The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a new strategy for engagement with Libya that prioritises the country's recovery and long-term economic transformation, while laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
According to the Libya Country Brief 2025-2028, the country's strong hydrocarbon endowment, abundant foreign exchange reserves, significant renewable energy potential, untapped opportunities for agribusiness and industrial diversification, and strategic geographic location provide a solid foundation for recovery and transformation--when matched by targeted reforms and sustained investment.
The Bank Group will target areas where it can deliver the greatest impact: strengthening public financial management, improving economic and financial governance, enhancing the climate for private investment, and laying the groundwork for the rebuilding of critical service delivery infrastructure. The Bank Group will channel support to the key sectors of water and security, agriculture and food systems, transport, renewable energy, as well as value-chain development in non-oil sectors. At the same time, it will scale up support to small and medium-sized enterprises and boost youth employability through skills development.
"The approval of the 2025-2028 Country Brief reflects a strong partnership between Libya and the African Development Bank, built on mutual trust, policy dialogue, and shared development objectives," said Malinne Blomberg, Deputy Director General for North Africa and Country Manager for Libya at the African Development Bank. "Our priority is to support the Government in strengthening institutions, restoring essential services, and accelerating economic diversification. We also stand ready to work closely with the private sector and development partners to scale up impact and deliver concrete benefits to the Libyan people."
Cross-cutting priorities such as youth and women's economic empowerment, climate resilience, and fragility mitigation, will be systematically integrated across all Bank-supported interventions. These priorities reflect Libya's demographic realities, rising climate vulnerabilities, and the crucial importance of inclusive growth for long-term stability. Bank interventions will contribute to addressing the root causes of fragility by providing a strategic response aimed at fostering resilience in the short and medium term.
The Country Brief was developed in close consultation with Libyan national authorities and development partners and reflects the Government's priorities.
