WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1
30 January 2015
(15-0671)  Page: 1/53
Trade Policy Review Body  
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT 
DJIBOUTI  
Revision 
This report, prepared for the second Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, has been drawn up by the 
WTO Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Se cretariat has, as required by the Agreement 
establishing the Trade Policy Review Mech anism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the World Trade Organization), sought clarification from Djibouti on its trade policies and practices.  
Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Jacques Degbelo 
(Tel.: 022 739 5583), Katie Waters (Tel.: 022 739 5067) and Michael Kolie (Tel.: 022 739 5931).  
Document WT/TPR/G/305/Rev.1 contains th e policy statement submitted by Djibouti. 
 
 
Note: This report was drafted in French. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 2 - 
 
  CONTENTS 
SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... . 5 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................................... 8  
1.1   Main features  of the ec onomy ..................................................................................... 8  
1.2   Recent econom ic developments ................................................................................... 8  
1.3   Trade performance ................................................................................................... 11 
1.4   Foreign dire ct invest ment .......................................................................................... 11 
1.5   Pr ospects ............................................................................................................... . 11 
2   TRADE AND INVE STMENT RE GIME ............................................................................ 13  
2.1   Genera l framework ................................................................................................... 13 
2.2   Trade agreements  and arrang ements .......................................................................... 16 
2.2.1   WTO ................................................................................................................... . 16 
2.2.2   Other agreements and arrangements ........................................................................ 16 
2.2.2.1   COMESA ............................................................................................................ 16 
2.2.2.2   Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the 
countries of Eastern and Southern Afri ca (ESA) .................................................................... 18 
2.2.2.3   Agreement on the Trade Preferenti al System (TPS) among the member States 
of the Organization of Is lamic Cooperat ion (OIC) .................................................................. 18 
2.2.3   Preferential agreements .......................................................................................... 18 
2.3   Investme nt regime ................................................................................................... 18 
2.3.1   Institutional and legal fr amework ............................................................................. 18 
2.3.2   Busine ss enviro nment ............................................................................................ 20 
3   TRADE POLICY AND PR ACTICES, BY MEASURE .......................................................... 22  
3.1   Measures direct ly affectin g imports ............................................................................. 22 
3.1.1   Customs proced ures and regulations ........................................................................ 22 
3.1.2   Rules of origin .......................................................................................................  23 
3.1.3   Tariffs and ot her duties and ta xes ............................................................................ 23 
3.1.3.1   Bound duties ...................................................................................................... 24 
3.1.3.2   Internal consumption tax (TIC) as an applied MFN tariff ............................................ 24 
3.1.3.3   General so lidarity ta x (IGS) .................................................................................. 26 
3.1.3.4   Ot her taxes ........................................................................................................ 26 
3.1.3.4.1   VAT ................................................................................................................ 26 
3.1.3.4.2   Excise duty ...................................................................................................... 26 
3.1.3.4.3   Other internal taxes .......................................................................................... 26 
3.1.3.5   Tariff preferences ................................................................................................ 27 
3.1.4   Duty and tax exemptions ........................................................................................ 27 
3.1.5   Import prohibitions, restrictions an d licensing ............................................................ 27 
3.1.6   Anti-dumping, countervai ling and safegu ard measures ................................................ 28 
3.1.7   Standards and technical regulations ......................................................................... 28 
3.1.8   Sanitary and phyt osanitary requ irements .................................................................. 29 WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 3 - 
 
  3.2   Measures direct ly affectin g exports ............................................................................. 30 
3.2.1   Procedures ........................................................................................................... 30 
3.2.2   Taxes and ot her export levies .................................................................................. 30 
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing ............................................................. 30 
3.2.4   Export promotion, financ ing, insurance an d guarantees ............................................... 30 
3.2.5   Fr ee zone s ............................................................................................................  31 
3.3   Measures affectin g production and trade ...................................................................... 31 
3.3.1   In centives ............................................................................................................  31 
3.3.2   Competition policy and price controls ........................................................................ 31 
3.3.2.1   Competition policy .............................................................................................. 31 
3.3.2.2   Price regulation and controls ................................................................................. 32 
3.3.3   State trading, State-owne d enterprises and privatization ............................................. 32 
3.3.4   Governme nt procurement ....................................................................................... 34 
3.3.5   Intellectual property rights ...................................................................................... 35 
3.3.5.1   Sanctions ........................................................................................................... 36 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR ..................................................................................... 38  
4.1   Agriculture ............................................................................................................. . 38 
4.1.1   Overview ..............................................................................................................  38 
4.1.2   Principal subsectors................................................................................................ 39 
4.1.2.1   Crop and animal prod uction .................................................................................. 39 
4.1.2.2   Fishing ............................................................................................................. . 40 
4.2   Mining and energy .................................................................................................... 41 
4.2.1   Mining .................................................................................................................. 41 
4.2.2   Energy ................................................................................................................ . 42 
4.2.2.1   Electricity ........................................................................................................... 42 
4.2.2.2   Petrol eum products ............................................................................................. 44 
4.3   Manufactu ring se ctor ................................................................................................ 44 
4.4   Services ................................................................................................................ .. 45 
4.4.1   Financial services ................................................................................................... 45 
4.4.1.1   Banks ................................................................................................................ 45 
4.4.1.2   Insura nce .......................................................................................................... 47 
4.4.2   Telecommunication s and postal services ................................................................... 48 
4.4.3   Transport .............................................................................................................  49 
4.4.3.1   Mariti me tran sport .............................................................................................. 49 
4.4.3.2   Road  transport ................................................................................................... 50 
4.4.3.3   Ra il transp ort ..................................................................................................... 50 
4.4.3.4   Air transport ....................................................................................................... 51 
4.4.4   Tourism ................................................................................................................ 51 
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 5 3 
 WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 4 - 
 
  CHARTS 
 Chart 3.1 Distribution of M FN applied TIC rates, 2013 ........................................................... 25
 
Chart 3.2 Escalation of MFN rates by manufacturing industry, 2013 ......................................... 25 
 
TABLES 
 
Table 1.1 Main economic indicators, 2006-2013  .................................................................... 9  
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2006-2013  ......................................................................... 10 
Table 2.1 National Trade Development Strategy: Objectives ................................................... 15 
Table 3.1 Summary of the MFN tari ff, 2013  ......................................................................... 23 
Table 3.2 Structure of MFN tariffs, 2005 and 2013 ................................................................ 24 
Table 3.3 Excise duty  applicable  in 2014 ............................................................................. 26 
Table 3.4 Tax exemptions und er the Invest ment Code .......................................................... 31 
Table 3.5 State-owned enterprises en gaged in commercial activities ....................................... 33 
Table 3.6 Statistics on government pr ocurement by procedure, 2007-2013 .............................. 35 
Table 3.7 Industrial property rights registered by the ODPIC, 2009- 2013 ................................. 36 
Table 4.1 Mining titles ...................................................................................................... 41 
Table 4.2. Electricity rates, March 2014 ............................................................................... 43 
Table 4.3 Prudential ratios, 2012 ........................................................................................ 45 
Table 4.4 Djibouti's banking system, 2012 ........................................................................... 46 
Table 4.5 Total traffic th rough the PAID , 2008-2 012 ............................................................. 49 
 
