Djibouti Engages in Strategic Talks with World Bank to Enhance Port Efficiency

Djiboutian Government officials, including ministers from the Economy, Finance and Industry, Infrastructure and Equipment, Trade and Tourism, and Budget, along with the President of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, met with a World Bank delegation led by Mr. Nicolas Peltier-Thiberge, Global Director of Transport. The strategic meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between Djibouti and the World Bank, with a significant emphasis on the economic strategy for the Port of Djibouti.

One of the key topics discussed was the recent decline in the Port of Djibouti’s ranking in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI). This ranking, established by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, measures the efficiency of ports by the time ships spend at them. Concerns were raised about the interpretation of the port’s decline, which is believed to be influenced by external factors such as the security situation in the Red Sea and stringent verification procedures for cargoes to Yemen implemented from September 2023.

“The decline in the port’s ranking is largely due to external factors beyond our control. It is crucial to interpret this drop with caution,” stated a Djiboutian official during the discussions.

The World Bank delegation visited the port’s container handling facilities and engaged with local officials to gain a better understanding of the operations. Despite the disruptions in 2023, the Port of Djibouti experienced a notable increase in container traffic in the latter half of the year, reinforcing its vital role in regional economic development and its significance for major shipping lines.

“The Port of Djibouti is a key logistics hub in Africa and remains crucial for regional economic growth,” emphasized Mr. Peltier-Thiberge of the World Bank.

The discussions underscored the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the Port of Djibouti, recognizing its importance for global trade and connectivity within Africa. This partnership aims to enhance Djibouti’s economic strategy by focusing on inclusive growth, job creation, human capital development, and regional connectivity through improved infrastructure and economic corridors.

The World Bank delegation will continue its technical exchanges with Djiboutian authorities in the coming days, aiming to bolster cooperation and support the sustainable development of Djibouti’s key economic assets. This ongoing collaboration highlights the strategic importance of the Port of Djibouti and the collective efforts to address challenges and leverage opportunities for regional economic integration and growth.