Tunisia’s finances got a boost after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $ 2.9 billion loan to aid the country implement economic and financial reforms. The four year credit facility aims to promote stronger and inclusive economic growth and reforming public institutions in the north African country. The money is expected to be released to the Tunisian government in nine stages.
In addition to the economic crisis that hit the country since the Arab Spring uprising in 2011, Tunisia is struggling to fend off attacks by Islamist extremists. Its economic growth slowed to 0.8 percent last year from 2.3 percent in 2014, and unemployment nationwide stood at 15 percent at the end of last year.
However, there is optimism as the county’s key tourism sector is beginning to rebound. Tunisia expects to attract over 5 million foreign tourists this year. Read the full story here.