In 2025, Tunisia’s payments ecosystem underwent a major transformation, with mobile payments and transfers soaring by 81% year on year. The sharp increase, detailed in the Central Bank of Tunisia’s bulletin, reflects the country’s accelerating transition toward a fully digital economy.
Mobile transactions reached a total of 8.4 million operations, generating TND 1,769 million in value. This surge was fueled by the rapid expansion of Tunisia’s digital infrastructure. The number of active digital wallets climbed to 815,000, compared to 595,000 in 2024, while licensed payment service providers grew to 435 entities, up from 368 a year earlier. Transfers and merchant payments were the primary contributors, with person-to-person transfers accounting for 50.7% of activity and merchant payments representing 17.8%.
According to the Central Bank of Tunisia, this “explosive growth” was driven by targeted initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on cash and strengthening financial inclusion. Among the key enablers were the integration of the E-Houwiya digital identity system with the Paysmart platform, facilitating secure and seamless authentication, as well as modernization efforts such as the adoption of the SWIFT MX (ISO 20022) standard and the overhaul of the National Clearing System.
The 81% surge in mobile payments coincided with a 25% increase in overall electronic transactions, while traditional instruments like checks continued to decline. Together, these trends signal a structural shift in consumer behavior, with mobile platforms becoming the preferred channel for everyday purchases and peer-to-peer transfers across Tunisia.
Read More: Tunisia Telecom Partners with Ministry of Health to Drive Digital Healthcare Transformation
