Executive Summary

Libyan economic exhibitions are emerging as pivotal platforms for the nation's economic renewal, serving as both a barometer of increasing market confidence and a strategic tool for national development. After years of political instability, the exhibition landscape is experiencing a significant revival, marked by a notable increase in attendance and a shift towards structured business forums. This report profiles key events across Libya's most vital sectors—energy, construction, and diversified industries—and analyzes the dynamics of international and domestic participation.

The analysis reveals that these exhibitions are deliberate policy instruments designed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), foster public-private partnerships (PPPs), and advance economic diversification beyond the country's dominant oil and gas sector. The presence of a centralized regulatory body, the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences (GAEC), signals a maturing and professionalizing business environment, providing a critical layer of institutional security for prospective partners. While the market remains vulnerable to geopolitical instability, the strategic focus on renewables, technology, and regional trade integration positions Libya as a re-emerging hub at the intersection of Europe and Africa. The increasing volume of trade and the participation of key international partners underscore a cautiously optimistic outlook for Libya's economic trajectory.

1. Introduction: The Strategic Role of Exhibitions in Libya's Economic Renewal

1.1. Contextualizing Libya's Economic Landscape

Libya’s economy is currently navigating a pivotal phase of transition, seeking to evolve from a primary reliance on hydrocarbon exports towards a more diversified and complex structure. In 2023, crude petroleum alone accounted for $31.3 billion of the country's total exports of $35.4 billion, underscoring the economy's deep dependence on the oil sector. This concentration in raw material exports is reflected in Libya's low Economic Complexity Index (ECI) rankings, which place it at 111th out of 132 for Trade and 77th out of 96 for Technology in 2023. This structural imbalance, where Libya exports raw resources and imports a wide range of finished and semi-finished products, highlights a fundamental need for strategic economic re-engineering.   

Against this backdrop, economic exhibitions are not merely commercial showcases; they are deliberately employed as policy tools to address these structural weaknesses. The Libyan government has explicitly focused on approving a significant number of investment projects, with 744 projects valued at LD 50 billion in sectors such as food, building materials, renewable energy, health, and education. These initiatives indicate a conscious effort to build new value chains and support a more resilient, self-sufficient economy. By providing a physical forum where international investors and technical experts can connect with local entrepreneurs and government bodies, exhibitions serve as government-endorsed platforms to secure the foreign investment and expertise necessary to realize these national projects. This approach directly connects the granular activities of trade fairs to a high-level macroeconomic strategy aimed at building a more diversified and complex economy.   

1.2. Exhibitions as Economic Barometers

The growing success and scale of Libya's economic exhibitions provide a tangible indicator of increasing market confidence and improving security. The 51st Tripoli International Fair in 2025, for example, saw a remarkable 60% increase in attendance compared to the previous year. Similarly, the Libya Energy & Economic Summit in 2025 drew 1,500 participants from 490 companies representing over 30 countries, demonstrating a broad international re-engagement with the Libyan market.   

This quantitative increase in participation is a direct function of the perceived viability and stability of the market. For both international companies and domestic entrepreneurs, the decision to participate in an exhibition is a calculated risk. A significant jump in attendance and foreign company presence signals that the business community views the current environment as increasingly conducive to investment and trade, confirming a national transformation from a phase of post-conflict reconstruction to one of active economic development. This trend also marks a notable pivot from the immediate post-civil war period, where exhibitions primarily focused on art and cultural healing. The current emphasis on commerce and industry underscores a shift from a post-conflict mindset to a proactive, forward-looking economic agenda.   

2. The Foundational Framework: History and Institutional Oversight

2.1. Historical Legacy

The history of Libyan economic exhibitions is deeply intertwined with the nation’s political and economic trajectory. The Tripoli International Fair (TIF) stands as a testament to this, having been founded by the Italian government in 1927 and holding the distinction of being the oldest trade fair in Africa. During the Italian colonial period, the TIF was internationally promoted as a showcase for Italian Libya, serving as a tool for economic and cultural dissemination. The fair's prominence waned after World War II but was revived, reaching significant international importance in the years leading up to 2010, when it hosted over 1,000 participants from 29 countries. This pattern of decline and revival mirrors Libya’s broader periods of isolation and re-engagement with the global community.   

