Tunisian transfers residing abroad (TRE) continue to go beyond tourism income, establishing itself as the first source of currency for Tunisia, according to the latest data of the central bank and official declarations.
In 2024, these transfers reached a record of 8,506 million dinars, compared to 7,050 million dinars for tourist revenues. The trend continued in 2025, confirming the strategic role of the diaspora in the national economy.
During a regional meeting organized under the theme “Modernizing the visions for a promising future”, the management of the Bureau of Tunisians abroad, Helmi Tlili, stressed that the transfers of the TRE have now exceeded tourism income, becoming the first source of external funding for Tunisia. “We are still waiting for these funds to be oriented more towards productive investment,” he said.
Significant but under-exploited flows
Until July 10, 2025, cumulative transfers of the TR rose to 4,353.2 MD, up 8.5 % compared to the previous year on the same date, according to BCT figures. At the same time, tourist recipes were 3,604.4 MD. Together, these two resources made it possible to cover almost 95 % of the external debt service, estimated at 8,375 MD.
However, as Helmi Tlili recalled, the majority of transfers remain oriented towards family and current expenses, with a low proportion directed towards direct investment, especially in productive sectors.
What regions receive the most transfers?
According to the data shared during the regional meeting, the governorate of Tunis leads to the volume of transfers received, followed by Ben Arous, then Ariana and Manouba. This concentration reflects both the demographic distribution of beneficiary families and family networks abroad.
Investments made by Tunisians abroad remain limited, but when they exist, they mainly concentrate in the service sector, followed by agriculture and then industry, according to Helmi Tlili.
