LIBYA
N/A
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Effective protection covering trade secrets
Lack of regulatory framework covering trade secrets
Libya lacks a comprehensive regime for the protection of trade secrets.
Coverage Horizontal
LIBYA
Reported in 2017, last reported in 2024
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Passive infrastructure sharing obligation
Lack of obligation to share passive infrastructure
There is no obligation for passive infrastructure sharing in Libya to deliver telecom services to end users, and it is not practised in both the mobile and fixed sectors based on commercial agreements.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
LIBYA
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2023
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share for investment in the telecommunication sector
De facto FDI restriction
Foreign investors face no specific restrictions under Law No. (22) of 1378 FDP (2010 AD) on Telecommunications. However, it is reported that the fixed telecom sector is reserved exclusively for the state-owned Libyan Post Telecommunications and Information Technology Company (LPTIC). The regulatory framework defines three licensing categories in the telecommunications sector:
- Category I: Required for establishing or operating public telecom networks or infrastructure that uses national resources, such as frequency spectrum. This includes fixed and mobile networks, international communications, and any other services designated by the Authority.
- Category II: Covers public telecom services that rely on first-category networks or provide additional services using national resources (e.g., numbering) without using natural resources. Examples include ISPs, satellite communication, and value-added services.
- Category III: Applies to private telecom networks or services, either separate from or using capacity from public networks. This includes services like automated vehicle management systems, satellite-based personal communications, and importing radio equipment.
The regulator encourages private sector involvement in Category II and III services but reserves Category I fixed telecom services exclusively for the LPTIC, preventing private operators from entering this sub-sector.
- Category I: Required for establishing or operating public telecom networks or infrastructure that uses national resources, such as frequency spectrum. This includes fixed and mobile networks, international communications, and any other services designated by the Authority.
- Category II: Covers public telecom services that rely on first-category networks or provide additional services using national resources (e.g., numbering) without using natural resources. Examples include ISPs, satellite communication, and value-added services.
- Category III: Applies to private telecom networks or services, either separate from or using capacity from public networks. This includes services like automated vehicle management systems, satellite-based personal communications, and importing radio equipment.
The regulator encourages private sector involvement in Category II and III services but reserves Category I fixed telecom services exclusively for the LPTIC, preventing private operators from entering this sub-sector.
Coverage Fixed-telecommunications sector
Sources
- https://itip-services-worldbank.wto.org/DetailView.aspx?id=3070292&id2=&id3=&sPath=000021090010901&mzMode=Modes3
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231207224142/https://www.cim.gov.ly/electronic-services-licenses
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240522042148/https://security-legislation.ly/latest-laws/law-no-22-of-2010-on-communications/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231023103718/https://lawsociety.ly/legislation/%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85-22-%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-2010-%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%A3%D9%86-%D8%A7%D...
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LIBYA
Since April 2005
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Presence of shares owned by the government in telecom companies
Decree No. 63 of 2005 establishing the Libyan Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Company
قرار رقم 63 لسنة 2005 م بإنشاء الشركة الليبية للبريد والاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات
قرار رقم 63 لسنة 2005 م بإنشاء الشركة الليبية للبريد والاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات
The Libyan government retains significant ownership in the telecommunications sector, primarily through the Libyan Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Company (LPTIC), one of the country’s largest state-owned enterprises. Established under Art. 1 of Decree No. 63 of 2005 as a public holding company affiliated with the General Authority for Information, Documentation and Communications, LPTIC assumed control of the General Company for Post and Telecommunications, Al Madar Company, Libya Telecommunications and Technology Company, and Libyana Company pursuant to Art. 5 of the same decree. Al Madar Al Jadeed, founded in 1995 as Libya’s first mobile network operator and data provider, remains government-owned, while Libya Telecommunications and Technology Company, created in 1997, currently delivers integrated services including Internet connectivity, voice communications, hosting, and data transfer. Other entities, such as Libyana, also continue to operate under the LPTIC umbrella.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
LIBYA
N/A
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Functional/accounting separation for operators with significant market power
Lack of mandatory functional separation for dominant network operators
Libya does not mandate functional separation for operators with significant market power (SMP) in the telecom market. Information about accounting separation is not found.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
LIBYA
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2023
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
De facto FDI restriction
Foreign investors face no specific restrictions under Law No. (22) of 1378 FDP (2010 AD) on Telecommunications. However, it is reported that the fixed telecom sector is reserved exclusively for the state-owned Libyan Post Telecommunications and Information Technology Company (LPTIC). The regulatory framework defines three licensing categories in the telecommunications sector:
- Category I: Required for establishing or operating public telecom networks or infrastructure that uses national resources, such as frequency spectrum. This includes fixed and mobile networks, international communications, and any other services designated by the Authority.
- Category II: Covers public telecom services that rely on first-category networks or provide additional services using national resources (e.g., numbering) without using natural resources. Examples include ISPs, satellite communication, and value-added services.
- Category III: Applies to private telecom networks or services, either separate from or using capacity from public networks. This includes services like automated vehicle management systems, satellite-based personal communications, and importing radio equipment.
The regulator encourages private sector involvement in Category II and III services but reserves Category I fixed telecom services exclusively for the LPTIC, preventing private operators from entering this sub-sector.
- Category I: Required for establishing or operating public telecom networks or infrastructure that uses national resources, such as frequency spectrum. This includes fixed and mobile networks, international communications, and any other services designated by the Authority.
- Category II: Covers public telecom services that rely on first-category networks or provide additional services using national resources (e.g., numbering) without using natural resources. Examples include ISPs, satellite communication, and value-added services.
