Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority

In the first quarter of 2026, the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ) delivered outstanding results, with core indicators including land sales, land utilization rate and employment promotion achieving leaping growth, marking a robust start for the annual development. It has injected strong impetus into Djibouti's economic and social development and laid a solid foundation for the upgrading of the East African trade and logistics landscape. In terms of core operating indicators, DIFTZ’s land sales exceeded 100,000 square meters in the first three months of 2026, surging year-on-year. As Africa’s largest free trade zone, it has become a key choice for global capital to lay out in East Africa by virtue of its geographical, infrastructure and policy advantages. By March 2026, a total of 513 global enterprises had settled in DIFTZ, a 22% year-on-year increase; the land utilization rate reached 70%, rising 22 percentage points from the same period last year. Chinese enterprises hold 356,000 square meters of long-term leased land, accounting for 36% of DIFTZ’s total. Major Chinese enterprises have settled here, including top engineering equipment manufacturers XCMG, Zoomlion and Sany Heavy Industry, leading heavy-duty truck makers such as China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, and mainstream NEV brands like BYD and Geely that have set up overseas warehouses. DIFTZ is advancing several large investment projects, and it is expected to complete the lease and sale of all land within the year, after which expansion will be officially launched. In employment, DIFTZ has created 3,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs for local people by March 2026, easing employment pressure and boosting income, with jobs spread across logistics, processing and business services. The robust growth stems from DIFTZ’s accurate grasp of development opportunities, such as the growing logistics demand from Ethiopia’s infrastructure upgrading, the global NEV industry boom and global supply chain restructuring. It has positioned its development direction precisely, optimized industrial layout and strengthened linkage with the global market. Launched in 2018 by the President of the Republic of Djibouti H.E Ismail Omar Guelleh, DIFTZ has been a new engine for Djibouti’s economic development, aiming to advance economic diversification. Going forward, it will continue to build itself into an East African hub for trade, logistics and export processing, improve infrastructure and business environment, deepen China-Africa cooperation and boost the integration of the East African regional economy. @omar_hadi

Today, Chairman received Ms. Meleket Sahlu, Deputy CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, at Djibouti International Exhibition Center (Red Sea World). Ethiopian Investment Holdings visited and requested a 10-hectare plot of land at Djibouti Damerjog Industrial Park to build a 150 000 cbm fuel storage depot at its first phase, strategically located close to the manifold and the railway to ensure efficient logistics connectivity. Ethiopian Investment Holdings also visited the Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port that provides modern and cost-effective energy logistics solutions, with an oil jetty offering an annual dynamic capacity of 25 million tonnes. Horizon Terminals reached its full capacity of 5 millions tonnes. Chairman encouraged Ethiopian Investment Holdings to seize this investment opportunity at DLBP, highlighting the importance of fuel storage in the context of the ongoing Gulf crisis. @omar_hadi @EIHEthiopia

Today chairman received H.E Ouloufa Ismail Abdo Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity to hand over 500 solar kits to 500 vulnerable households which the grid have not reached yet. @omar_hadi @MASSDjibouti

Here are more pictures of the meeting: @omar_hadi @MSCCargo

Today, Chairman received Mr. Nicolas Sartini, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), at Djibouti International Exhibition Center (Red Sea World). This meeting took place on the preparation of the upcoming meeting between Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi and Mr. Diego Aponte President of MSC, to be held at the company’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on March 25th. Discussions focused on increasing transshipment volumes in Djibouti to develop the second  Container Terminal, with a target capacity of up to 5 million TEUs at Doraleh. Ways to mitigate the maritime crisis affecting the trade and supply chain have been discussed. Both parties understand the major role of shipping lines on increasing the transshipment hubs, noting that growth cannot be achieved without the strong engagement of Shipping lines. The meeting was held in the presence of the Harbour Master, Mohamed Moussa Abar, and Mr.Abdillahi Adaweh Sigad, General Manager of the Doraleh Container Terminal. @omar_hadi @MSCCargo

Dikhil city will no longer be divided in two sides. The two riverbanks, will be bridged. @LiveDjib @Info_24_Officie @A_Kamil_Mohamed @IsmailOguelleh

Here are more pictures of the MV/PATARA @omar_hadi @Ilyasdawaleh

Today, a coordination meeting was held under the joint leadership of H.E. Hassan Houmed Ibrahim Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, and Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry. The meeting gathered Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, Robleh Mohamed Barreh, President of the Association of Freight Forwarders of Djibouti, Hoch Said Dawaleh President of the Association of the Djiboutian Road Transporters, Ide Ahmed Mohamed, General Manager of Doraleh Multipurpose Port (DMP) and Abdillahi Adaweh Sigad, General Manager of Société de Gestion du Terminal à Conteneurs de Doraleh (SGTD). The discussions focused on improving the efficiency and fluidity of the Djibouti–Ethiopia Corridor, both by road and rail, with the objective of strengthening coordination across the logistics and supply chain. Was also addressed the current maritime security crisis and the resulting surge of cargo flows toward Djibouti’s ports. Doraleh Multipurpose Port successfully received yesterday the RoRo vessel MV PATARA, diverted due to the current situation affecting maritime operations in the Persian Gulf. The vessel has discharged a total of 2000 vehicles with1,527 units originally bound for Jebel Ali, UAE. The latter will be temporarily handled and stored in Djibouti before being transshipped to Jebel Ali, once conditions in the Gulf normalize. This operation shows the Ports of Djibouti’s capacity to respond rapidly to regional disruptions, providing shipping lines with flexible solutions and maintaining the continuity of global supply chains. By accommodating the diversion of MV PATARA, Djibouti once again confirmed its position as a key strategic logistics and maritime hub at the crossroads of major international trade routes. The meeting concluded with frank and constructive exchanges with members of the freight forwarders and road transport Association. @omar_hadi @Ilyasdawaleh

