The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to Djibouti’s national development agenda following a successful consultation mission to the country. The delegation, led by Dr. Khaled Sherif, AfDB Executive Director for Egypt and Djibouti, visited from April 4 to 11, engaging in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening the partnership and aligning development priorities.
The mission included strategic meetings with senior government officials, including a courtesy call on Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed. Talks focused on key areas such as expanding the national road network, constructing hospitals and drinking water wells, and boosting education in remote regions.
“Infrastructure development is at the heart of Djibouti’s Vision 2035 strategy,” Prime Minister Mohamed said. “We aim to promote inclusive growth that benefits every region and reduces rural-to-urban migration.”
Echoing the country’s ambitions, Dr. Sherif affirmed the Bank’s support: “Vision 2035 aligns closely with our core mission at the AfDB. We are committed to deepening our engagement to help Djibouti meet its economic and social targets.”
Dr. Sherif also held a series of meetings with Hon. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance and Djibouti’s AfDB Governor. The discussions covered investment in transportation, energy access, and urban infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. Minister Dawaleh emphasized that these sectors are essential not only for national development but also for regional integration.
The AfDB delegation commended ongoing national projects such as the Port of Doraleh and free trade zones, recognizing them as vital economic assets. Dr. Sherif also underscored the importance of transparency and robust project oversight to improve fiscal governance.
Beyond government discussions, the mission engaged with stakeholders from the University of Djibouti, the Djibouti Social Development Agency, and the Red Sea Bank for Commerce, among others. The aim was to explore collaborative opportunities to strengthen education and improve aid coordination.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment to advance Djibouti’s development trajectory through continued collaboration, targeted investment, and strategic planning.
