Libya is emerging as a renewed focal point for global energy investment, as senior government officials and international companies signaled growing confidence in the country’s energy sector during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026.
A series of high-level roundtable discussions involving the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom underscored what organizers described as a shift from cautious re-entry to active project execution, with Libya positioning itself as open for business across upstream oil and gas, power generation and renewables.
U.S. Engagement Expands
At the U.S.–Libya Roundtable, Libya was described as a strategic priority for the current U.S. administration, with American officials and companies highlighting rising investment levels and a growing operational footprint in the country. Discussions focused on opportunities linked to Libya’s ongoing licensing round and the National Oil Corporation’s multi-billion-dollar development programme, with U.S. firms expressing interest in production growth, technology deployment and workforce development.
France Targets Oil and Solar Projects
France’s engagement centered on concrete project timelines and institutional cooperation. TotalEnergies said it is targeting end-2026 final investment decisions for the North Gialo 6J oil development and the 500-megawatt Sadada solar project, reflecting France’s dual focus on hydrocarbons and renewable energy in Libya.
The summit also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Libyan Council for Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy and Business France, aimed at strengthening collaboration between French and Libyan companies and potentially establishing a joint venture to support energy investments.
Italy Deepens Long-Standing Ties
Italy reaffirmed its role as a key energy partner for Libya, with discussions spanning oil and gas production, flaring reduction and electricity generation. Participants highlighted Italy’s engineering expertise, operational experience and geographic proximity as advantages for supporting Libya’s next phase of energy and infrastructure development.
Licensing Continuity Anchors U.K. Talks
The U.K.–Libya Roundtable focused on Libya’s upstream licensing strategy, with officials emphasizing the importance of continuity in acreage offerings to sustain long-term production growth. Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek, said strong international interest in the current licensing round, launched in 2025, with results expected shortly, has reinforced confidence in proceeding with a second round.
He added that Libya is also advancing initiatives targeting marginal fields, unconventional resources and underexplored acreage, as part of a broader effort to unlock additional production and investment.
As Libya seeks to translate renewed investor interest into executed projects, officials and industry leaders at LEES 2026 emphasized that predictable licensing, institutional cooperation and project delivery will be critical to sustaining momentum.
