Young Libyan Entrepreneurs Turn Resilience Into Business Success Through AfDB Backed Initiative

A growing number of young entrepreneurs across Libya are transforming challenges into opportunities by launching businesses that address local needs, create jobs, and strengthen community resilience.

From home healthcare services in Benghazi to women led catering ventures in Tripoli, young Libyans are increasingly using entrepreneurship as a pathway toward economic independence and social impact.

This momentum is being supported through the Enabling Environment Towards Youth Entrepreneurship Support and Positive Migration Governance project, known as EEYES. The initiative is financed by the African Development Bank through the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi Donor Trust Fund and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with national stakeholders and the European Union.

Supporting the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The EEYES project aims to strengthen Libya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, promote youth employment, and support the growth of micro, small, and medium sized enterprises.

Through broader entrepreneurship initiatives including DERAYA and ROWWAD, the programme provides awareness sessions, business incubation, coaching, mentoring, and seed funding for aspiring entrepreneurs in Benghazi, Derna, and Sebha.

More than 1,000 beneficiaries have participated in entrepreneurship awareness activities. Sixty startups have received training and mentoring, while 29 businesses have secured funding support, including 16 women led enterprises.

Bringing Healthcare Closer to Communities

Among the entrepreneurs benefiting from Libya’s evolving startup ecosystem is Mohamed Al Warad, founder of Al Reaya Al Tebeya for Medical Services.

Established in 2023, the company focuses on providing home based healthcare services for people who face challenges accessing traditional medical facilities because of distance, mobility limitations, or other barriers.

Al Warad said the business was created to improve healthcare accessibility while responding to growing demand for home based medical support.

The company also plans to expand its services into other regions of Libya as demand continues to increase.

Rebuilding After Disaster

For entrepreneur Nouran Ramadan, business became a way to rebuild after the devastating floods that struck Derna.

After relocating to Tripoli to continue her education, she expanded Matabekh Al Zahera, a catering business that provides homemade meals and is operated by two women.

Ramadan said the support she received helped her restart her business and regain confidence following the disaster. She now hopes to expand further by opening a women led coffee shop where she can showcase and sell chocolate and homemade products.

Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Economic Recovery

The experiences of entrepreneurs like Al Warad and Ramadan highlight the growing importance of small businesses in Libya’s economic future.

Access to mentoring, training, business networks, and startup financing can help transform informal ideas into sustainable enterprises capable of creating jobs and generating local economic activity.

Approved in 2021 and implemented since 2022, the EEYES project forms part of the African Development Bank’s broader efforts to support private sector development, youth employment, and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Building Libya’s Future One Business at a Time

Libya continues to face economic and social challenges, but the rise of young entrepreneurs demonstrates the determination and creativity of a new generation. Across Benghazi, Derna, Tripoli, and Sebha, young people are proving that innovation and resilience can create opportunities even in difficult circumstances.

Africa’s development story is still being written, and Libya’s entrepreneurs are helping shape that future. As more young Africans gain access to skills, financing, and business support, they are not only creating companies but also building stronger communities, expanding opportunity, and laying foundations for long term economic growth across the continent.