Episode 18-Libya Uncovered: Post-2011 Dive into Politics & Economics

Since the 2011 revolution ousted long-time leader Muammar al Gaddafi, Libya has been in turmoil, with rival factions fighting for control amidst vast oil reserves. However, conflicts intensified notably after 2014, worsening the nation's instability.

Last year, the IMF highlighted Libya's economic paradox: despite high GDP per capita, challenges persist due to heavy reliance on hydrocarbons. Additionally, devastating floods in September 2023 underscored climate risks.

In our 18th episode, we spoke to Naaman Elbouri, a seasoned Libyan investment banker.  His background includes more than 20 years of international investment banking experience including 10-years at UBS.

Naaman holds positions at various financial institutions in Libya including Chairman of Assaray Trade And Investment Bank as well as Founding member of Tadawul Financial Services, Libya's first asset management company.

In this episode we covered several topics including:

• Deep dive into Libya's political and economic landscape since 2011
• An insight into the banking sector
• What sectors Libya could offer in the future

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

Chapters

• 0:50 Monologue intro
• 1:50 Beginning of discussion
• 2:33 Naaman's early life
• 7:15 Current activities
• 10:16 Libya's economy pre-2011
• 17:34 Initial thoughts of revolution
• 20:51 Revolution events
• 22:03 Stalled political transition
• 26:52 Events since 2014
• 39:39 Why did West ignore Libya post 2011?
• 41:03 Economy since revolution
• 44:48 Economic challenges
• 46:29 Banking sector
• 51:51 Islamic banking system
• 53:51 Fintech
• 55:29 Climate risks
• 1:00:19 How can Libya attract FDI?
• 1:02:12 What other sectors could Libya offer?
• 1:03:36 Becoming a tourism destination
• 1:05:47 Naaman's outlook for Libya
• 1:07:54 Current and upcoming projects