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anwaar - EU4Skills

Author: anwaar

Celebrating Innovation at the final ceremony of the Skills & Solutions Hackathon

After days of preparation and planning, the long-awaited day arrived: a day of competition, presentations, and celebrating the efforts of the participating teams from across Libya, all striving for the top ranks in the Skills & Solutions Hackathon.

The participating teams and their innovative ideas shined during the closing ceremony hosted by the University of Tripoli, in the presence of high-level representatives from public and private institutions, along with a delegation from the European Union and the French Embassy.

The ceremony opened with speeches emphasizing the importance of such events in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and in supporting impactful community-driven solutions that contribute to Libya’s economic development. The opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Khaled Ghouma, Vice President of the University of Tripoli for Academic Affairs, followed by H.E. Mr. Mohamed Al-Hweij, Minister of Economy and Trade.

Valuable remarks were also delivered by Mr. Mohamed Suweed, Senior Advisor at the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Marton Benedek, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, who were accompanied by Mr. Stergios Tragoudas, Program Manager for Private Sector Support and Higher Education at the EU Delegation in Libya.

A motivating speech was then delivered by Mr. Jean-Pierre Bat, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of France in Libya, who attended alongside Mr. Frédéric Vincent, Cultural Cooperation Attaché at the Embassy.

Further remarks were shared by Mr. Maxime Bost, Program Director at Expertise France, and H.E. Mr. Saleh Al-Ghoul, Deputy Minister of Education and Scientific Research, closing the speeches with a message that reflected strong collaboration and international support for innovation in Libya.

After the judging committee, composed of leading experts and specialists, reviewed the projects based on creativity, impact, and feasibility, the winning teams were announced and honored. Universities with the highest number of participating teams were also recognized. The event concluded on an inspiring note with remarks from Mr. Husni Bey, CEO of HB Group and one of the event sponsors; H.E. Mr. Nouri Al-Gattati, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade; Mr. Ali Nasser, Director of the Libyan Union of Industries; and Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Al-Aswad, Deputy Program Director at Expertise France.

This hackathon is part of the activities of the EU4SKILLS project, funded by the European Union and co-funded by the French Government. The project is carried out by Expertise France to enhance skills and improve employment opportunities in Libya.

Workshop in Tunis to Launch the Development of the National Framework for Enhancing Graduate Employability

A workshop was held in Tunis on 24–25 October 2025 to develop and formulate the key components of the National Framework for Enhancing Graduate Employability, with the honorable presence of Dr. Saleh Alghoul, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The event brought together representatives from several educational institutions and ministries, including the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education, the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, as well as several Libyan universities, the Libyan Industry Union, and the Libyan Businessmen Council, alongside the Expertise France team.

The workshop represents a pivotal step toward building a unified national vision to enhance employment opportunities for Libyan youth by developing a strategy that aims to improve the competencies of higher education and vocational training students and align education with labour market needs.

During the sessions, led by Dr. Mohamed Azaiz, an expert in national strategy formulation, participants discussed a range of themes related to defining the future vision for improving employability in Libya and developing the vision, mission, and core values that will form the foundation of the strategy. The discussions also focused on identifying practical priorities to ensure that national directions are aligned with the requirements of both local and international labour markets.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants agreed on a practical roadmap to continue developing the framework and strengthening cooperation between ministries, universities, and partner institutions to establish the implementation foundations for this important national initiative aimed at empowering Libyan youth and opening new pathways for sustainable employment.

This workshop falls within the activities of the EU4SKILLS project, an initiative funded by the European Union in Libya, in partnership with the French government, and implemented by Expertise France , to enhance employment governance in Libya, supporting digital transformation, building a diversified and sustainable economy, and promoting financial inclusion.

From Vision to Execution: A Workshop to Advance Financial Inclusion in Libya


A workshop was held in Tripoli on 20 and 21 October 2025, dedicated to enhancing the shared understanding of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2025–2029, launched by the Central Bank of Libya.

The workshop brought together members of the technical teams responsible for implementing the strategy, with the aim of clarifying key concepts, defining roles and responsibilities among the teams, and focusing on the National Financial Literacy strategy 2025–2029.

The workshop opened with remarks from Mr. Haitham Alabeidi, Head of the High Committee for the Financial Inclusion Strategy; Mr. Stergios Tragoudas, Head of Private Sector and Higher Education Programs at the EU Delegation to Libya; Mr. Maxime Bost, Programs Director at Expertise France; his Deputy, Mr. Mohamed Alaswad; and Mr. Ayoub Kraima, Chief of the fourth Component of the EU4SKILLS Project.

