Significant political and economic turmoil in Libya since 2011 has had a ripple effect across various sectors of the economy in Misrata. The development of the logistics sector has been hindered by challenges such as infrastructure shortfalls, security concerns and political instability, with the World Bank’s logistics performance index placing Libya at 139th globally in 2023. However, the sector continues to play a significant role in supporting the national economy, with a long coastline and large desert regions requiring efficient transport and logistics services to move goods and people smoothly both within and outside the country.
Ongoing instability has resulted in several ports and terminals closing, limiting the movement of goods and people. Moreover, the risk of piracy and theft has increased in recent years, particularly in the Gulf of Sirte, posing additional challenges for logistics operators in the region. The political division of Libya between two governments is another key consideration, as the fragmented regulatory environment could complicate logistics operations and lead to delays.
Despite these headwinds, there are signs of progress. Steps are being taken to improve infrastructure and enhance logistics capabilities, including the rehabilitation of roads and the expansion of airports. Additionally, in recent years several foreign companies have expressed interest in investing in the logistics industry, both in Misrata and country-wide, recognising the potential for growth and development. Given Misrata’s geostrategic location, transport and logistics are an integral part of the local economy, much of which is linked to the Misurata Free Zone (MFZ) and port located in the city.
Due to increasing interconnectivity with the global economy, the logistics sector has the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth in Misrata and Libya. Such expansion can be enhanced through increased investment in infrastructure, including roads, ports and airports, as well as improvements in operational efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, regulatory reform and improved governance will be crucial to attracting foreign investment and promoting private sector participation in the logistics industry.
Libya’s road infrastructure encompasses approximately 34,000 km of paved roads, with 15,500 km of primary roads and 18,500 km of secondary and agricultural roads. The main motorways along the coast and southward are in good condition; however, they often become narrow single-lane roads once outside major cities, with unpaved rural roads presenting further transport challenges. In addition, these routes can be difficult to navigate due to sand deposits and the presence of domestic and wild animals, especially at night and during the rainy season. To address these issues, the Ministry of Transport has established the Road and Bridge Authority (RBA), which is responsible for overseeing and maintaining public roads and bridges. The RBA’s goals include developing and modernising the road network, improving connectivity between cities and villages, implementing safety measures and enforcing laws.
The east-west coastal motorway project is set to stretch over 1800 km from the Tunisian border to the Egyptian border, and will be integrated into the Maghreb motorway and the Mediterranean road system. It consists of a two-lane road in each direction, complete with access control and a speed limit of 130 km per hour. The project has been on hold for a number of years, although the government is actively exploring ways to resume its implementation. In November 2022 Italy opened tendering for a 400-km section of the roadway from Misrata to Ras Ajdir, the border crossing with Tunisia.
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