It is critical to distinguish the Tripoli International Fair in Libya from the Rachid Karami International Fair in Tripoli, Lebanon, an architectural marvel designed by Oscar Niemeyer that was left unfinished due to the Lebanese civil war. This distinction is essential for preventing confusion and highlights a crucial historical lesson: while ambitious projects may be planned, they are highly vulnerable to prolonged political instability, a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of Libya's current efforts to maintain stability and formalize its economic environment. The current revival of the TIF, therefore, is not a new phenomenon but part of a long-standing pattern of leveraging such events as powerful symbols of national economic re-emergence.  

2.2. The Regulatory Authority

The establishment and active role of the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences (GAEC) is a critical signal of a maturing, formalized business environment. The GAEC holds a central supervisory and regulatory role, requiring all exhibitions within Libya to obtain official registration and a special operating permit. This centralized oversight is designed to "ensure institutional discipline and activate oversight in accordance with the legislation".   

In a country with a complex and often fragmented political landscape, a single, authoritative body that can enforce regulations and take "deterrent legal measures against violators" provides a crucial layer of institutional security for both domestic and international participants. By moving the exhibition space from an ad-hoc, informal market to a structured, governable one, the GAEC lowers the commercial risk for foreign companies and demonstrates a commitment to professionalizing the industry. Its explicit mission to "attract investors" and "transform Libya into a productive country" by expanding trade and leveraging international experiences positions the GAEC as a key facilitator of Libya's economic transformation, making it a prerequisite for attracting high-caliber partners who require a predictable legal and commercial framework.   

3. Pillars of the Economy: A Sectoral Analysis of Key Exhibitions

Libya's exhibition landscape is characterized by a mix of large, multi-sector general trade fairs and highly specialized events that align with the country's strategic economic priorities. The following table provides a chronological overview of key exhibitions from 2024 to 2026, offering a foundational reference for understanding the scope of these events.

3.1. Energy: The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES)

The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) is the country's most significant energy event, operating as a strategic assembly for high-level dialogue and deal-making. The summit is formally endorsed by key government bodies, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Oil & Gas, and the National Oil Corporation (NOC), indicating its central role in shaping national energy policy. A key objective is to increase Libya's oil production from 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2 million bpd within the next two to five years.   

The summit attracts a distinguished roster of participants, including Libyan officials like the Minister of Oil & Gas and numerous NOC representatives, alongside senior executives from major international energy firms such as TotalEnergies, Repsol, Halliburton, SLB, and Nabors. The presence of both political leaders and a broad spectrum of international companies confirms that the summit is a critical venue for formalizing public-private partnerships. The government's stated plan for a 2024 licensing round and Repsol's plans for exploratory drilling in the Murzuq Basin are examples of concrete initiatives discussed and advanced at such events. Furthermore, the summit's focus on decarbonization and the development of natural gas and renewable energy projects highlights a forward-looking strategy that seeks to align Libya's energy sector with global trends, a vital factor for securing long-term international investment. The partnership between the LEES and the Libyan Council for Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy (LCOGRE), an association representing Libyan SMEs, further emphasizes a strategic effort to integrate the local private sector into the national energy transformation.  

3.2. Infrastructure and Construction: Libya Build and Urban Expo

The construction and real estate sectors are essential for Libya's rebuilding and development, and exhibitions like Libya Build and the Urban Expo serve as tangible evidence of a dual-pronged approach to national reconstruction. Libya Build is recognized as the "largest building and construction event in North Africa," attracting a wide array of companies from both Libya and its key trading partners. An examination of exhibitor lists reveals a strong domestic presence, with numerous Libyan companies specializing in construction, building materials, and related services, which reflects a robust local capacity and a domestic-driven desire for rebuilding.  

However, the presence of foreign companies from Turkey, Egypt, Italy, and Saudi Arabia is particularly significant. These countries are among Libya’s top import origins and have deeply rooted historical and economic ties. Their participation suggests that foreign firms are not just entering the market but are actively competing with local firms and facilitating the transfer of materials and expertise needed to support the country's large-scale infrastructure projects. The Libya Industries Fair in Misurata further complements this sector by promoting local products and aiming to facilitate access to African markets, signaling a strategic focus on building a sustainable domestic manufacturing base. The Urban Expo & Forum, with its focus on real estate investment, completes the picture by addressing the vital need for urban development and housing that accompanies national reconstruction.   

