Considering the recent debate in Libya about reforming subsidies and the Libyan economy, one subject that would help make sane, logical, and civilian-oriented fair decisions – is the lack of data. You cannot reform what you cannot measure!
Libya is rich in resources but poor in visibility.
- We don’t know how many families live under the poverty line.
- We don’t know the true unemployment rate.
- We can’t track productivity by sector.
- Nor can we forecast needs in education, health or housing.
This vacuum of statistics isn’t just inconvenient — it’s dangerous. It leads to haphazard subsidies, ineffective policies, and missed investment opportunities.
Meanwhile, fellow African countries like Rwanda, Senegal and Morocco are already building national data ecosystems – using digital IDs, open data portals, AI-driven analysis, and local partnerships to power real-time governance. So, why can’t Libya?
Here’s how we fix it:
1. Establish a National Data Authority – independent, tech-savvy, and accountable, with a mandate to collect, digitise, and protect data from all ministries.
2. Invest in Local Data talent – launch bootcamps, scholarships, and remote work hubs to train Libyan data analysts, AI engineers, and civic tech developers.
3. Make Data open and useful – build dashboards that everyone can access: business owners, NGOs, policymakers, and everyday citizens.
4. Incentivise accurate reporting – use blockchain or digital ledger systems to verify records and ensure data integrity at the local level.
5. Collaborate with African Data Alliances — tap into regional platforms that already exist, such as Smart Africa or the African Union’s Data Policy Framework.
Libya doesn’t need to copy Europe – it just needs to catch up with Africa.
The real revolution isn’t just oil or electricity — it’s also information development.
Mohamed Lateri is Head of Business Development at Makaman Libya Oil Services Inc | Founder @ eGlomo Ltd.
Libya Herald is not responsible for the contents of this op-ed.
