Context
Over 7 years after the revolution, Libya continues to face major challenges: political instability and insecurity as well as the structural weakness of the State and economic difficulties which also affect the country’s development. To promote the recovery, since 2016, SLEIDSE has been working to support the development of dynamic SMEs and start-ups able to create employment.
Objective
SLEIDSE is a project funded by European Union aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and supporting the development of a diversified private sector in Libya. Using a wide range of instruments, the programme aims to disseminate entrepreneurship culture among the youth and the women. SLEIDSE programme also seeks to provide small businesses in Libya with local and online tailor made development services, including a better access to finance. SLEIDSE programme is implemented in a consortium by Expertise France and GIZ.
Approach
From November 2017 to May 2019, Sleidse provided Libyan Chambers of Commerce with a new vision, new tools for delivering better business support services, and new skills to engage with more impact in private sector development.
From May 2019 to February 2020, Sleidse extension built a Chambers of Commerce – Universities ecosystem to fuel private sector development through increased and enabled youth entrepreneurship, and to raise Libyan civil society awareness on the importance and legitimacy of private sector careers for the future of Libya.
From March 2020 to January 2023, "Sleidse 2", within the EU4PSL programme, will perfect Chambers of Commerce capability to address enterprises’ needs, and will build and implement Chambers’ advisory and advocacy functions to the government for enhanced economic policy reforms.