Tripoli, 08/May/2025 – Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Libyan Iron and Steel Company (LISCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their joint efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions within Libya.
 
As the largest industrial utility in the country, LISCO consumes approximately 4-5% of Libya’s national gas and electricity. The steel and cement production process also releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases. The new partnership aims to lower the rate of emissions by improving energy performance, integrating renewable energy and integrating other low-carbon practices.
 
By providing technical support and capacity building, UNDP will help position LISCO for a more competitive, efficient, and low-carbon future. This is important to align with Libya’s national carbon objectives and those of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
 
Dr. Mohammed Abdulmalik Alfaqih, Chairman of the Board of the Libyan Iron and Steel Company, stated: “The company looks forward to a productive partnership with UNDP to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This cooperation represents an important step toward achieving our environmental and economic goals, while supporting the sustainability and performance of the iron and steel industry through clean energy transition and improved energy practices.”
 
UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Sophie Kemkhadze, noted: “Improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in Libya’s industrial sector is both a climate and economic priority. This collaboration is an important step toward strengthening sustainable practices and advancing national resilience.”
 
The partnership will support the launch of a joint programme focused on improving energy management at LISCO, and is expected to maintain and expand main export markets of the Libyan Steel industry, as well as directly benefit around 7,000 employees, with indirect benefits for local communities and the wider Libyan economy through reduced emissions and enhanced energy security.
 
This cooperation builds on UNDP’s broader work in Libya to promote climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, inclusive economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and public-private partnership.