Libya and African Development Bank Group collaborate on transport sector reforms for economic recovery
via Libya Herald2 min read
The African Development Bank and Libya's Tripoli-based Ministry of Transport concluded a three-day workshop in Tunis to define a roadmap for implementing a strategic transport sector study. This initiative aims to support Libya's economic recovery. The workshop, held from April 15 to 17, brought together Bank experts and representatives from Libya's ministries of Finance and Transport, focusing on implementation arrangements. The Libyan delegation was led by Issam Abdallah Al-Qouri, Chair of the Preparatory Committee at the Ports and Maritime Transport Authority. The study is funded by a $340,000 grant from the African Development Bank Group's Middle-Income Country Technical Assistance Fund MIC-TAF, supplemented by Libyan Government funding. It will prepare a strategic transport sector plan to improve efficiency and performance, contributing to Libya's broader economic recovery reforms. The study will include a situational and gap analysis, a strategic plan with prioritized actions, policy and institutional reform recommendations, an action plan for private sector participation, and indicative financing options. It will also identify bankable public and private sector projects and build a stronger pipeline for future Bank engagement in transport and logistics infrastructure. Malinne Blomberg, the Bank Group's Deputy Director General for North Africa and Country Manager for Libya, emphasized that an efficient transport system connects people to opportunities, facilitates trade
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The Italian Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini, announced that the Italian Embassy has issued approximately 30,000 visas to Libyan citizens. This statement was made during his meeting with Mohamed Ben Ghalboun, Minister of State for Prime Ministerial and Cabinet Affairs, in Tripoli. The discussion covered the outcomes of Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba's visit to Italy in early May 2026 and emphasized activating cooperation across various sectors, strengthening political relations, and coordinating positions in international forums. Consular cooperation to facilitate visa procedures and the issue of illegal migration were also addressed. The Minister of State highlighted the importance of enhanced bilateral cooperation to support joint efforts in tackling illegal migration. In February 2025, the Italian Embassy in Libya reported that its Tripoli and Benghazi offices issued over 15,000 visas in 2024, marking a 35 percent increase in processed requests, which was seen as a sign of strong collaboration between Italy and Libya.
Must ReadThe International Organization for Migration's latest report indicates that the number of migrants in Libya reached 943,748 in March and April 2026, spread across 100 municipalities and 641 communities. This figure represents a 0.8% increase from the previous round, bringing the total close to one million. Sudanese nationals form the largest group at 34%, followed by Nigeriens and Egyptians at 20% each, and Chadians at 10%. The report highlights that 40% of migrants consider Libya their final destination, while 7% plan to proceed to Europe, and 16% intend to return to their home countries. Most migrants, 53%, are concentrated in western Libya, with 36% in the east and 11% in the south. Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata are primary destinations due to employment opportunities and services. Economic hardship is the main driver for 79% of migrants, with conflict and insecurity accounting for 19%. While 77% of migrants work in Libya, only 4% have written employment contracts. Additionally, 84% lack residence permits, and 85% do not have work permits. The report also notes that 74% of migrants have limited or no access to healthcare, and 55% of households with children report no access to education for their children.
Libya's National Oil Corporation NOC Chairman, Masoud Suleiman, met with Shell's Vice President for Iraq, the UAE, and Libya to assess the progress of Memoranda of Understanding MoUs and ongoing technical activities. The discussions focused on utilizing Shell's global technical expertise to develop a strategic master plan for Libya's gas sector, aligning with the NOC's goal to improve efficiency and resource utilization. Suleiman stressed the need for a clear timeline to complete field assessments and move to subsequent implementation stages. Shell reiterated its interest in resuming investment and operations in Libya, expressing a desire to strengthen cooperation with the NOC and contribute to key development projects in the sector.