3.3. Diversified Industries: Food, Technology, and General Trade Fairs

Beyond the foundational sectors of energy and construction, a proliferation of specialized exhibitions reflects a strategic response to both the needs of a young, growing consumer market and a long-term goal of economic diversification. The Libya Food Expo and Mena Food Expo, for instance, serve as international platforms for food, packaging, and related technologies. This is particularly critical given that the country's small manufacturing industry necessitates the import of nearly all finished and semi-finished products, creating a massive market for these goods.   

The demand for a wide range of products—from cars and computers to household items and textiles—is driven by a young and rapidly growing population. Exhibitions like the Libya e-Commerce Expo and the Benghazi Technology Expo (B-TEX) are designed to support this consumer-driven economy by focusing on the development of digital infrastructure, including e-commerce platforms, e-payments, 5G technology, IoT, and artificial intelligence. These events are not merely about showcasing products; they are about building the underlying technical and commercial ecosystem that can facilitate trade, reduce reliance on physical cash, and ultimately help to reduce the country’s dependence on hydrocarbon revenues for its economic stability. The presence of these specialized fairs demonstrates a transition from a purely resource-based economy to one that acknowledges and services its own domestic market, paving the way for future growth and diversification.   

4. Dynamics of Trade and Investment

4.1. The Geopolitical and Economic Context of Participation

Participation in Libya's economic exhibitions is not random; it is a clear manifestation of pre-existing and deeply rooted geopolitical and economic relationships. An analysis of Libya’s trade partners reveals a strong alignment between who participates in exhibitions and who dominates the country's import and export markets.   

Libya's top export destinations for crude petroleum in 2023 were Italy, Germany, Spain, and France. The involvement of major European energy firms like TotalEnergies and Repsol at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit aligns directly with these export relationships, underscoring that these exhibitions are key venues for maintaining and expanding commercial ties. Similarly, Libya’s top import origins in 2023 were China, Turkey, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. The strong presence of companies from Turkey and Italy at construction and general trade fairs directly reflects their status as vital suppliers to the Libyan market. The significant increase in total trade between the UK and Libya—a rise of 34.6% in the year to the first quarter of 2025—further illustrates this dynamic, with exhibitions serving as an entry point for re-engagement. This pattern of participation confirms that exhibitions are integral components of a country's diplomatic and commercial strategy, providing a structured environment for established partners to strengthen their presence and for new ones to explore opportunities.   

4.2. Facilitating Business-to-Business (B2B) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Libya's exhibitions are evolving from simple product showcases into highly structured platforms for proactive business development and strategic collaborations. Organizers are increasingly incorporating formal B2B meetings and networking sessions into their programs, as was the case at the 50th Tripoli International Fair. These structured sessions enable business leaders from Libya and other countries, such as Malaysia, Tunisia, and Algeria, to convene and explore collaboration, deal exchanges, and economic development initiatives. This shift from passive display to proactive engagement underscores the fairs' role in maximizing benefits for participating companies.  

Furthermore, exhibitions serve as vital conduits for facilitating Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The strategic partnership between the Libya Energy & Economic Summit and the Libyan Council for Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy (LCOGRE) is a prime example of this. The LCOGRE, representing Libyan SMEs, advocates for private-sector engagement and works to promote capacity building and technology transfer. The summit provides a critical platform for LCOGRE members to connect with international partners and secure opportunities, ensuring that the local private sector plays a leading role in the country's energy transformation. This model of collaboration is essential for creating a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery that benefits both large international firms and local businesses, ultimately contributing to job creation and long-term stability.  

5. Challenges, Strategic Opportunities, and Outlook

5.1. Critical Challenges

Despite the recent trend of increasing stability and economic optimism, the enduring threat of political fragmentation and security risks remains a major vulnerability for Libya's exhibition industry and broader economic progress. The success of exhibitions is intrinsically tied to a stable political environment. The history of the Rachid Karami International Fair in Lebanon, designed by a world-renowned architect but ultimately left abandoned due to civil war, serves as a cautionary tale. This historical context illustrates how an abrupt escalation of violence can halt even the most ambitious projects and leave them incomplete.  

