On February 24, 2023, the US-Libya Business Association hosted a roundtable discussion focusing on recent events in Libya featuring prominent Libya experts and American companies with a strong interest in the Libyan market. The discussion centered around the current political and security situation in Libya, including the recent P3+2+2 meetings in Washington, DC as well as the UNSC session on Libya held on Monday, February 27. Overall, the roundtable provided a valuable platform for discussing the current state of affairs in Libya and the opportunities and challenges for American businesses seeking to operate in the country.

Many thanks to our main presenter, Francesco Calzoni, Senior Manager and Libya researcher at Intelyse, as well as the many other esteemed analysts who offered their insights to the group.

On January 26, the US-Libya Business Association invited Ambassador Richard Norland, US Special Envoy to Libya, to a roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C. to review recent political and economic developments affecting US-Libyan relations. USLBA is grateful to the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and the US Embassy Libya External Office for their efforts to support US companies that operate in Libya.

On October 12, 2022, the US-Libya Business Association hosted a private meeting with His Excellency Saddek ElKaber Libya’s Central Bank Governor, and USLBA members. The discussion highlighted the CBL’s efforts to increase transparency and foster economic growth in Libya. Participants also noted future opportunities for US companies to deepen their investment in Libya. USLBA is grateful for H.E. and his delegation’s time during his busy visit to Washington, D.C. for the IMF/World Bank Meetings.

On October 5th, 2022, the US-Libya Business Association (USLBA) Executive Director, Lydia Jabs, met with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, H.E. Mohamed Oun, on the sidelines of the Africa Oil Week conference held in Cape Town, South Africa. During their meeting, they discussed various ways to strengthen US and Libyan ties in the oil and gas sector.

The discussions highlighted the opportunities and challenges that exist in the oil and gas industry of Libya. They acknowledged the importance of the US-Libyan partnership in developing and expanding the sector, which has been one of the driving forces behind Libya’s economy.

The meeting emphasized the potential for US businesses to invest in Libya’s oil and gas sector and the benefits that would bring to both countries. It also discussed the need to establish stronger relationships between US companies and Libyan counterparts to enable partnerships that would improve technology transfer, and capacity building, and create job opportunities.

On September 26th, 2022, the US-Libya Business Association (USLBA) met with Libya’s Foreign Minister, Najla El Mangoush, at the Libyan Embassy in Washington D.C. to discuss ways to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Libya. The USLBA is grateful for the opportunity to work with H.E. toward a shared goal of attracting American companies to invest in Libya.

The meeting focused on the current state of economic relations between the two countries and identified areas for growth and cooperation. The USLBA highlighted the importance of increasing foreign investment in Libya and creating a more attractive business environment for American companies.

In conclusion, the meeting between the USLBA and Foreign Minister El Mangoush was an important step toward strengthening economic ties between the United States and Libya. It highlighted the shared goal of attracting American companies to invest in Libya and the need to address challenges to create a more attractive business environment. The USLBA remains committed to promoting investment and trade opportunities between the two countries, and we look forward to continuing our work with Libyan officials toward this shared goal.

On July 28, 2022, the US- Libya Business Association hosted a meeting with Dr. Mahmoud Fataisi, Chairman of Libya’s National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB). Dr. Fataisi provided an overview of the NESDB’s current programs and presented the organization’s vision for inclusive growth and development in Libya. Participants discussed strategies to improve Libya’s business climate and shared their experiences in Libya. The committee discussed ways to enhance commerce between the United States and Libya.

ConocoPhillips and Meridian International hosted a productive discussion on the future of Libya’s oil and gas industry with an esteemed group of Libyan Oil and Gas professionals. The event was held on the auspices of the State Department Near Eastern Affairs International Visitor Leadership Program, and the US-Libya Business Association is appreciative of the opportunity to participate.

The discussion centered around the current state of Libya’s oil and gas industry and the opportunities and challenges that exist. The participants shared their experiences and insights on the industry, providing a valuable perspective on the current situation in Libya and the potential for growth and development.

The event was an important opportunity for Libyan Oil and Gas professionals to engage with their international counterparts and exchange ideas on best practices and innovations in the industry. It also provided an opportunity for Conoco Phillips and Meridian International to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the growth and development of Libya’s oil and gas industry.

On Friday, April 29, USLBA hosted a productive roundtable with senior USG officials and leaders from the US private sector to discuss the implementation of the Global Fragility Act in Libya to prevent conflict and promote stability. The meeting included Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations Deputy Assistant Secretary, Matthew Steinhelfer; USAID’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Middle East, Megan Doherty; and Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa, Karen Sasahara. USLBA is grateful for their time and invaluable insights.

The Global Fragility Act is a forward-thinking strategy that aims to address many of the underlying factors of instability in Libya. USLBA looks forward to future engagements that promote our shared goals of conflict prevention, stabilization, and support for Libya’s youth and disadvantaged populations.