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EU4Skills Presents Key Findings from the Evaluation Phase

A meeting was held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Libyan Academy of Graduate Studies in Janzour to present the outcomes and recommendations of the evaluation phase of the EU4Skills project. This phase, carried out in cooperation with the Union of Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED) and in partnership with Libyan universities, aimed to identify and assess the needs of stakeholders. The goal was to ensure the project’s activities align with Libya’s educational and employment priorities. The phase relied on dialogue sessions, meetings, and surveys to reach comprehensive conclusions from all those involved in higher and vocational education and employment sectors in Libya.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Saleh Al-Ghoul, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Mr. Saad Al-Hanish, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade for Economic Affairs; and Mr. Rajab Al-Akashi, Director-General of the National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational and Training Institutions. Also present were Mr. Ali Nasser, Executive Director of the Libyan Industry Union; Mr. Aref Al-Qajiji, Executive Director of the Business Owners Council; Mr. Mohamed Al-Aswad, Deputy Director of Programs at Expertise France, as well as representatives from various Libyan universities, the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education, the Ministry of Labor and Rehabilitation, the Labor Market Authority, and experts from UNIMED and representatives from Expertise France.

Following that, the team from UNIMED presented the outcomes and recommendations from the initial needs assessment phase. The recommendations included general suggestions emphasizing the gap between the labor market and graduates’ skills and the need to enhance employability through curriculum development, practical training improvement, and strengthened partnerships with vocational and industrial training centers. Additionally, a proposal to establish a centralized national database for employment and skills monitoring was discussed.

More detailed recommendations were provided for the project’s three main components: employability, digital transformation, and the green and blue economies.

The meeting concluded with an extensive discussion where participants emphasized the importance of collective efforts to implement the proposed recommendations, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities facing educational, governmental, and private institutions in executing these recommendations.

The European Union funds the EU4Skills project, co-financed by the French government, and implemented by Expertise France, aiming to enhance employment, support digital transformation, and improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises as part of a comprehensive vision to support sustainable economic development in Libya.

Study Tour to Tunisia to Enhance Education-Job Market Alignment

 As part of ongoing efforts to enhance employment opportunities by supporting digital transformation and developing digital skills and curricula in line with labor market demands, a visit was conducted to the leading technology universities Esprit and Sesame in Tunis on March 17 and 18, 2025, as part of the activities of the EU4SKILLS project. The visit included representatives from Libyan universities, relevant ministries, and governmental institutions.

Among the key participants were Mr. Saleh Algoul, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Mr. Ezzeddin Ben Daw, Representative of the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education; Mr. Rajab Ellakashi, Director General of the National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational Institutions; Mr. Agil Mohamed, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Technology in Tripoli; Mr. Abdurraouf Elbibas, Representative of the General Information Authority; Mr. Mohamed Alaswad, Deputy Director of Programs at Expertise France, along with EU4SKILLS project component managers and faculty members from the Universities of Tripoli, Benghazi, Gharyan, and the College of Electrical and Electronic Technology in Benghazi.

The visit aimed to exchange expertise, explore innovative teaching methodologies, and identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership to enhance the alignment of higher education programs with labor market needs in Libya.

The EU4SKILLS project is funded by the European Union, with co-financing from the French government, and is implemented by Expertise France to enhance skills and employability, supporting the private sector in Libya.

Analyzing Financial Sector Skills in Libya within the EU4Skills Assessment Phase

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, a workshop titled “Financial and Banking Sector Skills Analysis in Libya” was held in Tripoli to discuss skill and training gaps in the financial sector, particularly in supporting small and medium enterprises. The workshop also focused on defining the role of the Institute of Banking and Financial Studies in capacity building and developing a shared vision to align education and training with the needs of Libya’s financial market.

The workshop, managed by BDO Jordan, the advisory partner of the EU4Skills project, opened with speeches from key figures, including Ahmed Othman, Director of the Institute of Banking and Financial Studies; Ali Nasser, Head of the Libyan Industry Union; Mohammed Alaswad, Deputy Program Director at Expertise France; and Ayoub Karima, Financial Sector Project Manager at Expertise France.

A comprehensive panel discussion followed, where participants from financial and banking institutions, academia, and the private sector exchanged insights on best practices for financial training development and enhancing partnerships between the academic and banking sectors to ensure the effective qualification of human resources to meet evolving market demands.

