On the changing commercial ecosystem and how governance reforms are evolving to align with international standards How do you evaluate the trade finance landscape? MOHAMMED ALI ADDARRAT: Letters of credit remain the cornerstone of Libya’s trade finance landscape, initially dominated by imports of finished goods, such as food products, for consumer and public sector markets. Over the…
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
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…
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%,…
Libya’s banking sector was somewhat underdeveloped before the 2011 conflict, and its government-controlled banking system served primarily as a means to finance public projects with deposits. Due to the introduction of new players, innovative products and services and regulatory reforms, the banking sector in Libya and Misrata has undergone significant changes. The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) and…
Interview:Farouk Laabidi What is your assessment of the local banking sector? FAROUK LAABIDI:Misrata’s local economy and banking sector have remained resilient amid various challenges. After the Covid-19 pandemic the city has seen a revival with new businesses starting up. The banking sector plays an important role in helping to support this economic activity for both consumers and businesses.…
Due to the introduction of new players, innovative products and services and regulatory reforms, the banking sector in Libya and Misrata has undergone significant changes. The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) and the Libyan Foreign Bank – which is 100% owned by the CBL – oversee and regulate the industry, with the Bank of Commerce and Development, the National Commercial Bank and Sahara Bank among the…
