Market indicators in education are healthy. Libyan students comprise one of the largest student populations from the Arab world in the UK, generating considerable interest in Libya on the part of UK providers. There are currently around 3500 Libyan students in UK Higher and Further Education or studying on English language courses. Libya’s population is the youngest in North Africa with 75 per cent below 35 years of age and one of Africa's highest literacy rates.
The Libyan government is currently spending an estimated 100 million GBP a year on UK education. Moreover, in an emerging private sector economy, Libyan families are now beginning to invest in education at all levels for their children overseas. On the home front, Libya has plans to invest heavily in the enhancement of its own educational capacity in-country and seeks engagement with the international community and with the UK in particular, in achieving its aims. English which was taught poorly and not at all for many years is now widely used in Libya especially for business.
The National Oil Corporation of Libya is currently making huge adjustments to its UK-Libya training needs handing over most of the training and education requirements to the local Training Departments and has officially stated that one of their main priorities is to encourage national employment and increased productivity of employees in the oil sector through deeper involvement of its local training departments. The British Council will support the ongoing links between the UK and The National Oil Corporation.
The British Council Libya has successfully organised the 2008 Education Exhibition and English Language Conference 'ELTEX 2008' in partnership with Waha Expo and AME Trade Ltd at the Dhat El Imad Centre, with the participation of over 50 Universities and English language schools.
The ongoing development of Libyan education and considerable amount of scholarships offered by the Libyan government offers significant opportunities for UK educational providers in a sector that has seen a long history of mutual co-operation and friendship. This year’s exhibition, focused exclusively on UK suppliers and providers and their local partners, promises to be a worthwhile investment in time and effort. In Libya, as much as anywhere in the region, business is done through personal contact and this exhibition and conference offer a streamlined opportunity for engaging face to face with potential clients and partners.
For more Information please contact khalid.ellafi@ly.britishcouncil.org
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