Similarly, while current reports point to increasing stability in Libya, the historical precedent of a coup d'état that overthrew the monarchy in 1969 and the subsequent decades of political turmoil means that foreign investment remains a calculated risk. This political fragility means that exhibition dates and venues are often subject to change, a factor acknowledged by organizers and a lingering reminder that the country's economic resurgence is contingent on a fragile peace.  

5.2. Emerging Opportunities and Strategic Vision

Libya’s economic exhibitions are revealing a strategic vision to re-position the country as a hub for regional trade and a leader in a decarbonizing global energy landscape. The Libya Energy & Economic Summit's focus on renewables and natural gas, with a target of producing 30% of total energy from renewables by 2030, indicates that the government is not just rebuilding the old economy but actively investing in a future-proof, diversified model. Similarly, the Benghazi Technology Expo's focus on new technologies like 5G, IoT, and AI demonstrates a commitment to building a modern, digitally-enabled economy.  

Furthermore, these exhibitions are positioned to leverage Libya's strategic geographic location as a corridor between Africa and Europe. The Tripoli International Fair and the Misurata Free Zone are explicitly aiming to facilitate intra-African trade, tapping into the immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which represents a market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of around $3.4 trillion. By serving as a "vibrant crossroads" for trade, these events are the physical manifestation of a deliberate strategy to re-integrate Libya into the regional and global economy.  

5.3. A Cautious but Optimistic Outlook

The exhibition landscape in Libya serves as a microcosm of the country's broader economic and political trajectory. The increasing participation of both international and domestic companies, coupled with the strategic focus on vital sectors like energy, construction, and technology, signals a genuine and measurable recovery. The institutional push for regulatory oversight through the GAEC and the explicit focus on B2B deal-making and diversification provide a compelling case for future growth. While the market's vulnerability to geopolitical risk necessitates a cautious approach, the current momentum suggests that Libya is on a path toward a more stable, diversified, and internationally integrated economy.

6. Recommendations for Strategic Engagement

Based on the analysis, a multi-faceted approach is recommended for stakeholders seeking to engage with the Libyan market:

For International Investors:

• Leverage Sector-Specific Exhibitions: Instead of relying on general trade fairs alone, international investors should prioritize participation in specialized events that align with their core business, such as the Libya Energy & Economic Summit for energy companies or Libya Build for construction firms. These events offer unparalleled access to key policymakers and industry leaders   

   

• Establish Local Partnerships: The strong presence of domestic companies at exhibitions and the government's push for private-sector development through initiatives like LCOGRE underscore the importance of local collaboration. Entering the market by establishing strategic partnerships with well-regarded Libyan firms can help navigate the local business environment and build long-term trust.   

   

• Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Despite increasing stability, the political and security environment remains complex. International firms should perform rigorous due diligence and stay informed of political developments, as exhibition plans and market conditions can be sensitive to these factors.   

   

For Libyan Entrepreneurs:

• Utilize Exhibitions for Networking and Technology Transfer: Local entrepreneurs should actively use exhibitions not just to showcase products but to network with international partners, explore potential joint ventures, and access new technologies and industry best practices. These events are crucial for bridging the gap between local capacity and international expertise.   

   

• Focus on Diversification: Given the government's strategic emphasis on moving beyond hydrocarbons, local businesses should focus on growth areas identified at exhibitions, such as renewables, e-commerce, and specialized food industries. These sectors are positioned to receive government support and attract significant investment.   

   

For Governmental and Regulatory Bodies:

• Enhance Digital Platforms: While physical exhibitions are vital, the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences could further professionalize the sector by creating robust digital platforms for B2B matchmaking, virtual showcases, and real-time market data to complement the in-person events.   

   

• Leverage Exhibition Data for Policy: The GAEC should use participation data from exhibitions—including the origin of foreign participants and the sectors they represent—to inform and refine national economic policy, better targeting foreign direct investment and tailoring incentives to areas of high demand.