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June 2023
General Electric Company Grows Revenue with Fiber Optics
 Many Libyans rely on mobile technology to stay connected.
During Libya’s civil war, communications networks between east and west were repeatedly severed, with engineers having to invent workarounds to restore network access. Since the end of the war in 2020, the government has been working to rebuild Libya’s telecommunications network and to attract additional investment to ensure all Libyans have access to digital technology. The General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) has Libya’s second largest fiber optic network that stretches more than 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) and reaches every region of the country. Though it is designed to carry high voltages for electricity distribution, it also has the extra capacity to handle high-speed voice and data transmissions.
After a USAID-led feasibility assessment on revenue enhancement measures to monetize GECOL’s non-electric revenue, and with USAID’s support, GECOL signed a lease with the Libyan-based World of Technology Company, which will use the fiber optic network to provide telecommunications services. When executed, this partnership will result in an estimated 400 million LYD ($ 83.7 million) in revenue in five years.
It is a groundbreaking advancement for GECOL which has long functioned in the red, depending on government subsidies to fill revenue gaps. With USAID support, GECOL is decreasing its dependency on government subsidies by enhancing its revenue and developing a funding stream to undertake needed maintenance and repairs to keep generation stations functioning, avoiding power blackouts that have plagued Libya for years.
Powering Entrepreneurs in Libya’s South
 Farj and a colleague sell Tamar dates at his roadside stand in southern Libya.
USAID’s Libya Economic Acceleration Program is addressing the root causes of instability in Libya’s south including the illicit economy which has long fueled conflict. Currently, USAID is interviewing local community members to understand the economic barriers preventing youth from developing their businesses and joining the licit economy.
Farj is one of many young people in Sebha trying to earn an income through a legal business. He sells Tamar dates - a speciality of the region - from his stand on the outskirts of Sebha. He uses the income to support his family and is saving to get married. He wants to expand his business but doesn’t have the expertise, network, or financing to do so.
USAID is partnering with local organizations in Libya’s South to help entrepreneurs like Farj build their business management skills and connect to resources. USAID is focusing on micro-, small, and medium enterprises owned and operated by vulnerable and historically marginalized people to help them cultivate innovation, increase sales and create high-quality jobs in the private sector, creating viable alternatives to the illicit economy.
Exploring Challenges Faced by Women-Owned Businesses in Libya’s South
 The owner of Intisar Skin Care Center speaks with a client.
Traditionally, women have been marginalized and underrepresented in the Libyan economy, and women business owners face numerous obstacles to success. USAID met with two women business owners in Sebha to better understand their challenges. Al Basma Al Aneeqa for Fashion is one of the few Tarqi tribe women-led businesses in Sebha. The business opened in 2018, but is struggling to expand and meet the growing demand in the region. The business is hoping to access USAID assistance to attract a larger and more diverse workforce, and train staff on contemporary sewing techniques and digital marketing to meet market trends.
USAID also met with the owner of Intisar Skin Care Center, a new business founded in early 2023. Intisar wants to hire 10 more employees but is struggling with the cost and difficulty of importing modern equipment that would make the business more competitive. The business owner said that “the general perception of society is that entrepreneurship projects only succeed with men, and this is not true. Many projects led by women succeed, clearly highlighting the importance of women entrepreneurs.” By analyzing information about the specific challenges women-owned businesses face, USAID will design tailored support packages for women-led enterprises, create private sector jobs for women, and address systemic barriers that limit their economic participation that exacerbates the south’s marginalization.
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Tourism in Libya Isn’t as Far Fetched as One Might Think
 Aerial view of the ancient city of Ghadamis.
International tourism in Libya was once popular and Ghadamis, affectionately named “The Pearl of the Desert,” was one of the country’s prime destinations. The immaculately preserved six-thousand-year-old ancient town is a UNESCO world heritage site that once saw thousands of tourists from around the world. But since the 2011 uprising, instability, insecurity, and difficulty in obtaining visas kept virtually all foreign tourists away. However, as stability and security return to the region an opportunity exists for revitalizing tourism, and a committee is exploring reopening the Ghadamis International Airport. With limited funds available, the Ghadamis Municipal Council is seeking creative approaches to attract tourists and the municipal staff of Tinley Park, Illinois, stepped in to help.
Located 30 minutes from Chicago, Tinley Park marketed itself as a small town for music lovers, with outdoor music festivals, low hotel rates, a charming old town, and nature trails to take a break from the big city. Tinley Park also works with neighboring municipalities to host joint activities. USAID brought together staff from Ghadamis and Tinley Park virtually to share their marketing plans and ideas with each other. At the end of the meeting, the two towns agreed to promote tourism together through the sister cities program, now that both the United States and Libya have committed to easing visa restrictions.
Healing Communities one Meal at a Time
 PLAY Youth Club members prepare Iftar meals.
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is not only a time for fasting and spiritual reflection, but also a time of charity and for the community to come together to support those in need. Traditionally, each day ends with a meal known as an Iftar in which family and friends come together to break their fast. This year, youth that are part of USAID’s Promoting Leadership and Activism of Youth for Peace (PLAY) activity prepared hundreds of Iftar meals to distribute to travelers and people in need along the main roads of their communities. USAID works with youth in the cities of Misrata, Tawergha, and Bani Walid to play a more prominent role in healing their respective communities through leadership and civic engagement. Through these activities, the members of PLAY are reestablishing community bonds and laying the groundwork for peace in communities that have faced recurring violence.
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Supporting Libya’s Solar Power Transformation
With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, solar power is key to meeting Libya’s goal of producing 35 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2035. USAID is collaborating with Renewable Energy Authority of Libya (REAOL) and the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) to develop green energy solutions for Libya—including new policies, regulations, and public/private partnerships. Results already have led to contracts for the construction of two new solar power plants. Plans also call for installing solar photovoltaic systems on homes and businesses, and installing 500,000 residential solar water heaters to reduce electricity consumption and therefore overreliance on fossil fuels.
Five REAOL engineers, including two women, recently took part in workshops organized by USAID on the design, installation, and uses of hybrid solar panel systems. USAID’s technical assistance will include training on data management and analysis to prepare the REAOL and GECOL teams to integrate solar energy into the Libyan power supply. “With these trainings, the REAOL staff will have the fundamental background and qualifications to evaluate the design and size of particular systems and supervise projects. They also will be poised to introduce solar systems to the public, moving to a more sustainable future,” said USAID expert, Dr. Hamza Khafalla. USAID partnership with GECOL and REAOL will enhance Libya’s energy diversity, expand government investment in renewable energy, and improve energy efficiency, helping to move Libya away from its dependence on fossil fuels while increasing available energy to prevent power cuts and improve standards of living for Libyan citizens.
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