Tunisia is expecting about $1.4 billion-loss in revenue in the tourism sector this year as result of impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic, a document submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in view of seeking a new loan to supplement the 2020 national budget, reports say. The government to curtail the spread of the disease has imposed a lockdown, only chemistries and grocery shops are still running. The move will equally help cover the 4.3 percent recession forecast by the central bank owing to the pandemic. IMF has reportedly already approved $745m loan to Tunisia. The European Union (EU) has already granted the North African country 250 million euros also side with Italy’s pledge for 50 million euros.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 16, 2020 12:00 UTC