Born into a family with a strong history of fighting for freedom and for their beloved Libya, Basit Igtet has procured the same love and dedication to his country and her people. His Grandfather, Musa Igtet fought for Libya’s independence against the Italian occupation in 1911. His father, Hassan Igtet, was one of the first Libyan’s to earn a Doctorate and worked for much of his career to improve education in Libya. His achievements include establishing the National Library at Benghazi University. However, Hassan is perhaps better know for the public stance he took against Muammar Gaddafi in the early days of his rule. One of the only people who dared to directly encourage Libyans to resist the Gaddafi regime, Hassan’s stance cost him imprisonment, and later it cost him his life.

After his father’s assassination, Basit lived for many years with his own life in jeopardy and eventually sought refugee status in Switzerland. While living in exile Basit Igtet developed himself to be a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist and with his resources continued his father’s legacy – supporting exiled Libyans and their cause.

As a businessman, Basit instigated numerous projects throughout Europe and the Middle East. His portfolio includes more than 40 ventures for hotel, commercial and residential developments; interior design company consolidation; finance, planning and implementation of infrastructure; as well as many regional initiatives in North Africa.

Basit Igtet is the founder and president of Swiss International Management. The company focuses on real estate, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure and healthcare. In 2005, Basit originated the combining of 12 German engineering companies into a single large holding group. The new entity provided civil engineering and architectural facilities to the State of Qatar. In 2006, Basit established the Swiss Mideast Finance Group, and in 2007, he took control of Metrica – a maritime, aviation and residential interior design company based in Germany. Basit’s latest project, Athal Energy, focuses on exploration and the development of existing oil fields.

Since the beginning of the Libyan revolution in February 2011, Basit Igtet has focused his time, energy and resources solely on Libya. In September 2011, he was appointed as Special Envoy to the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC). He has used his wealth to support the revolution, lobbied international governments to recognize the NTC, and has drawn on his international network and business expertise to try to rebuild the country. Basit’s family were also heavily involved in the revolution. His sister Houda played a key role, organizing Libyan women in sending supplies to the front lines and administrating care for the injured. His brother Othman Hassan Igtet was sadly killed whilst fighting on the front line.

Basit and his family’s combined efforts are focused on promoting peace and humanity throughout the region and the world; with this their priority, they have dedicated themselves to Libya’s success as a free and prosperous nation.