Interactive working sessions followed, featuring Mr. Nabil Kesraoui, Financial Inclusion and Sustainability Expert, who covered the fundamental concepts of financial inclusion and its importance, along with a review of several international and regional models for implementing similar strategies, most notably the Tunisian experience. Mr Nabil also contributed with an interactive session discussing Financial literacy and education, and the feasibility of applying it in the Libyan context.

Project management and Strategy expert Mr.Mohamed Al-Shebani presented an interactive session on the methodology for managing national projects and the mechanisms for optimal implementation of the strategy.

The workshop also included a presentation of a proposal for a national financial inclusion awareness campaign prepared by the communication team at Expertise France .

At the end of the workshop, participants agreed on a practical roadmap for the next phase, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Central Bank of Libya and partner financial institutions, ensuring the effective implementation of the national strategy for financial inclusion, a key step toward a more inclusive and sustainable economy in Libya.

This workshop was held within the framework of the fourth Component of the EU4SKILLS project, which supports skills development in the financial sector. The project is funded by the European Union, in partnership with the French government, and implemented by Expertise France to enhance employability, build capacities, support digital transformation, and promote sustainable economic development in Libya.

Meeting at the Libyan Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies to Discuss Cooperation and Partnership

A meeting was held in Tripoli on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at the Libyan Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies, dedicated to discussing the center’s activities, training and capacity-building needs, and opportunities of cooperation with the Third Component of the EU4SKILLS project, which focuses on developing capacities in renewable energy and in the green and blue economy sectors.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Yousef Al-Naas, Director of the Libyan Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies, and attended by Eng. Mohamed Ltaif, Director of Research Affairs, Dr. Majed Alghareeb, Head of the Training Office, along with several engineers, experts, and faculty members. From Expertise France, the meeting was attended by Mr. Mohamed Alaswad, Deputy Director of Programs, Ms. Yousra Ben Naji, Chief of the third Component in EU4skills, and the project’s coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Araibi.

Discussions covered the center’s main research and training initiatives and its future plans, with a focus on enhancing research and technical capacities and benefiting from similar regional and international experiences to support knowledge transfer and national efforts toward a sustainable energy transition.

This collaboration falls within the activities of the EU4SKILLS project, an initiative funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government, and implemented by Expertise France, with the aim of enhancing skills, building capacities, supporting digital transformation, and contributing to sustainable economic development in Libya.

Meeting at the Community Sustainability Office of the University of Tripoli to Explore Cooperation with EU4SKILLS

A meeting was held at the University of Tripoli on Sunday, 19 October 2025, dedicated to discussing the activities and needs of the Center for Community Development at the university and exploring opportunities for cooperation with Component Three of the EU4SKILLS project, which focuses on capacity building in the fields of green and blue economy.

The meeting discussed the center’s key current initiatives and future plans in the field of sustainability. It brought together members of the Center for Community Development at the University of Tripoli, headed by Mr. Adel Dhiaf, Director of the Center, along with team members Ms. Nasreen Abd Al-Nabi and Ms. Sajida Salhab, and the Expertise France team, led by Mr. Mohamed Al-Aswad, Deputy Director of Programs, Ms. Yosra Ben Naji, Chief of the project’s third component, Mr. Mohamed Aribi, Project coordinator, and the agency’s communication and media team, Ms. Sarah Belamin and Ms. Anwaar Al-Jurnazi.

Discussions focused on identifying the center’s needs in capacity building, attracting talented students and academics to form a dynamic task force, and benefiting from similar regional and international experiences to facilitate knowledge transfer and strengthen the office’s role as a leading initiative within the university that promotes environmental awareness and sustainable community development.

This collaboration falls within the activities of the EU4SKILLS project, an initiative funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government and implemented by Expertise France and its Libyan partners, aimed at enhancing skills, supporting digitization and employment governance, and advancing the transition towards a more sustainable economy in Libya.

Workshop on Establishing the Regulatory Framework for Alumni and Career Guidance Offices under the First Component of EU4SKILLS



A workshop on the regulatory framework and structure of Alumni and Career Guidance Offices was held in Tunis on 29–30 September 2025, with the participation of representatives from the Ministries of Higher Education, Technical and Vocational Education, Labor, and Rehabilitation, along with several Libyan universities and the Expertise France team.

Over two days, the workshop served as a platform for consultation and knowledge exchange with an expert in graduate training centers on the concept of Alumni and Career Guidance Offices and their pivotal role in enhancing graduates’ employability and linking educational institutions with the labor market. The sessions also showcased leading regional and international experiences in this field, particularly the (4Cs) Alumni Offices model in Tunisia, offering participants the opportunity to learn from successful practices and adapt them to the Libyan context.

Discussions focused on the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as the services these offices could offer, including career guidance, alumni networking, and fostering connections with the labor market.
By the end of the workshop, participants developed a practical roadmap outlining priorities and steps needed to initiate the establishment of these offices within Libyan universities and technical institutes, contributing to youth empowerment and supporting their career pathways.

