Latest news with #LibyaAfricaInvestmentPortfolio
Libyan Express
05-08-2025
- Business
- Libyan Express
LAIP moves to rebuild trust and deliver for Libyans
LAIP reshapes its legacy with transparency and national priorities The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio is undergoing a quiet transformation—moving beyond its legacy as a political vehicle towards a more focused, nationally aligned development agenda. The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP), once a symbol of expansive ambition and distant investments, is showing early signs of meaningful transformation. Under renewed leadership, the portfolio appears to be shifting its direction—placing greater emphasis on national development, infrastructure, and regional integration. Established in 2006, LAIP was originally conceived as a sovereign investment arm aimed at expanding Libya's economic and political footprint across sub-Saharan Africa. For years, it channelled large sums into overseas ventures, many of which lacked transparency or tangible domestic returns. Despite the scale of these investments, Libya saw limited benefit in terms of job creation, infrastructure, or economic resilience. That history has shaped public perceptions and cast a long shadow over the institution's credibility. Today, however, a different narrative is beginning to take shape. With a restructured leadership team and clearer institutional priorities, LAIP is gradually positioning itself to play a more constructive and domestically relevant role. The current board and executive team have quietly introduced more disciplined governance, aligning the portfolio's activities with national priorities and developmental outcomes. Recent initiatives include investment commitments aimed at improving local services and quality of life—such as a proposed smart commercial hub and an integrated tourism project. While still in early stages, these projects suggest a pivot towards citizen-focused, practical investment. At the same time, LAIP is restructuring key subsidiaries, including Laptech, an ICT services provider, and Ola Energy, its downstream fuel company operating across several African markets. Notably, Ola Energy reported its second consecutive year of profit growth in 2025—an encouraging indicator of financial recovery under more structured management. At the heart of LAIP's renewed agenda is the Trans-African Corridors Initiative—a flagship infrastructure programme aiming to link Libya to Niger and Sudan via two key land corridors: Misurata–Tamanhint–Agadez and Benghazi–Kufra–Sudan. These projects are intended not only to boost internal mobility and logistics, but also to re-establish Libya's strategic position within African and Mediterranean trade networks. Unlike past infrastructure announcements, this initiative has been placed within a clear institutional framework. Following a consultation with the Ministry of Transport in December 2024, Cabinet Resolution No. 535 authorised LAIP to commission feasibility studies and structure the projects through public-private partnerships and build-operate-transfer models. Oversight has been assigned to a Higher Committee established in early 2025, ensuring coordination and accountability throughout implementation. These efforts align well with broader African ambitions, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where cross-border connectivity is a key enabler of economic integration. For Libya, the corridors could serve as a bridge to renewed regional influence—particularly among landlocked neighbours seeking reliable access to Mediterranean ports. In addition to infrastructure, LAIP has launched preliminary investment studies in renewable energy—a forward-looking step given Libya's need to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on hydrocarbons. While still at a formative stage, this indicates growing strategic alignment with global sustainability trends. Taken together, these developments reflect more than a change in project selection—they signal a recalibration of LAIP's institutional identity. Under its current leadership, the portfolio is becoming more embedded in Libya's domestic economic landscape. Rather than operating at arm's length from the state, it is now acting with greater visibility and a clearer sense of public purpose. Of course, expectations remain high and the environment challenging. Libya's economy is still overly centralised, institutions face capacity constraints, and public confidence in state-linked entities remains fragile. Yet institutional credibility is not built overnight. It depends on consistent governance, transparent delivery, and the ability to demonstrate value in people's lives. If LAIP can maintain this course—focusing on implementation, impact, and strategic clarity—it may yet become a vital instrument in Libya's economic renewal. The path ahead will require political continuity, sound oversight, and measured ambition. But in an era where many public institutions are struggling to redefine their role, LAIP's quiet evolution is worth watching.
Libyan Express
13-07-2025
- Business
- Libyan Express
Misurata cement plant moves closer to launch
Libya's LAIP accelerates progress on Misurata cement plant The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP) is continuing preparations for the launch of the Misurata Cement Plant, as part of its broader strategy to implement industrial projects that support Libya's economic development. The technical committee overseeing the project, appointed by LAIP, held its tenth meeting of the year on Tuesday at the portfolio's headquarters in Tripoli. The meeting focused on reviewing key technical and logistical requirements to ensure the project proceeds according to schedule. Discussions included coordination with the National Oil Corporation to secure the supply of natural gas and heavy fuel oil required for the plant's operations. The committee also examined ongoing communication with the General Electricity Company of Libya to explore options for providing the necessary electrical power to the site. The committee further addressed infrastructure planning, particularly engagement with the Ministry of Transport regarding the construction of a 10-kilometre paved road linking the project site to the national road network — a critical step for accessibility and logistics. In addition, an agreement was reached with the Industrial Research Centre to carry out a geological survey aimed at updating previous studies and assessing the long-term availability of raw materials at the site. The results will support the plant's sustainability, with operations projected to span up to 50 years. Subcommittees also presented technical reports evaluating the current status of engineering works, carried out in collaboration with several local consulting firms. The committee reviewed the existing contract with the Chinese company Sinoma – Wuhan, and initiated negotiations to revise specific provisions as part of a renewed contractual arrangement. These activities form part of LAIP's ongoing efforts to complete pre-operational preparations and ensure that installation works commence within the designated timeframe, in accordance with approved technical and engineering standards.
