Author: sarah

Workshop on developing financial and accounting education and linking it to the labor market

Written by sarah on July 14, 2026. Posted in News, Workshops. No Comments on Workshop on developing financial and accounting education and linking it to the labor market

On Monday, July 13, 2026, the National Economic and Social Development Board hosted a workshop on developing financial and accounting education and linking it to labor market needs. The workshop brought together a select group of representatives from ministries and national institutions in the financial and banking sectors, along with academics, experts, and specialists in the fields of finance, education, and accounting.

This workshop was organized in cooperation with National Economic and Social Development Board and the National Program for the Development of the Accounting Profession, and implemented by Expertise France, as part of the EU4Skills project. Funded by the European Union and co-financed by the French government, the project aims to enhance the alignment of education and training outcomes with labor market needs, thereby contributing to skills development and increased employment opportunities.

The workshop opened with a speech by Dr. Mahmoud Al-Futaisi, Chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Board, who emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and economic development stakeholders to ensure the preparation of qualified national personnel capable of meeting the evolving demands of the labor market. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Saleh Al-Ghul, Deputy Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Awad, Head of the National Program for the Development of the Accounting Profession; and Dr. Nouri Al-Qattati, Deputy Ministry of Economy and Trade for Free Zones Affairs.

The workshop included a presentation on the EU4Skills and Invest4Libya projects and their objectives in supporting the development of the education and training system in Libya and bolstering the financial and accounting sector by enhancing the alignment of educational programs with labor market needs.

Participants also took part in two panel discussions that addressed the current state of financial and accounting education in Libya, the challenges of aligning its outcomes with labor market demands, and ways to develop curricula, modernize teaching methods, and enhance practical training.

The workshop concluded with a closing session during which the most prominent points raised during the discussions were reviewed, the outputs were summarized, and a set of initial recommendations was formulated that will contribute to supporting efforts to develop financial and accounting education and enhance its connection to the needs of the labor market, in order to support building qualified national competencies capable of keeping pace with the requirements of economic development in Libya.

From Learning to Earning: Presentation of National Framework for Enhancing Graduates Employability in Libya

Written by sarah on June 22, 2026. Posted in News. No Comments on From Learning to Earning: Presentation of National Framework for Enhancing Graduates Employability in Libya

Tripoli, Libya – June 22, 2026 – The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, together with the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education, Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, the European Union, and Expertise France, officially announced the completion of the National Framework for Enhancing Graduates’ Employability in Libya, establishing a unified national reference to address the persistent challenge of translating education outcomes into sustainable employment.

The Framework provides a results-based structure to guide policy reform, institutional coordination, and implementation mechanisms designed to accelerate professional integration and support Libya’s broader economic diversification and national development priorities.

“A skilled and employable workforce is the foundation of a resilient and diversified economy. This framework is a strategic step toward aligning education outcomes with market needs, enabling Libya to unlock its economic potential and support sustainable growth.” Said H.E Dr.Suhail Abu Shiha, The Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade.

The validation marks a major milestone in Libya’s efforts to address structural graduate unemployment, labour market absorption challenges, and the long-standing mismatch between education outputs and economic demand. It reflects a high-level national commitment to positioning employability as a core function of both higher education and vocational education systems.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Edbeb, Minister of Higher Education in Libya, said: “By aligning our academic output with the needs of the labor market, we aim to enhance the readiness of our graduates and enable them to acquire the competencies and skills that support their professional success and their contribution to building the national economy.”

The Framework was developed through a collaborative process led by a team from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education and the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation with the support of international partners under the EU4Skills project, funded by the European Union, with a contribution from the French Government, and implemented by Expertise France. The development process brought together public institutions, education leaders, private sector representatives, and technical experts, ensuring national ownership and broad-based participation from all Libyan regions. The Framework also draws on international expertise and comparative case studies while being adapted to Libya’s institutional and economic context.

“What we need today is to work together on solutions and implementation, not just discuss the challenges,” stated, H.E Dr. Abdul Qader Ghaniya, Deputy Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education in Libya “Our responsibility today is not only to develop a good national framework, but also to ensure that it is transformed into a practical program with clear objectives and defined responsibilities capable of making a tangible impact on the lives of young people.”

The Framework is structured around four strategic goals that apply across both higher education and vocational pathways:

Developing competitive competencies aligned with modern labour market needs;
Expanding and diversifying employability pathways, with a focus on stronger private sector engagement;
Promoting entrepreneurship, self-employment, and innovation within educational institutions;
Generating sustainable societal and economic impact through improved education outcomes.

