Walid Ellafi

Walid Ammar Muhammad Ammar Ellafi^[a] (born 9 July 1985) is a Libyan producer, director and politician who has served as the minister of state for communication and political affairs in the Government of National Unity (GNU) since 2021.

Walid Ellafi
وليد اللافي
Ellafi in 2024
Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs (Government of National Unity)
Incumbent
Assumed office 15 March 2021
Prime Minister	Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh
Preceded by	Office established
Personal details
Born	Walid Ammar Muhammad Ammar Ellafi (1985-07-09) 9 July 1985 (age 40) Tripoli, Libya
Party	Independent
Other political affiliations	Muslim Brotherhood (2012–present)[a]
Children	2
Alma mater	University of Tripoli The Higher Institute of Computer Technology
Website	walid-ellafi.com
Ellafi has been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood since 2012, but remans registered as a political independent.

Ellafi was born in Tripoli and studied at the University of Tripoli and the Higher Institute of Computer Technology. He started his career as a developer, before founding and directing the media company Artec in 2008 and the IMG broadcasting group in 2013. He was the director of several media channels from 2014 to 2021, and has also produced and directed several Arabic television programmes and films since 2014.

he became the head and director of Al-Naba TV.

Early life and career

Walid Ammar Muhammad Ammar Ellafi^[1] was born on 9 July 1985 in Tripoli, Libya. He graduated from the University of Tripoli and the Higher Institute of Computer Technology in 2007.^[2][3]

In 2006, Ellafi worked as a developer . In 2008, he co-founded the media company Artec, where he was a director until 2013. In 2013, he became the founder and director of the broadcasting group IMG in 2013, and from 2014 to 2021 he also served as a director at several other media channels.^[2]

Following the overthrow of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in the First Libyan Civil War in 2011, Ellafi had an active role along side the revolutionists against Gaddafi's regime in Libya. In 2013, he became the director and head of Al-Naba TV. During Ellafi's tenure at the organisation, the outlet covered news related to the civil war that happened in Benghazi between two sides fighting over taking power of the city.

Producing career

In 2020, Ellafi produced the Libyan television series El Zaiman (Al-Zaeeman, the Two Leaders) for Salami and the Government of National Accord, which ruled the west of Libya at the time.^[4]

Political career

2011–2021: Support for Democracy

Following the overthrow of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in the First Libyan Civil War in 2011, Ellafi was a s firm believer in Democracy and the peaceful process of elections, as opposed to the dictatorship of a military controlled state, he is registered as a political independent.

2021–present: Government of National Unity

Ellafi in March 2021, around a week and a half after he was appointed to the GNU

On 15 March 2021, Ellafi was appointed as the new minister of state for communication and political affairs in the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.^[1][3] Ellafi's appointment to the unity government, whose members were appointed through a series of negotiations brokered by the United Nations, was proposed by the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood leader Ali al-Sallabi to ensure the group had political representation in the new government.^[5]

Personal life

Ellafi is married with two children. He speaks Arabic. he is registered as an independent.^[2]

Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs – Government of National Unity, Libya Walid Ellafi is the Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs in Libya's Government of National Unity, a role through which he has become one of the country's most active public figures on issues of media, diplomacy, digital infrastructure, and national political transition. Through his official engagements and communications, he is known for advocating transparency, protecting freedom of expression, and promoting Libya's return to regional and international cooperation. Ellafi represents Libya in key international forums, including the Türkiye–Africa Media Forum in Istanbul, where he emphasized the importance of reshaping global narratives about Africa. He called on African and Turkish media institutions to work together to highlight success stories, foster stronger partnerships, and present a balanced, authentic image of the continent. He frequently positions Libya as a strategic connector between Africa and the Mediterranean region, reflecting his broader vision of strengthening Libya's role in regional media diplomacy. In political affairs, Ellafi is a strong advocate for completing Libya's transition toward stability. In meetings with European Union officials—including the EU Ambassador to Libya—he reiterated that moving directly toward national elections is essential for ending all transitional phases and unifying state institutions. His diplomatic messaging consistently centers on sovereignty, institutional reform, and the withdrawal of foreign fighters to secure long-term stability. Ellafi has also placed significant focus on Libya's digital future. In Palermo, during the “Digital Connectivity and Mediterranean” conference, he discussed advancing a 2,000-kilometer submarine fiber-optic cable project along Libya's coast, linking Tripoli, Misurata, Benghazi, and Derna. The initiative, developed in cooperation with the Italian firm Sparkle, aims to position Libya as a regional digital hub and strengthen the country's technological infrastructure. In the economic sphere, Ellafi recently announced a partnership with Forbes Middle East to organize a major investment summit in Tripoli. Describing the event as a “landmark moment,” he highlighted the government's intention to attract global investment and reintroduce Libya as an emerging economic center in the region. His economic diplomacy also includes a series of exchanges with Syrian officials, where he led a Libyan delegation to Damascus to discuss cooperation in political, security, migration, energy, and economic sectors and to support Syria's transitional phase. Ellafi's official Facebook communications reflect a blend of governmental, institutional, and community-focused messaging. His posts highlight meetings with the U.S. Ambassador and senior American diplomats, reviews of migration-related recommendations under the Tripoli Declaration, and his oversight of a comprehensive development plan for national media channels such as Libya Sports. He also uses the platform to reaffirm principles such as freedom of expression, stating that “it is no longer possible for anyone to suppress freedoms or prevent expression in open space.” Alongside his governmental duties, his public communications often showcase community achievements and humanitarian themes—such as celebrating Qur’an memorization competitions and responding to citizens seeking assistance—reinforcing his image as an accessible and engaged public official. Today, Walid Ellafi stands as a prominent figure in Libya's political landscape, shaping the country's media policies, Foreign Affairs engagements, communication strategies, and digital transformation projects. His work reflects a consistent commitment to national stability, transparency, regional cooperation, and the modernization of Libya's institutional infrastructure.

Key activities & statements Africa-Turkey media cooperation At the Turkiye‑Africa Media Forum in Istanbul, Ellafi emphasised the importance of African and Turkish media working together, and the need for the media to produce content that shows Africa's successes rather than stereotypical narratives. The Tripoli Post +1 He said Libya wants to “develop media partnerships that provide ‘balanced and true image of the African continent’”. The Tripoli Post He also noted Libya's strategic position as a link between Africa and Turkey via the Mediterranean and said that Libya should play a role in African-Turkish media cooperation. The Tripoli Post Push for elections/transition In a meeting with the EU Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, Ellafi stated: “The government's view is that it is a necessity to go directly to elections with the aim of ending all transitional phases.” The Tripoli Post The meeting discussed issues such as unifying the public budget, unified institutions, and Libya's relationships with regional actors (Syria was mentioned) in the context of sovereignty, stability, and foreign fighter/mercenary withdrawal. The Tripoli Post Infrastructure / connectivity project Ellafi met with the CEO of the Italian company Sparkle, Enrico Maria Bagnasco, in Palermo, during the “Digital Connectivity and Mediterranean” conference. They discussed a submarine-cable project of about 2,000 km along Libya's Mediterranean coast (linking Tripoli, Misurata, Benghazi, Derna). The Tripoli Post The project stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2023 between the Libyan holding company for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology (PTIT) and Sparkle. The Tripoli Post International investment / economic cooperation Ellafi, representing Libya's ministry of Communication and Political Affairs, announced a partnership with Forbes Middle East to organise a major investment summit in Tripoli (scheduled for May the following year). The Tripoli Post He called the partnership a “landmark moment for Libya... underlining our determination to attract international investment and reinforce Libya's position as an emerging economic hub.” The Tripoli Post Diplomatic engagement with Syria A Libyan delegation headed by Ellafi met with the new Syrian leader Ahmed al‑Sharaa in Damascus on 28 December 2024. They discussed cooperation in political, economic, security fields, energy, trade, migration, and the upgrading of diplomatic missions. The Tripoli Post He said: “We expressed our full support for the Syrian authorities in the success of the important transitional phase… We emphasised the importance of coordination and cooperation… particularly on security and military issues.” The Tripoli Post Themes & priorities Strengthening Libya's media/communications role regionally (particularly linking Africa + Turkey). Using infrastructure and connectivity (e.g., submarine cable) to support development and integration. Attracting foreign investment and repositioning Libya as an economic partner. Pushing for political transition via elections and institution-building. Engaging diplomatically with regional states (Syria, Turkey, EU) to enhance Libya's regional position. 1. Regional Media Leadership Represents Libya at major international media forums. At the Türkiye–Africa Media Forum in Istanbul, he: Highlighted the need for African and Turkish media to collaborate. Stressed the importance of presenting a balanced and real image of Africa, focusing on success stories rather than stereotypes. Positioned Libya as a strategic bridge between Africa and Turkey across the Mediterranean. Stated Libya's intention to build deeper media partnerships to strengthen African visibility. 2. Advocacy for Elections & Political Transition In a meeting with the EU Ambassador Nicola Orlando, Ellafi affirmed: “The government sees it as a necessity to go directly to elections to end all transitional phases.” Discussions also covered: Unifying the Libyan budget. Stabilising state institutions. Ensuring the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries. Reinforcing Libya's sovereignty and regional stability. 3. Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects Met with Sparkle CEO Enrico Maria Bagnasco in Palermo during the “Digital Connectivity and Mediterranean” conference. Discussed a 2,000 km submarine internet cable along Libya's coast, linking: Tripoli Misurata Benghazi Derna Project roots: Based on a 2023 memorandum between the Libyan Holding Company for Post, Telecommunications & IT (PTIT) and Sparkle. Aimed at transforming Libya into a regional digital hub. 4. Investment & Economic Cooperation Announced a strategic partnership with Forbes Middle East to organise a major investment summit in Tripoli. Positioning Libya as: An emerging economic hub. A destination for international investment. Stated this partnership is a “landmark moment” demonstrating Libya's intention to re-enter the regional economic scene. 5. Diplomatic Engagement with Syria Headed a Libyan delegation to meet Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus (Dec 2024). Discussed cooperation across: Political affairs Economy Security Energy Trade Migration Supported Syria's transitional phase and encouraged enhanced coordination between the two states. Discussed upgrading diplomatic missions and technical cooperation. Primary Themes in His Work Media diplomacy and reshaping Libya's regional narrative. Strengthening digital infrastructure to support economic and political growth. Encouraging elections as an exit from transitional governance. Building international partnerships with Turkey, the EU, Forbes Middle East, and Syria. Positioning Libya as a regional connection point — politically, economically, and digitally.

