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DJIBOUTI, October 26, 2026 Djibouti’s communications minister has called for faster implementation of two World Bank-funded digital projects worth a combined $30 million, urging officials to overcome delays and ensure that investments deliver tangible results.
Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa Helem, minister of communication in charge of posts and telecommunications, made the remarks on Sunday while chairing steering committee meetings for the Djibouti Digital Foundations (DFN) project and the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (EARDIP), state news agency ADI reported.
“We must accelerate the implementation of the remaining activities, remove constraints and ensure that every investment produces concrete results,” the minister said.
He urged government institutions and project partners to follow up closely on recommendations adopted during the meetings.
Both projects are financed by the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s concessional financing arm, with $10 million allocated to DFN and $20 million to EARDIP.
Hawa Youssouf Kayad, coordinator of both projects, said 26 of DFN’s 35 planned activities had been completed, with nearly 80% of its funding committed and 56% disbursed.
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A pilot phase has already improved internet access at several public institutions, ADI reported. The remaining activities are scheduled for completion before the project closes on June 30, 2027.
EARDIP, which aims to strengthen digital connectivity across East Africa, includes plans to expand cross-border terrestrial connections, install 12 new 4G mobile sites and extend fibre-optic networks to Dikhil, Tadjourah and Obock.
Implementation of the infrastructure works remains subject to approval of commercial, environmental and social studies, according to ADI.
The meetings were also attended by Abdi Elmi Achkir, director general of Djibouti’s Multisectoral Regulatory Authority (ARMD), and Moustapha Mohamed Ismail, director general of the National Agency for State Information Systems (ANSIE).
Strategically located at the entrance to the Red Sea, Djibouti hosts landing points for several international submarine telecommunications cables and is seeking to strengthen its position as a regional digital connectivity hub.