By modernizing curricula, expanding internships, and launching career guidance services, this initiative introduces practical tools to bridge the gap between ‘learning and earning.’ Through data-driven tracking and regulatory reforms, Libya is building a more responsive education system that adapts to the evolving needs of the job market

H.E. Mr. Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union to Libya, stated: “The European Union is proud to support Libya in advancing systemic reform that places youth employability at the centre of economic development. This Framework reflects a strong national commitment to evidence-based reform and institutional coordination. By strengthening alignment between education and labour market needs, Libya is investing in its most valuable asset: its young people.”

“At Expertise France, we believe that sustainability is built through institutional ownership,” said Mr. Maxime Bost, Programs Director of Expertise France in Libya. “This framework is not a standalone project but is designed to be anchored within Libya’s existing governance structures to ensure it evolves alongside the country’s economic needs to support employability and create great opportunities for young people.”

The Framework’s implementation follows a strategic roadmap, starting with foundational reforms and institutional capacity-building before scaling these initiatives across all Libyan regions. Designed for long-term sustainability, the strategy links classrooms to the national economy. Ultimately, this validation represents a unified national pledge to transform academic degrees into meaningful careers, equipping Libyan graduates to excel in a global market and driving the nation’s transition toward a resilient, knowledge-based economy.

Concluding the EU4Skills Study Tour to Italy: Strengthening Graduate Employability and Educational Institutional Governance in Libya

Written by sarah on June 1, 2026. Posted in Workshops. No Comments on Concluding the EU4Skills Study Tour to Italy: Strengthening Graduate Employability and Educational Institutional Governance in Libya

On May 22, 2026, a week-long study tour to Italy concluded. The tour included the participation of a high-level Libyan delegation bringing together representatives from several Libyan national institutions, as well as the private sector, in support of operationalizing the national framework aimed at enhancing graduate employability in Libya.

The delegation was headed by H.E. Dr. Salah Elghoul, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, alongside Mr. Anas Bakkar from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The delegation also included members of the National Committee that contributed to the development of the national employability framework, with representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education and Training , universities and technical colleges, the Libyan Businessowners Council, and the Scientific Research Authority.
The visit aimed to explore the Italian experience in education and employability governance, graduate tracking systems, career guidance, and strengthening cooperation between universities and the private sector, in addition to supporting entrepreneurship and digital transformation. This will contribute to knowledge exchange and the development of practical mechanisms to better align education outcomes with labor market needs in Libya.

The tour’s agenda featured a series of high-level institutional visits in Rome and Turin. The meetings commenced with a visit to the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) to review higher education governance, followed by sessions with the National Research Council (CNR) and the National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes (ANVUR) to examine performance evaluation metrics and academic-industry partnerships. The delegation also visited the National Institute for Public Policy Analysis (INAPP) to exchange expertise on education and vocational training systems, and held a meeting with the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce to discuss mutual cooperation opportunities, in addition to visiting the AlmaLaurea consortium to learn about best practices in graduate tracking and support.

This visit was organized as part of the EU4Skills project, an initiative funded by the European Union with a financial contribution from the French Government, implemented by Expertise France in partnership with Libyan stakeholders. The project aims to develop skills and improve employment opportunities in Libya through support to higher, technical, and vocational education, digital transformation, the green and blue economies, and financial inclusion.

Libyan Academic Delegation Explores Green and Blue Economy Partnerships in Italy

Written by sarah on April 30, 2026. Posted in Article, News. No Comments on Libyan Academic Delegation Explores Green and Blue Economy Partnerships in Italy

As part of efforts to support skills development and capacity building in the green and blue economy sectors, and to strengthen international academic cooperation, a study tour to Italy was organized for participants from various Libyan academic institutions from April 19th to April 24th 2026.

The participants included representatives from several universities and technical colleges, including the University of Tripoli, the University of Benghazi, the University of Zawia, and Wadi Al-Shati University, in addition to specialized colleges in energy and industrial technologies, including the Misrata Industrial Technical College, the Tajoura Renewable Energy College, and the Jikharra Energy Technologies College. The visit aimed to explore successful international experiences and identify opportunities for academic collaboration.

The visit included a number of leading Italian universities, namely Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Torino, and Politecnico di Milano. These institutions were selected for their excellence in engineering, renewable energy, and sustainability, as well as their experience in international cooperation and hosting academic participants.

The tour featured visits to research laboratories, presentations on academic programs in energy and engineering, and discussion sessions with representatives of the host universities to explore opportunities for future cooperation and exchange of expertise.

