Sabha – Sebha University hosted an extensive consultative meeting to launch a development plan for the south, aiming to declare the region an industrial zone. The event was held under the patronage of the National Industry Promotion Authority and carried the theme, “Toward Declaring the South an Industrial Region.” It brought together key decision-makers and strategic partners.
The meeting was attended by mayors from southern municipalities, representatives of universities and academic institutions, the Chamber of Commerce and Development, as well as a number of experts, specialists, and private sector representatives. Participants discussed how to unify the vision among relevant stakeholders, coordinate development efforts, and launch strategic plans to advance industrial growth in the region.
Discussions focused on creating an attractive investment climate to draw both local and foreign capital. Participants also explored ways to strengthen public-private partnerships and set priorities for vital industrial projects and supporting infrastructure.
During the meeting, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, was named patron of industry in Libya and the southern industrial region, in support of development and production efforts.
The meeting concluded with the formation of technical and specialized committees tasked with preparing plans and studies, identifying investment opportunities, and turning proposed ideas into actionable projects. One key outcome was the adoption of declaring Fezzan an industrial region as a strategic development project, along with creating committees to liaise with the House of Representatives and executive bodies to ratify the declaration.
It was also decided to establish a committee to follow up on the Fezzan Refinery project and address the obstacles it faces. Another committee will work with banks and financial institutions to secure support and funding for industrial projects. Sebha and Wadi al-Shati universities were assigned to review studies, prepare feasibility analyses, and develop an integrated investment portfolio for industrial projects in Fezzan.
This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to promote industrial development, boost investment, and harness the economic potential of southern Libya.