The Central Bank of Tunisia has decided to relax its monetary policy by lowering its key rate by 50 basis points, bringing it to 7%. This measure, which will come into force at the beginning of January, is accompanied by an adjustment of the monetary corridor rates and the minimum return on savings.
A signal of monetary easing
Meeting at the end of the year, the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Tunisia decided in favor of a reduction in the key rate, now set at 7% from January 7, 2026. This is a reduction of 50 basis points, reflecting a desire to adapt the monetary orientation to recent economic and financial developments.
At the same time, the BCT readjusted the rates of permanent facilities in order to preserve the coherence of the monetary corridor. The rate of the 24-hour loan facility is thus increased to 8%, while that of the 24-hour deposit facility is set at 6%. These adjustments aim to guarantee efficient transmission of monetary policy decisions to the interbank market.
Review of savings yield
In addition to the key and interbank rates, the Central Bank also lowered the minimum rate of return on savings. This is now set at 6%, a decision which is part of the overall logic of monetary easing and which will have a direct impact on regulated savings products.
This measure could help reduce the cost of financing for banks and, ultimately, support investment and consumption, while modifying the relative attractiveness of bank savings.
Expected reactions from the financial sector
The BCT’s decision is closely scrutinized by economic and financial players. Banking establishments will have to adjust their rate scales, while businesses and households could gradually benefit from more favorable financing conditions.
Analysts expect this monetary inflection to open a new cycle, provided that macroeconomic balances and the evolution of inflation allow it.
This decline occurs in a context marked by the need to support economic activity while preserving financial stability. After a prolonged period of monetary tightening intended to contain inflationary pressures, the Central Bank appears to be entering a more accommodating phase, while maintaining increased vigilance on macroeconomic indicators.
