Tunisia: The Acquisition Project of Akdital Faces Regulatory and Political Hurdles
The Moroccan group Akdital, a leader in the private healthcare sector in Morocco, is experiencing delays in its acquisition of the Tunisian Taoufik Hospitals Group (THG) due to regulatory and political challenges. Valued at $90 million, the deal, which was set to be finalized by the end of May 2026, is currently awaiting approval from the Tunisian Competition Council, according to reports from the magazine Jeune Afrique.
This acquisition is part of Akdital’s international expansion strategy, aimed at strengthening its presence in Africa and the Middle East. Since 2025, the Moroccan group has been supported by new Saudi investors and is actively pursuing initiatives to accelerate its development beyond national borders.
A Strategic Move for Both Parties
For Akdital, the acquisition of Taoufik Hospitals Group presents a significant opportunity to enter the Tunisian market through a well-established player. THG operates four hospital facilities with nearly 600 beds and reported an estimated revenue of $45 million in 2024.
On the side of the Egyptian investment fund RMBV, which has owned THG for twelve years, this transaction was expected to represent the exit of an investment that had reached maturity following a key development phase for the Tunisian hospital group.
However, the Tunisian Competition Council has requested additional time to gather more information on the operation, thereby delaying the conclusion of the agreement.
Concerns Beyond Economic Factors
While the Tunisian authorities officially cite administrative and regulatory considerations, several observers believe that the issue has a more strategic dimension.
The Tunisian Minister of Health, Mustapha Ferjani, who is close to President Kaïs Saïed, advocates for a vision centered on the country’s health sovereignty. In this context, some authorities view with caution the transition of a significant player in the hospital sector to foreign control, especially concerning infrastructures deemed emblematic of the Tunisian healthcare system.
Indeed, THG’s clinics hold a crucial position in the medical landscape of the country and are perceived as strategic assets within Tunisia’s ambitions to become a regional healthcare hub.
Competition with National Projects at Stake
According to several analyses reported by Jeune Afrique, Tunisian authorities also fear that the arrival of a dynamic operator like Akdital might undermine certain national hospital projects, particularly the upcoming medical city in Kairouan.
This major project, initiated by the Tunisian state, aims to enhance the country’s attractiveness in specialized care and attract patients from Libya and Algeria.
In this context, the establishment of a Moroccan group known for its strong development capacity could be viewed as a direct competitive threat.
The Diplomatic Context Complicates Matters
Alongside these economic and healthcare considerations lies a diplomatic factor. Relations between Morocco and Tunisia have been strained since 2022, following political disagreements that led to the recall of ambassadors from both nations.
Many observers believe that the final decision regarding Akdital’s investment may transcend purely technical or competitive concerns and could be subject to arbitration at the highest levels of the Tunisian state.
While awaiting an official decision, the project remains in limbo, as it represents one of the most significant operations undertaken by a Moroccan group in the healthcare sector in North Africa in recent years.
