Al-Baour: Libya Possesses High Digital Readiness and Internet Penetration Exceeds 90%

Tripoli, June 1, 2026 (LANA) – The Chairman of the General Authority for Communications and Informatics, Abdul Basit Al-Baour, affirmed that Libya has achieved remarkable progress in digital transformation and communications indicators. He noted that internet penetration has exceeded 90%, while smartphone ownership has surpassed 85%, reflecting a high level of digital readiness among citizens and paving the way for expanding electronic services across various sectors.

During his speech today, Monday, at the National Information Technology Day events held in Tripoli, Al-Baour explained that the communications and informatics sector, with the support of the Government of National Unity, has implemented a number of initiatives and projects aimed at improving the quality of digital services and strengthening the country's technological infrastructure, despite the challenges facing the sector.

He noted that Libya has made progress in the international cybersecurity index, achieving approximately 68%, a result he considered a reflection of the efforts made to enhance cybersecurity and data protection.

He added that the National Data Distributor has become a cornerstone of the digital infrastructure, recording over 300 million data transactions last year. It is linked to the banking sector, government agencies, and various service sectors, contributing to faster and more efficient service delivery to citizens.

Regarding electronic payments, Al-Baour explained that the decision of the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity to regulate electronic payment operations has been implemented, and work is underway to integrate it into government services. He emphasized that the successes achieved in this area are a result of the availability of a sophisticated digital and data infrastructure.

He pointed out that the integration of government databases has contributed to the efficient implementation of several programs and services, citing the electronic disbursement of the children's allowance within a short period, as well as the registration of beneficiaries of the girls' allowance via SMS, without imposing any additional burdens or procedures on citizens.

He emphasized that these projects and achievements were implemented by national talent and expertise, contributing to raising the country's digital readiness and enhancing its ability to provide services more quickly and efficiently.

Al-Baour called for directing investments of no less than five billion dollars to the communications and information technology sector. This includes establishing modern data centers and developing communications networks and digital infrastructure, which will support the transition to a fully integrated digital state and enhance the quality of services provided to citizens.

He also announced that the National Information Technology Day events will witness the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the National Artificial Intelligence Charter. He noted that the Authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education, has worked over the past years to support specialized education in this field, establishing academic departments dedicated to teaching artificial intelligence technologies and preparing qualified national personnel.

In closing, Al-Baour stressed the importance of transforming the challenges facing the technology sector into opportunities for development and innovation, contributing to building a more advanced and sustainable digital future in Libya.

=Lana=