Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority

Making #Djibouti the #investment, trade, and transport hub of #Africa

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our dear Dini Mohamed Bourhan, member of the General Assembly of PDSA.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un”.

May Allah grant him His mercy, forgive his sins, and give strength and patience to his family during this difficult time.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear colleague Omar Ali Mohamed « Omar Kako », General Manager of PLS.

May Allah grant him His mercy and welcome him into His vast paradise.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

On the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, a delegation from the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority held meetings with local banking institutions and Rwanda Development Board to explore financing solutions for the development of a logistics park on the 10-hectare land plot allocated by the Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of Djibouti within the Kigali Special Economic Zone.
This initiative forms part of the broader economic cooperation framework between the two brotherly countries.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Here are more pictures of the meeting:
@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Today, Chairman received at the Djibouti International Exhibition Center (Red Sea World) Contre-amiral Thibault de Possesse, Commandant du Groupe Aéronaval, accompanied by Capitaine de vaisseau Thomas Puga, Commandant du porte-avions Charles De Gaulle.

During the discussions, it was highlighted that the annual number of vessels calling at Djibouti has reached approximately 2000 ships, with a steadily increasing trend. Ships discharge their cargo in Djibouti, after which DPFZA ensures regional distribution through cabotage services, while vessels continue their maritime routes via the Cape of Good Hope.

The discussions also focused on the bunkering services provided by Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority through Red Sea Bunkering. These services include the supply of fresh water, low-sulfur fuel and Diesel to vessels operating in the region.

Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority also shared its short-term objective of implementing the upcoming Green Port initiative. In parallel, the 60 MW Ghoubet Wind Farm project was presented as a key component of Djibouti’s renewable energy strategy, with plans for a second phase extension of 40 MW in the long term.

Over the next ten years, DPFZA aims to further diversify and develop renewable energy sources, including geothermal, wind, solar, biomass, and other sustainable energy solutions to support the country’s long-term energy transition objectives.

The delegation commended the expertise and know-how of Djiboutian captains in the successful handling and berthing operations of the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.
@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

The Chairman received a delegation from the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, led by Said Ben Afane Ibouroi, Senior Manager, at the Djibouti International Exhibition Center (Red Sea World).

The meeting focused on discussing ongoing cooperation and finalizing the USD 35 million trade financing dedicated to the purchase of petroleum products for Red Sea Bunkering (RSB).

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to renew their commitment to continued financing support and to finalize the required documentation related to the agreement.

@omar_hadi
@RSBunkering

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, first employer (direct and indirect jobs) of Djibouti wishes all Djiboutians a very happy Labour Day!
@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

A delegation from Djibouti, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Equipment, the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, and Djibouti Port Community Systems (DPCS SAS), participated in the Sub-Regional Workshop on Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems, held in Dar es Salaam from 20 to 24 April 2026.

The workshop was organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Bank under the SSATP initiative.
This regional workshop forms part of global efforts to accelerate the implementation of Maritime Single Windows across East and Southern Africa. Following the adoption of the IMO Facilitation Committee directive (FAL 46), the use of Maritime Single Window platforms became mandatory for all ports of IMO Member States as of 1 January 2024.

In this context, Djibouti Port Community Systems (DPCS SAS), alongside the Mauritius Single Window, KenTrade, and the Busan Port Community System, was selected and presented as a global best practice to guide and inspire ongoing reforms across the region.

During the workshop, the presentation dedicated to Djibouti Port Community Systems (DPCS SAS) highlighted the platform’s evolution through a structured three-stage vision, illustrating its progressive transformation into a fully integrated digital logistics ecosystem.
The quality of the presentation and the level of maturity achieved by the platform made a strong impression on participants, generating significant interest from several countries, many of which expressed their intention to benefit from Djibouti’s expertise through future on-site benchmarking missions.

The DPCS platform was widely regarded as one of the most advanced models among those presented, due to:
• the breadth of its implementation scope;
• the impact of its traceability features on transparency and real-time visibility of logistics operations;
• the added value of its dashboards and market intelligence data for investors, regulatory bodies, and public policy monitoring.

Through these achievements, DPCS was presented as a technical solution, but also as a fully integrated ecosystem that strengthens efficiency, transparency, and national competitiveness.

@omar_hadi
@DPCS_Djibouti

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Here are more pictures of the sites visits: @omar_hadi @jeromebres @FranceaDjibouti

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Today, Chairman received H.E. Jérôme Bresson, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Djibouti, for a series of strategic infrastructure visits highlighting the country’s expanding maritime and logistics capabilities.

