Young Libyan entrepreneurs are showcasing the impact of targeted financial and technical support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), presenting a range of new ventures from home healthcare to professional training. At the Tripoli Business Center last week, founders demonstrated how the AfDB’s program is helping to formalize and scale their businesses within the local economy.
Quick Facts
- Project implemented by AfDB and UNDP
- 60 Libyan startups have been trained
- 29 companies received direct funding
Fueling Local Innovation
A delegation from the AfDB, led by Maline Blomberg, Deputy Director General for North Africa, met with beneficiaries of the “Enabling Environment for Youth Entrepreneurship and Positive Migration Governance” (EEYES) project. Approved in 2021 and operational since 2022, the initiative provides critical support to early-stage companies in Libya.
The project works through two UNDP entrepreneurship programs, “Diraya” and “Rowad,” which are backed by multiple donors. To date, outreach campaigns have connected with over 1,000 potential founders, while 60 startups have received intensive training and mentorship. From this cohort, 29 companies secured funding, with 16 of them being women-led ventures.
The initiative is financed by the AfDB’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, in partnership with national stakeholders and the European Union.
Spotlight on Libyan Founders
Entrepreneurs explained how the EEYES program helped them structure their operations, refine their business models, and expand their services.
In Benghazi, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ward founded the Medical Care Corporation in 2023 to improve access to home healthcare services. “Our goal is to bring high-quality medical services closer to people,” said Dr. Al-Ward. “We aim to expand our services to other regions in the country to meet the growing demand for home healthcare.”
Nouran Ramadan, founder of the catering company Zahra’s Kitchen, is another beneficiary. After relocating to Tripoli for her studies, she re-launched her business, which provides high-quality homemade meals and is now run by two women.
“The support I received helped me re-launch my project and restore my confidence in the future,” Ramadan commented. “Today, I hope to continue developing Zahra’s Kitchen by opening a women-run café, where I can also display and sell our homemade chocolates and products.”
Building a National Entrepreneurial Framework
The AfDB’s visit also served as a platform to discuss the development of a national policy for entrepreneurship in Libya. The dialogue focused on strengthening support for SMEs and startups nationwide and improving coordination between public institutions, universities, incubators, and the private sector.
“The African Development Bank is committed to supporting Libya’s youth and entrepreneurs through initiatives that create jobs, enhance skills, and encourage innovation,” stated Blomberg. “We are very optimistic about the resilience and creativity shown by these young business leaders, including women entrepreneurs, who are contributing to Libya’s economic development and future prosperity.”
About The EEYES Initiative
The “Enabling Environment for Youth Entrepreneurship and Positive Migration Governance” (EEYES) project is an initiative designed to foster entrepreneurship among young people in Libya. Funded by the African Development Bank’s multi-donor trust fund and the European Union, it is implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and national partners to provide training, mentorship, and funding to emerging Libyan startups.
Source: African Development Bank Group
