Libya plans development of two major transit routes

Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP) and the Ministry of Transport met Tuesday to advance plans for two strategic transit corridors: the Misurata-Tamanhant-Agadez and Benghazi-Kufra-Sudan routes.

The initiative, authorised under Cabinet Resolution No. 535 of 2024, empowers the Portfolio to engage international consultants for feasibility studies.

The projects will be developed either through build-operate-handover systems or strategic partnerships with specialised companies.

Transport Minister Mohamed Al-Shahoubi chaired the meeting with Portfolio officials including Chairman Mustafa Abu Fanas, Board Member Khalifa Al-Shaibani, and Strategic Planning Director Radwan Al-Nafati. Representatives from the Land Transport Authority also attended.

The committee has scheduled technical meetings beginning Thursday to establish specialised teams for route planning and assess the feasibility of integrating railway networks into the projects.

These transit corridors could significantly enhance regional trade connectivity. The Misurata-Agadez route would provide Niger and other West African nations access to Mediterranean shipping, while the Benghazi-Sudan corridor could facilitate increased trade flows between North and East Africa.

Economic and Strategic Benefits:

– Creation of direct trade routes between Mediterranean ports and sub-Saharan Africa
– Potential reduction in transportation costs and delivery times
– Enhancement of Libya’s position as a gateway for African-European trade
– Development opportunities for southern Libyan regions
– Improved access to markets for agricultural and industrial products
– Strengthening of regional economic integration
– Potential for new logistics and service centres along the routes

LAIP focuses on developing strategic investments across Africa, particularly in infrastructure and development projects.