Tunisia is making the management of risks related to natural disasters a national priority, as a thorough understanding of these risks allows for better anticipation and a reduction of their economic and social effects, according to the Finance Minister, Ms Michket Slama Khaldi.
She was speaking at the opening of the 18th Carthage Rendezvous, organised by the Tunisian Federation of Insurance Companies (FTUSA), the General Arab Insurance Federation (GAIF), and the Tunisian Reinsurance Company (Tunis Re), which ran from 1st to 3rd February under the theme: "Securing the Future in a Changing World: Innovating, Preventing, and Strengthening Resilience".
She said that Tunisia, due to its location in the Mediterranean basin, is among the countries most exposed to climate change. Drought accounts for more than half of historically recorded natural disasters, while floods have generated nearly 60% of economic losses, with a cost that can reach up to 1.9% of GDP.
The government is strengthening risk management systems and developing new tools to finance and insure natural disasters, as part of an inclusive approach to build the economy's resilience against Nat CATs. In addition, the government is encouraging better coordination among all stakeholders, including public companies, the private sector, and technical and financial partners, to ensure effective interventions and a rapid response to climate crises.
The integrated programme for resilience to natural disasters is structured around four main axes: reducing the risks of flooding in urban areas; strengthening water and climate services; establishing innovative mechanisms for climate risk coverage; and improving governance and institutional coordination.
Insurance sector’s role
"Achieving these objectives requires strengthening the role of the insurance sector as a strategic lever for development, given its direct impact on investments, its role in financial stability and its contribution to the balance between economic growth, social justice and environmental protection," Ms Slama Khaldi added.
She also stressed that Tunisia is committed to modernising the regulatory framework governing the insurance sector, through better alignment between national and international priorities, improved protection of policyholders, encouragement of innovation, and the integration of ESG criteria into the strategies of insurance and reinsurance companies.
The 2026 Carthage Insurance and Reinsurance Rendezvous addressed four main themes: natural disasters, the role of artificial intelligence, sustainability, and risk prevention.
Mr Hatem Amira, FTUSA Director General, said in a media statement that the choice of the theme reflected the vision of a sector that aims to be resilient to change, working both to renew its offerings and to strengthen guarantees for the benefit of citizens.