E-Government in Libya: A Dream or a Digital Divide?

15 August 2025

As nations across the globe embrace digital transformation, e-government the use of digital technologies to deliver public services, is becoming a benchmark of modern governance. From renewing passports online to accessing healthcare records with a click, e-government promises transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.

But in Libya, a country navigating post-conflict recovery, political fragmentation, and infrastructure challenges, is this vision realistic? Or does it risk widening the divide between the connected and the disconnected?

Let’s unpack the dream  and the dilemma, of e-government in Libya.

What Is E-Government, Really?

At its core, e-government is about using digital tools to:

• Deliver public services online (licensing, permits, education, health, etc.)

• Improve communication between government agencies

• Increase transparency and reduce corruption

• Make services more citizen-friendly and accessible

In theory, it brings the government closer to the people, regardless of where they live or who they are.

Why Libya Needs E-Government

The case for e-government in Libya is strong:

1. Efficiency – With limited resources and administrative challenges, digitising services could reduce      bureaucracy and speed up delivery.

2. Transparency – Digital records make corruption harder and promote public trust.

3. Access – Citizens in rural or remote areas wouldn’t have to travel to city centres for basic services.

4. Youth Engagement – With Libya’s large, tech-savvy youth population, e-government could empower the next generation to participate more actively in governance.

The Harsh Reality: Barriers on the Ground

Despite the promise, Libya faces serious obstacles that turn this dream into a potential digital divide:

🛑 Lack of Infrastructure

Internet penetration varies widely across the country. Many rural communities lack stable electricity, let alone broadband access.

🛑Political Fragmentation

E-government systems require centralised coordination. In Libya’s current political landscape, implementing unified digital services is extremely complex.

🛑Cybersecurity Risks

Without proper safeguards, e-government platforms could become targets for hacking, data theft, or manipulation.

🛑Digital Literacy

Not all citizens are ready to navigate government websites or mobile apps, particularly older populations or those with limited formal education.

The Risk: A Digital Divide

If not implemented thoughtfully, e-government could deepen inequality in Libya. Those with access to devices, internet, and digital literacy will benefit. Those without could become even more marginalised.

Imagine a situation where:

• Urban residents renew their ID in 5 minutes online...

• While rural citizens are forced to travel hours, only to face delays and red tape.

That’s not transformation — that’s exclusion.

What Libya Can Do Now

A successful e-government strategy in Libya requires a measured, inclusive approach. Here’s what needs to happen:

✅ Start Small and Local

Pilot digital services in a few ministries or regions. Learn, adapt, and build gradually.

✅ Invest in Digital Infrastructure

Ensure every citizen has access to reliable internet and digital devices, especially in underdeveloped regions.

✅ Build Digital Literacy

Run national campaigns and school programmes to educate the public on using digital tools.

✅ Create a Unified Digital Vision

Despite political divides, a non-partisan national digital agenda can be developed, focusing on citizen welfare and service delivery, not politics.

✅ Protect Citizen Data

Strong cybersecurity and data protection policies must be implemented from day one.

Conclusion: Dream, Divide… or Both?

E-government could be a game-changer for Libya. But only if it’s designed with equity, infrastructure, and inclusivity at its core.

Otherwise, the very system meant to bring the state closer to its citizens could end up pushing the most vulnerable further away.

The question isn’t whether Libya should digitise its government, but how to do it in a way that serves all Libyans, not just the digitally privileged.

As Code Libya leads conversations on digital transformation and public sector innovation, let’s push for e-government that works for everyone, not just those who are already online.