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A study by the Deraya Initiatives research team investigated the question: Are Libyans ready to embrace entrepreneurship as a path toward economic empowerment?

The Deraya () Entrepreneurship Initiative for young entrepreneurs seeks to build a dynamic ecosystem of innovative entrepreneurs and startups in Libya. It was launched in May this year by UNDP Libya and the Ministry of Local Government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The UNDP says young entrepreneurs in Libya (18 to 35 years-old) face many challenges, including accessing markets and financial resources, and navigating regulations and administrative procedures. The Deraya initiative is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential know-how to turn innovative ideas into successful startups.

Linked to the municipal business incubators The initiative will also entail startup weekends in Tripoli, Benghazi, Sabha, and Derna, culminating with a pitch competition where the winning startups will receive financial support, financed by EU and AfDB, to further develop, grow, and take their business ideas to the next level. As a critical step towards sustainability, entrepreneurs will be linked to the municipal business incubators being set up with the Ministry of Local Government with UNDPs technical support.

Status quo of startup ecosystem In order to tailor the initiatives events and activities to the needs of entrepreneurs in Libya, Deraya said the team collected data through a survey to analyse the status quo of the Libyan startup ecosystem. More than 1800 respondents in Libya of diverse ages, and backgrounds took part in the survey.

This was to assess the level of entrepreneurial awareness and readiness among existing and aspiring entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the private sector in Libya; which in turn contributes to the countrys economic growth.

The survey was designed based on the following rubrics to assess entrepreneurship:

Deraya reported that the needs assessment survey was distributed through social media, e-mails, and on-ground university visits, and received a significant number of responses (1,824 responses) from all different educational, occupational, and residential backgrounds. This large sample size allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Libyan entrepreneurship landscape and provided valuable insights into the sectors that hold promise for starting and growing businesses in the country.

The survey was promoted as a self-assessment test to help aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners evaluate their readiness for entrepreneurship and see if they have what it takes to build a successful business. The test was scored out of 100, and the respondents level of entrepreneurship readiness and awareness was determined based on the following scale:

Entrepreneurship Readiness and Awareness Survey Findings The surveys findings, Deraya reported, indicated a very strong level of readiness and inclination towards entrepreneurship in Libya. On average, the survey participants attained a total score of86% which was calculated based on their scores in each of the above-mentioned entrepreneurship assessment rubrics.

The analysis of the surveys results also revealed that most participants showed a high level of opportunity perception with an average score of88%, which was the main factor driving the overall high score. Following closely behind were the fear of failure, networking, and entrepreneurship awareness factors with average scores of86%,86%, and85%respectively.

Other Important Findings

These slight variations across different occupations, educational backgrounds, genders, and residential statuses highlight the common thread that Libyans, regardless of their gender, occupation, or educational background, exhibit a robust inclination toward entrepreneurship.

Several assumptions can be given to explain this high inclination, Deraya reported. Their dissatisfaction with economic conditions and the unfavourable business environment may contribute to this trend. Additionally, according to the World Bank, the labour market in Libya is characterized by high unemployment, with an official rate of20.7%in 2022. More than85%of those who work are employed in the public and informal sectors. Therefore, a closer examination is needed to delve into the reasons behind this high awareness and propensity towards entrepreneurship in Libya.

Challenges Impacting Entrepreneurship in Libya Deraya reported that entrepreneurship in Libya faces unique challenges that impact its growth and development on multiple levels. However, these challenges are not insurmountable, and with the right strategies and support, they can be addressed to create a more promising environment for entrepreneurs in Libya.

The study said when the entrepreneurship readiness surveys participants were asked to select from a list the challenges they faced/ think they will face once they start their businesses, the answers revealed discrepancies in the level of impact that each challenge has on entrepreneurs in Libya which was reflected by the number of total selections received.

Based on the number of these selections, the challenges impacting entrepreneurship in Libya were divided from high impact to low as follows:

Refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants Refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrantsin Libya find that one of the main challenges they face is thelegal system in Libya, as it was the third most selected challenge for them, ahead of the lack of financial institutions and economic conditions.

Females The most faced challenges by females when starting a business in descending order are:

Municipalities With regards to municipalities, the study reported that the top two challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Tripoli, Benghazi, Derna, and Sabha (i.e. lack of financial institutions and economic conditions) were similar to a large extent. However, there were some discrepancies among municipalities regarding the third and fourth-ranked challenges. These discrepancies are demonstrated as follows:

Most Promising Sectors to Start a Business in Libya The survey said studying market trends and identifying the sectors that offer good potential for growth are crucial first steps in the process of creating and developing new businesses. Hence, survey participants were asked to select their most preferred sectors out of a list of 20 sectors that are pivotal in shaping the future of our world.

Based on the results of the survey, 7 sectors were identified as top sectors that hold promise for starting and growing businesses in Libya.