BOXES 
 
Box 2.1 Summary of Djibouti's institutional framework .......................................................... 13 
Box 2.2 Investment  framewor k, 2014 ................................................................................. 19 
 WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 5 - 
 
  SUMMARY 
1. Djibouti's economy is dominated by services: goods production is marginal. 
The manufacturing and agricultural sectors have remained weak, owing inter alia  to heavy taxation 
and the high costs of factors of production (lab our and energy). International trade continues to 
play an important role for Djibouti given its heavy reliance on imports. Trade in goods and services 
account for an average of 94% of GDP. 
2. Thanks to its price subsidy policy with respect to basic commodities and its foreign-exchange 
regime based on a currency board arrangement in which the national currency, the Djibouti franc 
(DF), is pegged to the United States dollar at a fixed parity of DF 177.721 per one US dollar, inflation has remained under control since 2006 at an average of less than 5%. Since the Central Bank does not have the authority to finance the public deficit, imports remain the main source 
of inflation. Fuelled by a weak revenue collection and significant exemptions and off-budget 
expenditure, the budget deficit, which had previously been financed by accumulating domestic payment arrears, was contained by tightening budgetary discipline under the stabilization 
programmes supported by the IMF. 
3. Influenced by significant investment flows, particularly in port infrastructure, the average 
annual GDP growth rate was approximately 5% between 2006 and 2009. This momentum was 
stalled in 2010 and 2011 as a result of the world economic crisis. However, economic growth 
resumed in 2012 thanks to renewed investment in port, road and hotel infrastructure and to the robust economic growth in Ethiopia, 90% of whose goods transit through the port of Djibouti. In its bid to attract foreign direct investment, Dj ibouti has the advantage of offering a high level 
of personal security, a strategic geographic location, and a stable currency. 
4. Generally speaking, Djibouti's trade policy is intended to promote diversification of the 
production system, with a larger private-sector contribution to GDP (excluding port activities), 
an increased secondary sector share, and business formalization and structuring. In 2010, Djibouti 
adopted a National Trade Development Strategy wh ich has been partially implemented. The results 
of this strategy include: the upgrading of th e software used by Customs; the improvement 
of statistics; efforts to facilitate the setting up of business; and legislative reforms, in particular the 
adoption of a Commercial Code. Djibouti also introduced institutional reforms to strengthen the public–private sector dialogue as well as its participation in regional and multilateral bodies. However, it continues to have difficulties in  fulfilling its WTO notification obligations. 
5. Djibouti is a member of COMESA and participates in continental-scale integration initiatives. 
It also participates in negotiations between the European Union and the countries of Eastern and Southern Africa on the establishment of an econom ic partnership. During the period under review, 
a virtual trade facilitation system was launched under the auspices of COMESA on the 
Djibouti-Addis-South Sudan Corridor. Once the work  has been completed, the system will enable 
cargo to be tracked along the entire length of the corridor in real time. 
6. Djibouti grants at least MFN treatment to all of its trading partners. Imported goods may be 
subject to the internal consumption tax (TIC), th e value added tax (VAT), excise duty, a special 
solidarity tax, a tax on petroleum products, a busi ness license fee, and a general solidarity tax. 
The VAT was adopted in 2008 for the purpose of prog ressively eliminating the TIC, which is applied 
in such a way - in particular with the exemption of domestic production – as to make it a customs 
tariff. The total loss of revenue due to the numer ous duty and tax exemptions and waivers totalled 
some DF 100 billion in 2013. These exemptions and waivers stem chiefly from provisions in the 
Investment Code and the Customs Code and those on free zones, or from special agreements with 
certain companies. 
7. Although Djibouti has no legislation on standardization, under the supervision of the 
Sub-Directorate of Quality Control and Standards it has recently adopted technical regulations 
relating to food. Because its technical means are so limited, inspection procedures do not generally go as far as assessing conformity with these technical regulations. Since 2011, Djibouti has had a National Codex Alimentarius Committee (CNCA) tasked with aligning its SPS measures with 
international standards. Microbiological and physiochemical analyses are carried out on water and 
other food products, both imported and locally produced. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 6 - 
 
  8. With a view to promoting exports, Djibouti continues to maintain its free zone regime in 
which companies enjoy full exemption from direct and indirect taxes for a term of 50 years. However, activities in the free zones remain sluggish. A High Council for Public-Private Dialogue was set up in 2014 in order to identify the constraints to private sector development and to 
propose solutions. 
9. While Djibouti has not notified the WTO of an y State-trading enterprises, Djibouti Télécom 
and Électricité de Djibouti, among others, are Stat e-owned enterprises that enjoy exclusive rights 
in their respective areas, telecommunications and electricity. Moreover, Djibouti's economy is still 
dominated by the presence of State-owned enterpri ses, chiefly in agro-industry, mining, the hotel 
industry, financial services, telecommunications, and transport and storage services. 
10. In 2008, Djibouti adopted a new law on competition and consumer protection, which does 
not, however, cover State-owned enterprises. Djib outi regulates prices in areas where competition 
is limited, such as monopolies. Thus, postal an d telecommunication, electricity, water and urban 
transport services are regulated by the State. Pr ice controls are also applied to products that 
receive State aid, such as bread, flour and kerosene. 
11. A new Government Procurement Code was adopted in 2009 in order to streamline the 
requirements for selecting bids, formalities for access to government procurement, appeals 
procedures, and penalties in the event of non-compliance with the Code's Provisions. Under the 
Code, an open call for bids is the preferred pr ocedure for procurement. In situations where the 
service can only be provided by a limited number of suppliers, the restricted bidding procedure is followed, while at the same time ensuring there is proper competition. The legislation provides for 
preferential margins for Djiboutian entities, foreigners associated with those entities, and entities 
that use goods and services produced in Djibouti. 
12. During the review period, a number of refo rms were introduced with respect to the 
protection of intellectual property rights. In 2006, Djibouti adopted a law on the protection 
of copyright and related rights, and an industrial property law in 2009. In addition, it signed the 
Beijing Treaty on Audio-Visual Performances  in 2012, and the Marrakesh Agreement in 2013. 
Djiboutian law prohibits counterfeiting and trade or any other transaction in counterfeit goods, 
and provides for criminal sanctions for counterfeiting and piracy. 
13. Djibouti has enormous agricultural potential that remains untapped because of the difficulty 
in accessing water, lack of training among fa rmers, and poor implementation of government 
policies. The main incentives in the agricultural sector concern: exemptions from fuel tax for 
fishing; gifts of seed and equipment through agricultural associations and cooperatives; and supplying livestock farmers with free medicine and treatment for their cattle. 
14. While salt is still the major mining resource being exploited in Djibouti, the absence 
of modern mining techniques and the low value added of the product stand in the way of industrial exploitation. 
15. Électricité de Djibouti (EDD), a State-owne d enterprise, still has a monopoly on the 
production, distribution and marketing of elec tricity. Since 2011, Djibouti's grid has been 
interconnected with that of Ethiopia, and about 50% of Djibouti's total electricity supply is imported from Ethiopia. This interconnection has enabled Djibouti to considerably reduce imports 
of petroleum products and to lower its electricity tariffs. 
16. The manufacturing sector is still at an embryonic stage. A few small production units have 
emerged, chiefly agro food and cement prod ucing units and other artisanal activities. 
17. In 2014, Djibouti had 11 banking institutions as compared to two in 2006, a testimony to its 
economic growth and the dynamism of its servic es sector in general, sustained by the free 
movement of capital and limited exchange restrictions. A new banking law entered into force in 
2011, fixing the minimum capital requirement for financial institutions at DF 1 billion and 
extending the scope of the law to include financial auxiliaries (in particular authorized foreign exchange bureaus and money transfer agencies),  of which there are 17, and Islamic financial 
institutions. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 7 - 
 
