Djibouti (Dawan Africa- )The Republic of Djibouti has officially unveiled a national agricultural transformation plan aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency by 2035. The plan, which aligns with the country’s climate realities and economic priorities, was announced on Thursday at the conclusion of the National Agricultural Business Forum held from June 10–12, 2025, in Djibouti City.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed emphasized the strategic importance of the forum, stating, “This forum has laid the foundation for agriculture that aligns with the country’s climate and economic challenges. Our goal remains clear: to achieve food self-sufficiency in line with Vision 2035.” His remarks highlight Djibouti’s broader commitment to reducing reliance on food imports through sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Livestock, Mahamed Ahmed Awaleh, urged the private sector to take a leading role in the implementation phase. “We want to see Djiboutian entrepreneurs involved in modern fishing. We also need cooperation on livestock management. The time for trials is over; now we must expand the implementation of advanced farming techniques like hydroponics,” he said.
The forum was co-organized by the Government of Djibouti and the African Development Bank, with strong support from the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It brought together policymakers, investors, and technical experts from Africa, Europe, Turkey, the Arab world, and the United States.
Djibouti faces significant agricultural challenges due to its arid climate, characterized by extreme heat, low and erratic rainfall, and frequent droughts. Only about 1,000 square kilometers of land is considered arable, with approximately 674 hectares currently equipped for irrigation—much of which remains underutilized. Agriculture accounts for just 3% of the country’s GDP, yet it sustains nearly 30% of the rural population. Climate variability and high evapotranspiration rates further complicate food production efforts.
The newly launched transformation plan represents a pivotal step toward building a resilient and productive agricultural sector capable of meeting the demands of a growing population under the constraints of a changing climate.