The top preferred sectors to start a business are as follows:

Respondents top selected sectors, the survey reported, were influenced by factors such as market needs, local economy, social and technological developments, and changes in demand and supply.

On a municipality level, sectors that have the highest scores and are common inTripoli, Benghazi, Sebha and Dernaaree-commerce and Marketing.

Some dissimilarities between different municipalities include:

As for discrepancies on the gender level, the most selected sectors by females only areEducation, E-commerce, Marketing, Wellness & Lifestyle, and Manufacturing.

The Deraya survey concluded that Libyas high entrepreneurship readiness score suggests that while it possesses fertile ground for fostering entrepreneurship, ongoing efforts to nurture and sustain this environment are crucial to further enhance the readiness and success of budding entrepreneurs in the country.

Promoting an entrepreneurial culture from an early age, it adds, offering education in new technologies, facilitating access to financing, and creating support networks, such as mentoring programmes and collaborative workspaces are recommended to fast-track Libyas entrepreneurial ecosystem development.

UNDP launches Deraya Entrepreneurship Initiative for youth (libyaherald.com)

Over 1,000 involved in UNDPs Deraya Entrepreneurship project project to be expanded in south (libyaherald.com)

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Entrepreneurship Readiness in Libya: An Assessment of ... - Libya Herald

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Al-Taher Al-Baour, has discussed with the Special Representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs, Liu Yuxi, bilateral relations between the two nations.

The parties reviewed the Chinese continued support for stability in Libya and potential cooperation to reform the Security Council (SC) as Libya is a member of the Group of Ten of the African Union.

Currently, the African continent is working towards obtaining two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with Libya leading these efforts as a member of the Group of Ten.

Al-Baour emphasized Libya's support for unifying the African position in the ongoing negotiations to reform the UN Security Council.

He highlighted China's significant role in backing the African demands for obtaining the continents full rights in the SC.

It is noteworthy that Libya is participating in the G10 meeting at the expert and foreign minister levels, as well as the summit meeting of member states, held in the city of Oyala.

See the article here:
Libya requests China's support in reforming UNSC - The Libya Observer

Libya exported quantities of dates to Morocco with the mutual opening of branches of companies from both countries as part of the successful outcomes of the Moroccan Libyan Business Forum held from 1 to 3 November at Tangiers, Morocco.

The news was confirmed in an exclusive statement to Libya Herald by Yassin Busriwail, the General Manager of Outbox Team Company, organiser of the Moroccan Libyan Business Forum, and a member of the Libyan Business Council (LBC).

Busriwail said several commercial deals were achieved as an outcome of the forum, with the Libyan Al-Sababil Al-Jadeeda Company exporting more than 1,000 tons of dates to the Moroccan market. SR GROUP, the agent of the German company Deutsche Colour Building Technologies, Libya branch, meanwhile, announced the opening of a new branch in Morocco.

Moroccan renewable energy, textiles, clothing, manufacturing to open branches On the other hand, Moroccan renewable energy companies confirmed that they will open branches in Libya after completing studies related to the sector. Partnerships were also concluded between Libyan investors and Moroccan companies to establish joint industries in the two countries, led by the textile, clothing and manufacturing industries. Branches for Libyan and Moroccan companies in both countries and granting the necessary facilities, were also agreed, Busriwail said.

Increase trade in several sectors Busriwail stressed the most important goals of the forum that are being worked on, related to increasing the volume of trade exchanged, increasing investment opportunities, increasing economic integration while enhancing access to African and global markets. Improving joint banking cooperation to enhance investment and trade opportunities, in addition to joint cooperation in maritime and air transport and the logistics sector are also a bilateral focus.

Several meetings held at the Moroccan Libyan Business Forum held from 1 to 3 November at Tangiers, Morocco (libyaherald.com)

LBC and Tangiers Chamber prepare for Moroccan Libyan Business Forum 1 to 3 November in Tangiers, Morocco (libyaherald.com)

President of General Union of Chambers of Commerce participates in Arab Food Security Conference in Morocco (libyaherald.com)

After a 9-year closure, Morocco appoints two new Consuls to Tripoli and Benghazi reopening expected this summer (libyaherald.com)

Tangiers Chamber of Commerce visits Libya seeking to strengthen economic relations (libyaherald.com)

Casablanca Public Works Company visits Tripoli Chamber invited to invest in Libya (libyaherald.com)

Tripoli Chamber to lead delegation to Morocco 28 May to 1 June (libyaherald.com)

Morocco delegation visits Tripoli in preparation for reopening consulate after eight-year closure (libyaherald.com)

Aldabaiba visits Morocco seeks reactivation of Maghreb Union (libyaherald.com)

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Libya exports dates to Morocco and mutual opening of branches of ... - Libya Herald

Since the beginning of the year, an average of eight people lost their lives or went missing each day while trying to cross the central Mediterranean towards Italy, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

With about 2,200 children, women, and men either missing or confirmed dead in the Central Mediterranean so far, the year 2023 has been the deadliest since 2017 on this migration route, witnessing an average of eight victims per day.