  18. Djibouti Télécom (DT), which is wholly State-owned, remains the country's only 
telecommunications operator (internet, fixed and mobile telephone services). The telephone network suffers from the poor quality of intern ational calls. In 2012, Djibouti Télécom made 
substantial reductions in telecommunications rates. 
19. The transport sector offers considerable potential for job creation and poverty reduction. 
However, the lack of a consistent strategy for th e development of transport services and logistics 
is a serious obstacle. Djibouti's geographical location accounts for the importance of maritime 
transport in the country's international trade for the countries of the sub-region. Its relative 
proximity to Ethiopia enables it to serve as a seaport for that country, whose economy is growing very rapidly. In particular, Ethiopian transit is  contributing to the development of handling, 
shipping agency, hotel industry, transport and cate ring activities. Owing to the obsolescence of the 
railway network, the bulk of Ethiopian goods tran siting through Djiboutian ports leave by road, 
transported almost exclusively by Ethiopian companies. 
20. Development plans are being drawn up for air transport, partly to help promote tourism, 
which faces competition from neighbouring countries and suffers from the poor implementation 
of Djibouti's development strategies. 
 WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 8 - 
 
  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
1.1  Main features of the economy 1.1.  Djibouti is a least developed country (LDC), with a population of 913,714
1 distributed over an 
area of 23,200 km2. Its high poverty rate (40.8%2) continues to be exacerbated by the presence 
of a large number of refugees from Somalia. Djibouti's human development index (HDI), at 0.445, 
was one of the world's lowest in 2013, despite its relatively high level of per capita GDP (about US$1,400 in 2012) and classification as a lower middle-income country. 
1.2.  Djibouti has an essentially dual economy, with a modern segment that functions on the back 
of rents obtained from foreign military bases and port activities, contrasting with a large informal sector. The presence of foreign military bases and the concomitant spending have boosted domestic demand for current consumer goods and real estate, thereby driving up the cost of living 
in the country. Partly owing to this high cost of living, most wages, including those of civil 
servants, have risen to relatively high levels in comparison to labour productivity. This erodes the country's competitiveness, which continues to hinder the launch of an industrialization process. 
Employment has suffered as a result, and the jobless rate is close to 60%. Weak job creation 
capacity also reflects the country's growth model, which is highly capital intensive. 
1.3.   The services sector (transport and related logistics services) forms the basis of the national 
economy. Thanks to its strategic location in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti has built its economy on 
port activities, while also promoting its role as a transit port and regional transshipment platform. 
1.4.   In 2011, services contributed about three quarters of national GDP, with 2.6% generated 
by manufacturing industries and 3.7% by agricult ure; construction and public works contributed 
around 14.4% of GDP (Table 1.1). 
1.5.  Pursuant to its obligations under Article VIII of the Articles of Agreement of the International 
M o n e t a r y  F u n d  ( I M F ) ,  D j i b o u t i  m a i n t a i n s  a n  e x c h a n g e  r e g i m e  w i t h o u t  r e s t r i c t i o n s  o n  p a y m e n t s  
and transfers in respect of current international transactions. 
1.6.   Since 1973, Djibouti has operated a currency board regime in which the local currency is 
pegged to the United States dollar at a fixed parity of 177,721 Djibouti francs (DF) per dollar. 
1.2  Recent economic developments 
1.7.  Since the last review of Djibouti's tr ade policy, the dynamics of its GDP growth have 
continued to depend on its port activities, driven  by burgeoning foreign direct investment (FDI). 
The massive inflow of investment from Persian Gulf countries has boosted Djibouti's economic 
growth centred on transport activities and related services. Strong GDP growth figures 
(posting rates of at least 5%) were maintained until 2009 (Table 1.1). 
1.8.   Between 2008 and 2010, port activities sl umped in the wake of the global economic and 
financial crisis, compounded by a slowdown in the Ethiopian economy. The momentum of FDI also 
faltered owing to the deferral of investments that had been expected. As a result, the GDP growth rate dropped from 5.5% in 2009 to 4.5% in 2010 and 2011. 
1.9.   Nonetheless, since 2012, economic activities have regained their impetus, and GDP growth 
has trended upwards. Inward FDI has also intensified in areas other than ports. 
                                               
1 As estimated by the authorities on the basis of the General Population and Housing Census (RGPH) 
and a 2.8% rate of growth. 
2 Directorate of Statistics and Demographic Studies (DISED) 2013. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 9 - 
 