Libyan Express
03-07-2025
- Business
- Libyan Express
Cement supply is the backbone of Libya's reconstruction
Cement supply is the backbone of Libya's reconstruction Libya's cement industry stands at a critical crossroads. As demand rises—driven by reconstruction efforts, housing expansion, and infrastructure projects—the country's reliance on imports and the chronic underperformance of local factories present both a national challenge and a strategic opportunity. Despite having vast reserves of raw materials—enough to sustain production for at least the next 50 years—Libya's cement output remains far below its potential. Current data reveals that the nation's cement plants are operating at just 58% of their design capacity. Of ten available production lines, only four are active, despite a total design capacity of 10 million tonnes annually. The result: a growing dependence on imports from Egypt, Turkey, and Tunisia. In 2020, for example, Libya imported 2.2 million tonnes of cement to meet domestic demand. Local factories produced only 3.1 million tonnes, falling short of the estimated market demand of 5.3 million tonnes. By 2024, demand had surged to approximately 7 million tonnes—yet supply continued to lag significantly behind. A clear illustration of this gap is the Al-Burj plant in Zliten, one of Libya's largest cement factories. It currently produces around 1.5 million tonnes annually—less than half of what the country needs. This supply shortfall has pushed prices sharply upwards. By mid-2024, the cost of a quintal rose to approximately 90 Libyan dinars (900 dinars per tonne), representing a 54% increase compared to the previous year. Yet the issue goes beyond underproduction. A combination of factors—security instability, speculative pricing, and restrictions on the movement of heavy trucks along major roads under the pretext of protecting infrastructure—has disrupted both local distribution and land-based imports. These logistical challenges have further inflated prices, with transport costs alone pushing cement prices from 17.5 to 25 dinars in just a few months. This widening gap between supply and demand is unsustainable. Continued reliance on imports not only places strain on Libya's foreign currency reserves but also leaves the domestic market exposed to unpredictable price fluctuations. Without strategic intervention, any meaningful progress in infrastructure and housing development will remain out of reach. There are, however, signs of positive movement. The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP) has recognised the urgency of the crisis and prioritised the cement sector within its local investment strategy. As part of broader efforts to support national economic development, LAIP is investing in projects aimed at closing the supply-demand gap and restoring market stability. At the forefront of these efforts is the revival of the Misrata Cement Plant—a major strategic project that has remained dormant since 2012. Now, with comprehensive technical and strategic planning in place, LAIP is working to restart operations. The plant is expected to produce 2 million tonnes annually in its first phase, increasing to 4 million tonnes in the second phase. The project is being implemented in partnership with Sinoma–Wuhan, a leading Chinese construction firm. Experts believe the Misrata project could serve as a catalyst for wider sector reform, with the potential to reduce housing inflation, support major construction and infrastructure initiatives, and generate employment opportunities for young Libyans. Ultimately, the goal is to increase national cement output to 10 million tonnes annually. According to research by technical committees and specialised centres, this would reduce production costs, lessen reliance on imports, and help stabilise prices across the domestic market. For LAIP, the project has broader strategic objectives: contributing to economic diversification, strengthening Libya's industrial base, and enhancing the country's long-term resilience. Libya's cement crisis is not merely a supply chain issue—it is a test of economic sovereignty. Reviving this vital sector will require more than financial investment. It demands coordinated policy, regulatory reform, and a secure environment for industrial growth. But the potential rewards—economic resilience, infrastructure development, and national self-sufficiency—are too important to ignore.