- Category III: Applies to private telecom networks or services, either separate from or using capacity from public networks. This includes services like automated vehicle management systems, satellite-based personal communications, and importing radio equipment.
The regulator encourages private sector involvement in Category II and III services but reserves Category I fixed telecom services exclusively for the LPTIC, preventing private operators from entering this sub-sector.
Coverage Fixed-telecommunications sector
Sources
- https://itip-services-worldbank.wto.org/DetailView.aspx?id=3070292&id2=&id3=&sPath=000021090010901&mzMode=Modes3
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231207224142/https://www.cim.gov.ly/electronic-services-licenses
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240522042148/https://security-legislation.ly/latest-laws/law-no-22-of-2010-on-communications/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231023103718/https://lawsociety.ly/legislation/%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85-22-%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-2010-%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%A3%D9%86-%D8%A7%D...
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LIBYA
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
3.48%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
16.69%
Coverage: ICT goods
Sources
- http://wits.worldbank.org/WITS/
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/inftec_e/itscheds_e.htm
LIBYA
N/A
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Participation in the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and 2015 expansion (ITA II)
Lack of participation in the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and in ITA Expansion Agreement (ITA II)
Libya is not a signatory of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Information Technology Agreement (ITA) of 1996 and its 2015 expansion (ITA II). In fact, Libya is not a Member of the WTO.
Coverage ICT goods
Sources
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/inftec_e/itscheds_e.htm
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LIBYA
Since March 1957
Since October 2024
Since October 2024
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Exclusion from public procurement
Law No. 62 of 1957 on the Boycott of Israel
قانون رقم 62 لسنة 1957 م بشأن مقاطعة إسرائيل
Decision No. 600 of 2024 issuing the Administrative Contracts Regulation
قرار رقم 600 لسنة 2024 م بإصدار لائحة العقود الإدارية
قانون رقم 62 لسنة 1957 م بشأن مقاطعة إسرائيل
Decision No. 600 of 2024 issuing the Administrative Contracts Regulation
قرار رقم 600 لسنة 2024 م بإصدار لائحة العقود الإدارية
Under Art. 1 of the Law on the Boycott of Israel, any natural or legal person is prohibited from entering into agreements, whether directly or indirectly, with individuals or entities residing in Israel, holding Israeli nationality, or acting on its behalf, as well as with national or foreign companies that maintain interests, branches, or general agencies in Israel. In addition, Art. 18 of the Administrative Contracts Regulation mandates that applicants for administrative contracts comply with decisions issued by the competent authorities regarding the boycott of any state or the prohibition of dealings therewith, and requires that every such contract include a clause obliging the parties to adhere to these decisions and accept their consequences.
Coverage Israel-affiliated entities
LIBYA
Since April 2023
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Exclusion from public procurement
Circular of the Minister of Economy and Trade No. 4-2023
منشور وزير الاقتصاد والتجارة رقم 4 لسنة 2023 م
منشور وزير الاقتصاد والتجارة رقم 4 لسنة 2023 م
Circular 4-2023 requests all public companies and government agencies funded from the general budget to commit to giving priority to supplies from the local market, especially those manufactured and produced locally when contracting for the procurement of materials and supplies they need.
Coverage Horizontal
LIBYA
Since October 2024
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Decision No. 600 of 2024 issuing the Administrative Contracts Regulation
قرار رقم 600 لسنة 2024 م بإصدار لائحة العقود الإدارية
قرار رقم 600 لسنة 2024 م بإصدار لائحة العقود الإدارية
Art. 106 of the Administrative Contracts Regulation stipulates that contractors are required to use nationally sourced materials and products of local origin, including those that are manufactured or semi-manufactured domestically, as well as other materials and equipment available on the local market, provided that such items conform to the agreed technical specifications and are offered at competitive prices.
Coverage Horizontal
LIBYA
Reported in 2022, last reported in 2025
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Reported lack of transparency in public procurement
It is reported that procurement processes are frequently characterised by opacity and fragmentation across multiple agencies, with a recurrent reliance on non-competitive procedures and limited public disclosure of procurement plans, contract awards, and implementation outcomes. It is further reported that foreign enterprises regard corruption as a significant impediment to foreign direct investment, which remains pervasive across virtually all sectors of the economy, particularly within government procurement.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2025/148/article-A001-en.xml
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251211213157/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/libya
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231201085458/https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-investment-climate-statements/libya/
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LIBYA
N/A
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Signatory of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) with coverage of the most relevant services sectors (CPC 752, 754, 84)
Lack of participation in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)
Libya is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), nor does it have observer status. In fact, Libya is not a Member of the WTO.
Coverage Horizontal
LIBYA
Since October 2022
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Decree No. 944 on the Foreigners’ Participation and Foreign Companies’ Branches and Representative Offices in Libya
قرار رقم 944 لسنة 2022 م بشأن لائحة مساهمة الأجانب وفروع ومكاتب تمثيل الشركات الأجنبية بدولة ليبي
قرار رقم 944 لسنة 2022 م بشأن لائحة مساهمة الأجانب وفروع ومكاتب تمثيل الشركات الأجنبية بدولة ليبي
Art. 18 stipulates that foreign participation in joint ventures may not exceed 75%; however, this limit may be raised to a maximum of 89% by a reasoned decision of the Minister.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251215180428/https://lawsociety.ly/en/legislation/decree-no-944-on-the-foreigners-participation-and-foreign-companies-branches-and-representative-offices-in-libya/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251224150836/https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-policy-monitor/measures/4864/libya-issued-decree-broadening-foreign-participation-in-business-activities
