Benghazi – Young university and institute graduates sit in Benghazi coffee shops. They also sit on bustling sidewalks. They share a common reality: waiting. They await job opportunities that have not yet arrived. Promises are repeatedly made but never fulfilled.
Al-Sanousi spoke to Al-Anbaa Al-Libya newspaper. He was flipping through his CV, worn out from repeated applications. “I graduated three years ago,” he said. “I applied everywhere, but nothing has changed.”
In another part of Benghazi, Maryam stands before land inherited from her father. She dreams of turning it into a successful agricultural project. With a smile mixed with hope and sadness, she states, “We have the land and the idea. But we lack the capital.”
Maryam believes agricultural funding could be a real opportunity for her project. However, complex procedures hinder her progress. Weak youth support programs also limit her ability to turn this dream into reality.
Between Al-Sanousi and Maryam, a full generation emerges. They possess knowledge and ambition. Yet, they lack the tools to open doors to the job market. Many young people are no longer content with traditional job searching. Instead, they are turning towards small projects. They are also seeking partnerships to create their own future.
In this context, Ahmed, a graduate, said, “We do not want promises. We want real opportunities. We need initial support. Then we can continue on our own.” These words summarize a recurring demand. It calls for clear employment policies and effective funding programs. It also requires practical facilities to empower youth. This is especially true in promising sectors like agriculture and local industries.
Experts believe investing in youth is not just about solving unemployment. It is a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable economic development. This generation possesses energy and ideas. They can transform these into productive projects if the right environment is provided.
Mohammed Al-Jehani is the Director of the Office of the Minister of Economy in the Libyan government. He clarified to Al-Anbaa Al-Libya newspaper that the unemployment file still needs accurate data and studies. However, indicators in some eastern and southern regions show relative improvement. This is due to public and private sector activity.
He indicated that the National Development Agency and its subsidiaries rely heavily on national labor. This also applies to Emaar Libya Holding Company. This extensive use of local workers has reduced unemployment rates. He also noted a gradual return of foreign companies to the Libyan market. These companies are required to employ a percentage of local labor according to existing legislation.
He added that the private sector has become more attractive to young people compared to the public sector. This is due to salary differences. The salary for recent graduates in government jobs is around 1650 dinars. In the private sector, it can range from 2500 to 4000 dinars in some fields.
Regarding small projects, Al-Jehani pointed to ongoing challenges. These include exchange rate fluctuations. There is also difficulty in obtaining funding. This is despite initiatives for business incubators in Benghazi. These incubators aim to support and nurture youth projects.
He concluded by noting an anticipated government directive. It aims to reduce reliance on foreign labor in the private sector. It will replace them with national labor. This could help enhance employment opportunities.
Between the reality of waiting and hopes for change, the story of Benghazi’s youth remains open. It holds multiple possibilities. It lies between a dream searching for an opportunity. It also lies with a reality still taking shape.