The Forum will feature two flagship sessions: “Building Libya’s Future Industries: Energy-Led Industrialization, Strategic Resources and Economic Diversification” and “Developing Industrial Clusters, SEZs and Manufacturing Hubs.” The discussions will examine how industrial zones, infrastructure development and energy-backed projects can create new value chains and strengthen Libya’s investment landscape.

A major focus will be Libya’s expanding network of industrial zones designed to attract international investment and establish new manufacturing hubs. The $2.7 billion expansion of the Misurata Free Zone, backed by Maha Capital Partners and Terminal Investment, is set to transform the port into a Mediterranean logistics hub capable of handling four million containers annually. The project is expected to create 8,400 direct jobs and more than 60,000 indirect jobs while generating approximately $500 million in annual revenue and strengthening Libya’s position as a regional trade gateway.

The 1,000-hectare Magroun Industrial Zone represents another major step toward building new manufacturing capacity, with the National Development Agency recently signing 13 agreements with Chinese companies spanning construction materials, chemicals, electronics, textiles, renewable technologies and advanced manufacturing. The initiative aligns with Libya’s broader industrial modernization efforts, including a 100-day plan from the Ministry of Industry focused on digital transformation, governance and infrastructure development.

Energy availability will be a critical enabler of Libya’s industrial ambitions. Beyond supporting exports, the country’s hydrocarbon resources provide the feedstock and power needed to develop higher-value industries, including refining, petrochemicals, fertilizers, construction materials and manufacturing.

This shift toward value creation is already reflected in new downstream and industrial projects. Honeywell UOP is supporting the 30,000-bpd South Refinery Project through Zallaf Libya Oil & Gas Company, while Eni and Maire Tecnimont continue advancing petrochemical opportunities at the Mellitah Complex. Together with expanding industrial zones and infrastructure investments, these projects demonstrate Libya’s ambition to move beyond raw resource exports and develop integrated industrial value chains.

By placing industrial development at the center of the conversation, the Future Industries Forum will explore how Libya can move beyond resource exports to build competitive industries, attract investment and create long-term economic value. Building on billions of dollars in energy and infrastructure opportunities generated through previous summit editions, LEES 2027 will focus on the next challenge: turning investment commitments into measurable industrial growth.