The Port of Djibouti: From Maritime Insecurity to Market Logic

The book launch was opened by Her Excellency Dr Heike Fuller, the German Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti and IGAD, who stressed the exceptional advancements in Djibouti’s port sector.

Mr. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (APZFD), praised the exponential development of port infrastructures, highlighting that what was once a port of call has become a network of several ports.

Remarks by the author of the book, Dr Ali Miganeh Hadi, were followed by a panel discussion that focused on the significance of the port sector for Djibouti's economic growth and stability.

The German Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti and IGAD, Dr Heike Fuller posed for a photo with the Author of the book, Dr Ali Miganeh Hadi and Director of the Regional Programme SIPODI East Africa, Mr Nils Woermer, at the end of the launch.

The book launch was attended by a number of Ambassadors, professionals from the port sector, as well as institutions such as the national navy and the coast guard, academics and experts from the University of Djibouti.

The book launch was opened by Her Excellency Dr Heike Fuller, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Djibouti and IGAD, who stressed the exceptional advancements in Djibouti’s port sector. She emphasised the contribution of KAS, in particular, the Director of the  RP SIPODI East Africa, Nils Woermer, and his team for his invaluable support towards the publication and launch of this book. Ambassador Fuller noted that such endeavours provide a platform for knowledge sharing and enable meaningful dialogue to address the security challenges within the Horn of Africa and the entire Red Sea arena.

Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (APZFD), highlighted in his speech highlighted that the success of Djibouti’s ports and free zones rest on the enlightened vision of His Excellency Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, and emphasised the impressive expansion of port infrastructure. “What was once a port of call has become a network of several ports”, he asserted, recalling the exponential development of port infrastructures.

The author of the book, Dr Ali Miganeh Hadi, thanked everyone who made the publication of this book possible, especially President Ismail Omar Guelleh, the APZFD Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi, and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for recognising and supporting knowledge production and dissemination. He noted that the book is a valuable contribution to the understanding of port and maritime dynamics in Africa. It shows how Djibouti has turned its challenges into opportunities by strengthening its position on the geopolitical scene. By combining security, economic development and efficient governance, the Port of Djibouti is a model of success for African ports and beyond.

The book launch attracted a number of Ambassadors, professionals from the port sector, as well as institutions such as the national navy and the coast guard, academics and experts from the University of Djibouti. Panel discussions enriched the day, bringing together key players in the maritime sector. The discussions focused on the significance of the port sector for Djibouti's economic growth and stability.