The Eastern Libyan Government’s Reconstruction and Stabilization Committee has launched numerous infrastructure initiatives to boost the growth of the economy. Five newly built bridges were inaugurated in January 2024, with more projects underway in railway, aviation and renewable energy.
Benghazi Airport
Terminals Holdings, an Emirati aviation company, in collaboration with Benghazi Municipality, are constructing the new Benghazi Airport in eastern Libya. The airport will be located in the Tika area, 18 km southeast of Benghazi at the abandoned airport of the Benghazi Aviation Club, and aligns with the city’s broader economic plan, which aims to modernize and develop the Benghazi urban area and targets improved citizen services.
Eastern Libyan Railway
The Chinese consortium BFI partnered with Tripoli-based Libyan Railroads to launch a railway development project in eastern Libya in November 2023. Libyan Railroads will oversee project implementation and management in compliance with legal regulations. BFI has shown keen interest in investing in infrastructure projects in Benghazi and other cities to aid Libya’s development and reconstruction efforts.
Sirte-Benghazi Rail Project
Libyan Railroads and the Russian Railways Company (RZhD) convened to discuss the revival of the Sirte-Benghazi rail project in July 2023. RZhD initiated work on the $4.5 billion project in August 2008, aiming to construct a 554 km railway line linking Benghazi and Sirte. The project included infrastructure development and housing for workers, with plans to employ 3,500 Libyan and Russian personnel during construction.
Benghazi Urban Plan
The Municipality of Benghazi partnered with Greek LEAD Engineering Consulting Company to initiate their General Plan in June 2023, aiming to modernize and expand the city. The comprehensive plan targets improvements in urban infrastructure, water canals, and green spaces, fostering a sustainable environment. Moreover, it prioritizes the transformation of residential areas into fully-equipped neighborhoods, ensuring access to essential services such as sewage, water, electricity, roads and public facilities.
PowerChina-EDF Solar Plant
Construction group PowerChina, French electric utility company EDF and the eastern Libyan government are developing a 1,500 MW solar plant in Eastern Libya following an MoU signed in June 2023. PowerChina has expressed the company’s readiness to implement solar energy stations in Libya, aiming to contribute to the reconstruction of cities affected by Storm Daniel in September 2023 while focusing on environmental considerations and waste recycling.
Benghazi Metro
The Eastern Libyan government partnered with a consortium including Chinese group BFi, China Railway International Group, consulting firm Arup and technology conglomerate Siemens to establish a metro system in Benghazi in May 2023. Financed predominantly by China, the project doesn’t require funding from Libya’s state treasury. The project will be complete in seven to nine years.
