As Misrata looks to rebuild and diversify its economy after a period of instability, ICT has emerged as a potential catalyst for driving growth and development. Steps are being taken in order to facilitate the digitalisation of services and trade, as well as encourage technology adoption, boosting efficiency in both the public and private sectors.
In an increasingly interconnected world, ICT has become indispensable. Libya’s demographic profile, with a median age of 26.1 as of 2020, creates a conducive environment for digitalisation. By leveraging digital technologies and communications networks, Misrata aims to take advantage of physical infrastructure like road connections, ports and industrial capacity to drive economic growth across sectors. This is visible in the transition of the Misurata Free Zone (MFZ) to fully electronic operational management.
ICT infrastructure in Misrata forms the backbone of its digital connectivity and communication capabilities. Misrata has invested in developing a robust ICT framework to foster growth and social development. The city hosts reliable telecommunications infrastructure, including fibre optics and mobile networks, facilitating data transmission and communication. In February 2023 the MFZ concluded the trials for its data hosting centre, significantly increasing internet speeds and data storage capacity.
Multiple internet service providers operate in Misrata, offering a range of connectivity options to cater to the needs of residents and businesses. They are pivotal in expanding internet access and narrowing the digital divide. The IT infrastructure in Misrata is also advancing, with a June 2022 meeting held between the MFZ authorities and China’s tech giant Huawei to discuss the development of various logistics and data management systems, including truck entry and exits, Customs inspections, shipment tracking, container management and data preservation. In recent years, Misrata has witnessed a rise in internet penetration rates. This can be attributed to the growing availability of affordable mobile data plans, which have empowered more individuals and businesses to connect online. Median mobile internet speeds for Misrata reach 13.5 Mbps for downloads and 3.9 Mbps for uploads.
By making mobile data more affordable, these plans have democratised digital connectivity, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds and helping to advance ICT adoption. As of 2022 the average price for one GB of mobile internet in Libya was around $0.61, with the highest mobile data charges around $2.04 per GB.
The uptake of mobile technology has spurred innovation, leading to the development of mobile applications catering to diverse sectors such as education, health care and entertainment. This has increased access to global tools and resources. As of the beginning of 2022, Libya had 11.9m cellular mobile connections, while the country had 6.4m active social media users during the same period. This reflects the rising importance for businesses to embrace digital platforms and highlights the potential for further growth as internet penetration continues to expand.
Government initiatives for digital transformation in Misrata play a key role in harnessing the potential of ICT for the city’s development. The government has recognised the importance of ICT in driving economic growth, enhancing service delivery and improving the quality of life of residents, with policies that outline the vision for digital transformation and provide a roadmap for integrating ICT into government services and operations. They are a foundation for fostering innovation, improving efficiency, and promoting transparency and accountability.
Read More from OBG