  Table 1.1 Main economic indicators, 2006-2013 
 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Miscellaneous    
Nominal GDP (DF million) 136,604 150,694 174,617 186,447 200,578 220,222 240,567 258,971
Nominal GDP (US$ million) 769 848 983 1,049 1,129 1,239 1,354 1,457
Per capita GDP (US$) 908 976 1,111 1,159 1,213 1,300 1,389 1,440
(Real) GDP growth 12.7 5.0 5.0 5.5 4.5 4.5 4.8 5
Inflation (CPI, percentage 
variation) 3.5 5.0 12.0 1.7 4.0 5.1 3.7 3.5
Exchange rate    
DF/US$ (annual average) 177.7 177.7 177.7 177.7 177.7 177.7 177.7 177.7
Nominal effective exchange rate .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Real effective exchange rate .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
National accounts (Percentage of GDP)
Final consumption, government 
authorities 23.1 21.8 19.8 19.5 18.8 18.8 18.9 ..
Final consumption, private 
sector 81.3 82.6 84.5 85.0 85.2 85.2 85.1 ..
Gross fixed capital formation  17.8 18.3 16.9 17.7 17.4 17.4 17.5 ..
Exports of goods and services 42.7 40.2 35.8 34.6 33.1 33.1 33.3 ..
Minus imports of goods and 
services 64.9 63.0 57.0 56.7 54.6 54.6 54.9 ..
Share of GDP (at factor cost)    
Agriculture  3.6 4.1 3.9 3.9 3.8 3.7 .. ..
Extractive industries 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 .. ..
Manufacturing 2.6 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.5 2.6 .. ..
Electricity, gas and wate r 5.8 5.7 5.3 5.1 5.2 5.3 .. ..
Construction and public works 8.2 9.5 11.9 12.1 13.5 14.4 .. ..
Wholesale and retail trade, 
restaurants and hotels 19.0 19.3 18.7 18.7 18.6 18.7 .. ..
Banking, insurance, real estate 
businesses 13.3 13.3 13.8 13.8 14.0 14.8 .. ..
Transport and communications 26.6 26.8 27.8 28.3 27.0 25.9 .. ..
Other services 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 .. ..
Public administration and 
defence 18.8 16.7 14.5 13.9 13.5 12.9 .. ..
Public finance    
Revenue and grants 34.9 35.2 41.9 37.0 35.5 34.5 34.3 ..
Total budgetary income 31.1 30.2 28.8 30.6 30.1 28.5 25.8 ..
Tax revenue 20.3 20.5 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 18.5 ..
Direct  9.6 9.8 9.0 9.2 9.3 9.3 8.8 ..
Indirect  9.7 9.5 10.1 9.8 9.9 9.9 8.8 ..
Other taxes 1.0 1.2 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.9 ..
Non-tax income 10.8 9.7 8.7 10.5 9.9 8.2 7.3 ..
Official grants 3.9 5.0 13.1 6.4 5.3 6.0 8.6 ..
Total expenditure 37.4 36.9 40.6 41.6 36.0 35.2 37.2 ..
Current expenditure 29.9 25.8 26.8 24.3 24.3 24.1 24.2 ..
of which: wages and salaries 14.6 13.8 12.7 12.9 12.7 12.4 12.1 ..
Investment expenditure 7.5 11.2 13.8 17.2 11.7 11.1 13.0 ..
Deficit (based on payment 
orders) -2.5 -1.8 1.3 -4.6 -0.5 -0.7 -2.9 ..
Arrears (payment)  0.2 -0.7 -3.2 -1.2 -0.8 -2.0 -0.6 ..
Deficit (cash basis)  -2.3 -2.4 -1.9 -5.7 -1.3 -2.7 -3.4 ..
Financing  2.1 3.1 1.9 5.7 1.3 2.7 3.3 ..
Domestic financing  -0.6 -0.2 -0.6 -0.2 0.1 0.9 2.6 ..
External financing  2.7 3.3 2.6 5.9 1.3 1.7 0.7 ..
Adjustments  -0.2 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1 ..
External sector (Percentage of GDP, unless otherwise indicated) 
Current account balance  -2.2 -20.2 -22.9 -6.8 4.5 -13.9 -10.9 ..
Merchandise trade balance -36.5 -49.0 -51.4 -35.6 -25.6 -33.7 -33.0 ..
Foreign debt .. 63.6 60.2 59.8 56.1 52.3 53.9 ..
Debt service .. 7.6 7.2 7.3 9.0 8.0 9.2 ..
Total reserves (in months of 
imports) 3.3 2.7 3.0 5.0 6.1 4.3 4.3 ..
.. Not available. 
Source: DISED, Central Bank of Djibouti, Economic In dicators (GDP and balance of payments for 1995-2012 
and 2012-2013). Viewed at: http://www.banque-cent rale.dj/rubriques/23 . African Statistical 
Yearbook 2013. African Development Bank. IMF, International Financial Statistics. 
Viewed at: http://elibrary-data.imf.org  [April 2014]; and World Bank, World Development 
Indicators. Viewed at: http://databank.worldbank.org/ddp/home.do  [April 2014]. 
1.10.   Apart from the boom in public works and po rt activities, Djibouti's recent economic growth 
performance has also been boosted by interconnection with the Ethiopian electricity grid. This has 
resulted in lower rates for consumers and reduce d the country's dependence on fuel imports for 
power generation. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 10 - 
 
  1.11.   Inflation in Djibouti is chiefly imported, driven by soaring food and oil prices in particular. 
Consequently, the interconnection with Ethiopia has helped to curb price rises by reducing imports 
of petroleum products. Moreover, the effects of higher food prices have been eased by price subsidies on basic consumer goods (section 3). The inflation rate remained below 5% throughout 
the review period, except in 2008 when a major drought and the surge in world food prices 
combined to raise it to 12%. 
1.12.   Price stability also reflects a foreign-exchange regime based on a currency board 
arrangement in which the national currency, the Djibouti franc, is pegged to the 
United States dollar at a fixed parity. The money supply (Djibouti francs in circulation) was backed by foreign assets to the extent of 300% in February 2013, and this ratio has since stabilized at over 250% as a monthly average. Moreover, the ce ntral bank is not authorized to finance the 
public deficit. 
1.13.   The monetary authorities intend to intr oduce a compulsory reserves policy to manage 
liquidity in the economy; and a feasibility stud y has also been undertaken for that purpose. 
1.14.  The country's budgetary policy aims mainly at expanding the base of public revenues. 
The budget deficit (on a cash basis) peaked at 5.7% of GDP in 2009, fuelled by a weak revenue collection and significant exemptions, specifically for the military bases, and an increase in 
off-budget expenses. This has been partially financ ed by accumulating domestic payment arrears. 
In 2010, steps were taken to tighten budgetary discipline as part of a financing programme with the IMF, which made it possible to reduce the deficit (Table 1.1). Periods of declining income have been offset by controlling current expenditure, particularly through freezes on civil servant 
recruitment and wages, and by curtailing investment expenses. 
1.15.   Djibouti remained moderately indebted  during the review period. From a level of 
around 64% of GDP in 2007, the external public debt/GDP ratio has since stabilized around 54% 
(2012). Nonetheless, the country risks becoming over-indebted, given the global economic 
outlook.
3 The external debt consists essentially of multilateral borrowing and the share of this is 
clearly rising. The authorities have indicated that 66% of the debt was owed to multilateral lenders 
in 2013, while the Paris Club, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia share the bilateral debt. In 2008, 
an agreement to reschedule the bilateral debt was reached with the country's Paris Club creditors. The authorities have cited challenges posed by the high interest rates applicable to Djibouti following its classification as a middle-income country. 
1.16.   The current account deficit, which had grown to 22.9% of GDP during the 2008 crisis, 
has since narrowed thanks to a reduction in the country's reliance on oil imports. Nonetheless, the surge in international prices in 2011, which raised those of the main imported food products 
while total exports remained at a low level, widened the current deficit to 13.9% of GDP 
(Table 1.1). The country's large trade balance defici t has not been offset by the positive balance in 
services, transfers and factor income (Table 1. 2). Nonetheless, gross external assets covered 
between three and six months of imports during the review period. 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2006-2013 
(US$ million) 
 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013a
Current account balance -16.6 -171.4 -225.4 -71.1 50.5 -171.8 -148.0 -308.5
Balance of goods and services -118.4 -274.4 -337.9 -178.9 -72.2 -254.7 -267.0 -427.8
Goods -280.5 -415.2 -505.3 -373.3 -288.8 -417.9 -446.4 -599.8
Exports 55.2 58.1 68.8 77.4 85.1 92.7 118.0 119.6
Imports -335.7 -473.2 -574.1 -450.7 -373.9 -510.6 -564.4 -719.4
Net services 162.2 140.7 167.4 194.5 216.6 163.2 179.4 172.0
Exports 251.5 248.5 296.9 322.0 335.7 327.0 339.4 365.8
Imports -89.3 -107.7 -129.5 -127.6 -119.1 -163.8 -160.0 -193.8
of which:    
Transport (net) 16.7 -3.8 19.1 27.1 45.3 22.8 20.3 13.0
Maritime -3.6 -25.9 -20.0 -13.1 3.1 -19.0 -22.8 -34.6
Air -1.2 -0.6 4.8 5.2 5.7 5.2 5.0 8.3
Other 21.6 22.7 34.3 35.0 36.4 36.6 38.2 39.3
Travel (net) 6.4 4.2 4.1 10.2 9.4 -1.7 2.1 2.4
                                               
