Djibouti's Prime Minister, Abdoul Kader Kamil Mohamed, has invited Chinese companies to contribute to the country's development projects, including port modernization, industrial zones, and tourism initiatives. In a recorded message to the 2026 Chinese-African Economic, Trade, and Cultural Forum, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of China as Djibouti's most reliable and secure partner. He expressed gratitude to the authorities of Zhejiang province and Jinhua city for inviting him to participate in the event.
The forum is set to take place on November 7 in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, China. The Prime Minister highlighted the strong diplomatic relations between Djibouti and China, which were established in 1979 and elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024. He noted that the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FCSA) in 2024 marked a new era in building a Chinese-African community with a shared future.
The Prime Minister showcased the intensity of high-level exchanges between the two countries, including multiple official visits by Djibouti's President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, to China, as well as visits by Chinese delegations to Djibouti. He reviewed several projects completed under Chinese-Djiboutian cooperation, such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, the first electrified trans-border railway in Africa, and the multi-purpose port in Doraleh.
The Prime Minister also mentioned other projects, including the International Free Zone in Djibouti, medical teams from China working in the country, and social housing initiatives. He stressed that Djibouti strongly supports the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and the Belt and Road Initiative, and emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in various fields.
The Prime Minister highlighted Djibouti's strategic location as a guardian of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, and a key outlet for landlocked countries in East Africa. He noted that port logistics and commercial services remain fundamental to the national economy. The Prime Minister also outlined Djibouti's vision for 2035, which focuses on developing port-related industries, promoting cross-border trade, and enhancing logistics and digital economy.
Djibouti aims to leverage its solar and geothermal energy potential to support a low-carbon economy. The Prime Minister praised the country's natural and tourist attractions, including Lake Assal, the volcanic landscapes of Lake Abbe, and the Gulf of Tadjourah coastlines. He invited investors from around the world to invest in Djibouti, expressing hope to expand trade exchanges and strengthen cooperation with China in productive capacities.
The Prime Minister concluded by acknowledging the role of Jinhua city as an important platform for Chinese-African trade, industry, and cultural exchanges, and a hub for decentralized cooperation. He encouraged participants to seize the opportunity of the forum to enhance convergences and explore new avenues for growth.
Key points
- Djibouti's Prime Minister invites Chinese companies to invest in development projects.
- The two countries have a comprehensive strategic partnership.
- Djibouti aims to develop its industries and enhance its logistics and digital economy.
Reporting sources
- Al Qarn · Al Qarn
