Libya–Africa corridors project moves closer to implementation

Libya has taken a further step towards advancing one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects, as senior officials met in the capital to refine plans for a network of transit corridors linking the country to sub-Saharan Africa.

The High Committee for the Libya–Africa Transit Corridors Project held its second meeting of the year on Thursday at the headquarters of the Libya Africa Investment Portfolio in Tripoli, as efforts continue to move the initiative from planning towards implementation.

According to a statement reviewed by Libyan Express, the committee’s Vice Chairman and Chairman of the portfolio, Mustafa Abufanas, briefed members on the outcome of recent talks with Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba, who reaffirmed the government’s support for the project.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for closer coordination between state institutions, underlining that alignment across relevant bodies will be essential to ensure effective delivery.

The committee reviewed an updated feasibility study prepared by a US consultancy, incorporating technical observations agreed during its previous meeting. The study is expected to guide the next phase of the project.

Discussions also focused on financing and governance arrangements. Among the proposals under consideration is the establishment of a holding joint-stock company responsible for contracting, as well as overseeing the project’s operation and management. Officials say this structure could help streamline implementation and strengthen oversight.

Members further examined how to build on growing interest from regional and international stakeholders, with the aim of progressing the project on clear technical and institutional foundations.

The initiative forms part of a broader investment portfolio led by the Libya Africa Investment Portfolio across Libya, Africa and Europe, covering transport, energy, telecommunications and logistics.

Regional context

The renewed focus on the project comes amid increasing interest across Africa in cross-border transport corridors linking North Africa with the Sahel and beyond.

Libyan economic analyst Sami Radwan said Tunisia’s recent announcement of plans to establish a land corridor towards Sahel countries via Libya reflects a wider shift in regional priorities.

“These projects are no longer a secondary option,” he told Ean Libya. “They have become an economic and strategic necessity shaped by evolving regional dynamics.”

Radwan said Libya already has a comprehensive national framework through the “Transit Routes” project, developed by the Libya Africa Investment Portfolio in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and other government bodies. He described it as a credible platform for future regional partnerships.

He added that the project is among the most advanced initiatives on the continent, supported by a feasibility study conducted by a specialised US firm that highlights its economic and strategic importance, particularly in strengthening domestic connectivity, expanding the logistics sector and facilitating cross-border trade.

According to Radwan, the project’s integrated design sets it apart from conventional corridor initiatives. It combines road networks, railway lines, oil and gas transport routes, as well as telecommunications and energy infrastructure, forming a comprehensive logistics system.

The planned routes are expected to extend from Misurata and Benghazi towards Niger, Chad and Sudan, with further links reaching Nigeria, positioning Libya at the centre of continental connectivity.

Radwan stressed that the current phase requires clear prioritisation, noting that the national project is best placed to represent Libya within any future regional integration framework.

He also pointed to growing engagement with African institutions, including the African Union Commission, and the project’s inclusion within the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

He said the initiative represents a significant opportunity to translate Libya’s geographic position into tangible economic influence, reinforcing its potential role as a logistics hub linking the Mediterranean with the African hinterland.