3 IMF (2013). WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 11 - 
 
   2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013a
Communications (net) 6.1 6.5 6.7 7.5 7.8 8.1 9.8 12.4
Insurance (net) -8.5 -8.7 -14.5 -11.4 -11.0 -12.5 -11.8 -19.6
Other services (net) -4.5 -5.0 -5.1 -5.6 -6.5 -7.7 -6.6 -6.9
Public administration (net) 146.0 147.4 157.1 166.6 171.6 154.2 165.7 170.7
Balance of the income account 23.0 23.9 32.7 21.7 17.4 8.7 27.6 26.3
Balance of current transfers 78.8 79.2 79.8 86.1 105.3 74.1 91.4 92.9
Capital and financial account balance 70.3 253.5 188.8 103.6 72.8 217.9 70.6 133.9
Capital account 9.3 35.3 53.7 55.1 55.3 59.7 52.4 58.2
Financial transactions account 61.0 218.3 135.0 48.5 17.5 158.2 18.2 75.7
Direct investment (net) 108.3 195.4 228.9 99.6 36.5 79.0 110.0 286.0
Other investment (net) -17.7 36.0 -50.5 -7.4 -6.0 76.9 -85.9 -35.5
Reserve assets -29.6 -13.1 -43.4 -43.8 -13.0 2.3 -5.9 -174.8
Errors and omissions -53.8 -82.2 36.6 -32.5 -123.3 -46.0 77.3 174.6
a Provisional figures. 
Source: Central Bank of Djibouti. 
1.3  Trade performance 
1.17.  International trade remains fundamental for Djibouti, given its heavy reliance on imports. 
Trade represented around 89% of GDP in 2012, with imports accounting for 54%. 
1.18.  There are few trade statistics available for Djibouti, and those that exist are unreliable. 
In 2013, merchandise exports totalled US$119 million, while imports were reported at US$719 million in the same year (Table 1.2). 
1.19.   Ethiopia, the European Union (EU), Somali a, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen 
are the main destinations of Djibouti's export s. Imports come chiefly from the United Arab 
Emirates, China, Saudi Arabia, France and Ethiopia . More specifically, imports in 2013 came from 
the United Arab Emirates (155,818 tonnes worth DF 23.4 million); China (28,056 tonnes worth 
DF 21.8 million); Saudi Arabia (138,769 tonnes worth DF 18.7 million); France (16,104 tonnes worth DF 17 million); Ethiopia (354,861 tonnes worth DF 13.2 million); Turkey (49,871 tonnes worth DF 6.2 million); Austria (153 tonnes worth DF 5.5 million); Belgium (4,092 tonnes worth 
DF 5.3 million); India (29,032 tonnes worth DF 3.4 million); and Egypt (23,568 tonnes worth 
DF 2.9 million). 
1.20.  Djibouti remains a net exporter of services, owing to the dynamism of its port services. 
The surplus in its trade in services has been relatively stable since 2006, albeit with a peak 
of US$216 million in 2010 (Table 1.2). 
1.4  Foreign direct investment 
1.21.  Despite an improvement in its economic governance indicators and a stable monetary 
regime, Djibouti does not yet attract sufficient FDI to areas other than port activities. The slow pace of the national privatization programme imposes a substantial curb on FDI. Moreover, the high costs of factors of production (electricity ), access to financing, and the small size of the 
domestic market represent additional obstacles to attracting FDI into the country. 
1.22.  Foreign direct investment comes mainly from the Gulf countries (Dubai, Kuwait 
Saudi Arabia, and China). The main beneficiaries are highly capital-intensive sectors such as 
transport, hotels and banks. 
1.23.  FDI flows grew continuously between 2006 (US$108 million) and 2008 (US$228 million), 
particularly in port services, before dropping sh arply in 2010 in the wake of the financial crisis 
(Table 2.1). 
1.5  Prospects 1.24.  In 2007, the Government adopted the National Initiative for Social Development (INDS), 
which is Djibouti's Development and Poverty Reduct ion Strategy Paper. The overriding aims of the 
INDS are to promote: (i) growth, competitiveness and employment; (ii) access to core social 
services; (iii) the reduction of poverty and vulnerabilities; and (iv) public governance. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 12 - 
 
  1.25.  The first version, which covered the period 2008-2012, had a number of shortcomings, 
including the lack of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism, weak financing and a failure to prioritize the different elements of the prog ramme. Moreover, infrastructure works and port 
activities have stimulated growth but little progress has been made in combating poverty. 
The reasons for this include the fact that the INDS is underfunded
4 and that FDI overwhelmingly 
targets activities that are highly capital-intensive and therefore create few jobs. 
1.26.  The current version of the INDS covers the period 2011-2015. According to the authorities, 
efforts have been made to avoid the shortcomings of  the first version, and in fact the actions have 
been prioritized. However, designing an effectiv e monitoring and evaluation tool seems to pose 
a serious challenge to the success of the programme. 
1.27.  The authorities have reported that the discussions held in connection with this version 
of the INDS led to the preparation of a long-ter m vision, "Djibouti 2035", which aims to turn the 
country into the East African trade and logistics hub by 2035. A plan of action entitled Strategy for Accelerated Growth and Employment Creation (SCAPE) is scheduled for 2015-2019, and is 
expected to focus on growth sectors with a view to increasing the diversification of the economy. 
1.28.  The World Bank has recently identified fi sheries, telecommunications, transport/logistics, 
and tourism as the best sources of growth and diversification of Djibouti's economy.
5 
The authorities intend to target these sectors in their job creation and poverty reduction efforts. 
1.29.  The authorities have stated that the action s envisaged in the SCAPE should underpin growth 
dynamics for the next five years. Thus, between  2015 and 2019, the annual average rate of GDP 
growth could approach 8.5%. 
1.30.  Major infrastructure projects, such as the building of port facilities to export salt and 
potash6, the construction of the Chabelley airport complex, and a new Djibouti-Ethiopia railway 
line, are expected to be decisive for Djibouti's economic prospects over the next few years. 
 
                                               
4 African Development Bank (2011). 
5 World Bank (2013a). 
6 African Economic Outlook (2013). WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 13 - 
 
  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME 
2.1  General framework 2.1.  The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Dj ibouti provides for the separation of powers and 
guarantees fundamental rights. Since the last revi ew of Djibouti's trade policy there have been 
several changes to the Constitution, in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
1 These include the creation of a new 
entity, the Ombudsman, for a non-renewable five-year term; the introduction of provisions permitting the formation of political party groupings; and provisions  that grant greater autonomy 
to local authorities. Other changes include a reduction in the presidential term of office (from six 
to five years) and an age limit of 75 years for presidential candidates; a requirement that parliamentary debates be public and be recorded in the Official Journal (except in specific circumstances); a ban on members of the Governme nt taking up other parliamentary, public or 
professional offices; and changes in the du ration and dates of parliamentary sessions. 
The Constitution prohibits the death penalty, specifies that Islam is the State religion, and stipulates that the Court of Audit (and not the Supreme Court's Audit Chamber) is responsible 
for monitoring public finances. 
2.2.  The structures of Djibouti's executive, legi slative and judicial bodies have remained virtually 
unchanged since the last TPR in 2006, except in respect of the number of presidential terms and 
the presidential eligibility criteria; they are summarized in Box 2.1. 
Box 2.1 Summary of Djibouti's institutional framework 
Executive 
authority The President of the Republic is elected for a five-year term by direct  universal suffrage in 
a majority vote over two rounds. He is eligible  for re-election. He mu st be of Djiboutian 
nationality, be in possession of his civic an d political rights, and be at least forty and 
no more than seventy-five years old on th e date when he registers his candidacy. 
 