Cultural Heritage, the Old City of Tripoli, and the Libyan National Museum Beyond politics and media, Walid Ellafi has taken on a prominent public role in protecting Libya's cultural memory and reviving its historic urban fabric. From his position in government, he has emerged as one of the key faces of projects linked to the Old City of Tripoli, national museums, and the recovery of Libyan antiquities from abroad. Through televised reports and social-media coverage, Ellafi is closely associated with the development project for the markets and heritage landmarks in the Old City of Tripoli, a programme aimed at restoring historic alleys, commercial spaces, and symbolic buildings in the medina. Facebook +1

These initiatives frame the Old City not only as an archaeological site, but as a living, economic and cultural centre that must be protected and brought back to life for residents and visitors.

In parallel, Ellafi has attached his name to a broader national effort to repatriate stolen or smuggled Libyan artefacts and return them to public custody. On his official channels, he highlighted the recovery of 19 archaeological pieces from the United States, achieved through a cultural-heritage agreement between the two governments, presenting this as part of a long-term strategy to restore dispersed pieces of Libya's history to Libyan soil. Facebook +1

At the international level, he has met with ambassadors and specialised bodies to promote partnerships in the field of museums and antiquities, underlining that Libya wants serious cooperation to protect and showcase its heritage.

Panafrican News Agency These efforts culminate in his sponsorship of the project to establish the Libyan National Museum in Tripoli. Through official reels and announcements, Ellafi has offered “a first glimpse” of this “upcoming national event,” presenting the Libyan National Museum as a flagship institution that will gather collections from across the country and tell the story of the civilisations that passed through Libya. Facebook +1

He has also showcased preparations to display the personal belongings of Omar al-Mukhtar, “Sheikh of the Martyrs”, within the museum, positioning it as a place where political history, resistance, and cultural identity intersect.

Facebook Taken together, these initiatives portray Walid Ellafi as a minister who sees heritage, museums, and the historic heart of Tripoli as strategic tools for national renewal. By promoting restoration projects in the Old City, negotiating around antiquities, and championing the Libyan National Museum, he links Libya's future image to the preservation and dignified display of its past.