Youth Perspectives on Entrepreneurial Futures in Libya: A Survey of Aspirations and Barriers (2010–2025)

This study examines the entrepreneurial aspirations and perceived barriers among Libyan youth, a demographic critical to post-conflict economic recovery. While youth entrepreneurship is recognised as a driver of development in Africa, a significant gap exists in understanding its specific dynamics within Libya’s fragile context. Addressing this, the research employed a sequential mixed-methods design. A structured survey of 450 Libyans aged 18–35 was conducted between 2020 and 2024, using stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness across regions and gender. This was complemented by six focus group discussions to explore findings in depth. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Quantitative data were analysed statistically, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings reveal a strong entrepreneurial intent, primarily motivated by aspirations for self-reliance and community development. However, significant gendered and structural barriers persist. Female participants reported disproportionately higher obstacles, including restrictive social norms and constrained access to finance and networks. All respondents identified systemic challenges—notably political instability, inadequate institutional support, and a deficient entrepreneurial ecosystem—as critical impediments. The study concludes that translating entrepreneurial drive into sustainable enterprise is severely hampered by entrenched socio-cultural and institutional constraints. It underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive policy reforms and capacity-building initiatives, informed by comparative African models, to foster inclusive economic participation vital for Libya’s stability and prosperity.