He is the Head of State an d Government, and the supreme head of the armed forces. 
The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's proposal, the other 
members of the Government. 
 
The President determines the responsibilities of the members of the Government and 
dismisses them from office. The members of  the Government are responsible to the 
President of the Republic. 
 
The Prime Minister, appointed by the President of the Republic, is responsible for 
implementing his policies. He coordinates and leads the Government's actions.  
Legislative 
authority The Parliament (National Assembly) is el ected by direct univ ersal suffrage for a 
(renewable) six-year term.  
Judicial system The Supreme Court is the highest authority for ordinary jurisdiction in the Republic, 
followed by the Court of Audit (established in 2008) which is responsible for monitoring 
public finances, and the other courts (the High  Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal, the 
Constitutional Council and the Criminal Court). There are two courts of first instance: one 
dealing with matters relating to ordinary law and the other dealing with personal status. 
Note: For further information, see WTO (2006), section 2. 
Source: WTO (2006). 
2.3.  Since 2012, the Deputy Minister with special responsibility for trade, SMEs, handicrafts, 
tourism and formalization in the Ministry of the Economy and Finance  has been in charge of 
foreign trade . He is responsible for formulating and implementing trade policies, and for 
negotiating trade treaties and agreements in consultation with other relevant ministries and agencies.
2 Since 2006, the main changes to the ministri es with trade-related responsibilities have 
been the establishment of the Customs Directorat e in 2007 and the Djibouti Office of Industrial 
                                               
1 The Constitution and the amendments thereto were viewed at: http://www.presidence.dj . 
2 Between Law No. 102 of 25 October 2000 and Law No. 160 of 9 June 2012, the Ministry of Trade, 
initially a full ministry, became a deputy ministry. Accord ing to the authorities, although this change represents 
a downgrading in protocol terms, th e fact that Trade is now a deputy ministry has not detracted from its 
original substance; in practice, its sphere of competence has increased. Official Journal of the Republic of 
Djibouti No. 11, of 14 June 2012. Viewed at: http://www.presidence.dj . WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 14 - 
 
  Property and Commerce  (ODPIC) in 2012. A National Competitio n Commission is in the process of 
being set up. 
2.4.  In 2009, a National Trade Negotiations Committee (CNNC ) was established under the Ministry 
responsible for trade. Its objectives are to: (a) analyse the implications of trade negotiations 
conducted at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels; (b) define a negotiating position which 
is coherent and consistent with development polic y aspirations, and ensure the implementation of 
existing regional and international commitments; and (c) assist the Government with the design, 
formulation and implementation of trade policy. The Committee brings together representatives of 
various government ministries, and of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce and the Central Bank. It meets four times a year and is required to deliver quarterly reports to the Minister responsible for trade negotiations, on progress with the implementation of Djibouti's commitments and further 
steps to be taken in order to facilitate trade procedures.
3 In 2013, a Commission for coordinating 
and monitoring the COMESA regional integration agenda  was set up under the CNNC; it is 
responsible for monitoring and coordinating the implementation of: COMESA regional integration 
measures, including preparing annual reports on progress with transposition; and the decisions 
taken by COMESA Councils and Summits of Heads of State. Also, a technical sub-committee has been established to monitor non-tariff barrier removal mechanisms.
4 
2.5.  The Government consults the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce on all trade-related matters, 
but is not obliged to follow its advice. These consultations take place on an ad hoc basis. The Chamber must provide its opinion within one month, except in urgent cases which must be expressly identified, where this period may be reduced to 15 clear days. 
2.6.  Since 2006, efforts have been made to improv e the public-private sector dialogue. A national 
Committee for the institutional reform of the Ch amber of Commerce was set up in 2007, to adapt 
and modernize the Chamber's texts in order to ensure public-private sector partnership and 
maximize private operators' participation in the country's economic and social development.
5 
A decree establishing the High Council for Public-Private Dialogue  was issued in 2012 to foster 
a business environment in which the private sector can thrive and contribute to economic growth 
and job creation. The High Council is the senior forum for consultations between the State and the 
private sector; it consists of three bodies, each of which includes public- and private-sector representatives. These are the strategic steering committee on public-private dialogue; the technical committee on public-private dialogue; and the permanent secretariat. The High Council is 
to meet once a year to discuss the situation and development prospects of the private sector. 
The High Council's discussions officially began in March 2014. 
2.7.  In general, Djibouti's trade policy is intended to promote diversification of the domestic 
production system, with a larger private-sector contribution to GDP (excluding port activities), 
an increased share of the secondary sector, and business formalization and structuring. Djibouti's trade policy priorities are reflected in  the country's economic development plans. These 
are the National Initiative for Social Development (INDS) 2007-2015 (2
nd iteration); the "Strategic 
Plan: Results of 2005-2010 and Outlook for 2011-2016"  drawn up by the Ministry of the Economy 
and Finance, which is responsible for industry; an d Djibouti Vision 2035. The INDS is based partly 
on the Djibouti Diagnostic Trade Integration Study prepared in 2004.6 In addition, the Government 
is working to update the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study and develop a growth strategy 
(section 1). 
2.8.  In 2010 the National Assembly adopted, by Law No. 72/AN/09/6ème L, a National Trade 
Development Strategy (SNDC),  the objective of which is to contribute  to economic and social 
development, poverty reduction and unemployment, the establishment of a hub for regional trade, 
and the country's economic integration in regional economic organizations and in the multilateral 
trading system. The Law provides for the establis hment of a committee to be responsible for the 
                                               
3 Order No. 2002-0485/PR/MCIA establishing a Technical Committee for modernizing national 
trade laws. 
4 Order No. 2013-422/PR/MDCC concerning the establis hment, organization and functioning of the 
Commission for coordinating  and monitoring the COMESA regional integration agenda. Official Journal of the 
Republic of Djibouti No. 14, of 31 July 2013. Viewed at: http://www.presidence.dj . 
5 Decree No. 2007-0033/PR/MCIA of 16 August 2009 establishing a Committee for the institutional 
reform of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce. Offici al Journal of the Republic of Djibouti No. 16, 
of 31 August 2009. Viewed at: http://www.presidence.dj  
6 Enhanced Integrated Framework. Viewed at: http://www.enhancedif.org/ fr/profil-pays/djibouti . WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 15 - 
 
