As part of its efforts to promote national dialogue on major economic and developmental challenges, the Sectors Development Forums (SDF) launched a series of interactive webinars via Clubhouse, hosting a distinguished group of experts and specialists in the fields of finance, media, and technology. The events attracted significant engagement from various stakeholders both inside and outside Libya.
Financial Markets at the Forefront of Discussions
On April 10, 2021, SDF hosted a session titled “Activating the Libyan Stock Market”, where participants discussed the importance of revitalizing the financial market as a vital tool for strengthening the national economy.
Suleiman Al-Shahoumi, founder of the Libyan capital market, presented a comprehensive vision for the legal and regulatory frameworks needed.
Rajab Khalil, Deputy Minister of Economy, highlighted government strategies to support investment.
Other contributors included Nasser Al-Hadi, an expert in digital currencies and blockchain, Marwan Al-Majn, a legal accountant, and Mundher Al-Shahoumi, Head of Investment Products at Schroders, who offered in-depth analyses on funding challenges and market stimulation strategies.
The session was moderated by banker Ghassan Atiqa, who facilitated a conversation that bridged technical and institutional perspectives on developing Libya’s financial sector.
Electronic Payments and Fintech
On May 7, 2021, in collaboration with the Libyan Fintech and Blockchain Lab, SDF hosted a webinar discussing the current state of electronic payments in Libya. The discussion covered key statistics, regulatory and technical challenges, and ways to develop this vital sector.
The panel included Awsam Al-Atrash, Director of the Arab Commercial Bank, Hussam Al-Aqeeli, a Libyan banker, Alaa Khmeira, CEO of Tadawul Company, and Khaled Al-Beebas, Director of Masarat Company.
The session emphasized the need for a secure and efficient infrastructure to support electronic payments and expand the scope of financial innovation for national economic development.
Additionally, SDF presented an informative series on Tadawul Technology Company, showcasing its products, payment processing mechanisms, and settlement types, with contributions from Alaa Khmeira, Ahmed Al-Dhagri, Technical Director, and Hani Al-Saoudi, Corporate Affairs Director.
Media and Development: A Central Role in Economic Awareness
On April 24, 2021, SDF hosted a dedicated session titled “Economic Media and Development”, which addressed the essential role of media in supporting development efforts, combating corruption, and enhancing journalists’ skills in economic analysis.
Speakers included economic journalist Ahmed Al-Sanousi, economic reporter Zeneb Tarh, journalist Hisham Al-Bousifi, businessman Husni Bey, and Libyan banker Misbahi Al-Akkari.
The session was moderated by journalist Mohamed Zeidan and media specialist Rana Al-Uqaybi, and was marked by high interaction from the audience, who raised insightful questions about the future of economic journalism and the need to strengthen credibility and professionalism in economic reporting.
This initiative by the Sectors Development Forums (SDF) reflects a strategic approach to leveraging social media platforms as innovative spaces for dialogue, helping expand national conversations around development issues.