By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Djibouti, 18 November 2025 — The Government of Djibouti has launched a national forum to discuss ways of boosting investment in the transport sector, modernise infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position as a leading logistics hub in the Horn of Africa.
The two-day forum, which opened Monday, is organised by the State Secretariat for Investments and the National Investment Promotion Agency (ANPI).
It brings together senior government officials, private companies, development partners and transport unions to examine challenges and opportunities across the road, air, rail and maritime sectors.
Officials say the initiative forms part of Djibouti’s long-term strategy to enhance economic competitiveness, attract private capital and expand multimodal connectivity.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment Hassan Houmed Ibrahim said the forum represents an important step toward unlocking the full potential of Djibouti’s transport sector.
“Transport and logistics are the backbone of our economy — the strategic arteries that connect our continent to the world,” Ibrahim said.
“Despite major progress under President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s leadership, the sector’s potential remains underexploited,” he added.
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The Minister noted that Djibouti has invested heavily in ports, railways, roads and aviation over the past decade, strengthening the country’s role as a logistics platform for the region.
However, he emphasised that further work is needed to improve coordination between transport modes, advance digital integration, professionalise the sector, reinforce regulatory frameworks and meet environmental standards.
“We must continue to modernise, digitise and professionalise the sector to fully unlock Djibouti’s potential as a multimodal transport hub,” he added.
According to a recent UNCTAD study, Djibouti’s economy is highly service-oriented, with approximately 80.8 per cent of GDP generated from the services sector — transport and logistics being one of the most important sub-sectors.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Minister of Interior Saïd Nouh Hassan, Minister of Labour Omar Abdi Saïd and Minister of Commerce Mohamed Warsama Dirieh.
Discussions are focused on upgrading aging infrastructure, expanding digital transport services, strengthening public–private cooperation and mobilising financing for projects capable of transforming Djibouti’s logistics capacity.
Organisers say outcomes from the forum will help shape a policy roadmap guiding transport sector reforms and investment priorities in 2026.
