Tunisia: Ennahda marks the occasion by calling for the release of women detained for political views, framing them as “symbols” of peaceful struggle and urging solidarity with their families. Gender & work debate: A new discussion around Tunisia’s care-work legislation questions whether “good intentions” are sliding into sexism, especially when leave and child-care support are designed in ways that may reinforce unequal burdens on women. Education policy, Sfax: The Sfax Regional Council weighs a single-shift schooling plan in some institutions for 2026-2027, alongside funding for maintenance, surveillance cameras, and new school projects to ease overcrowding and transport pressure. STEM pipeline, Tunisia: A report warns Tunisia’s math track at baccalaureate level has plunged from 18% (2001-2005) to 6% (2021-2025), undermining ambitions in AI and the knowledge economy. Culture & lifestyle, Tunisia: Sousse governorate highlights progress on cultural infrastructure, including the Bab Jedid Institute (95% complete) and the Bouhsina open-air theatre (90%), aiming for completion by late August/early 2027. Maghreb social change: AFP reports fertility has hit historic lows across Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria as couples delay parenthood amid economic strain and shifting norms. International culture moment: A total solar eclipse drew huge crowds across Europe, with next year’s path set to sweep Spain and continue into North Africa, including Tunisia.

National Women’s Day in Tunisia: Celebrations in Tunis highlighted the legacy of the 1956 Code of Personal Status, with traditional costumes and public festivities marking the day. Care Work & Gender Equality Debate: Tunisia’s MPs are pushing two draft laws on care work leave and public childcare, but critics warn the proposals could reinforce gender gaps instead of closing them. Maghreb Demographics: A new study points to a historic fertility low across Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria, driven by economic pressure, later marriage, women’s education, and changing family expectations. Sousse Cultural Infrastructure: In Sousse, municipal projects are nearing completion, including the Bab Jedid Institute (about 95%) and the Bouhsina open-air theatre (about 90%), with a target finish by end of August/early 2027. International Cultural Spotlight: Peking Opera returned to Tunisia’s Carthage International Festival, delighting audiences with classic performances like “Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom.” Global Culture & Controversy: New York Magazine faced backlash over its “Habibi City” special edition, with accusations ranging from font choices to how Middle East identities were framed.

Sustainability in Higher Education: Tunisia’s University of Manouba (UMA) is highlighted for embedding sustainability into campus life, linking research and teaching to citizenship and accountability through its SD policy and UN-backed commitments. Gender & Work Rights: As Tunisia marks 70 years of the Personal Status Law, new draft bills on care work leave and public childcare are criticized for risking deeper gender gaps instead of closing them. Family Life Under Pressure: A new Maghreb-wide study points to fertility at historic lows, with Tunisia’s rate dropping sharply as costs, longer education, and shifting social norms reshape decisions about having children. Culture & Reading for Kids: Kalimat Foundation’s Tunisia-focused literacy push is boosted by a Kalimat x eL Seed pop-up in Abu Dhabi, using art to raise funds for children’s right to read. Arts in Tunisia: The Carthage International Festival welcomed China’s National Peking Opera Company, bringing “Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom” to Tunisian audiences. International Lens on Tunisia: A survey finds Germany viewed positively across parts of the Middle East and North Africa, with Tunisia among the most favorable—often tied more to interests than ideals. Sports Spotlight: Côte d’Ivoire reaches the U18 Women’s AfroBasket semifinals after beating Tunisia 45–28, turning defense into a breakthrough moment.

Tunisia–Ukraine Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti spoke by phone with Andrii Sybiha on boosting 35 years of Tunisia–Ukraine cooperation, with a focus on trade, agriculture, higher education access for Tunisian students, and a stronger legal framework. Cultural Exchange: The Carthage International Festival hosted China’s National Peking Opera Company, bringing “Havoc in the Heavenly Kingdom” to Tunisian audiences and turning the ancient theatre into a live bridge between traditions. Arts for Children: In Abu Dhabi, Kalimat Foundation and French-Tunisian artist eL Seed launched a “calligraffiti” pop-up at Tryano (Yas Mall), with proceeds supporting Arabic children’s books and literacy in Tunisia. Education & Youth: Tunisia’s Higher Education ministry says final-round university orientation results can be checked by SMS via 85000, with placements sent from noon and also posted on orientation.tn from Wednesday. Public Health Preparedness: The Health Ministry activated an early warning system and updated heatwave protocols, stressing protection for older people, children, and other vulnerable groups. Regional Security: Arab border and airport security chiefs met in Tunis to push stronger coordination against illegal immigration, smuggling, trafficking, and drug routes. Sports & Identity: Tunisia’s presence in youth volleyball remains in the spotlight as international competitions continue to shape young athletes’ careers and visibility.

