Young people in Bani Walid city get hands-on training in artificial intelligence, programming, and robotics as Libya builds a digital workforce for economic transformation
Libya opens its first artificial intelligence Youth Club in Bani Walid, giving young people direct access to advanced technology training. The Ministry of Youth announced the club through the Dinar Martyrs Centre for Youth Care. Officials want to build practical skills in AI and emerging technologies among Libyan young people. The opening ceremony brought together key figures, including Director General Eng. Wael Idris Al-Jadak and Girls Section Head Ms Maryam Sultan.
Practical AI Training Begins in Bani Walid
The technical team delivered simplified presentations on artificial intelligence during the launch session. They explained how AI works across education, healthcare, government services, finance, and cybersecurity sectors. This approach helps students understand real-world applications rather than abstract concepts.
Eng. Ezzedine Kajaman leads the club’s strategic roadmap. The plan includes structured training programs, specialized workshops, and innovation activities. Students will learn programming, data analysis, digital ethics, and robotics through hands-on experience.
The club operates as a talent incubator. Participants get access to tools, mentorship, and learning environments needed to compete in fast-changing digital markets. This practical approach connects classroom learning with industry requirements.
Libya Joins Regional AI Education Movement
Libya’s initiative follows similar programs across the Middle East and North Africa region. Morocco launched a national digital and AI training program for children in October 2025 under its Maroc Digital 2030 strategy. The Gulf region also sees TRENDS and Cambridge AI launching training programs to prepare young people for AI leadership roles.
Google’s AI Opportunity Initiative expanded to MENA in November 2024, launching an Arabic language AI training curriculum. These regional developments show growing recognition of AI skills for economic competitiveness.
Earlier in 2024, ICESCO partnered with Libya’s Ministry of Education to integrate artificial intelligence into educational processes. The three-day training equipped ministry officials with strategic foresight skills for educational transformation.
Digital Skills Address Economic Challenges
Libya faces significant economic challenges that digital transformation could help address. The country launched its first Digital Transformation Strategy in 2023, targeting higher education and research institutions. This strategy focuses on developing a scientific workforce and promoting innovation through public-private-academic collaboration.
The Ministry of Youth emphasizes that technological literacy has become essential in an economy shaped by automation and smart systems. Building AI skills early prepares young people to drive innovation rather than simply adapt to technological changes.
Officials noted that investment in AI education directly supports economic diversification and long-term national competitiveness. Libya seeks to reduce dependence on oil revenues by building knowledge-based economy sectors.
Future Expansion Plans
The AI Youth Club will expand beyond basic training in upcoming phases. Plans include partnerships with universities, technology providers, and international training networks. These collaborations will ensure continuous skills upgrading and access to global expertise.
The club serves as a bridge between theoretical learning and applied development. Students will work on real projects rather than studying concepts in isolation. This practical approach helps build job-ready skills employers actually need.
Officials said the project reflects Libya’s commitment to fostering youth-led digital development. The program aims to create a generation capable of building technology solutions for local challenges while competing in global markets.
UNDP trained 62 Libyan youth in local governance and artificial intelligence through specialized Training of Trainers programs. The AI Youth Club builds on these existing capacity-building efforts.
Young Libyans now have direct pathways to develop skills the digital economy demands. The Bani Walid club is the first step in what officials hope becomes a nationwide network of AI training centers. Success here could accelerate similar programs across Libya’s other cities and regions.
