In a bid to reduce reliance on imports and generate local employment, Tripoli is promoting the onshoring of oil-related industrial production by encouraging major international firms to establish operations inside Libya.
The National Oil Corporation (NOC)—the backbone of the Libyan economy—is actively working to repatriate industrial units tied to the country’s oil sector. According to the Libya Observer, NOC Chairman Masoud Suleiman recently held talks in London with regional executives of Schlumberger, urging the oilfield services giant to establish local subsidiaries in Libya.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to stimulate domestic industrial development, cut logistics costs, create skilled jobs for young Libyans, and build a more resilient local supply chain. Through this strategy, the NOC aims to shift away from a purely extractive model toward a more integrated and value-added economy.
A central focus of the plan is the elimination of gas flaring. Libya still flares approximately 600 million cubic feet of gas per day, due to inadequate infrastructure—resulting in both major economic losses and environmental damage. The NOC has now committed to a “zero flaring” target by the end of 2025, in line with its international obligations.
This push for industrial onshoring is also driven by a desire for greater energy sovereignty and stronger state control over natural resources. While security challenges continue to hinder investment in the country, Libyan authorities appear determined to rebuild a domestic oil industry as part of a broader national economic stabilisation strategy.
MK/sf/ac/lb/as/APA