After spending some time recently in the Central African Republic, I got to see firsthand what the Libyan African Investment Company (LAICO) has built over decades—from hotels to banks, to compounds that could have become regional hubs for cooperation.
LAICO is a subsidiary of Libya’s Africa focused sovereign fund, the Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP). It plays a significant role in Libya’s economic presence across Africa.
Instead, many of these assets are neglected or mismanaged by contractors with no real incentive to see these investments serve Libya or the host country.
What is being wasted is not just property. It is potential. Potential for trade, diplomacy, education, and soft power that could connect Libya to Central Africa in a way no oil barrel ever could.
Libya needs a new vision for its African investments
Libya doesn’t just need to protect its wealth abroad. It needs to activate it. With a new vision, these abandoned investments could support cross-border tech hubs, regional youth development programs, and strategic trade centers—bringing Libya back to the table as a serious partner in African development.
We talk a lot in Libya about diversification. But it starts with seeing value in what we already have.
It’s time we asked: How can Libya transform and leverage its frozen and mismanaged assets into real African partnerships?
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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.
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