Djibouti is looking to expand its financial partnerships for the construction of a new international airport, with an estimated cost of $410 million. Finance Minister Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh recently met with Sultan Ahmed Al-Aseeri, the interim director-general of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in Doha to discuss potential funding. The project aims to enhance Djibouti's role as a logistics hub between East Africa, the sea, and air transport.
The proposed airport is part of a larger plan to develop Djibouti's infrastructure and strengthen its position as a regional logistics center. The project includes the construction of an airport and an adjacent air freight village. Minister Dawaleh emphasized the importance of this project in complementing the country's existing port and logistics infrastructure by adding a significant air transport component.
Discussions between Minister Dawaleh and Al-Aseeri also covered other areas of cooperation, including youth employment, urban resilience, and energy. The QFFD has expressed interest in exploring partnership opportunities that align with Djibouti's National Development Plan priorities. The two parties also touched on the regional humanitarian context, particularly the recent influx of Yemeni refugees into Djibouti.
The Qatar Fund for Development has identified employment, energy, and agriculture as key areas of focus for its investments. Al-Aseeri stated that the QFFD is open to examining potential partnerships that match Djibouti's development priorities. This meeting marks a significant step in Djibouti's efforts to secure funding for its ambitious infrastructure projects.
The new international airport is expected to play a crucial role in Djibouti's economic development strategy. By integrating air transport into its existing logistics infrastructure, Djibouti aims to create a comprehensive and efficient transportation network. This project is also seen as a way to enhance the country's connectivity with the rest of the world.
The follow-up on the projects discussed in Doha will likely determine the extent of Qatar's involvement in Djibouti's infrastructure development in the coming months. A successful partnership with the QFFD could pave the way for further collaborations between Djibouti and Qatar in various sectors.
Djibouti's pursuit of funding for its new international airport reflects the country's efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub. With the support of international partners like the QFFD, Djibouti aims to achieve its development goals and improve its infrastructure.
Key points
- The new international airport project is estimated to cost $410 million.
- The project aims to enhance Djibouti's role as a logistics hub between East Africa, the sea, and air transport.
- The Qatar Fund for Development has expressed interest in exploring partnership opportunities that align with Djibouti's National Development Plan priorities.
