Feriani: What makes Djibouti attractive to investors

Djibouti is emerging as a shining star in the arena of international investment opportunities, positioning itself as a gateway to the whole subregion with a market of 400 million people. A recent interview with Slim Feriani, CEO of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Djibouti, shed light on the lesser-known facts that make Djibouti an attractive hub for investors. The stable Djibouti franc, pegged to the US dollar since 1949, coupled with a lack of foreign exchange restrictions, provides a secure investment environment. The efficient port of Djibouti, ranked second in Africa by the World Bank, serves as a strategic trade link for countries like Ethiopia and the Gulf states. Additionally, Djibouti's ambition to become a connectivity and digital hub, with 10 undersea cables landing in the country, showcases its potential for further growth and development. The presence of six international military bases, including those of the U.S. and China, highlights Djibouti's geopolitical importance and strategic location as a key trade route between Asia and Europe. These factors, along with the upcoming investment forum in May, aim to catalyze investments not only in Djibouti but also across the continent. Various sectors like hospitality, connectivity, renewable energy, ports and logistics, special economic zones, and financial services present lucrative opportunities for investors, with big development finance institutions and institutional investors showing keen interest in the market. Djibouti's stable currency, security, political stability, and a clear vision for economic growth under President Ismail Omar Guelleh's 2035 plan provide a solid foundation for fostering mutually beneficial relationships between investors and Djibouti. The Djibouti Economic Forum aligns with the country's long-term vision by focusing on inclusive and sustainable prosperity, targeting ambitious goals like 100 percent renewable energy, infrastructure development, debt reduction, and employment creation. With an average real GDP growth of 7 percent between 2014 and 2021, Djibouti is on track to become one of the top 20 fastest-growing economies in the world by 2024, showcasing its potential to be a key player in the global investment landscape.