Djibouti (Dawan Africa)– The Government of Djibouti has formally requested US $150 million in funding from the China-Africa Development Fund (CADFund) to support a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting trade connectivity and regional integration.
The request was made during a high-level meeting held on June 12, 2025, between the Chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) and a visiting delegation from the China Development Bank and CADFund. According to an official statement released by DPFZA on X, the Chairman called for financing to advance the Nagad–Damerjog railway line, a strategic corridor linking Djibouti’s main port facilities with its growing industrial zones.
In addition to the railway funding, Djibouti is seeking further investment for the construction of two new dry ports — one in Nagad, covering 200 hectares, and another in Indode — aimed at expanding the country’s logistics and freight-handling capacity.
The DPFZA emphasized that the proposed infrastructure package is being pursued as a joint venture between Great Horn Investment Holding (GHIH) and the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Company, underlining a broader effort to enhance regional transport networks and deepen economic ties with Ethiopia.
During the meeting, the CADFund reaffirmed its commitment to African infrastructure by announcing a broader US $800 million allocation to finance development projects across the continent.
If secured, the requested funding would significantly strengthen Djibouti’s position as a regional logistics hub, in line with its national vision to expand economic corridors and support cross-border trade under the Horn of Africa integration strategy.