It is worth noting that the EU4Skills project is funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government and implemented by Expertise France in Libya. The project aims to support technical and higher education in Libya and enhance skills in line with labor market needs.

This study tour will contribute to building sustainable partnerships between Libyan educational institutions and their international counterparts, enhancing the quality of education and training, and supporting the development of national capacities.

From Foundations to Transformation: Supporting IBTFS’s Capabilities for the Future of Libya’s Financial Sector

Written by sarah on April 15, 2026. Posted in Article. No Comments on From Foundations to Transformation: Supporting IBTFS’s Capabilities for the Future of Libya’s Financial Sector

Strengthening skills in Libya’s financial sector is not only a technical priority—it is a structural necessity. As part of the EU-funded EU4Skills program, Component 4 focuses on reinforcing the capacities of key financial sector actors to improve SME financial inclusion and employability. At the heart of this effort lies the Libyan Institute of Banking, Training and Financial Studies (IBTFS), the country’s primary institution for banking sector training.

However, one key lesson emerged early: improving training outcomes requires more than delivering courses—it requires strengthening the institution itself.

Building the Foundations

Phase One of the IBTFS institutional strengthening program was designed as a foundational stage to address the core structural and operational gaps that were limiting the Institute’s effectiveness. First, the focus was on institutional foundations. This included a comprehensive review of IBTFS’s organizational structure, clarification of roles and responsibilities, and a full competency assessment of staff across its branches.

The objective was clear: ensure that the Institute is equipped internally with the right structure and capabilities to deliver on its mandate. Second, the program established systems and processes that did not previously exist in a structured form. A competency-based framework for annual training planning was introduced, alongside clear procedures for evaluating trainers and approving training materials.

In parallel, a comprehensive quality assurance system was developed, including feedback tools, performance indicators, and monitoring mechanisms. Together, these elements ensure that training is no longer supply-driven, but aligned with the evolving needs of the financial sector. Third, and most critically, the program focused on internal ownership and sustainability. The establishment of an internal IBTFS Task Force created a dedicated team responsible for coordinating reforms, ensuring follow-up, and embedding new practices within the institution. This was not a parallel structure, but an internal engine for change—ensuring that progress continues beyond the life of the project.

The Value of Strategic Partnerships

A key success factor in this phase has been the partnership with the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI), a leading regional institution with extensive experience in banking sector training and accreditation.This collaboration reflects a deliberate approach: leveraging peer institutions that understand the regional context while bringing international standards and proven methodologies. Rather than introducing external models in isolation, the project facilitated a structured transfer of knowledge, tools, and practices that are both practical and adaptable to Libya’s environment.

Enabling the Next Phase

With these foundations in place, the program is now positioned to move into Phase Two, where the focus shifts from institutional setup to delivery and impact.
The systems developed during Phase One will enable IBTFS to:

Design and deliver specialized training programs in areas such as SME banking, digital finance, and green finance
Launch and institutionalize a national Training of Trainers (ToT) program
Expand into e-learning and digital training delivery.
Strengthen partnerships and move toward international accreditation.

These next steps are not standalone activities. They are a direct continuation of the systems, structures, and capacities established during the first phase.

Looking Ahead

Phase One demonstrated a critical principle: Effective training starts with strong institutions.
By investing in IBTFS’s internal capacity—its structure, systems, and people—the EU4Skills program is not only improving training delivery, but contributing to a more resilient and responsive financial ecosystem in Libya.

As the program moves forward, the focus will increasingly shift toward tangible outcomes in the banking sector. But these outcomes will be built on a solid foundation—one that ensures training is relevant, scalable, and aligned with the real needs of Libya’s financial sector and its future growth.

“Qudurat” Platform: A New Step Toward Strengthening Digital Skills and Linking Them to the Labor Market in Libya

Written by sarah on April 14, 2026. Posted in News. No Comments on “Qudurat” Platform: A New Step Toward Strengthening Digital Skills and Linking Them to the Labor Market in Libya

The Libyan Innovation Digital Lab continues to advance the development of its digital skills assessment platform, which has now reached its final stages. The platform is set to be officially launched during this year under the name “Qudurat.”

This achievement is the result of months of dedicated work, as well as the guidance and insights gained through a series of workshops attended by the Digital Lab members to support the platform’s development. The most recent workshop took place on February 7–8, 2026, with the participation of international experts specializing in digital project management, digital law, and open data. These sessions focused on designing a competency-based assessment framework, adapting content to the needs of the Libyan labor market, and ensuring the involvement of universities and faculty members in developing the platform’s content.

