Delegation from Bank has held talks with Djibouti officials over the country’s latest development.
According to a statement by the bank, the officials gaining a comprehensive perspective of the country’s current development status and future opportunities, with its focus on youth and women.
The delegation including executive directors of World Bank group with government officials, representatives both from the private sector and from civil society, development partners, and young entrepreneurs.
Discussions centered around challenges to sustainable growth in Djibouti and the need to implement structural reforms and invest in human capital.
Discussions with Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and the Minister of Finance and Economy Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh focused on the broad strategic direction of the Bank Group in Djibouti, including its program for improving the business environment and mobilizing private sector finance for development.
The visit also focused on Djibouti’s achievements and potential, with visiting Djibouti’s submarine cables landing site to learning about its ICT global gateway.
The EDs welcomed government efforts to improve the domestic performance of the ICT and energy sectors, which are critical to the economic transformation of the country.
They also visited Doraleh Container Terminal management company (SGTD) and Doraleh Multipurpose Terminal serving Djibouti’s port.
During a visit outside the capital to the region of Obock, the EDs observed firsthand how the Bank’s Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project has helped address the needs of migrants and refugees and their host communities and, in Balbala, a southern suburb of Djibouti city, how the Integrated Slum Upgrading Project helps support efforts to improve living conditions for residents of urban areas and achieve a Zero Slum strategy.
“Djibouti is making progress in reducing poverty and improving its business climate”, said Jean-Claude Tchatchouang, Executive Director for Djibouti. “However, regional and socioeconomic disparities persist. More is needed to ensure quality health care, education, nutrition, affordable energy and jobs for the next generations.
The official added that the World Bank Group is committed to helping the Government of Djibouti achieve its ambitious development goals.
“We look forward to observing greater human and economic outcomes to support the country’s vision for shared prosperity,” said Jean-Claude Tchatchouang.
