Djibouti

The EU and Djibouti are working together to improve access to drinking water and sanitation. They are also investing in the eco-friendly economic development of how Djibouti uses the Western Indian Ocean. Specific projects include:

• A de-salinisation factory – a Global Gateway flagship project – to produce more drinking water for vulnerable regions in particular.
• The construction of new sanitation infrastructure such as new purification stations and burial centres for solid waste.
• Developing institutions ready for climate mitigation, especially in the energy and water sectors.
• Improving the governance of the Western Indian Ocean, its marine and coastal ecosystems, and the economy it sustains (SWIOP).

The EU and Djibouti are working to create sustainable livelihoods for Djibouti’s vulnerable populations, particularly its youth and women. Specific actions include:

• Improving the youth’s professional prospects and range of opportunities, including through the EU’s Erasmus+ programme.
• Contributing to government efforts to boost gender equality in higher education and in industry (EtD-FaM).
• Developing a new Bachelor’s-level study programme in automation engineering (ETATEI).
• Increasing marginalised populations’ access to fundamental rights (EIHDR).
• Fighting the genital mutilation of girls and women.

The EU is supporting Djibouti’s efforts in hosting vulnerable migrants from the region, and reinforcing Djibouti’s national action plan for migrants and migration governance. This includes:

• Protecting and supporting vulnerable migrants in transit in Djibouti.
• Reinforcing Djibouti’s capacity to manage migration and improve its ability to deal with irregular immigration both on its own and in cooperation with neighbouring countries.
• Reinforcing Djibouti’s ability to fight human trafficking.

The EU and Djibouti are increasing the country’s regional role in digital technology. That specifically means:

• Developing citizens’ digital skills and professionalising Djibouti’s digital sector.
• Building an intercontinental submarine cable system from Europe to India as part of the Global Gateway Flagship Blue Raman Subsea Cable Project, in which Djibouti will be an intermediate landing.

Djibouti and the EU are shifting Djibouti’s economy in an inclusive and sustainable direction. They are simultaneously reinforcing the ability of the government to provide positive change for its citizens. Specific actions include:

• Boosting civil society’s role in sustainable development and governance.
• Contributing the first triannual action plan for the reform strategy of public finances.
• Fighting against illicit funds, financing of terrorism, and money laundering (SecFin Africa: Secure).
• Reinforcing Djibouti’s democratic governance, transparency, rule of law, enforcement of human rights, and ability to innovate.

The EU and Djibouti are supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, specifically by:

• Supporting resource centres, co-working areas, incubators, and other places where entrepreneurship can be fostered.
• Developing Djibouti’s digital sector.

The EU and Djibouti are working together to improve regional peace and security. This notably includes the protection of commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Specific actions include:

• EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, an EU military operation to protect vulnerable vessels, contribute to the arms embargo on Somalia, and fight piracy and illegal trafficking and trade.
• EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, an EU military operation protecting the freedom of navigation and safeguarding commerce on the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Gulf of Aden.
• Sustaining French and Italian military bases in Djibouti.
• Enhancing port and maritime security and navigation safety through wider, multi-national missions like Safe Seas for Africa.