Djibouti's Prime Minister, Abdoul Kader Kamil Mohamed, has invited Chinese companies to participate in the country's development projects, including port modernization, industrial zone development, and tourism initiatives. In a recorded message to the 2026 China-Africa Economic, Trade, and Cultural Forum, Mohamed 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 forum.
The forum is set to take place on November 7 in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, China. Mohamed 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 two countries have been actively implementing the ten partnership initiatives agreed upon at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.
Mohamed showcased the high-level exchanges between Djibouti and China, including multiple official visits by Djibouti's President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, to China, as well as visits and delegations from China to Djibouti. He emphasized the significance that China attaches to peace and development in the Horn of Africa. The Prime Minister also reviewed several projects completed under China-Djibouti cooperation, including the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, the Doraleh multi-purpose port, and the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone.
Mohamed stressed that Djibouti strongly supports the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and the Belt and Road Initiative. He highlighted the country's strategic location as a "guardian of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait" and a hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Prime Minister emphasized that logistics and port services remain essential to Djibouti's national economy.
Djibouti is implementing its national vision, "Vision 2035," which focuses on developing port-related industries, promoting cross-border trade, and enhancing logistics and digital economy services. The country aims to leverage its solar and geothermal energy potential to support a low-carbon economy. Mohamed also showcased Djibouti's natural and tourist attractions, including Lake Assal, the volcanic landscapes of Lake Abbe, and the Gulf of Tadjourah.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to investors worldwide to invest in Djibouti, expressing hope to expand trade exchanges and strengthen cooperation with China in productive capacity. He praised Jinhua city as an important platform for China-Africa trade, industry, and cultural exchanges, and encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to enhance cooperation and explore new growth avenues.
This statement comes days after Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Abdoul Kader Hussein Omar, visited China from October 19 to 24, where he met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing. Mohamed's call to Chinese companies reflects Djibouti's efforts to bolster economic ties with China and tap into the vast potential of their bilateral cooperation.
Key points
- Djibouti's Prime Minister invites Chinese companies to invest in development projects, including port modernization and industrial zone development.
