By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
DJIBOUTI, 10 October 2026 Djibouti’s ports are facing rising operating costs following disruptions to maritime traffic in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, although cargo activity has recorded a slight increase, according to Aboubaker Omar Hadi, chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA).
Speaking at a press conference at the Escale International Hotel on Thursday, 8 October, Hadi said larger vessels were unloading cargo at Djibouti’s ports for transfer to other ships, contributing to an increase in transshipment volumes.
He said Djibouti was dealing with a situation it had not caused but was directly experiencing its economic and commercial consequences.
“We are not parties to this crisis, but we are bearing its consequences,” Hadi said, expressing hope that the regional crisis would end soon.
Located along a strategic maritime route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti plays an important role in moving goods between Africa, Asia and other international markets. However, the regional security situation has increased the costs associated with port operations.
Hadi said fuel prices for cargo handling and container operations had risen substantially. He added that the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz had placed further pressure on the operating costs of Djibouti’s ports.
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The chairman did not provide specific figures for the increase in operating costs or quantify the overall change in port trade volumes.
Separately, Hadi welcomed meetings related to the French-speaking world held in Djibouti, saying they had raised the country’s international profile and drawn renewed attention to its regional role.
“We are the only French-speaking country in the whole of East Africa,” he said.
He said Djibouti’s participation in the meetings was not limited to promoting the French language and culture, but also aimed to advance trade and strengthen the country’s role in international commerce.
Despite rising operating costs linked to regional maritime disruptions, Djibouti’s ports continue to play a vital role in international trade, while the slight increase in transshipment activity highlights their importance amid uncertainty in the Red Sea.