Solar Eclipse Fever: A total solar eclipse is set to cross Greenland, Iceland and Spain on Aug. 12, with partial views reaching North Africa; travel demand is already pushing hotel prices up in expected viewing cities. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisia’s Health Ministry is activating an early warning system to tackle extreme heatwaves, while the Higher Education Ministry says 2026 university orientation results will be sent by SMS from noon and posted online next. Culture & Learning: Kalimat Foundation and Tunisian-French artist eL Seed are turning calligraffiti into children’s reading—supporting a “Pledge a Library” push for Arabic books in Tunisia. Music & Activism: Emel Mathlouthi reflects on storytelling, personal truth, and why art and activism are inseparable. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia’s youth teams keep showing up on the world stage as volleyball U17 and U18 AfroBasket stories highlight regional competition and milestones. Regional Politics: Tunisia and Ukraine discuss deepening cooperation in trade, agriculture, and higher education. Migration & Europe: The Ceuta humanitarian crisis continues to spark debate over Europe’s colonial past and border management.

U18 Women’s AfroBasket: Abidjan is set for the quarter-finals, with Mali vs Kenya headlining a matchup that pits Mali’s dominant streak and high scoring against Kenya’s underdog profile. Tunisia–Ukraine Cooperation: Mohamed Ali Nafti spoke by phone with Andrii Sybiha on boosting trade, agriculture ties, higher education access for Tunisian students, and updating the legal framework for deeper partnership. Arabic Culture & Literacy in the Gulf: Kalimat Foundation and French-Tunisian artist eL Seed brought “calligraffiti” to a pop-up at Tryano, Abu Dhabi, using art and book sales to fund Arabic reading resources for children in Tunisia. Higher Education Access: Tunisia’s university orientation final results are now available by SMS via 85000, with placements sent from noon and also posted online starting Wednesday. Islamic World Knowledge in Schools: Qatar National Library is pushing digitised Arabic scientific heritage into classrooms, spotlighting how remote access can bring manuscripts closer to learners. Ceuta Migration Crisis: Reports link social-media mobilization for the Ceuta crossings to networks operating from Algeria, while other coverage raises concerns about potential radicalization risks amid the influx. Total Solar Eclipse 2026: A major eclipse sweep on Aug. 12 will darken parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland, with North Africa seeing partial views near sunset. Tunisia in the Sports Mix: Tunisia is mentioned in volleyball world-championship coverage as the Philippines’ U17 girls secure wins and eye a Round of 16 spot.

Children’s Literacy & Art: Kalimat Foundation teamed up with French-Tunisian artist eL Seed at Tryano, Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, turning calligraffiti-inspired fashion and stationery into a family storytelling day, with proceeds backing Tunisia’s “Pledge a Library” for Arabic books and learning resources. Education & Language: Qatar’s Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre published a new 470-page report on how literary texts should be selected and taught across Arab curricula, including Tunisia, aiming to strengthen Arabic literature education. University Access: Tunisia’s Higher Education ministry says 2026 orientation final-round results will be sent by SMS from noon Tuesday via 85000, with online publication on orientation.tn from Wednesday. Culture & Activism in Music: Emel Mathlouthi discusses how personal truth fuels her songwriting and why art and activism are inseparable in her latest work. Heritage & Travel Buzz: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, and one roundup highlights 2026 picks worth visiting. Mediterranean Ecology: A report warns invasive species are reshaping the Mediterranean and even entering human diets. Regional Migration Debate: Coverage on the Ceuta crisis keeps spotlighting how social-media campaigns and European border politics collide, with Tunisia’s wider Maghreb context in the spotlight.

Music & Activism: Emel Mathlouthi opens up on how personal truth fuels her songwriting, and why she sees art and activism as inseparable. Culture & Language Education: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre releases a new 470-page report on teaching literary texts, including Tunisia, aiming to strengthen Arabic literature in curricula. Space for Learning: Tunisia’s NOOR SPACE founder Khalil Louati joins an Addis Ababa panel on “Space Without Borders,” linking space, education, and humanitarian partnerships. Heritage & Access: Qatar National Library highlights digitisation of Islamic scientific manuscripts via its Qatar Digital Library, making rare texts easier to reach for classrooms and researchers. Sports & Youth Spotlight: Tunisia appears in regional and global youth sport coverage, from volleyball U17 world matches to CAF’s 2026–2027 competition calendar, with Tunisia named among participating teams. Migration & Borders (Ceuta): Reports tie social-media mobilisation for Ceuta’s crisis to networks linked to Algeria, while new warnings raise fears of further unrest—an issue that keeps echoing across North Africa. Science & Nature: A major total solar eclipse path is set to cross Greenland, Iceland and Spain on Aug. 12, with partial views possible across North Africa including Tunisia.

