French retail giant makes bold move in Benghazi

Géant Hypermarket International expanded its Libyan operations on Wednesday with the inauguration of its second store in Benghazi, marking a significant development in the country’s retail sector.

The new outlet, situated on Airport Road, was officially opened in a ceremony attended by Benghazi Municipality’s Acting Head, Sager Bujwari.

The French retail giant, which launched its first Libyan venture and 114th global store in Benghazi in January 2023, has yet to establish a presence in Tripoli or western Libya, concentrating its operations in the eastern region.

The expansion comes amid Libya’s evolving retail landscape, despite ongoing challenges. As holder of Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, Libya presents significant commercial potential, particularly in urban centres where consumer purchasing power remains robust.

However, the country’s retail sector continues to navigate obstacles stemming from political division, with separate administrations governing the eastern and western regions.

Géant’s swift expansion in Benghazi, occurring just one year after its market entry, suggests strong consumer demand in eastern Libya.

The move represents a vote of confidence in the region’s commercial prospects, even as the broader retail sector depends heavily on imports from key trading partners including Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE.