In recent years, Libya has faced significant challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure after the civil war and ongoing political unrest. The telecom sector was hit particularly hard, around a quarter of the country’s mobile towers were destroyed or looted in the aftermath of the 2011 uprising. Efforts to restore services were repeatedly delayed by political and military instability, especially during the decade when rival governments in Tripoli and Tobruk failed to agree on a unified national reconstruction strategy despite numerous mediation attempts.
The formation of a UN-brokered Government of National Unity in March 2021 brought cautious optimism, though it was intended only as an interim solution ahead of the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December that year.
Even amid political deadlock, some progress has been made in reviving the telecom network. Mobile operators have collaborated to expand LTE coverage in the south, a development made possible by improved political stability. Previously, telecom towers were frequent targets in the conflict, making such cooperation difficult.
There are two main mobile operators in Libya: Libyana and Almadar Aljadeed. Both are state-owned. Libyana has a market share of over 55% and Almadar Aljadeed at 44%, according to Media Landscapes. Overall mobile coverage in Libya extends to about 90% of the population, concentrated in urban regions along the coast; but geographic coverage remains limited, less than 20% of the country's land area. The mobile market is supported by some of the lowest tariffs on the continent.
According to GSMA Intelligence, Libya had 14.6 million mobile connections at the start of 2025. It is important to note that many people use more than one mobile line, so the number of connections often surpasses the size of the total population. For instance, a person may keep one line for personal communication while maintaining a second for work. The growing use of eSIM technology in recent years has made it even easier for individuals to manage multiple connections.
Based on GSMA Intelligence data, mobile connections in Libya were equal to about 197 percent of the country’s total population in January 2025. The number of connections has also continued to grow. Between early 2024 and the beginning of 2025, Libya added 299 thousand new mobile connections, representing growth of just over 2 percent. At the same time, GSMA Intelligence reports that 92.9% of all mobile connections in the country now qualify as “broadband.” This means they are capable of connecting through 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.
However, it is important to understand that a broadband-capable connection does not always translate to actual mobile internet use. Some subscriptions are limited to voice and SMS services only, so this figure should not be treated as a direct measure of internet adoption.
Established in 2004, Libyana was Libya’s first GSM operator and quickly became a market leader. The company holds the largest share of the market, with over 6.3 million subscribers across government institutions, businesses, and individuals. It recently expanded its services to include 4G+ and VoLTE coverage in most Libyan cities and is currently testing 5G technology. While praised for its widespread network, Libyana struggles with an oversubscribed network and its internet service is considered the least reliable among the available options.
Almadar Aljadeed (Almadar) is the second-largest operator, holding 44% market share. It is known for its competitive rates, extensive coverage, and more stable and flexible connections compared to other options, according to Media Landscapes. Almadar recently introduced H+ services, seen as a positive step for the industry.
5G is in early stages, with planning and trials by both major operators.
Rural expansion is being explored through solar-hybrid towers and VSAT aggregation, supported by multilateral funding to close the digital divide.
Libya’s mobile industry is shaped by the state-managed duopoly of Libyana and Al-Madar with overlapping strengths and constraints. Libyana's affordability and reach make it popular among the masses, while Al-Madar appeals to those seeking stability and premium offerings. Though infrastructural and geographic gaps remain, especially in rural areas, expanding international links and emerging private players are promising signs of sector maturation.
