The European Union, together with the Libyan Government Communication Centre (LGCC) and RNTC Media Training Centre, launched the Libya Media Development Programme (LMDP) on 24 June 2026 in Tripoli, a two-year initiative aimed at strengthening the country's media ecosystem. The programme, funded by the EU and implemented by RNTC in partnership with the Annir Initiative, targets professional capacity building, digital transformation, and media sustainability, addressing challenges such as digital safety risks, disinformation, and rapid technological change.
The launch event gathered representatives from the Libyan government, media institutions, civil society, journalists, and international partners to discuss the programme's vision. The LMDP has three core objectives: strengthening professional capacities of journalists and media actors through tailored training, mentoring, and peer-learning; facilitating dialogue and cooperation among media institutions, authorities, and stakeholders to promote responsible information governance; and enhancing the sustainability of media organisations through organisational development, digital transformation, and innovative business approaches.
Ambassador of the European Union to Libya, Nicola Orlando, said: "The European Union is proud to support this programme as a concrete example of partnership with Libyan institutions and media actors. This partnership is essential to our broader commitment to promote dialogue, participation and public trust, and to support the emergence of a strong, united and democratic Libya." Mohamed Abuhelga, General Manager of the Government Communication Centre, emphasised the need for a genuine strategy for capacity building and developing national talent to keep pace with digital transformations. Wouter van Tongeren, Executive Director of RNTC, highlighted that media makers must know where to find their audience and win trust with engaging quality content, and that Libya already has the talent needed to build a thriving digital media ecosystem.
The programme adopts a partnership-based approach, bringing together local, regional, and international actors to encourage knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives. By investing in people, institutions, and systems simultaneously, the LMDP aims to contribute to a more resilient media sector that supports informed public participation, social cohesion, accountability, and constructive dialogue across Libya.