Tripoli, April 27, 2025 – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to arrive in Tripoli today for the Italy-Libya Business Forum, a high-profile event aimed at deepening economic ties between the two Mediterranean neighbors. The forum, hosted at the Tripoli International Fair, is expected to yield significant agreements in critical sectors, including energy, infrastructure, healthcare, fishing, and agriculture. This marks Meloni’s fourth visit to Libya in just 18 months, underscoring Italy’s growing commitment to revitalizing bilateral cooperation.
The event brings together a robust Italian delegation, including Trade Minister Adolfo Urso and top executives from over 150 Italian companies. Prominent organizations such as Unioncamere, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, Ice, and the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce will play a central role in promoting Italian businesses abroad. Financial institutions Sace and Simest are also on hand, offering trade insurance and support to facilitate cross-border commerce.
Strategic Sectors in Focus
The forum is structured around four key pillars, as outlined by Libyan Minister of State Adel Juma in an exclusive interview with Agenzia Nova. “The first will focus on energy and mining, the second on development and infrastructure, the third on healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and the fourth on fishing and agriculture,” Juma said. He described the event as a “new and solid step toward strategic cooperation” with Italy, with multiple memoranda of understanding expected to be signed across public and private sectors.
Energy remains a cornerstone of Italy-Libya collaboration. A flagship example is the $8 billion offshore gas project between Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and Italian energy giant Eni, aimed at boosting gas production for both domestic use and export to Europe. Infrastructure is another priority, with Italian firms like Todini, Mdm Costruzioni, Renco, Btp Infrastrutture, Calpeda, and Salcef Group leading the charge. The Aeneas consortium, tasked with renovating Tripoli’s international airport, is seeking to resolve delays in a multi-million-euro project deemed vital for Libya’s economic recovery.
Unlocking Stalled Projects
The Tripoli airport renovation, involving the construction of two terminals and modernization of facilities, has been stalled by Libyan authorities. Italian officials hope the forum will pave the way for a compromise to restart this strategic project. Similarly, Italy continues to support Libya’s ambitious “Peace Highway,” an 1,800-kilometer road linking Ras Jedir (Tunisia) to Musaid (Egypt). Approved under the 2008 Italy-Libya Friendship Treaty, the project includes a 440-kilometer section awarded to Italian contractor Webuild for €960 million.
A Platform for Broader Cooperation
The forum follows a July 17, 2024, meeting between Meloni and Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba, head of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GUN). Yesterday, the event’s preparatory committee finalized logistics, confirming the participation of Libyan and Italian economic and technical representatives. According to GUN, the forum will feature “economic, cultural, and commercial activities” to foster private-sector collaboration.
Libya’s economic potential, driven by its vast oil reserves, makes it a promising market for Italian firms. Bilateral trade currently stands at €9 billion annually, with over 25% of Libyan exports directed to Italy. However, only 8% of Libya’s imports come from Italy, a gap Juma sees as an opportunity. “We hope this forum will lay the foundation for stronger cooperation in mining, infrastructure, manufacturing, and services,” he told Nova, emphasizing the need for better communication between the two nations’ business communities.
Beyond Business: Cultural and Academic Ties
The forum isn’t just about commerce. Cultural and academic exchanges are also on the agenda, with events designed to strengthen ties between the two countries. Italy is boosting its support for Italian-language education in Libya, increasing scholarships for Libyan teachers from 441 to 720 for the 2024/2025 academic year. This reflects growing demand, particularly in Tripoli, where Italian linguistic influence persists in local dialects—think “bitsa” for pizza or “kalma” for calm down.
Libyan specialists are also participating in Italian training programs in agriculture and environmental hygiene, while Juma highlighted potential university partnerships and research projects, especially in archaeology. “Italy’s expertise is fundamental for preserving Libya’s cultural heritage,” he noted.
A Pivotal Moment
With its strategic location and resource wealth, Libya represents a critical partner for Italy. From energy and infrastructure to education and culture, the Italy-Libya Business Forum is poised to set a new course for collaboration. As Meloni and her delegation engage with Libyan counterparts, the world will be watching to see how these agreements shape the future of Mediterranean partnerships.