On this International Women’s Day, Djibouti proudly promotes that true equality is possible. A Nation where women and men with equal qualifications and competencies receive equal opportunities and equal wages. we launched all female marine merchants to travel seven seas. Happy Women's Day! @omar_hadi

Here is a video of the event: @omar_hadi @A_Kamil_Mohamed @PortCorridor

The Rehabilitated urban road network of Dikhil was officially inaugurated today during a ceremony by His Excellency Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister, in the presence of H.E Hassan Houmed Ibrahim, Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, as well as Mr. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA), alongside local authorities, project partners, and representatives of the community. Implemented by DPCR and financed by GHIH, this project fulfills the commitment made by the Government in 2024 and fully aligns with Djibouti Vision 2035. Carried out between August and December 2024, the Roadworks and Utilities (VRD) have been fully completed. Following the inauguration ceremony, Chairman conducted a site visit of the rehabilitated roads to observe the quality of the completed works and assess their tangible impact on mobility, road safety, and the living environment of local communities. This achievement forms part of a broader regional infrastructure modernization effort, including ongoing works on the RN1 highway, which are expected to strengthen territorial connectivity and national logistics performance. In this context, the rehabilitation of the Dikhil bridge, as well as the conversion of the public staircase located behind the Palmeraie Hotel into an access road, are among the planned developments aimed at further improving the urban environment and local mobility. Chairman also emphasized the importance of preserving this infrastructure as a collective asset and ensuring its responsible use to guarantee its long-term durability. This inauguration reflects the Government’s continued commitment to supporting the country’s  economic and social transformation. @omar_hadi @A_Kamil_Mohamed @PortCorridor

Congratulations to Ibrahim Hassan Bouh, who proudly represented our nation with a stunning victory at the Osaka Marathon, setting a new record of 2:05:20. Bravo! @omar_hadi

Here are more pictures from the meeting between Chairman and H.E the US Ambassador. @omar_hadi @US_Emb_Djibouti

Today Chairman received H.E. Cynthia Kierscht, Ambassador of the United States at the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ). The Ambassador visited Djibouti International Free Trade Zone that covers a total area of 4,800 hectares with 240 hectares currently operational that already hosts major logistics, industrial, and commercial activities, with over 1000 companies in all free zones from 39 countries. The discussions highlighted the Concept CIF Djibouti, an initiative designed to streamline trade flows and optimize logistics operations and supply chain. This model strengthens Djibouti’s positioning as a reliable gateway for regional and international trade. Chairman announced that the launch of a Commodity Exchange Platform is underway, which will operate based on both CIF and FOB models further reinforcing trade facilitation. The meeting also focused on the Sea–Air Cargo Initiative, a multi-modal logistics platform connecting 28 cities across 25 African countries, positioning Djibouti as a central hub for high-value, time-sensitive cargo across the continent. Chairman further emphasized Djibouti’s role as a gateway to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) market, the largest integrated market for trade and investment in Africa, comprising 21 Member States and over 600 million consumers, offering vast opportunities for regional and international investors. In addition, Chairman raised the impact of US tariffs on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), highlighting its role in granting eligible African countries preferential access to the United States market, thereby fostering exports, industrialization, and sustainable economic growth. Several key areas of collaboration were explored, including the development of a dedicated pipeline connecting the Damerjog oil jetty directly to Camp Lemonnier. Chairman underlined the importance of the U.S. market. There are 17 US companies established in DIFTZ and the establishment of more American companies is encouraged. Djibouti has a huge potential in renewable energy particularly in the development of wind, solar, geothermal and tidal for the development and industrialization of DIFTZ. Chairman highlighted the potential for exporting Djiboutian salt to international markets notably for use in winter road maintenance operations. Chairman thanked the Ambassador for US Coast Guards clearance of all vessels with a direct call from Djibouti ports to USA ports. H. E. Ambassador Cynthia Kierscht commended DPFZA for the impressive progress achieved in infrastructure development, recognizing Djibouti’s rapid transformation into a world-class logistics and trade hub. During the discussions, Chairman reaffirmed that infrastructure development has gone hand in hand with significant investment in human capital, enabling Djiboutians not only to building capacity for Djibouti but also to export expertise internationally, showing the growing regional recognition of Djibouti’s maritime excellence. @omar_hadi @US_Emb_Djibouti

Here are more pictures of the visit to Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port: @omar_hadi @AlemuSimeFeyisa @ethiop_mot

Today, Chairman received H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at the Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port, in the presence of H.E. Hassan Houmed Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment of the Republic of Djibouti. During the visit, H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime expressed Ethiopia’s strong interest in shifting the storage of Ethiopia’s oil products from the Horizon  depot to the Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port, in response to the country’s growing demand and the need for expanded storage and handling capacity. Currently, the Ethiopian Petroleum Enterprise stores its oil products at the Horizon depot, with approximately 350 trucks loaded daily and dispatched to Ethiopia via the Doraleh Oil Jetty (SJTP). However, due to increasing consumption and full utilization of existing storage limitations and high demurrage for the oil tankers delivering fuel to Ethiopia, Ethiopia now requires additional infrastructure capable of accommodating higher volumes. The Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port offers a state-of-the-art solution. The oil jetty has an annual dynamic capacity of 25 million tonnes with 12  rotations. The oil jetty will serve multiple storage terminals, providing an aggregate static storage capacity of approximately 2 million cubic meters, thereby offering the scale and flexibility required to meet Ethiopia’s growing energy logistics needs. H.E Alemu Sime Minister of Transport of Ethiopia requested to connect Damerjog Oil terminals to Nagad Railway Station. @omar_hadi @AlemuSimeFeyisa @ethiop_mot