• Libya, Italy sign deal to build 160 km of coastal highway to Tunisia
• Project revives work halted since 2011, part of 1,750 km corridor
• Road to link with Trans-Saharan route, boosting African trade integration

Libya and Italy signed an agreement on Nov. 6 to build the 160-kilometer Al-Aziziya-Ras Jdir section of the Emsaad-Ras Jdir highway. The road ispart of a 1,750-kilometer coastal corridor linking Libya’s main cities to the Tunisian border. The entire project is financed by Italy under the 2008 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries.

Construction was halted in 2011 after conflict broke out in Libya. Restarting work is part of a broader plan to rebuild and modernize national infrastructure, with a focus on improving road links, boosting economic activity, and promoting sustainable development.

According to the Government of National Unity, plans are also underway to complete other sections, including the 400-kilometer Al-Marj-Emsaad stretch.

Officials also plan to connect the highway to the proposed Trans-Saharan route, which would link North and Southern Africa. The connection would create a major trade corridor running from the Misrata Free Zone to Cape Town, serving as a key driver of intra-African trade and regional integration.

The project’s success will hinge on Libya’s political stability, the quality of construction and maintenance, and the engagement of local stakeholders.

Henoc Dossa