The visit started at the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard (DSRY), a flagship maritime asset serving the Red Sea and East African region. Valued at €107.5 million and financed in partnership with Invest International of the Netherlands, the repair yard  facility include the largest floating dock in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,  measuring 217 meters in length and 43 meters in width, with a maximum lifting capacity of 20,100 tonnes. This enables the servicing of a wide range of vessels, from commercial cargo ships to specialized maritime units. DSRY significantly strengthens Djibouti’s strategic position along one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors, while enhancing national capabilities within the global maritime services industry.

The delegation then proceeded to the Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port, located at Djibouti Damerjog Industrial Park. It is a key component of Djibouti’s energy logistics infrastructure. The port features a 2.5-kilometer oil jetty with an annual dynamic handling capacity of 25 million tonnes and the operational capability to accommodate  up to 2 million cubic meters static capacity.  It can handle simultaneously multiple liquid cargo streams, including diesel, jet fuel, gasoline, heavy fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gas, and edible oil. This facility will reinforce Djibouti’s role as a major regional energy distribution hub.

The delegation subsequently visited the Doraleh Multipurpose Port, where they observed Djibouti’s growing cargo handling capabilities, its increasing role as a regional trade and transshipment center, and operational efficiency by using the Ethiopian-Djibouti Railway.

The visit concluded at the Horizon Djibouti Terminals Limited (HDTL) and the Société de Gestion du Terminal Pétrolier de Djibouti (SJTP), two components of the country’s downstream petroleum infrastructure. These facilities play a  role in the storage, management, and distribution of refined petroleum products, supporting both domestic energy needs and regional supply chains.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase Djibouti’s integrated approach to port, logistics, and energy development, further underscoring its ambition to serve as a leading maritime and energy hub in the Horn of Africa.

@omar_hadi
@jeromebres
@FranceaDjibouti

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Thank you so much. This project would not be possible without the support of Invest International.

"Dear Mr Hadi, Mrs Farah, Mr Abdi, Captain Abar,

We would like to congratulate you (and the extended DSRY team) on the official opening of DSRY.

It was a long journey to get to this point, but you made it happen. It is often said that when one journey ends, another one starts. We hope the operational phase will be successful and substantially contribute to strengthen the economy of Djibouti.

We regret the fact that the current war situation prevented us from travelling and attending the opening ceremony, but we hope that once a cease fire is achieved, we would be able to plan a visit to Djibouti to congratulate you in person.

Congratulations again for this great achievement, on behalf of the Invest International team and management."

Kind regards,

Decio Tractenberg
Senior Investment Manager | Structured Finance

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

Today marked the official inauguration of the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard (DSRY), including its floating dock, held under the high patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. The ship repair yard was developed through a strategic partnership with Damen Shipyards financed by Invest International from Netherlands with an amount 107.500.000 euros. This major infrastructure project represents a significant milestone for Djibouti’s maritime and industrial development. The Djibouti Ship Repair Yard is the largest facility of its kind in the Red Sea and across East Africa. It features a floating dock measuring 217 meters in length and 43 meters in width, with a lifting capacity of 20,100 tonnes. The complex is designed to service a wide range of vessels, providing both preventive and corrective maintenance, supported by a combination of international and national expertise. Beyond its industrial significance, the project delivers strong economic and social impact, generating approximately 350 direct jobs and 1,400 indirect jobs, while fostering the development of skilled young professionals in high-value technical fields. In his address, the President of the Republic emphasized that: "The DSRY project has always been a national priority, given Djibouti’s strategic location at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb, one of the busiest maritime passages in the world. This geographic position gives us the responsibility to meet the needs of vessels transiting the region, whether for dry docking or mechanical repairs" Mr. Hassan Houmed, Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted that "the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard constitutes a strategic national asset, serving port competitiveness, the blue economy, and Djibouti’s regional influence." Mr. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority underscored "the importance of the project in strengthening Djibouti’s position as a key maritime hub, under the 2035 vision." Mr. Arnout Damen, President of Damen Shipyards, reaffirmed in his speech the company’s commitment to supporting the long-term success and operational excellence of the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard. The inauguration of DSRY marks a new chapter in Djibouti’s ambition to become a leading maritime services center in the region.

@omar_hadi
@damen
@IsmailOguelleh

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

We are full and feedering cargoes in East Africa and the Red Sea.

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

The Second Economic Capital of Djibouti is Dikhil.
@omar_hadi

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

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

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

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

[Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority @dpfza]

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