  steering, execution and evaluation of the SNDC. As this committee has not yet been set up, the 
Ministry of Trade is currently assuming its responsibilities. The SNDC Action Plan, issued in September 2010, consists of five components an d a number of actions, outlined in Table 2.1 
below. 
Table 2.1 National Trade Development Strategy: Objectives 
Component Planned actions 
1 – Trade 
facilitation, attracting investment 
(improvement of 
the business environment) 1. Enhance foreign and domestic trade services, technical standards, and information services. 
2. Examine the reasons for the magnitude of the informal trading sector and consider 
appropriate actions to formalize it. 
3. Disseminate information about the SNDC, and about trade agreements and conventions. 
4. Study the impact of transaction costs and other public market services on the economy and 
on competitiveness. 
5. Set up the economic studies, statistics and database service. 6. Revise the Investment Code and the Commercial Code. 7. Make the Bank Guarantee Fund operational, in particular for VSEs and SMEs. 8. Consolidate and establish a single business start-up centre. 9. Study measures and actions to promote a better business climate. 
2 - Facilitating 
Djibouti's 
integration in the 
multilateral and 
regional trading 
system  1. Impact study (costs and benefits): COMESA: free-trade area and Customs Union, and market 
access exploration; WTO (GATS); EPA. 
2. Training and capacity building in trade negotiation policies and strategies. 
3. Enhance foreign and domestic trade services, technical standards, and information services 
(action derived from component 1). 
3 – Promotion of 
public/private and civil society partnership  1. Reform the statutes of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce as rapidly as possible and turn it 
into a Consular Chamber. 
2. Help Djibouti's private-sector economic oper ators to organize themse lves more effectively  
within a dynamic, responsible and credible employers' structure. 
3. Help the reorganized employers' organization  to take ownership of the SNDC and become 
involved in its successful implementation; draw informal-sector economic operators into the formal sector. 
4 – Institutional 
strengthening of 
the Department of 
Trade and capacity 
building for the 
Department's 
officials  1. Confirm the current tasks and responsibilities of the Ministry as stipulated in Law No. 102, 
together with those assigned to it by Law No. 72/AN/09/6ème K of 21 February 2010 approving 
the National Trade Development Strategy. 
2. Organize and set up a permanent consultation mechanism at the level of the ministries 
concerned, with a view to ensuring better co-management of joint tasks and functions. 
3. Reform the Ministry's current professional staff structure, provide it with capable staff in 
sufficient number, and build up the capacity of its human resources. 
4. Increase the budget allocations of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Handicrafts (MCIA) 
accordingly. 
5. Regularize the situation regarding outstanding contributions, including in the WTO and 
COMESA. 
5 – Enhanced 
Integrated Framework and implementation of the SNDC  1. Establish the Integrated Framework. 
2. Recruit an international consultant to support the Integrated Framework and the Ministry of 
Trade.  
Note: Six programmes were identified in Law No. 72; in practice, however, so me of these programmes 
have been merged and a new programme has been added to the Integrated Framework. This Table reflects the programmes (or components) which are being implem ented in practice. 
Source: Law No. 72/AN/09/6
ème L adopting the National Trade Development Strategy. 
2.9.  An evaluation of the first three years of  operation of the SNDC was undertaken in 2013 and 
published in January 2014. It reports that less than 50% of the financing needed to implement the 
strategy was available, and that almost 60% of all the actions were carried out during that period.7 
Moreover, implementation of the strategy was adve rsely affected by institutional, visibility and 
communication problems. The results include: introduction of ASYCUDA in 2012, 
and implementation of the Eurotrace system; es tablishment of the Yearbook of Foreign Trade 
Statistics in 2012; improvement of the Business Directory in 2013; introduction of two statistics 
courses at the University of Djibouti since 2011, and recruitment of 20 new statisticians; adoption 
of a Commercial Code in 2012; adoption of a new Banking Law in 2011 and establishment of a 
guarantee fund for SMEs/SMIs in 2014; adoption, in 2013, of the Decree on the national single 
                                               
7 According to the report, over the first three ye ars of operation of the SNDC an operating budget 
of €2,700,000 was sought, and an amount of €1,294,750 was obtained. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 16 - 
 
  window for businesses; shortening of the time needed to set up a business in the country; 
various strategies for greater transparency and a comprehensive dialogue; providing an assurance of legal certainty; and establishment of the High Co uncil for Public-Private Dialogue. In addition, all 
of Djibouti's contributions to the WTO and CO MESA were paid up as at 31 December 2013. 
2.10.  In the legislative ranking, the Constitution of the Republic of Djibouti (1992) is followed by 
organic laws; ordinary laws; decrees; and orders. Trade treaties and agreements take precedence 
over domestic laws; they are signed by the Presid ent of the Republic and must be ratified by the 
National Assembly (by a simple majority) and published in the Official Journal. New laws have 
entered into force in the following fields: Commercial Code (2012); civil aviation (2012); financial services (2011, 2012 and 2013); Customs Code (2011); handicrafts sector (2010); protection of industrial property (2009); General Tax Code (2010); government procurement (2009); 
competition (2008); value added tax (2008); and the profession of notary (2007) 
(sections 3 and 4).
8 
2.2  Trade agreements and arrangements 
2.2.1  WTO 
2.11.  Djibouti is an original Member of the WTO, and grants at least MFN treatment to all of its 
trading partners. It has made commitments in the area of trade in goods and services 
(sections 3 and 4). Djibouti has not signed any of the WTO plurilateral agreements. It has never 
been involved in a trade dispute settlement process. 
2.12.  Djibouti has always had difficulties in fulfilling its notification obligations, including in the 
areas of agriculture; TRIPS; TRIMs Agreement; import licensing; quantitative restrictions; 
preshipment inspection; customs valuation; customs duties; imports; legislation on anti-dumping, 
countervailing and safeguard measures; subsidies; State-trading enterprises; trade in services; and technical barriers to trade. During the previous Review in 2006, Djibouti's failure to submit 
notifications was raised both in written questions and in oral statements.
9 
2.2.2  Other agreements and arrangements 2.13.  Djibouti is a member of COMESA and participates in continental-scale integration initiatives. 
It also participates in negotiations between the European Union and the countries of Eastern and 
Southern Africa on the establishment of an econom ic partnership. Although Djibouti has ratified 
the Agreement on the Trade Preferential System am ong the member States of the Organization of 
Islamic Cooperation, it has not made significant commitments to dismantle its tariff or non-tariff 
barriers. Djibouti is in the process of negotiating a free trade area under the Arab League. It has 
not acceded to the GSTP Agreement signed among certain developing countries.
10 
2.2.2.1  COMESA 
2.14.  Djibouti is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). 
COMESA has 19 member States.11 The COMESA agenda is to deepen and broaden the integration 
process among member States through the adoption of comprehensive trade liberalization 
measures; the standardization of taxation rates and provisions regarding industrial cooperation; 
the implementation of a harmonized competitio n policy; and the establishment of a monetary 
union. This Agreement was signed in 1993 and entere d into force in 1994. It has been notified to 
the WTO under the Enabling Clause.12 Djibouti is part of the COMESA Free Trade Area, which was 
established on 1 November 2000 and has 14 member countries (Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, 
Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maurit ius, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Sudan, Zambia 
                                               