In its latest report titled No one came to our rescue, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) denounces the violent border practices and deliberate inaction of European states, attributing these factors to the escalating deaths at sea.

The report, based on data collected onboard the MSF-operated rescue vessel Geo Barents, outlines various instances where European coastal states knowingly endangered lives by delaying or inadequately coordinating rescues, and by facilitating refoulements to unsafe locations. Furthermore, the report examines the alarming levels of violence reported by rescued migrants to MSF teams aboard the Geo Barents.

In 2023, the number of people arriving at Italys shores via the Central Mediterranean route has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Tunisia has now overtaken Libya as the main departure point. This substantial increase in departures, coupled with the absence of state-led rescue capabilities, has resulted in more boats in distress and shipwrecks, as highlighted in a press release dated November 22.

Source: ANSA

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Central Mediterranean: 8 migrants dying every day, says MSF - Libya Update

Cape Town, Nov 26: The Great Sand Sea Desert stretches over an area of 72,000km linking Egypt and Libya. If you find yourself in a particular part of the desert in south-east Libya and south-western parts of Egypt, youll spot pieces of yellow glass scattered across the sandy landscape. It was first described in a scientific paper in 1933 and is known as Libyan desert glass. Mineral collectors value it for its beauty, its relative rarity and its mystery. A pendant found in Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamuns tomb contains a piece of the glass. Natural glasses are found elsewhere in the world; examples include moldavites from the Ries crater in Europe and tektites from the Ivory Coast. But none are as rich in silica as Libyan desert glass, nor are they found in such large lumps and quantities. The origin of the glass has been the subject of debate among scientists for almost a century. Some suggested it might be from volcanoes on the moon. Others propose its the product of lightning strikes (fulgurites glass that forms from fusion of sand and soil where they are hit by lightning). Other theories suggest its the result of sedimentary or hydrothermal processes; caused by a massive explosion of a meteor in the air; or that it came from a nearby meteorite crater. Now, thanks to advanced microscopy technology, we believe we have the answer. Along with colleagues from universities and science centres in Germany, Egypt and Morocco, I have identified Libyan desert glass as originating from the impact of a meteorite on the Earths surface. Space collisions are a primary process in the solar system, as planets and their natural satellites accreted via the asteroids and planet embryos (also called planetesimals) colliding with each other. These impacts helped our planet to assemble, too.

Under the microscope In 1996 scientists determined that the glass was close to 29 million years old. A later study suggested the source material was composed of quartz grains, coated with mixed clay minerals and iron and titanium oxides. This latter finding raised more questions, since the proposed age is older than the matching source material in the relevant area of the Great Sand Sea desert. To put it simply: those source materials didnt exist in that location 29 million years ago. For our recent study, a co-author obtained two pieces of the glass from a local who had collected them in the Al Jaouf region in south-eastern Libya. We studied the samples with a state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique, which allows us to see tiny particles of material 20,000 times smaller than the thickness of a paper sheet. Using this super-high magnification technique, we found small minerals in this glass: different types of zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Minerals are composed of chemical elements, atoms of which form regular three-dimensional packaging. Imagine putting eggs or soda bottles on the shelf of a supermarket: layers on top of layers to ensure the most efficient storage. Similarly, atoms assemble into a crystal lattice that is unique for each mineral. Minerals that have the same chemical composition but different atomic structure (different ways of atom packaging into the crystal lattice) are called polymorphs. One polymorph of ZrO2 that we observed in Libyan desert glass is called cubic zirconia the kind seen in some jewellery as a synthetic replacement for diamonds. This mineral can only form at a high temperature between 2,250C and 2,700C. Another polymorph of ZrO2 that we observed was a very rare one called ortho-II or OII. It forms at very high pressure about 130,000 atmospheres, a unit of pressure. Such pressure and temperature conditions provided us with the proof for the meteorite impact origin of the glass. Thats because such conditions can only be obtained in the Earths crust by a meteorite impact or the explosion of an atomic bomb.

More mysteries to solve If our finding is correct (and we believe it is), the parental crater where the meteorite hit the Earths surface should be somewhere nearby. The nearest known meteorite craters, named GP and Oasis, are 2km and 18km in diameter respectively, and quite far away from where the glass we tested was found. They are too far and too small to be considered the parental craters for such massive amounts of impact glass, all concentrated in one spot. So, while weve solved part of the mystery, more questions remain. Where is the parental crater? How big is it and where is it? Could it have been eroded, deformed or covered by sand? More investigations will be required, likely in the form of remote sensing studies coupled with geophysics. (The Conversation) (AGENCIES)

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Libyan desert's yellow glass: how we discovered the origin of these ... - Daily Excelsior