Libyan Members of Parliament are actively participating in the ongoing sessions of the Pan-African Parliament, currently held in Midrand, South Africa. The discussions are focused on shaping a continental framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI), responsible digital innovation, and data sovereignty.
In its latest session, the African Parliament reviewed presentations on establishing a unified African strategy for AI, safeguarding data privacy, and promoting ethical digital innovation. The agenda also covered key topics such as digital health solutions and smart manufacturing technologies across Africa.
Libyan MP Salem Gnan delivered a key intervention during the session, expressing appreciation for the presentations on AI and digital industry. He emphasized that these developments are vital for advancing the African continent and called for greater empowerment of African youth in the tech sector.
Gnan urged African governments and institutions to invest in building youth capacities in AI and the digital economy, stressing the need for long-term strategies to shift Africa from being a technology consumer to an innovation-driven producer.
He also called for serious steps toward achieving digital sovereignty and homegrown technological innovation, led by Africans themselves.
This participation underscores Libya’s engagement in continental dialogues on future technologies and its support for collaborative development in Africa’s digital transformation.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
