Egypt-Djibouti talks focus on ports, maritime links and trade logistics

Egypt and Djibouti have discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation with a focus on maritime transport, ports, and logistics services, as Egypt seeks to expand trade flows and connectivity across Africa.

The discussions took place during meetings held in Djibouti by Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, with several Djiboutian ministers. El-Wazir said Egypt views Djibouti as a strategic partner in maritime transport, ports, and logistics services, noting the role these sectors play in accelerating African integration and intra-African trade.

El-Wazir pointed to the potential for increasing the presence of Egyptian companies in the Djiboutian market and said Egypt is prepared to meet growing demand in Djibouti for Egyptian products. He highlighted exports including vegetables, fruits, food industries, oils, and other goods, which rely on efficient transport and port handling between the two countries.

He also referred to cooperation on training and capacity building, including manual, craft, and technical skills, and the possibility of establishing a small Egyptian exhibition at the Djiboutian Chamber of Commerce to display Egyptian products, which could support trade promotion and distribution links.

Egypt’s Ministry of Transport said that during a meeting with Mohamed Ahmed Awaleh, Djibouti’s Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Livestock, the Egyptian side discussed cooperation in deep-sea fishing and aquaculture. Such cooperation would have implications for cold chain logistics and export handling for seafood products.

The meeting also covered Djibouti’s interest in Egyptian expertise in smart agriculture, modern irrigation, and agricultural greenhouses, as well as training for youth and small project owners. These initiatives are expected to support local production and future supply chains for agricultural goods.

El-Wazir also met with Mohamed Warsame Dirieh, Djibouti’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, where both sides noted growth in bilateral trade in recent years and stressed the need to further increase trade volumes in line with relations between the two countries. Discussions included the role of Egyptian companies in supporting tourism-related services and training, which are linked to passenger transport and service logistics.

During talks with Elias Moussa Doualeh, Djibouti’s Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, the focus was on upgrading trade volumes, enhancing mutual investments, and strengthening joint cooperation. The meeting also addressed the official opening of Banque Misr Djibouti on 3 November 2025 and welcomed the establishment of the Egyptian-Djiboutian Business Council, which could facilitate trade financing and commercial coordination.

The Djiboutian side also expressed interest in visiting Egyptian factories producing medicines and medical supplies to explore import opportunities, citing Egypt’s manufacturing capacity and pricing. Such imports would depend on reliable shipping routes and customs processes between the two countries.

The meetings were attended by Abdel Rahman Raafat, Egypt’s ambassador to Djibouti, and Engineer Mohamed Fathy, Assistant Minister for Maritime Transport, underscoring the transport and logistics dimension of the discussions.