The means of payment in Tunisia are experiencing a major transformation, according to the latest ballot “Payments in figures” published by the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT). Traditional checks continue to retreat, while letters of exchange, transfers, cards and electronic payments record significant increases. This development reflects a progressive change towards digital and dematerialized solutions, to the detriment of conventional means of payment.
The number of exchange letters used has jumped +155% To reach 2.1 million, representing a global envelope of 25.6 billion dinars. Conversely, Checks fell from -66.8%to 4 million checksor a total amount of 27.6 billion dinars. Transfers experience an increase of +9.7%totaling 18.5 million operations for an amount of 37.6 billion dinars.
Electronic payments and CB growing growing
More than 77.7 million banking operations were recorded, mobilizing 13.8 billion dinars, including 38% for payments and 62% for withdrawals from distributors.
The number of bank cards in circulation increased by 5.3%, reaching 5.782 million cards. VSEs (electronic payment terminals) increased by 3.6%, totaling 40,600 devices, while active merchant sites remain stable at 1127 sites.
Mobile payments have recorded 4.2 million transactions For almost 1.3 billion dinars, including 59.4% for payments and 33% for transfers.
Modernization and current projects
The BCT has announced several modernization projects, including the overhaul of the national telecommation system, migration to the SWIFT MX standard, the integration of E-Houwiya into the Paysmart platform.
These initiatives aim to accelerate the transition to dematerialized, secure and more effective payments.
