By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Djibouti, 10 December 2025 – Djibouti’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MERN) on Tuesday officially launched the first phase of the $40 million Lac Assal salt project aimed at diversifying the economy and strengthening economic growth.
At a ceremony held at the Ministry of Energy headquarters in Djibouti, Minister Yonis Ali Guedi, leaders of Salt Investment S.A. and Beijing China-Mining Jinfa Technology Co. Ltd (CMJF) signed the first draft of the tripartite agreement originally concluded in August in Beijing, paving the way for the construction of the first industrial infrastructures on the edge of the lake. Chinese Ambassador to Djibouti Hu Bin attended the ceremony.
The ministry said the first phase, with funding of over $9 million, will build a plant producing 500,000 tonnes of industrial salt and 20,000 tonnes of edible salt within 8–12 months. Two additional phases are planned, eventually increasing total annual production to more than 2 million tonnes of industrial salt and 50,000 tonnes of edible salt.
Salt Investment S.A. and CMJF, both with decades of experience in mining and chemical industries, will manage the project, pledging environmentally responsible practices and local job creation.
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“Lac Assal, with its extremely high natural salinity, is a strategic national resource,” said Energy Minister Guedi. “This project will contribute to economic growth, job creation, and export revenue, while respecting environmental standards.”
Guedi added that Lac Assal has been designated a Special Economic Zone to support industrial development, including logistics integration, via the Port of Ghoubet.
Ambassador Hu Bin said the project demonstrates “strong cooperation and trust” between Djibouti and China, supporting economic diversification and sustainable resource development.
The Ministry stated that the project is part of Djibouti Vision 2035, a strategic plan to strengthen industrial capacity and attract foreign investment.
