Young Libyan entrepreneurs showcased a wave of homegrown businesses ranging from home-based healthcare to vocational training to a visiting African Development Bank delegation last week, demonstrating the impact of targeted Bank Group support in driving creation of formal enterprises.
Malinne Blomberg, African Development Bank Deputy Director General for North Africa and Country Manager for Libya led the visit to meet beneficiaries of the Enabling Environment Towards Youth Entrepreneurship Support and Positive Migration Governance project, known as EEYES. Approved in 2021, the project has been underway since 2022.
The Bank Group visit formed part of a mission to Libya for dialogue with stakeholders and to engage with young entrepreneurs that have received Bank support.
Participating entrepreneurs explained how the project's financial and technical support helped them formalise their activities, improve business models, and expand their services.
In Benghazi, for instance, Al Reaya Al Tebeya for Medical Services, founded in 2023 by medical doctor Mohamed Al Warad, is working to improve access to home-based healthcare services. Of the business, Al Warad said: "Our objective is to bring quality medical services closer to people and contribute to improving healthcare accessibility in Libya. We also aim to expand our services to other regions across the country in order to reach more communities and respond to the growing demand for home-based healthcare services."
Nouran Ramadan, founder of catering firm Matabekh Al Zahera, is another beneficiary. After relocating to Tripoli to continue her studies, Al Zahera restarted her business, which provides quality homemade meals and is now run by two women. "The support I received helped me restart my business and regain confidence in the future. Today, I hope to continue growing Matabekh Al Zahera by opening a women-led coffee shop where I can also showcase and sell the chocolate and homemade products we produce," Ramadan said.
EEYES has contributed to UNDP's broader DERAYA and ROWWAD multi-donor entrepreneurship initiatives. To date, awareness-raising has reached over 1,000 beneficiaries, 60 start-ups have been trained and mentored, and 29 have received funding--including 16 women-led businesses.
The Bank Group finances the initiative through the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-donor Trust Fund in collaboration with national stakeholders and the European Union.
"The African Development Bank is committed to supporting Libya's youth and entrepreneurs through initiatives that create jobs, strengthen skills, and promote innovation. We are particularly encouraged by the resilience and creativity demonstrated by these young business leaders, including women entrepreneurs, who are contributing to Libya's economic development and future prosperity," said Blomberg.
The mission also provided an opportunity to discuss the development of Libya's National Entrepreneurship Policy Paper and ways to strengthen support for MSMEs and start-ups nationwide. Conversation also centred on the importance of coordination among public institutions, universities, incubators, development partners, and the private sector to enhance the MSME sector.
The project's focus on skills, enterprise development, and innovation aligns with broader efforts to expand economic opportunities for Libyan youth and increase private-sector-led growth.
