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Tunisia

Energy independence is declining. Aquaculture is rising. This is where the country is heading next.

The country today

Tunisia is a nation of 12 million people with a diversified Mediterranean economy roughly $69 billion in GDP. Oil reserves are modest and steeply declining — 1.4 billion barrels, 0.4 tcf of gas. This is not a hydrocarbon economy anymore. The practical reason Saga is in Tunisia is aquaculture growth, port digitisation, and fisheries AI surveillance.

Energy — oil and gas

Current production is approximately 27,000 barrels a day of oil and roughly 1.1 bcf a day of gas — both declining sharply. Energy independence stood at 38 percent. ETAP is the state-owned NOC. No significant technology-buyer appetite exists in upstream Tunisia.

The blue economy

Tunisia's aquaculture sector is growing — 23,003 tonnes in 2024, targeting 52 percent growth by 2030. Sea bass and sea bream dominate at 96 percent. Investment accelerated sevenfold 2023-2024. Feed imports at 50 percent and 80 million fry sourced abroad represent clear opportunities for Norwegian technology partners.

The Norwegian corridor

No systematic bilateral energy partnership is evident. However, if Saga positions Tunisia as a blue-economy market and partners with Norwegian aquaculture companies, the WestMED and EU Global Gateway pathways open doors.

What Saga sees

Tunisia's hydrocarbon era is closing. But Tunisia is building its next economy — aquaculture, digital infrastructure, port modernisation. The window is open for the next 18–24 months.

How we work

Saga provides market entry for Norwegian principals, commercial representation, and positioning aligned with Tunisia's 2026–2030 national development plan.

At a glance

Population
12 million
GDP
$69 billion (2024–2025 estimate)
Hydrocarbons
Oil 1.4 bn barrels (declining); Gas 0.4 tcf (declining)
Principal NOC
Tunisian Company for Petroleum Activities (ETAP)
Norwegian footprint
Limited energy partnerships; WestMED participation opens EU-led blue-economy doors
Saga focus areas
Aquaculture expansion advisory, Port of Tunis digital transformation, Fisheries surveillance via WestMED

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