The African Development Fund has approved a substantial $21 million grant to enhance Djibouti's urban infrastructure and climate resilience. This initiative is a game-changer, addressing the pressing challenges of rapid population growth, inadequate infrastructure, and rising climate risks. With funding from the African Development Fund's concessional lending window, the Djibouti Integrated Urban Infrastructure and Climate Change Adaptation Project will transform the city.
The project's first phase will focus on rehabilitating seven kilometers of roads and drainage systems in Djibouti city. By implementing nature-based solutions, the project aims to improve mobility, reduce flooding, and enhance the living conditions of the rapidly growing urban population. This is particularly crucial given that nearly 73% of Djibouti's population resides in the capital, where rapid urbanization has led to the expansion of informal settlements and strained infrastructure.
The city's strategic importance cannot be overstated. An estimated 90% of Ethiopia's maritime trade passes through Djibouti's ports, making the city's transport and drainage infrastructure vital for competitiveness, trade facilitation, and employment across the Horn of Africa. The project's alignment with Djibouti's National Development Plan and Vision 2035, as well as the Bank Group's Regional Integration Strategy Paper for East Africa, ensures a sustainable and resilient urban growth trajectory.
Late Lawson Zankli, the African Development Bank Group's Djibouti Program Advisor, emphasizes the project's impact: 'This project represents a major step forward in strengthening Djibouti’s resilience to climate change while improving the daily lives of its citizens.' By investing in modern, climate-resilient urban systems, the Bank Group is supporting Djibouti's evolution into a safer, more sustainable port city, which will continue to unlock opportunities across the Horn of Africa.
