Washington D.C. – Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, participated  on Thursday 24 April 2025, in a high-level panel discussion during the World Bank’s Annual Meeting, focused on strengthening food security and creating jobs across Africa.

The event, titled “Strengthening Food Security and Jobs in Africa,” gathered senior officials including the Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), the Finance Minister of Ethiopia, and the Deputy Minister from Tanzania’s Presidential Office.

Discussions highlighted the critical role of transportation in enhancing Africa’s supply chains. In his remarks, Minister Dawaleh emphasized the challenges facing the Port of Djibouti—a vital regional and global trade hub—and the country’s investment in establishing the largest WFP regional center to combat food insecurity.

Minister Dawaleh called for increased investment in efficient transport routes to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build resilient supply chains amid climate change and economic pressures.

“I urge regional stakeholders to strengthen cooperation to improve logistics flows and ensure food supply for vulnerable populations,” said Minister Dawaleh.

The event formed part of ongoing World Bank and WFP initiatives aimed at delivering sustainable solutions to Africa’s food security challenges.