Egypt stepping strongly into Libya’s construction rivalry

Mustafa Kamel

Egypt is stepping into Libya’s reconstruction effort strongly, after reconnecting with different Libyan authorities to discuss the reconstruction file.

Egyptian efforts to be part of Libya’s reconstruction were made after the formation of a unity government in Libya, one led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.

The Dbeibeh government works to end Libyan rifts by advancing Libya’s stability.

The Libyan government announced previously that it would establish a fund for the reconstruction of Libyan cities ravaged by the war, including Tripoli, Benghazi, Sirte and Derna.

Cairo stepping in strongly

Egypt stepped into Libya’s reconstruction file following the formation of the Dbeibeh government.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli visited Libyan capital Tripoli in April 2021. He discussed the role Egypt would play in Libya’s reconstruction. The Egyptian prime minister accompanied 11 cabinet ministers in his visit.

Libya’s reconstruction would cost approximately $100 billion in the first stage. The overall construction of Libyan cities can jump to $450 billion. Libya needs to construct 3 million housing units, reconstruct many of its roads, and fix its electricity networks. It also needs to rebuild whole cities that were ravaged by the war during the past years.

During his visit to Tripoli, Prime Minister Madbouli signed 11 cooperation agreements with the Libyan side. The agreements covered important areas, such as infrastructure, health, electricity, labor, transport, and communications.

The Joint Egyptian-Libyan Committee would also reconvene, opening the door for potential greater cooperation between the two countries. The return of Egyptian labor to Libya is also an important step on the road to cementing cooperation between the two countries.