It is worth noting that the EU4Skills project is funded by the European Union, with co-financing from the French government, and implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with partners in Libya. The project aims to support employability in the Libyan market, promote digital transformation, improve access to finance, and develop skills in the green and blue economies to ensure sustainable economic development.

Sebha University Hosts the Fourth Dialogue Session in the EU4Skills Project Evaluation Phase

The fourth round of dialogue sessions for the evaluation phase of the EU4Skills project was held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Sebha University, following previous sessions in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Khoms.

These sessions focused on aligning graduates’ skills with labor market demands, with the participation of academics and representatives from both the private and public sectors. The discussions were also honored by the presence of the President of Sebha University, the Expertise France team, and representatives from the Union of Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED).

The sessions were divided into three specialized groups addressing key topics, including employment, aligning education and training with market needs, and the green and blue economies. The discussions concluded with recommendations that will be incorporated into the outputs of the evaluation phase of the EU4Skills project, shaping the project’s future activities.

The EU4Skills project is an initiative funded by the European Union in Libya, with co-funding from the French government, and implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with partners in Libya. The project aims to support employability, enhance digital transformation, improve access to finance, and develop the necessary skills to ensure sustainable economic development.

Continuation of the EU4SKILLS evaluation phase with dialogue sessions at the University of Elmergib

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the third round of dialogue sessions for the evaluation phase of the EU4SKILLS project was held at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Elmergib in the city of Al Khums. These sessions followed the previous ones held at the University of Tripoli and the University of Benghazi.

The discussions focused on enhancing skills and increasing employment opportunities to support the private sector in Libya, with the participation of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as experts in economics, education, and employment. The event was honored by the presence of the President of the University of Elmergib, Professor Dr. Mohammed Inweji Ghmeid, and the Deputy Director of Programs at Expertise France, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Al-Aswad.

The event began with welcoming speeches and an overview of the EU4SKILLS project, highlighting its objectives related to improving the outcomes of higher and technical education and aligning them with labor market demands. This was followed by dividing participants into specialized groups to discuss three key themes: the green and blue economy, employability, and digital skills.

The sessions saw significant engagement from participants, who exchanged insights on possible solutions to bridge skill gaps and enhance the role of educational and training institutions in supporting employment. The discussions concluded with the formulation of recommendations that will be incorporated into the evaluation phase outcomes of the EU4SKILLS project, forming the foundation for future project activities.

It is worth noting that the EU4SKILLS project is funded by the European Union in Libya, with co-funding from the French government. It is implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with partners in Libya and aims to support employability in the Libyan market, enhance digital transformation, improve access to finance, and develop the skills required in the green and blue economy to ensure sustainable economic development.

University of Benghazi hosts a series of dialogue sessions as part of the evaluation phase of the EU4SKILLS project

On Sunday, February 9, 2025, the dialogue sessions for the evaluation phase of the EU4SKILLS project were held at the Research and Consultancy Center of the University of Benghazi. These sessions focused on enhancing skills and increasing employment opportunities to support the private sector in Libya, with the participation of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as experts in economics, education, and employment.

These discussions follow similar sessions previously held at the University of Tripoli, making them the second in a series of dialogues covering various Libyan cities as part of the first evaluation phase of the EU4SKILLS project.

The session was opened with a welcome speech by the Director of the International Cooperation Center at the University of Benghazi and the Director of the Research and Studies Center at the University of Benghazi. The speech outlined the project’s objectives and its role in developing skills that align with the needs of the Libyan labor market.

The event featured three parallel dialogue sessions. The first session explored the role of the green and blue economy in development, the challenges it faces, and the skills required to support it. The second session focused on employability, where participants discussed current employment policies, the barriers facing youth and women, and mechanisms for linking education with the labor market. The third session highlighted digital skills, the state of the digital sector in Libya, and the role of training and public-private cooperation in advancing digital transformation.

After the session, recommendations were presented, which will be used to shape future activities under the EU4SKILLS project. Funded by the European Union and the French government and implemented by Expertise France, the project aims to support graduates’ skills, align them with labor market demands, promote the green and blue economy, and improve access to financing.

Inauguration of Expertise France Office in Tripoli Confirms Commitment to Libya’s Development


On Tuesday 04/02/2025, the opening of the Expertise France office in Libya in Tripoli was celebrated, in the presence of a group of representatives of ministries, governmental and private institutions, the European Union Delegation, the French Embassy in Libya, and the CEO of Expertise France, in addition to the Expertise France team in the Libyan office.

