370km Egypt-Libya Road Could Turn Kufra Into a Regional Trade Gateway

Construction is advancing on a 370-kilometre road linking Egypt’s East Oweinat region with Libya’s Al-Kufra, creating a new land route that could increase trade and transport between the two countries.

The first 100-kilometre section is under construction, with around 50 kilometers of earthworks completed as of August 22, according to Egyptian authorities. The project is part of a wider road corridor connecting Egypt with Chad through southeastern Libya, according to Egypt’s State Information Service.

The route is expected to improve access between Egypt and Al-Kufra, which sits near Libya’s borders with Egypt, Sudan and Chad. Better road links could support the movement of agricultural goods, food products and other cargo while creating new demand for trucking and logistics services in the region.

Egypt-Libya Trade

The 370-kilometre section runs from East Oweinat to the Libyan border near Al-Kufra. Egypt is also developing a new land port in the area as part of efforts to increase cross-border trade and provide Chad with a shorter route toward Mediterranean markets, according to Egyptian authorities.

A separate section of about 390 kilometers is planned inside Libya, running from the Egyptian border toward the Libyan-Chadian border. Egyptian contractor Arab Contractors has signed an agreement with the Libyan side covering surveys, environmental studies and preliminary designs for that section, Libya’s state news agency LANA reported.

The wider route is being developed as part of Egypt’s plans to strengthen trade links with African markets. The corridor could eventually provide a route for goods moving between North Africa and Central Africa.

A New Southern Route

For businesses operating in southern Libya, the road could reduce some of the transport difficulties created by long distances and limited infrastructure. Al-Kufra could also become a more important transit and distribution point if traffic through the border increases. The economic impact will depend on how quickly the Libyan section progresses and whether the road is supported by efficient customs, border and logistics facilities.

For now, work is moving ahead on the Egyptian side. Completing the wider corridor would create a continuous road connection from Egypt through southeastern Libya toward Chad, giving the region a new route for trade and transport.