En Français As Africa embraces the transformative power of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Special Economic Zones (SEZs) emerge as pivotal catalysts for regional economic growth.The impact of AfCFTA on SEZs on the continent is a key part of Africa’s growth, through improved market access, reduced trade barriers, and participation in regional value chains, which all enhance…
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Misrata is playing a central role in the diversification of Libya's economy, focusing on the shipping, manufacturing, automotive, construction, ICT, health care and education sectors. With strategic ports like Tripoli, Benghazi and Misrata, the government aims to make the country an international trade hub through partnerships with private investors for port modernisation. Tax incentives and free
Although Libya’s efforts to attract investment are overseen from the capital, Tripoli, the Misrata municipal council, business associations and companies operating in the private sector are helping bring foreign direct investment into the city and wider district. The Misurata Free Zone (MFZ) is the city’s most prominent magnet for foreign investment. The zone offers and promotes a number of…
In recent decades the global agricultural landscape has been significantly affected by the escalating challenges posed by climate change. To meet the needs of a growing global population and ensure sustainability, it will be important for the agriculture sector – a pillar of food production and livelihoods – to become more productive and sustainable through increased investment and the adoption…
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been used in a number of different forms to help develop public works or infrastructure projects when funding for them is either limited or unavailable. By implementing PPPfocused policies, the government in Misrata hopes to leverage the expertise, resources and efficiency of the private sector to accelerate infrastructure development, attract investment…
The city’s location has been advantageous for trade and transport throughout its history, and the port serves as a vital gateway for imports and exports, facilitating trade connections between the city, other parts of Libya and countries situated along the Mediterranean Sea. Misrata’s climate is classified as Mediterranean, meaning it is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet…
Libya’s banking sector compares favourably to some of its neighbours. For example, as of June 2021 over 65.7% of Libyans had financial accounts; as of February 2022 over 81% lived in urban areas and therefore had access to financial services, while 49.6% were active internet users. In comparison, the banking and internet penetration rates in neighbouring Egypt in 2022 were 60.6% and 72.2%,…
Creating an ecosystem for financial technology (fintech), most particularly at a subnational level as in the city of Misrata, is crucial for both technological advancement and economic growth. Fintech ecosystems are typically built on five pillars: start-ups, technology developers, governments, financial customers and traditional financial institutions. However, these pillars vary depending on economic…
The history of air transport in Libya dates back to the establishment of Libyan Airlines in 1964. In recent years the country’s air transport segment has faced significant uncertainties, including political instability, investment shortfalls and outdated infrastructure. These challenges have resulted in disruptions to air travel, with major airports in Tripoli, Benghazi and Misrata having experienced…