It is worth noting that this workshop is part of the activities of the first component of the EU4SKILLS project, an initiative funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government and implemented by Expertise France. The project aims to strengthen employment governance in Libya, foster a more diverse and sustainable economy, and support financial inclusion.

Registration Opens for the Skills and Solutions Hackathon, under the support of the Ministry of Economy and Trade

On Monday, September 29, 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Trade in Tripoli hosted the launch ceremony and opening of registration for the Skills and Solutions Hackathon 2025.

The event was attended by H.E. Minister of Economy and Trade, Mr. Mohamed Alhweij, along with Deputy Ministers Mr. Suhail Bosheha, Mr. Nouri Algatati, and Mr.Saad Hnish, along with a distinguished gathering of CEOs, department directors, and representatives of relevant national institutions from both the public and private sector and Directors of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centers of Libyan universities.

The event reaffirmed the Ministry’s leading role in supporting innovative initiatives and strengthening the position of Libyan youth as a driving force for positive change and sustainable development.

The hackathon is organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Trade and implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network – Libya, as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week. It brings together university students and recent graduates from across Libya in a creative and competitive environment, aiming to develop innovative digital and technological solutions that address key national challenges in the areas of employment, green and blue economy, and financial inclusion.

This hackathon is organized within the framework of the EU4SKILLS project, funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government, and implemented by Expertise France in cooperation with Libyan institutions. Its competition tracks reflect the project’s priorities and objectives: enhancing employment, supporting digitalization and the green and blue economy, and facilitating access to finance.

IBFTS Study Tour to the Egyptian Banking Institute: Advancing Training and Institutional Development

A study tour to the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI) in Cairo was organized on 23 and 24 September 2025, with the participation of a team from the Libyan Institute of Banking and Financial Training and Studies (IBFTS).

The visit marked an important milestone for exchanging expertise and building bridges of cooperation between the two institutions in the fields of training and institutional development. The program included presentations and discussions on the experience of the Egyptian Banking Institute and its successful practices, alongside a presentation from IBFTS on its current journey and challenges. This created an opportunity to identify institutional development priorities and capacity-building needs.

Dedicated sessions were also held to discuss the upcoming strategic directions of IBFTS and to align on the outline of the 2026 training plan, further reinforcing its role as a pivotal institution in developing the capacities of the Libyan banking workforce.

This study tour is part of the EU4SKILLS project, funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government and implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with Libyan institutions. The project aims to support employment governance and strengthen the role of Libyan institutions in contributing to a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable economy.

Expertise France Libya Bids Farewell to French Ambassador Mostafa Mihraje

The team of Expertise France – Libya Office organized a farewell ceremony on Monday, August 25, 2025, in honor of H.E. Mr. Mostafa Mihraje, Ambassador of the French Republic to Libya, on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission. Throughout his tenure, the Ambassador was a model of support and constructive cooperation, and a strong advocate for technical collaboration, contributing to the advancement of development efforts in Libya.


The ceremony was attended by representatives from various public and private sectors in Libya, who expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to the Ambassador for his great efforts and remarkable contributions, wishing him success in his future endeavors.

EU4SKILLS Workshop Focuses on Strengthening Quality Assurance of Libyan Fishery Products for Global Markets

As part of efforts to support employability and enhance job opportunities within Libya’s blue economy, a specialized workshop was held today, Sunday, August 10, 2025, to explore ways to strengthen the capacities of Libyan professionals in the field of conformity certification and quality assurance of fishery products to boost Libya’s marine exports and contribute to diversifying the national economy.

The workshop was held in the presence of H.E. Mr. Saad Alhnaish, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade for Economic Affairs, and Mr. Ali Bin Zaytoun, Director General of The Libyan National Centre for Standardization and Metrology, as well as representatives from several ministries, institutions, regulatory and research bodies, and the private sector. The workshop included a presentation of the proposal submitted by the National Center for Standards and Metrology entitled The General Framework for the Initiative to Grant Certificates of Conformity and Ensure the Quality of Libyan Fishery Products.” This proposal represents a significant step toward enhancing the reliability of these products in international markets, protecting consumers, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks for future generations.

A productive closing discussion followed, addressing the challenges and opportunities related to improving product quality and strengthening export readiness, along with identifying capacity-building priorities necessary to achieve these goals.

This workshop is part of the EU4SKILLS project, funded by the European Union, co-financed by the French government, and implemented in Libya by Expertise France in cooperation with local partners. The project aims to promote the blue and green economy, align education and training with labor market needs, develop digital skills, and improve access to finance,all contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable economic development.