University of Benghazi reopening and reconstruction

The University of Benghazi has officially reopened its main campus following an 11-year closure caused by conflict-related damage. The reopening follows a three-year reconstruction project managed by the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, led by Belqasim Haftar. This project involved rehabilitating academic and administrative buildings, infrastructure, and the central library, while upgrading classrooms and laboratories.

Libyan Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Al-Mahdi Shoaib Al-Saiti, characterized the reopening as a major milestone for the nation’s educational institutions. The inauguration ceremony was attended by various Libyan figures, diplomats, and international delegations, including Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Kamel Ghribi, President of GKSD and Vice President of Gruppo San Donato. Ghribi described the institution as a “beacon of knowledge and science.”

During the event, Ghribi met with Engineer Belqasim Haftar and General Khalifa Haftar to discuss broader economic implications. Ghribi highlighted significant opportunities for Italian companies to engage in Libya’s development, specifically within the healthcare, infrastructure, energy, training, and innovation sectors. He noted that the current phase of development provides a chance for long-term partnerships and referenced the Mattei Plan as a framework for fostering mutual growth between Italy and Africa, positioning Libya as a central player due to its strategic location and resources.