The government of Djibouti is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey. Under the leadership of the Minister of Information, Posts, and Telecommunications, Mohamed Abdulkadir Moussa, two committees overseeing the "Digital Foundations" (DFN) and "East Africa Regional Digital Integration" (EARDIP) projects held meetings to assess progress, discuss achievements and challenges, and set priorities. The projects aim to enhance the country's digital infrastructure, improve communication services, and modernize the public administration.
The two projects, funded by the World Bank through the International Development Association, have a total budget of $30 million. The "Digital Foundations" project received $10 million, while the "East Africa Regional Digital Integration" project secured $20 million. The "Digital Foundations" project focuses on developing the regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector, improving internet services, and enhancing digital skills. On the other hand, the "East Africa Regional Digital Integration" project seeks to expand cross-border communication networks, promote regional digital integration, and support the growth of the digital economy.
According to the project coordinator, Hawa Yusuf Qayyad, the "Digital Foundations" project has achieved significant milestones, including the completion of 26 out of 35 planned activities, with a financial commitment of 80% and an actual expenditure of 56%. The project has improved high-speed internet services, supported the capacity of the regulatory body, and enhanced digital skills. It has also improved internet connectivity in several government institutions.
The "East Africa Regional Digital Integration" project aims to expand cross-border communication networks, promote regional digital integration, and support the growth of the digital economy. The project plans to invest in extending land-based communication links, deploying 12 mobile communication sites with 4G technology, and developing fiber-optic networks. The project also focuses on addressing technical, environmental, and social requirements, as well as challenges related to contract deadlines, planning, and coordination among concerned institutions.
The meetings emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of the remaining activities and transition to the operational phase before the project's closure on June 30, 2027. The Minister of Information, Posts, and Telecommunications, Mohamed Abdulkadir Moussa, commended the commitment of participating institutions and partners, calling for the acceleration of the implementation of recommendations and the removal of obstacles facing the completion of planned activities.
The development of information and communication technology and digital infrastructure is a priority for the Ministry of Information, Posts, and Telecommunications. The Minister stressed that the success of digital transformation is not measured solely by the size of networks and equipment but by its contribution to improving services provided to citizens, enhancing connectivity between regions, and increasing the competitiveness of economic institutions.
The projects are expected to improve access to communication services, enhance connectivity between regions, and support Djibouti's position as a hub for communication and digital integration in East Africa. The government's efforts to promote digital transformation are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economic growth and development.
Key points
- The "Digital Foundations" and "East Africa Regional Digital Integration" projects have a total budget of $30 million.
- The projects aim to enhance the country's digital infrastructure, improve communication services, and modernize the public administration.
- The government is working to accelerate the implementation of the projects, with a focus on improving services provided to citizens and enhancing regional connectivity.