In this regard, Mr.Jeremie Pellet , CEO of Expertise France, expressed the importance of inaugurating this office in Tripoli, noting that this step reflects the commitment of Expertise France to strengthening cooperation and strategic partnerships with Libya, especially in the areas of sustainable development, and achieving positive change in various vital sectors.

The opening of Expertise France’s office in Libya will represent an important step in supporting current projects in Libya, which include several areas, including economic support, employment, education, health, governance, and digitization, and aim to enhance institutional capacities to achieve their goals to achieve real and sustainable change.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expertise France Extend Their Cooperation Agreement

On Tuesday 02/04/2025, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Expertise France renewed their Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Mr. Abu Bakr Al-Tawil, Director of the European Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Mohammed Al-Suweed, Senior Advisor at the International Cooperation Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Siraj Al-Hajji from the General Administration of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. From the French Embassy, ​​Mr. Mustafa Maharaj, Ambassador of France to Libya, Mr. Jean-Bernard Bolvin, Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, from Expertise France, Mr. Jeremie Pellet, Chief Executive Director of Expertise France, Mr. Stéphan Orivel Country Director of Expertise France in Tunisia and Libya, and representatives of Expertise France and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This renewal confirms the commitment of both parties to the cooperation agreement signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Expertise France on 10/26/2021, which aims to enhance cooperation in various fields that contribute to achieving sustainable development in Libya. It also ensures coordination of efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation by implementing programs and providing technical support in the best possible way to ensure the implementation of projects in line with national priorities.

This renewal represents an important step towards the continuity of joint work and concerted efforts by both parties to cooperate in the development and economic fields. It reflects the commitment of both parties to open new horizons for effective partnership in a way that serves the national interest, contributes to supporting the economy and digitization, enhances sustainable development, and creates new opportunities that benefit Libyan society.

The Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies hosts dialogue sessions “Aligning Graduate Skills with Labor Market Needs”.

On Monday, 2025/1/27, the Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies hosted dialogue sessions titled “Aligning Graduate Skills with Labor Market Needs” as part of the first phase of the EU4SKILLS project.

The first phase of the project, implemented in collaboration with the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED), aims to identify and assess stakeholder needs to guide the implementation of the remaining project activities in line with the priorities that will be determined.

The sessions witnessed broad participation from Libyan universities, technical colleges, government institutions, and business professionals. They began with a series of opening remarks emphasizing the importance of developing skills within higher education to prepare graduates to meet labor market demands.

Speeches were delivered by Mr. Mohamed Aywaz, Acting President of the Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies; Mr. Saleh Alghoul, Deputy Minister of Higher Education; Mr. Saad Alhanish, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade; Mr. Altaher Bin Taher, Deputy Minister of Technical and Vocational Education; Mr. Rajab Alakashi, General Director of The National Center for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Educational and Training Institutions; Mr. Mohamed Alaswad, Deputy Program Director at Expertise France; and finally, Mr. Marcello Scalisi, Director of the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED).

These dialogue sessions, followed by a series of similar sessions in different cities, represent the first step toward enhancing the alignment of educational outcomes with labor market needs. This is one of the core objectives of the EU4SKILLS project, which is funded by the European Union and co-financed by the French Government and implemented by Expertise France. The project also aims to promote the use of digital technology in economic activities, develop applications related to the green and blue economies, and improve the performance of banking and financial institutions to enable small and medium enterprises and investors to access financing.

“Junior Enterprise” Members from Libyan Universities Visit Tunisia to Exchange Knowledge

Members of Junior Enterprise (student-led companies) from Tripoli and Benghazi Universities recently visited the Tunisian capital, Tunis, at the end of October. This visit aimed to strengthen and unify student initiatives among Libyan universities.

The visit included various workshops and meetings with representatives from Junior Enterprise Tunisia, where discussions were held to assess the needs of Junior Enterprises in Libya. The goal was to support them in meeting the requirements set by Junior Enterprise Global, facilitating the establishment of “Junior Enterprise Libya” to unite this initiative nationally.

Junior Enterprise is an initiative established with support from France Expertise to encourage students at several Libyan universities to establish and manage their own non-profit organizations. This initiative enables students to form partnerships with private companies and sectors, offering their services and enhancing their entrepreneurial skills, while also providing practical experience to prepare them for the job market after graduation.

The initiative is funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government and implemented by France Expertise under the EU4SKILLS project, which aims to support skills development and employment governance in Libya.