The French Development Agency's (AFD) new country representative for Djibouti and Somalia, Lara Belliot, recently visited Djibouti to evaluate the progress of urban development projects supported by the AFD. During her visit to the Djiboutian Social Development Agency (ADDS), Belliot was briefed on the current state of projects financed with AFD support, including the second and third phases of the Integrated Urban Development Project (PDUI2 and PDUI2 Ter).
The visit included a review of the Centre d'Enfouissement Technique (CET) de Shebelley, a strategic infrastructure for improving waste management. The project, co-financed by the AFD and the European Union, represents an investment of 16.5 million euros. Belliot and her delegation were presented with completed projects, ongoing activities, and upcoming steps for these programs.
Belliot's visit also included a field trip to the Balbala district, where she witnessed firsthand the urban transformation underway. She visited several infrastructures built under the PDUI2, including a gendarmerie, a community development center (CDC), shopping galleries, and sports facilities. These infrastructures aim to structure neighborhoods, strengthen proximity services, and provide new socialization spaces for residents, particularly young people.
The visit also allowed Belliot to observe the progress of PDUI2 Ter projects, including a second market set to open soon and several road development projects. These interventions focus on the Mousquetaire and Layabley neighborhoods, extending the urban restructuring dynamic in this part of Balbala. These investments are part of the Zero Slum Program, led by the Ministry of Cities, which aims to improve living conditions through adapted infrastructure and better access to essential services.
The AFD has been present in Djibouti since 1974, supporting the country in various sectors, including urban development, human capital reinforcement, and economic activity support. In Balbala, this cooperation is materialized through completed equipment, ongoing construction sites, and a shared ambition to sustain neighborhood transformation and improve residents' daily lives.
Belliot emphasized the importance of maintenance and long-term care for the equipment. She stated that the AFD plans to accompany Djibouti with additional financing starting next year, particularly for the waste management project. This commitment will ensure the continuity of work, avoid interruptions, and guarantee a smooth transition to the project's next phase, scheduled for 2028.
ADDS Director General, Mahdi Mohamed Djama, expressed gratitude to the AFD, a long-standing and historical partner of the agency. He highlighted the importance of the visit, which allowed Belliot to witness the progress of projects and reaffirm the AFD's commitment to supporting Djibouti's development.
Key points
- The AFD representative's visit aimed to assess progress on urban development projects in Djibouti, including the Integrated Urban Development Project (PDUI2 and PDUI2 Ter).
- The projects, supported by the AFD and European Union, focus on improving living conditions, waste management, and urban infrastructure in the Balbala district.
- The AFD plans to provide additional financing for the waste management project, ensuring continuity and long-term sustainability.
