Economy

Located along a strategic international trade route connecting Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia, Djibouti’s economic development has been linked with rising global commerce. In order to fully harness its geographic advantages and maintain its competitiveness, the country is now focusing on infrastructure improvements and a gradual diversification of its economy. While growth rates over recent years attest to the fact that the country’s position as a center for international commerce can be leveraged successfully, maintaining this level of economic development will depend on how its infrastructure programme is implemented. The ongoing expansion of transport networks and facilities will need to be coupled with careful management of Djibouti’s fiscal position. This chapter contains interviews with Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance; Mahdi Darrar Obsieh, Director, Djiboutian Investment Promotion Agency; and Youssef Dawaleh, President, Chamber of Commerce of Djibouti; and a dialogue between Hikmat Daoud, Chairman, National Confederation of Djiboutian Employers; and Djama Aouled, Chairman, Federation of Djiboutian Corporations.