Libyan Express
22-05-2025
- Business
- Libyan Express
Libya and Niger discuss transit corridor cooperation
Libya and Niger advance strategic transit corridor partnership Representatives from Libya and Niger met in Tripoli on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, to discuss the ambitious 'Libya Africa Transit Corridors' project aimed at transforming regional connectivity across North and West Africa. The high-level meeting brought together Libya's Joint High Committee for the 'Libya Africa Transit Corridors' Project, including officials from the Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP) and the Ministry of Transport, alongside Niger's Chargé d'Affaires to Libya. Libya's Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Land Transport Affairs led the discussions, joined by senior officials including the Director of Strategic Planning at the Libya Africa Investment Portfolio and the Director General of the Land Transport Authority. The Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also participated, highlighting the project's diplomatic significance. The Libyan delegation presented comprehensive details of the transit corridor initiative, emphasising its potential to drive economic and social transformation across the region. The project is designed to boost trans-Saharan commerce and strengthen continental trade links extending far beyond the two participating nations. Niger's diplomatic representative praised the initiative and expressed appreciation for Libya's decision to route one of the strategic corridors through Niger. This positive reception demonstrates both countries' commitment to deepening their partnership. The meeting concluded with an agreement to draft a memorandum of understanding that will establish the foundation for bilateral cooperation on the project. The 'Libya Africa Transit Corridors' initiative represents a major infrastructure undertaking designed to connect Libya with its African neighbours to the south. The project encompasses two primary routes: one connecting Misurata through Tamanhint to Agadez in Niger, and another linking Benghazi via Kufra towards Sudan. This ambitious venture promises to enhance Libya's role as a gateway between Mediterranean markets and sub-Saharan Africa whilst supporting regional economic integration across the continent.
Libya Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Libya Herald
Committee for Libya Africa Transit Corridors Project convened with Niger Chargé d'affaires – agree to develop MoU
The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP) reported yesterday that its Joint High Committee for the Libya Africa Transit Corridors convened last Tuesday (20 May) with the Chargé d'affaires of the Republic of Niger's Embassy to Libya to discuss project cooperation. Attendees comprised the committee head, who serves as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Land Transport Affairs, alongside the Director of Strategic Planning at the Libya Africa Investment Portfolio and the Director General of the Land Transport Authority. A representative from the International Cooperation Department at Libya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also participated. The committee outlined the project's components and strategic objectives, emphasising its intended economic and social impact across Libya, Niger, and the broader African continent through improved trans-Saharan trade and regional connectivity. LAIP reported that Niger's Chargé d'affaires responded positively to the proposal, noting Libya's decision to route a strategic pathway through Niger. Both parties agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding as an initial framework for bilateral cooperation on the project. LAIP said the Libya Africa Transit Corridors Project forms part of Libya's strategy to strengthen regional connections with neighbouring African nations. Implementation plans feature two primary routes: Misrata-Tamanhint-Agadez (Niger) and Benghazi-Kufra-Sudan. . Libya-Niger and Libya-Sudan Transit Road Projects Committee meets – starts preparation for work plan and formation of subcommittees Chad signs agreement with Egypt to construct Chad section of the Egypt-Libya-Chad Transit Road Eastern Libya signs MoU to construct its section of the Egypt – Libya – Chad Transit Road Project Tripoli Transport Minister seeking to activate Transit Roads to Niger and Sudan Transport Minister discusses ''practical steps'' for transit road project with Niger At the opening of the ''Made in Libya'' event in Niamey, Niger, Aldabaiba looked forward to the new transit trade road ( Libya and Niger sign transit road implementation MoU Implementation timetable set for Libya to Niger, Libya to Sudan Transit Roads projects Libya and Tunisia to formulate clear vision for transit trade between Tunisia and Libya into African markets Tripoli Transport Minister seeking to activate Transit Roads to Niger and Sudan Libya discusses with Chad direct flights and the Transit Trade Road Libya-Niger Transit Trade Road report says US$ 3.2 bn project has numerous national and international benefits ( Benghazi's Jiliana Free Port continues transit trade to Chad Transit Trade: First transshipment operation from Jiliana Free Zone, Benghazi, to Europe Libya-Niger Transit Trade Road report says US$ 3.2 bn project has numerous national and international benefits At the opening of the ''Made in Libya'' event in Niamey, Niger, Aldabaiba looked forward to the new transit trade road ( Cabinet approves projects with foreign entities: Roads, transit trade, feasibility studies, radar systems, culture and training ( The Forum and Exhibition for Transport and Transit Trade in Africa (AFRO-TT) opened in Algiers ( Algeria and Libya's strategic ''gateway'' location and sub-Saharan Africa's huge potential heralds great potential for transit trade ( Algeria and Libya's strategic ''gateway'' location and sub-Saharan Africa's huge potential heralds great potential for transit trade ( Ministry of Economy and Trade discusses mechanism of activating transit trade, free zones and Africa Transport and Transit Trade Forum ( ''Made in Libya'', Niamey, Niger 6 to 11 March 2023: to aid exports, transit trade and economic diversification ( Preparations for the second ''Made in Libya'' edition in Niamey, Niger progressing ( Libya prepares for ''Made in Libya 2'' exhibition in Niamey, Niger – exports and transit trade to Africa discussed ( Most of the ''Made in Libya'' exhibition space already allocated: Libya Industrial Union ( Minister of Industry and Minerals discusses cooperation with Military Industrialization Authority and latest preparations for the Made in Libya exhibition ( Libyan Industrial Union to co-organize a ''Made in Libya'' fair in Tunis in September ( Over 150 Libyan companies to participate in ''Made in Libya'' exhibition to be held in Tunis (
