WestMED online roundtable: Unlocking Business Opportunities in Libya’s Blue Economy

This online roundtable, held online on 24 April 2025, focused on raising awareness and promoting investment opportunities in Libya’s Blue Economy sectors, with a focus on aquaculture, ecotourism, desalination, and renewable energy.

Key discussions highlighted the importance of private sector involvement, capacity building for local workers, and development of infrastructure such as ports and logistics services.

Successful regional examples, such as Tunisia’s support for youth and startups through economic accelerators, were shared, alongside innovative projects like marketing seafood and creating cosmetics from marine ingredients.

The event also emphasized the need for appropriate legislation, environmental sustainability, and the role of innovation and digitalization in fostering growth within the Blue Economy.

Key Discussion Points

Raising Awareness: The event aimed to inform Libyan private stakeholders about viable sectors within the Blue Economy.
Showcasing Success Stories: Regional and international case studies were highlighted to demonstrate successful initiatives in the Blue Economy.
Funding and Technical Support: Discussions focused on available funding mechanisms and technical support for entrepreneurs in the Blue Economy sector.
Fostering Connections: The roundtable provided a platform for stakeholders to connect, foster innovation, investment, and partnerships within the Blue Economy.

Strategic Focus Areas

Private Sector Investment: Emphasis was placed on the importance of private sector involvement in sectors like aquaculture, ecotourism, desalination, and renewable energy.
Capacity Building: The need for training and qualification programs for local workers was highlighted to reduce dependence on foreign labor.
Infrastructure Development: Discussions included the development of ports and logistics services to support Blue Economy activities.
Environmental Sustainability: Addressing environmental pollution was recognized as a crucial component of future strategies.
Legislative Support: The importance of appropriate legislation and skills enhancement was discussed to support the new generation of entrepreneurs.

Regional Collaboration and Innovation

Tunisia’s Experience: Successful experiences from Tunisia were reviewed, focusing on supporting youth and startups through economic accelerators.
Innovation and Digitalization: Projects such as marketing traditional seafood products and developing cosmetics based on marine ingredients were discussed, emphasizing the role of innovation and digitalization.

International speakers included Amna Souhlobjy (Tunisian Maritime Cluster) and Leonardo Manzari (WestMED National Hub Italy)

Approximately 25 stakeholders joined this roundtable with a regular questions and answers amongst the participants.

Agenda: available here

For more information, contact Masauda Abuarosha (WestMED National Hub Libya)