Close
Close
Close
January 22, 2025

Can hydroponics transform Libya’s agriculture? Mansour Elhemri thinks so

Mansour Elhemri, the founder of Green Benghazi, is contributing to the growth of Libya's agricultural sector through his hydroponic farming initiative. Motivated by the need to reduce the country's reliance on imported vegetables, he established Green Benghazi to supply fresh, organic produce locally. With seed funding and support from the Asarya Business Incubator under the EU-funded Libya Startup Programme, Mansour and his team gained vital business skills, enabling them to expand operations and promote sustainability in Libya.

Bringing about economic change is never straightforward, particularly in a country like Libya, where the economy has long depended on oil and gas exports. In 2022, agriculture accounted for just 1.6% of Libya’s gross domestic product, highlighting the nation’s heavy reliance on imports and public sector employment, according to a World Bank report. However, Mansour Elhemri, the founder of Green Benghazi, saw an opportunity to shift this dynamic. In 2023, he founded Green Benghazi, a hydroponic farming business focused on providing fresh, organic vegetables and reducing Libya’s dependence on imported produce. “Most vegetables are imported, yet we still can’t meet local demand,” Mansour explained.

The story of Green Benghazi began in 2018, during a challenging period in Benghazi, marked by instability. “It was a difficult time. We lacked the stability we needed, and it took us months and years of attempts to get started,” Mansour recalled. After four years of trials, they successfully distributed their first batch of pesticide-free vegetables to local restaurants in 2023, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.

As their products gained traction in the market, Mansour recognised the need to turn Green Benghazi into a more structured business. However, he needed to acquire the right knowledge and skills to make that happen. A pivotal moment came when Mansour and his team discovered the Asarya Business Incubator, a hub based in Benghazi, established in January 2024 under the Libya Startup Programme. This initiative, funded by the European Union and co-implemented by SPARK and Super Novae, aims to foster a dynamic startup ecosystem by improving entrepreneurial support, skills, and access to financial resources.

The comprehensive incubation programme provided Green Benghazi with essential training and mentorship, covering areas such as business management, financial planning, and marketing strategies. “The programme made us think with the mindset of businesspeople,” Mansour reflected. “It covered every aspect of business management, from team creation to marketing, financial and legal administration.”

By the end of the incubation, Green Benghazi was one of 21 startups competing for €100,000 in seed funding. After a competitive pitching process in August 2024, they secured second place, earning a €20,000 grant. “This will help us move forward more effectively,” Mansour affirmed, as the funding allows them to scale their operations and transition from a small to a medium-sized enterprise.

Following the successful competition and funding, the Libya Startup Programme continued to support Green Benghazi in its growth journey. In September 2024, the programme invited Green Benghazi, along with other promising startups, to participate in the MENA Food and Agro Expo. This exhibition, which focused on showcasing innovations and trends within the food industry, provided Green Benghazi with a valuable platform to network with suppliers and industry professionals from both Libya and the wider MENA region. The event not only allowed Green Benghazi to gain insight into emerging market trends but also offered opportunities to form strategic partnerships, helping them further expand their reach and impact within the food industry.

©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025

Green Benghazi’s success lies in its sustainable hydroponic techniques. Operations and Quality Manager Tawfik Alojaly detailed the process: “The production starts with a plant nursery. Once the seedlings are ready, we transfer them carefully and monitor their growth daily. We don’t use any pesticides—our crops are fully organic. The results speak for themselves, with white, healthy roots and vibrant leaves.” Their experimentation with nearly 20 varieties of European and American lettuce has proven highly successful in their target market.

Looking forward, Mansour and his team remain committed to expanding production while maintaining their sustainability values. “We have a solid plan based on strategic foundations, and our products are loved by everyone who’s tried them,” he said. “Our families believe in us and have high hopes for the impact we can make in the agricultural sector.”

By connecting MSMEs with vital resources and creating growth opportunities through initiatives like the Libya Startup Programme, SPARK is playing a crucial role in advancing SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Focusing on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. SPARK’s support helps small businesses like Green Benghazi expand sustainably, creating job opportunities and contributing to the prosperity of local communities. With their ambitions fueled and a solid foundation in place, Mansour and his team are ready to continue their journey, driving positive change and helping build a more diverse and resilient Libyan economy.

©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025
©SPARK 2025