Following the internal conflict that Libya has experienced, its technology and telecoms sector has been largely damaged. The government therefore seeks to revive the sector to keep the pace with global digital transformation.

The Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, and Faisal Ahmed Qarqab, chairman of the Libyan Telecoms Holding Company, discussed yesterday the implementation of cooperation between Egypt and Libya in the ICT and postal sectors. The two men agreed on the formation of a joint working team that will develop a collaboration plan as well as a schedule for the implementation of cooperation projects.

According to Amr Talaat, the initiative will help restore the Libyan telecom and ICT market. It will focus on various segments including the development of digital infrastructure, digital transformation, postal services, capacity building, development of digital skills of youth in various communication sciences and information technology, development of the legal framework of the ICT sector, and training of Libyan workers in cybersecurity.

Last April, the Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly paid a working visit to the Libyan capital Tripoli. During his stay, he had materialized the commitment of Egypt to support Libya in the reconstruction of its ICT sector by signing three cooperation agreements. The exchanges between Amr Talaat and Faisal Ahmed Qarqab are part of this commitment.

Egypt will grant Libya its expertise to improve access to quality telecom services for the population and increase the financial contribution of the sector to the state's finances. This is expected to foster the return of international financial exchanges via mobile and online as well as the attraction of new investors.

Muriel Edjo