The Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity has appointed Engr. Hitam Al Zahaf, an alumnus of the fifth batch of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, was appointed as Minister of Youth.
Al Zahaf is widely regarded as one of Libya’s prominent young leaders, with a strong track record in youth empowerment and civic engagement. Over the years, he has led and coordinated initiatives that brought together young people across the country, focusing on capacity building and expanding youth participation in public life.
He has played a key role in designing and implementing programmes aimed at preparing young professionals for leadership and community development, while contributing to policy ideas and strategies addressing youth priorities in Libya.
Before his appointment, Al Zahaf held several leadership roles, including Director of the Youth Empowerment Department, where he oversaw the restructuring of youth projects and supervised the Local Youth Councils initiative. He also led the “Leaders of Hope” programme, designed to groom young leaders for national engagement.
He previously served as Director of Youth Programmes and Activities, where he chaired the Higher Committee for Youth Camps and contributed to organising national youth events and local council elections.
Al Zahaf has also been active within the Libyan Youth Hostels Association, where he supported institutional reforms, improved coordination across cities, and strengthened operational systems.
At the regional level, he is a member of the Arab Youth Council at the Arab Youth Center and the Pan-African Youth Union, and an alumnus of the African Development Bank’s Young Professionals Programme.
Reacting to the appointment, Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Nasser International Forum, described it as a milestone for the fellowship, noting that it reflects its mission of grooming young leaders for public service and decision-making roles.
He expressed confidence in Al Zahaf’s ability to drive youth development and position young people as key actors in Libya’s growth and future.
The Nasser International Forum congratulated the new minister and wished him success in his national assignment.
