Libyan Youth Perceptions of Economic Participation Opportunities amid Demographic Change and Limited Employment Opportunities: A Case Study of the Green Mountain Region

Abstract

Youth participation in economic activity is a critical dimension of development and an important means of benefiting from demographic change. However, the Libyan labor market faces structural challenges that constrain young people's transition into stable and productive employment. The study problem is reflected in the gap between young people's aspirations and labor market realities, including the limited capacity of the labor market to absorb growing numbers of job seekers, a strong preference for service-sector employment, skills and qualification mismatches, weak institutional support, and spatial disparities in employment opportunities. This study aimed to assess Libyan youths' perceptions of labor market opportunities in the Green Mountain region, analyze their sectoral employment preferences, evaluate the alignment of their qualifications and skills with labor market requirements, and examine the perceived role of government policies and spatial and developmental constraints. A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted using an electronic questionnaire consisting of 24 items distributed across five dimensions. The target population comprised young people in Al Bayda, with a random sample of 414 respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The five dimensions addressed perceptions of labor market opportunities, employment-sector preferences, qualification and skills alignment, government policies and support programs, and spatial and developmental constraints. The findings indicate strong perceptions of difficulties in accessing employment, a substantial influence of social networks and foreign labor, and a clear preference for service-sector and office-based jobs. The results also reveal a noticeable gap between education and labor market requirements, limited confidence in government employment support, and significant effects of urban concentration and spatial disparities. The study recommends strengthening education–labor market alignment, expanding practical training, supporting entrepreneurship, incentivizing productive sectors, improving employment transparency, and promoting a more balanced spatial distribution of job opportunities.