Djibouti Forum 2025: gateway to investment and economic growth

African Business

Thu 27th February 2025

Djibouti’s strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia has long established it as a critical player in global trade, and the Djibouti Forum 2025 will showcase the business opportunities in its future.

This article was produced with the support of Fonds Souverain de Djibouti

Scheduled for 6 to 8 April 2025, the Djibouti Forum 2025 is poised to be a pivotal event in the Horn of Africa, bringing together global leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore investment opportunities and foster economic collaboration. Under the high patronage of His Excellency Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, the forum aims to position Djibouti as a central hub for regional and global economic activities.

Djibouti’s strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia has long established it as a critical player in global trade. Its ports serve as vital links in international shipping routes, facilitating commerce between continents. The country’s stable political environment, coupled with a robust infrastructure, makes it an attractive destination for investment. Additionally, Djibouti’s Vision 2035 outlines a comprehensive plan to diversify its economy, focusing on sectors such as logistics, energy, telecommunications, and tourism.

Connecting stakeholders

The Djibouti Forum 2025 seeks to connect stakeholders by facilitating networking among business leaders, investors and policymakers to foster partnerships and collaborations. The forum aims to highlight diverse sectors within Djibouti and the broader African continent, showcasing potential areas for investment. It also intends to provide insights into the latest economic developments, trends, and opportunities in the East African region and beyond.

The forum will feature a series of plenary sessions and panel discussions on critical topics. Key themes will include exploring collaborations between government entities and private enterprises to drive economic growth; analysing future megatrends and their implications for the region’s economic landscape; and strategies to enhance trade routes and connectivity within Africa and with global markets. 

Investors will share their insights on opportunities and challenges in the African market, while discussions will cover the critical role of ports and logistics in driving global trade and economic integration. The forum will also delve into the transformative role of energy in economic growth and sustainability, examining the impact of digital transformation on economic development, and assessing the expansion of the tourism sector across Africa and the Middle East.

Distinguished speakers

The forum will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including H.E. Yonis Guedi, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Djibouti; H.E. Mariam Hamadou Ali, Minister of the Digital Economy and Innovation of Djibouti; Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of BADEA – Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa; Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, Vice President of Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization at AfDB; Dr. Slim Feriani, CEO of Fonds Souverain de Djibouti; Prof. Carlos Lopes, Honorary Professor at the Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town; Cheick-Oumar Sylla, Regional Director of North Africa and the Horn of Africa for the IFC; and Dr. Frannie Leautier, CEO of SouthBridge Investments; Paulo Gomes, Founder of Orango Investment Corporation.

Djibouti’s economic diversification efforts present numerous investment opportunities, particularly in logistics and infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and technology, and tourism. With its strategic location, Djibouti offers potential in port development, transportation networks, and logistics services. 

The country is investing in renewable energy projects, such as the AMEA Grand Bara Solar Power Station, aiming to enhance energy sustainability. Djibouti’s role as a digital hub is expanding, with opportunities in data centres, digital services, and technology infrastructure. Additionally, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Djibouti is positioning itself as a tourist destination, offering investment prospects in hospitality and related services.

A significant opportunity

The Djibouti Forum 2025 represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders to engage with one of Africa’s most dynamic economies. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the forum aims to unlock investment potential and contribute to the sustainable economic development of Djibouti and the broader East African region. For more information and to register for the event, please visit the official Djibouti Forum website here.