Space & Education Diplomacy: At UN World Public Summit in Addis Ababa, Tunisia’s NOOR SPACE founder Khalil Louati joined international experts to discuss how humanitarian space projects can strengthen education, science and cross-border cooperation. Arabic Literature in Schools: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre released a 470-page report on how literary texts are selected and taught, including Tunisia, aiming to improve curricula and protect Arabic language authenticity. Ceuta Migration & Security Debate: Italian intelligence reportedly warns of a “concrete” Islamist terrorism risk tied to mass migration into Spain’s Ceuta, while analysts revisit how the crisis unfolded and what Europe owes Morocco. Tunisia in the Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s U17 women were swept by the Philippines in Chile, while volleyball coverage also highlights Tunisia’s presence in the Mediterranean Games build-up in Francavilla Fontana. Cultural Heritage Finds: Divers off Sicily discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck with hundreds of wine and oil jars, adding fresh chapters to Mediterranean trade history. Tunisia–Japan Cultural Ties: Ambassador Ahmed Chafra speaks on Japan–Tunisia relations, praising shared balance of modernity and tradition and calling for deeper people-to-people exchanges.

Youth Sports & National Pride: Tunisia’s Junior D’Tigress earned a quarterfinal ticket at the FIBA U-18 Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, finishing second in their group after a big win over Senegal—while the Alas Pilipinas U17s kept momentum by sweeping Tunisia in Chile, pushing the Tunisian side to a tougher fight for the Round of 16. Diplomacy & Culture: Tunisian Ambassador Ahmed Chafra speaks on Japan–Tunisia ties, highlighting cultural bonds and people-to-people cooperation. Heritage & Travel Inspiration: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including the Tunisian village of Sidi Bou Saïd, keeping Tunisia in the global spotlight. Money Skills for Citizens: Tunisia’s Financial Market Council and the Banque de France signed agreements to adapt and distribute financial education materials for younger audiences. Migration Rights: Tunisia faces an international court response over alleged systematic migrant abuses, including detention and torture claims. Sports Development: Kenya’s Meagan Irungu won the Africa Triathlon Development Cup in Kilifi, turning local success into a winning streak. Media & Influence: Sergey Lavrov criticized the limited presence of African media in Russia, arguing it weakens Russia–Africa relations.

Tunisia & Migration Accountability: Italian lawyers and ASGI filed four petitions to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights over alleged systematic abuses against migrants in Tunisia, including arbitrary detention, torture, mass expulsion into the desert and trafficking. Maghreb Tourism Watch: Tunisia stayed the top Maghreb pick for French travellers in July 2026, ranking ahead of Morocco despite a 3.2% booking dip, while Morocco’s bookings rose 6.4% year-on-year. Financial Literacy for Youth: Tunisia’s Financial Market Council signed two deals with France’s Banque de France to adapt and distribute free economics and finance education materials for Tunisian audiences, with a focus on younger generations. Arab Barometer Mood Check: Two-thirds of Tunisians say the economy is bad, yet 56% still expect improvement, with women and older respondents more likely to name the economy as the main challenge. UNESCO Cultural Spotlight: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Saïd, and the D-Day beaches of Normandy. Design & Identity: The Institut du monde arabe’s Design Award 2026 opens a free exhibition (Sept 10–20) celebrating Arab designers and themes of tradition, transmission, identities and futures. Sports, With a Tunisian Thread: Tunisia’s Raja faces a potential friendly disruption in Spain due to visa delays for players and staff.

Migration & Human Rights: Italian lawyers have filed petitions at the African Court over alleged systematic abuses against migrants in Tunisia, including detention, torture, mass expulsion and trafficking links to Libyan border guards. Economy & Daily Life: The 9th Arab Barometer finds two-thirds of Tunisians “troubled” by economic issues, with the economy topping public concerns even as many expect improvement ahead. Financial Literacy: Tunisia’s Financial Market Council signed agreements with the Banque de France to adapt and distribute Banque de France financial education materials for Tunisian audiences, especially youth. Culture & Faith Calendar: The City of Science in Tunis says Mouled is expected on August 25, while stressing the Diwan Al-Ifta remains the sole official authority for Hijri dates. Sports (Tunisia in focus): Raja’s planned friendly in Spain faces visa delays; and Tunisia narrowly beat Senegal 44-43 in women’s basketball at the U18 AfroBasket. Tourism: Tunisia stays the top Maghreb destination for French travellers in July, despite a small booking dip.