The platform is designed to empower both individuals and institutions across Libya to assess, develop, and strengthen their digital competencies, thereby improving their employability and ability to thrive in an increasingly digital job market. In parallel, it will generate reliable and data-driven digital indicators, enabling a deeper understanding of digital skill levels at the national scale. By leveraging international best practices and building on the proven experience of comparable initiatives—most notably France’s PIX platform—the Qudurat platform aims to support informed decision-making and contribute to the country’s broader digital transformation efforts.

“Qudurat” is part of the activities of the EU4SKILLS project, funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government in Libya and implemented by Expertise France. The project seeks to support digital transformation in Libya, strengthen digital skills, and align education with labor market needs, contributing to the preparation of a workforce capable of adapting to future economic and technological changes.

The “Qudurat” platform will open new horizons for individuals and institutions to effectively and objectively track the growth of digital skills, while promoting a culture of continuous learning and competitiveness in the digital labor market.

From Vision to Action: National Framework for Graduate Employability Enters Final Stages for May 2026 Validation

Written by sarah on April 9, 2026. Posted in News. No Comments on From Vision to Action: National Framework for Graduate Employability Enters Final Stages for May 2026 Validation

Following a series of intensive consultations and technical breakthroughs, the EU4Skills project is proud to announce that the National Framework for Enhancing Graduate Employability is nearing completion. This comprehensive strategy, built on months of collaborative effort between Libyan ministries, the labour market, and international experts, is set for final validation and official rollout in May 2026.

The upcoming launch marks a definitive transition from the “Design and Consultative Phase” to the “Implementation Phase,” where the framework’s strategies will begin transforming the landscape of higher, technical, and vocational education across the nation.

Shaping the Framework Through Evidence and Collaboration

The development of the framework has been guided by a comprehensive and inclusive process, combining research, data analysis, and broad stakeholder consultations. This approach brought together public and private institutions from the labour, educational and training sectors to build a shared understanding of Libya’s employability landscape. It highlighted critical structural challenges, particularly the mismatch between education outcomes and labour market needs, as well as the need to strengthen connections between training systems and economic opportunities.

Building on this foundation, the framework has been progressively refined through continuous dialogue and technical engagement, ensuring alignment with national priorities and labour market realities. The process helped identify priority sectors and practical pathways to enhance employability, including strengthening governance mechanisms, promoting work-based learning, and improving the transition from education to employment. By fostering collaboration and shared ownership among stakeholders, the framework reflects a collective vision and provides a coherent, actionable basis for its upcoming implementation phase.

Moving Toward Implementation

The validation meeting scheduled for May 2026 will serve as a high-level assembly, bringing together officials from the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education, and the Ministry of Higher Education, alongside the European Union Delegation and Expertise France team.

By unifying the efforts of educational institutions and the private sector, EU4Skills aims to reduce unemployment and support a resilient, digitally-driven economy.

As May validation approaches, the dedicated framework team continues to refine the strategic roadmap. This ensures that when the implementation phase begins, all partners, from government bodies to local educators, are fully equipped with the tools, regulations, and strategic vision required to drive sustainable success for Libya’s graduates.

Meeting with labor market representatives to discuss and approve the national framework for enhancing graduates’ employability

EU Launches Invest4Libya to Strengthen Public Finance and Drive Digital and Green Investment in Libya

Written by sarah on February 9, 2026. Posted in News. No Comments on EU Launches Invest4Libya to Strengthen Public Finance and Drive Digital and Green Investment in Libya

Tripoli, Libya – February 9, 2026 – The Ministry of Finance, the Delegation of the European Union to Libya, the Embassy of France in Libya, and Expertise France officially inaugurated the Invest4Libya project today. An initiative designed to strengthen Libya’s financial governance, improve its investment climate, and boost the performance and inclusiveness of the country’s MSME and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The project adopts a holistic approach to support efficient and transparent public financial management, modernize financial markets, and stimulate private sector growth, particularly in green and digital entrepreneurship, laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic recovery in Libya.

“Invest4Libya represents an important step in advancing public financial management and strengthening Libya’s economic foundations,” said H.E. Dr. Khaled Almbarouk, Minister of Finance. “By improving transparency and supporting private sector development, this initiative aligns with our national priorities. We value our partnership with the EU and look forward to the positive outcomes this collaboration will bring.”

