Libya, strategically located on the Mediterranean and in close proximity to Europe, continues to navigate economic and political challenges. Since the civil war between 2014 and 2020, the country remains divided between the East and West, with issues around the exploitation of hydrocarbons and revenue distribution being particularly sensitive. The majority of oil wells are controlled by the Eastern government, and ongoing disputes have led to blockades by armed groups aligned with the Libyan National Army (LNA). However, in 2023, a revenue-sharing agreement was reached.
Further progress was marked by the creation of the High Committee for Financial Oversight, which allocates budgetary resources between the regions. The reunification of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) in August 2023 is another sign of improving economic management, though the situation remains fragile. Meanwhile, selective access to foreign currency and a flourishing parallel foreign exchange market continue to shape Libya’s economic landscape.
Payment methods supported per country
Mobile payments
Global & local card schemes & wallets
Bank transfers
Digital wallets
Cards
Payment methods breakdown
Credit cards
17%
Prepaid cards
33%
Mobile payments
16%
Bank transfers
17%
Digital wallets
17%
Trade exchange
Export
of goods as a % of total
Europe
66%
China
8%
United States of America
6%
Thailand
5%
United Kingdom
4%
Import
of goods as a % of total
Europe
47%
Turkey
18%
China
15%
United Arab Emirates
12%
Egypt
6%
Proportion of population making online transactions (by 2024)
Females 14.7% Males 14.6%
Proportion of population using credit cards (2024)
10%
Estimated number of POS
38,000
Proportion of population using an account with a financial institution (2024)