Skip to main content

Tag: digital

Ashneibeesh: “Between Reality, Ambition, and True Will… What If Libya Became the Singapore of North Africa?”

Anas Ashneibeesh wrote an article in which he said:
In a world where technological advancement is accelerating, digital transformation has become a national necessity, not a choice. Singapore presents a model worth emulating in how it has employed technology to build a strong economy and an integrated society, despite limited natural resources. From this perspective, Libya—currently in a reconstruction phase—can benefit from this experience to build a modern state based on knowledge and technology.

First: The Singaporean Experience – From Planning to Execution

Early and Long-Term Planning
• In the 1980s, Singapore began drafting a comprehensive national computing plan.
• It set realistic goals for building a strong digital infrastructure.

Developing Digital Infrastructure
• Establishing high-speed internet networks.
• Digitally supporting vital sectors (health, education, transport).

Transition to E-Government Services
• Digitizing public services to reduce bureaucracy.
• Providing smart services to citizens through unified digital platforms.

Major Initiatives Like Smart Nation
• Utilizing AI, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics.
• Enhancing transparency and improving citizens’ quality of life.

Second: How Can Libya Benefit from the Singaporean Model?

Developing a National Digital Vision
Libya needs a clear digital strategy starting from the head of government and involving all institutions. Like Singapore, Libya can launch a national digital transformation plan that defines:
• Short- and long-term goals.
• Priority sectors (education, health, security, services).

Investing in Digital Infrastructure
Despite difficult conditions, gradual steps can begin by:
• Improving internet networks.
• Supporting digital transformation in government institutions.
• Establishing national data centers to protect information.

Digitizing Government Services
• Developing a unified platform for Libyan citizens, similar to “SingPass,” to simplify access to services.
• Implementing digital payment systems to reduce reliance on cash and enhance transparency.

Empowering Youth and Capacity Building
Like Singapore, Libya should:
• Support tech education and vocational training.
• Establish incubators and innovation centers for youth.
• Encourage digital entrepreneurship.

Enhancing Cybersecurity
Creating a national digital security body (like CSA in Singapore) has become essential to protect Libya’s infrastructure from cyber threats.

Third: Challenges Facing Libya and Solutions Inspired by the Singaporean Experience

Political Division:
Make digital transformation a neutral national project that transcends conflicts, becoming a unifying rather than dividing factor.

Weak Infrastructure:
Start with small-scale digital projects that directly impact citizens, paving the way for broader infrastructure development.

Lack of Technical Expertise:
Launch national training programs in digital skills in collaboration with universities and educational institutions.

Resistance to Bureaucracy:
Implement the principle of “smart governance” to simplify procedures and boost transparency and efficiency in service delivery.

Fourth: A Forward-Looking Vision for Digital Libya

If Libya adopts thoughtful and continuous steps toward digital transformation, it can, within a decade:
• Reduce administrative corruption through digital governance.
• Improve citizen services in education and healthcare.
• Empower the digital economy and create job opportunities for youth.

From this standpoint, Libya—like Singapore decades ago—is at a critical turning point. As it recovers from its crises, embracing the digital transformation model, as Singapore did, could be the path toward building a modern, resilient, and effective state. The key is not copying Singapore to the letter, but understanding the essence of its experience: planning, willpower, and inclusivity.

Libya Celebrates National Information Technology Day 2025 with Events in 22 Cities to Promote the Digital Future, Supported by Major Institutions

Libya is preparing to celebrate the “National Information Technology Day” on June 1, 2025, under the central theme:
“IT Leaders… The Driving Force for Change and Innovation, Towards Building Libya’s Future in the Technological Worlds.”

This celebration, which will include more than 30 diverse events across over 22 Libyan cities, crowns efforts aimed at strengthening the role of technology in driving development and bridging the digital divide in the country. It also emphasizes the vital importance of this sector in shaping Libya’s future.

The adoption of National Information Technology Day originated from a proposal submitted by the “Libyan Technology Foundation,” formerly known as the “Libyan Organization for Information Technology and Communications,” to the Government of National Unity in mid-April 2021.

This day was officially approved by Resolution No. 79 of 2021, making June 1 of each year a national occasion to celebrate achievements in the IT sector and highlight its vast potential.

The events of National Information Technology Day aim to raise awareness about the possibilities that technology and information and communication technologies (ICT) can offer to societies and economies, as well as explore ways to close the digital gap.

The 2025 edition will feature a variety of activities, including:

  • Main Event – IT Leaders Forum: A gathering of officials and pioneers in technology and communications to celebrate the power of technology to create change, discuss future technologies, and enhance cooperation among different stakeholders in the field.
  • Developers Summit: The fourth edition of the annual “Developers Summit” will be held as part of the National IT Day. This important event brings together Libyan developers from across the country, providing them the opportunity to discuss a range of technical and non-technical topics of interest, and exchange experiences in technology and life.
  • Cybersecurity Forum: A youth-focused technical forum gathering creative and interested young people from across Libya in the field of cybersecurity.

This important national event enjoys official sponsorship from leading national institutions, reflecting governmental and institutional interest in supporting the sector.

The list of official sponsors includes the Libyan Audit Bureau, the Communications Holding Company, and the National Oil Corporation.

Additionally, several prominent event sponsors support the celebration, including Sirir Oil Operations, Mu‘amalat Financial Services, Zalaf Oil and Gas Exploration, LNet, the National Commercial Bank, and Al Baraka Insurance.

With the participation of key partners, notably the Libyan Technology Foundation, National IT Day 2025 is expected to be a unifying platform for thought leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts in Libya to exchange expertise and envision the country’s digital future.

It also represents a real opportunity to affirm Libya’s commitment to comprehensive digital transformation, harnessing modern technology capabilities to achieve sustainable development and build a strong knowledge-based economy.