Invest4Libya stands as a key milestone of the EU’s ongoing support for Libya’s economic and institutional development. Funded primarily by the European Union, with additional support from the French government, the project is implemented by Expertise France and structured around three strategic pillars:

Public Financial Management Reform: Supporting the Ministry of Finance and Audit Bureau to improve fiscal transparency, spending efficiency, and accountability.
Financial Sector Governance & Modernization: Strengthening regulatory frameworks to promote financial inclusion and the integration of digital and green finance into national policy, with the collaboration of the Central Bank of Libya and the Ministry of Planning. .
Entrepreneurship & MSME Support: Developing Libya’s private sector by empowering incubators, accelerators, and MSMEs and linking them to investors, expertise, and enabling policies.

Together, these three pillars form a cohesive national effort that links high-level policy reform with on-the-ground implementation. Anchored by core partners such as the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Libya, and the Audit Bureau, and implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Environment, the project also engages public and research institutions, private sector bodies, and business incubators to ensure broad institutional alignment and national impact.

“Creating a strong investment environment is essential for economic recovery and sustainable growth. Invest4Libya represents a major advance in the partnership between the European Union and Libya. By supporting reforms in public finance and financial governance and improving conditions for investment, this project reaffirms the EU’s dedication to empowering the Libyan private sector and supporting Libya’s economic development and diversification,” said H.E. Mr. Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union to Libya.

“Expertise France has been privileged to support Libya’s economic development for the past 10 years. With Invest4Libya, we are excited to form new partnerships and continue our collaboration with Libyan institutions to advance public financial management and empower the private sector. This initiative is vital to strengthening institutional capacity and supporting entrepreneurs, particularly in the green and digital sectors, who are driving innovation and helping shape a thriving Libyan economy commented Mr. Maxime Bost, Programs Director of Expertise France in Libya” .

Building on the successes of previous governance and digitalization efforts, the project bridges policy reform with actionable outcomes to ensure that improved financial oversight leads to tangible growth for startups and small businesses. By removing regulatory obstacles and empowering local incubators, this collaborative partnership serves as a vital step in modernizing the national economy and unlocking Libya’s potential for a more digital, diversified, and inclusive future.

Workshop to Support the Development of Water and Agriculture Curricula in Libya

Written by sarah on February 7, 2026. Posted in News. No Comments on Workshop to Support the Development of Water and Agriculture Curricula in Libya

A workshop for a group of Libyan academics in the fields of water and agriculture was held on 6 February 2026, as part of the activities of the third component of the EU4SKILLS project, dedicated to the green and blue economy, in cooperation between Expertise France and Libyan academic institutions.

The workshop aimed to strengthen coordination among the various stakeholders involved in developing curricula and teaching methods in water and agriculture disciplines within Libyan universities. It included a presentation of the outputs of the previous phase of the project and the training activities implemented between July and December 2025, in addition to discussions on curriculum development proposals, teaching methodologies, and the integration of modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the educational process.

The workshop also featured interactive discussions among participants from the Universities of Tripoli, Benghazi, Omar Al-Mukhtar, Sebha, and Fezzan, focusing on identifying future training priorities, agreeing on monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and formulating practical recommendations to support the capacity building of academic staff, thereby contributing to improving the quality of education and aligning it with the requirements of the green and blue economy.

This workshop falls within the EU4SKILLS project, funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government and implemented by Expertise France, aiming to support education development, enhance skills, and contribute to building a more sustainable and diversified Libyan economy.

Enhancing Institutional Capabilities in Libya’s Financial Leasing Sector

Written by sarah on January 12, 2026. Posted in News. No Comments on Enhancing Institutional Capabilities in Libya’s Financial Leasing Sector

As part of the activities of the EU4Skills project, funded by the European Union in partnership with the French government and implemented by Expertise France in Libya, a specialized training program on financial leasing was launched today in Tripoli. The program will run for four days, from 12 to 15 January 2026.

The program was opened by Dr. Abdulatif Al-Tunsi, Deputy Director of the Human Resources Department at the Central Bank of Libya, in the presence of members of the High Committee for Financial Leasing at the Central Bank of Libya. The program is being delivered under the supervision of financial experts from Egypt, with the participation of the Financial Leasing team at the Central Bank of Libya and representatives from several commercial banks.

The training focuses on strengthening institutional and supervisory capacities in the field of financial leasing by addressing the legal and regulatory framework, supervision and oversight mechanisms (both on-site and off-site), financial statement analysis, risk management, as well as regional best practices, governance of leasing finance companies, and financial consumer protection.

The program includes practical applications, case studies, and simulations of on-site inspection procedures for financial leasing companies, contributing to the enhancement of institutional skills and capacities within Libya’s banking sector, supporting the development of this vital activity, and reinforcing its role in financing small and medium enterprises and supporting economic development in Libya.

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