What are the major digital projects planned for 2025?
In 2025, several digital projects will become important milestones for Djibouti. Digital Code approvals ensure an environment that modernizes the legislative framework of the digital sector, encourages investment and encourages innovation.
Adoption of the Startup Act also takes a major step by providing a more attractive financial and administrative framework for startups and providing simplified access to fundraising. We are also launching Ecole 42 with Djibouti, a world-class training program for digital professionals. Training a new generation of local talent tailored to the needs of the market thanks to an innovative curriculum that is accessible to everyone.
From an infrastructure perspective, we are making progress in smart ports. Digitalization of port logistics.
Finally, we are accelerating the transition to digital government with new online services for citizens and businesses. Promoting digital payments is also essential as they are a key component in building a digital economy and streamlining transactions.
Which sectors have already benefited from digital conversion?
Digital technology is already transforming several sectors. Fintech and mobile payment solutions are driving financial inclusion and accelerating the digitalization of the financial sector.
Trade and logistics benefit from digital innovation, particularly through stock optimization and process automation.
Other sectors have not yet accelerated the transition. Education needs to integrate more digital tools, and healthcare can benefit from telehealth and digitalization of medical records.
Smart agriculture, which uses data to optimize water and crop management, is also continuing to expand.
What role does Djibouti Telecom play in the overall digitalization of the country?
Djibouti Telecom is a key player in digital sovereignty. Its role goes far beyond communication services. It configures the country's infrastructure, ensures regional connectivity and supports digital transformation. Djibouti Telecom features a network of submarine cables that connects Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, making it more attractive to the country as a digital hub.
The telecom market needs to be opened, but it must gradually be well-supervised. The partial opening of the capital of Djibouti Télécom is the first step, and should enable them to attract strategic partners and modernize incumbent operators.
The initiative also provides resources to develop infrastructure while ensuring the sustainability of Djibouti Telecom.
The arrival of Afrifiber, specializing in the Internet and data services, is the first step in opening up this market and diversify offers. This competition forces Djibouti Telecom to innovate and improve its services, maintaining a balance in the market.
Djibouti has top-notch international connectivity, but access costs for individuals and small businesses remain high. Are there any measures planned to improve accessibility?
Accessibility is a priority. We are working on several aspects. Using digital code to promote regulatory reform, promote competition and diversify delivery. Tax incentives to provide operators with more affordable subscriptions and push them to expand coverage, and finally establish free internet access points in schools, government agencies and coworking spaces to reduce access inequality.
Is full coverage of a national network realistic in the short term?
Fiber optic and mobile network expansion is underway. To achieve near-complete coverage by 2026, we are combining a variety of technology solutions, such as satellite networks and ground infrastructure, to ensure fairer access to the internet across the country.
Several African countries have established investment funds and incubators to support high-tech startups. Is Djibouti planning a similar initiative?
We have launched a fund dedicated to start-ups and innovative companies. This serves as leverage to attract private and international capital. He also strengthened the Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship (CLE) with an eight-month incubation and acceleration program for young Jibtians and African businesses.
Thanks to this support, Sahaal Ride, a startup company such as Medyc, specializing in e-Health and revolutionizing urban mobility, has been able to build developments and accelerate growth.
Medyc will facilitate access to telehealth care and innovative programs for diabetics, but Sahaal Ride offers a digital alternative to traditional transportation due to its regional expansion ambitions.
What are the main obstacles to the development of the country's digital entrepreneurship?
The main challenges remain access to fundraising, a lack of sophisticated digital skills and visibility of startups in the international scene. We work to address these by promoting access to credit for younger companies, integrating more digital training into education, and encouraging collaboration with foreign incubators and investors.
Which management services will prioritize digitalization this year?
In 2025, we are focusing on several major digitalization projects. e-cabinet optimizes government management, electronic intake simplifies building permit grants, and electronic taxes modernize tax declarations and payments. Digital identities across the country serve as the basis for many management services.
These initiatives are part of a multi-year program aimed at modernizing all public services by 2030.
Is Djibouti attracting international investors in the digital sector?
Yes, and this interest is growing. We have signed several partnerships with Cloud Giants and data centers to enhance our digital sovereignty. It also signed agreements with financial institutions to develop financial inclusion with fintech.
What do you think of Djibouti's digital future?
Djibouti is at a major turning point. Thanks to structured projects, increased support for start-ups, and modernized regulatory frameworks, we are building an inclusive and competitive digital economy. We believe that digital technology is an essential development driver for our country and Africa as a whole, and we remain open to collaboration and investment.