8 Djibouti's laws and regulations can be viewed at: http://www.presidence.dj . 
9 WTO documents WT/TPR/M/159/Add.1 and WT/TPR/M/159 of 4 April 2006. 
10 The purpose of the Agreement setting up the GSTP  is to promote and deve lop reciprocal trade and 
economic cooperation among developing countries through the exchange of concessions in conformity with its 
provisions. It provides for the negotiation of tariff preferences among the parties and the possibility of 
negotiating non-tariff preferences. 
11 Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Democr atic Republic of the Congo, Egypt,  Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, 
Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, So uth Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 
12 WTO document WT/COMTD/N/3 of 29 June 1995. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 17 - 
 
  and Zimbabwe). Since 2000, 100% of tariff lines have been duty free among the members 
concerned. The COMESA Secretariat has developed and implemented a number of complementary programmes aimed at addressing supply-side constraints and overcoming the main barriers to integration in the region. 
2.15.  COMESA has expanded since 2008, with the admission of two new member States 
(South Sudan and Uganda), and has been enhanc ed by the introduction of further reforms. 
In June 2009 the COMESA Customs Union was launched by the Heads of State and Government, 
with a three-year transition period for the member States to implement the key instruments of the 
Customs Union, finalize their lists of sensitive products, align their national tariff structures with the COMESA common tariff nomenclature and incorporate the community Customs Code in their domestic legislation.
13 
2.16.  COMESA’s Regional Payment and Settlement System became operational in October 2012. 
This is a cross-border payment system which offers traders within COMESA a simpler, safer and faster infrastructure that makes use of their respective central banks. The system allows importers 
and exporters to make payments or issue invoices for their goods in their local currencies and 
avoid confirmed letters of credit (and the associated costs).
14 In addition, the COMESA 
Competition Commission became operational on 14 January 2013, and Djibouti participates in the 
Commission's work (section 3.3.2). 
2.17.  Finally, a virtual trade facilitation system for COMESA countries has been launched on the 
Djibouti-Addis-South Sudan Corridor. This system allows goods to be tracked along the entire length of the corridor in real time. Work on the installation of the system is being finalized with 
COMESA experts and telecom operators; training workshops are being held for customs officers. 
Electronic testing of the system has taken place with satisfactory results, and the official launch was scheduled for May 2014. The system uses ro aming facilities, and an agreement has been 
signed between the Djiboutian and Ethiopian te lecom operators. In terms of how the system 
operates, customs officers activate a tracking device fitted to transit trucks, and the control system monitors their movements. This system is intended to generate benefits for economic 
operators, to guarantee cargo transparency and security, and, for government institutions, 
to combat fraud and tax revenue losses. 
2.18.  Djibouti benefits from an adjustment fa cility under the COMESA Fund, providing support for 
the implementation of the country's regional in tegration commitments. This support mechanism 
applies only to compensation for revenue losses resulting from the elimination of import duties. 
It became operational in 2008 and two countries, Burundi and Rwanda, have benefitted from it; both countries are members of the East African Community (EAC). 
2.19.  Negotiations for the establishment of an expanded free trade area between COMESA, 
the SADC and the EAC
15 were launched in 2008. The ultimate goal is to achieve a single customs 
union, which could help to address the challenge posed by multiple membership.16 
The negotiations are aimed at harmonizing trade policies among the States party to the 
three trade agreements. The resulting Tripartite  Agreement is scheduled to enter into force 
in January 2015. In the interests of transparency and a reduction in non-tariff barriers to trade, the COMESA, SADC and EAC members have also se t up a mechanism for reporting, monitoring 
and eliminating non-tariff barriers to trade.
17 The mechanism enables operators, directly and 
online, to report barriers encountered in participating member States and monitor their resolution status. The system is accessible to all. 
2.20.  At the 2012 African Union Summit, the Heads of State approved a plan to establish 
a Continental Free Trade Agreement in 2017, ba sed on the Tripartite Agreement between 
COMESA, the SADC and the EAC. The following timelin es were agreed: (a) conclusion of free trade 
                                               
13 At its 16th Summit, held in November 2012, the COMESA Au thority extended the transition period for 
the Customs Union by two years in order to address outstanding issu es and member States' concerns. 
14 Further information can be obtained from: 
http://www.comesa.int/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=395:comesas-regional-payment-and-
settlement-system-repss-goes-live& catid=5:latest-news&Itemid=41  and 
http://www.mcci.org/documents/REPSS2.pdf . 
15 COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit, Kampala 2008. 
16 The members of the East African Community are:  Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. 
17 The mechanism can be viewed at: http://www.tradebarriers.org . WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 18 - 
 
  agreements between regional economic communi ties which are not party to the Tripartite 
Agreement (between 2012 and 2014); (b) consolidat ion of the Tripartite Agreement with the other 
regional free trade agreements to form a Continental Free Trade Agreement (between 2015 and 2016); and (c) establishment of a Contin ental Free Trade Agreement by 2017 (with the 
possibility of reviewing the date to reflect the progress made).
18 Djibouti, in collaboration with the 
ECA and the African Union Commission, has developed a national action plan for boosting intra-African trade. 
2.2.2.2  Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the 
countries of Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) 
2.21.  Djibouti, along with ten other countries of Eastern and Southern Africa, is negotiating an 
EPA with the European Union.
19 As reported by the EU, the last round of negotiations took place in 
Mauritius in November 2011 on the basis of a joint draft text.20 
2.2.2.3  Agreement on the Trade Preferential  System (TPS) among the member States of 
the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 
2.22.  In 2012, Djibouti ratified the Agreemen t on the Trade Preferential System among the 
member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.21 This Agreement (signed in 2004) was 
followed by a first round of negotiations. In April 2005 a Trade Negotiating Committee was 
established (discussions on tariff, para-tariff and non-tariff concessions). The Agreement lays down 
general principles, as well as procedures for the use of safeguard measures and the settlement of disputes.
22 At the end of its first round of negotiatio ns, the Committee approved the Protocol on 
the Preferential Tariff Scheme for TPS-OIC (PRE TAS). The Protocol establishes a tariff reduction 
programme , a fast-track tariff reduction schedule, and a timetable for reducing other duties and 
taxes  and eliminating non-tariff barriers.23 Rules of origin were drawn up in 2007.24 Djibouti has 
not signed or ratified the Protocol or the rules of origin. Consequently, Djibouti has not made 
significant commitments under the agreement on the liberalization of tariff and non-tariff barriers. 
2.2.3  Preferential agreements 2.23.  Djibouti is eligible to receive unilate ral preferences under the Generalized System of 
Preferences (GSP) of Australia; Canada; European Union; Iceland; Japan; New Zealand; 
Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan; Switzerland; Turkey; and the United States. Djibouti is also eligible for the unilateral preference schemes granted to LDCs by China, Chinese Taipei, the Republic of Korea, the Kyrgyz  Republic and Morocco; the EU's "Everything But 
Arms" initiative; and the United States' Af rican Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 
2.3  Investment regime 2.3.1  Institutional and legal framework 
2.24.  The Trade and Companies Register is the resp onsibility of the Djibouti Office of Industrial 
Property and Commerce (ODPIC). The National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANPI)  is still the 
main agency responsible for promoting investment and assisting foreign businesses in their 
dealings with other government agencies. It is al so responsible for granting tax benefits under the 
                                               
18 Online information from the International Centre  for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD). 
Viewed at: http://ictsd.org/i/news/bridgesweekly/124188 . 
19 The countries are: Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sudan, 
Zambia and Zimbabwe. 
20 Online information from the European Union, viewed at: 
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2009/september/tradoc_144912.pdf . 
21 Law No. 174/AN/12/6ème L ratifying the Framework Agreement on the Trade Preferential System 
among the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Viewed at: http://www.ccd.dj/i/ 
upload/textes/juridiques/loi-prefe rence-commerciale-membres-oci.pdf  (French only). 
22 Online information from the OIC, viewed at: http://www.oic-oci.org/frenc h/conventions/Trade%20 
Preferential%20SYS%20Fr.pdf . 
23 The Protocol on the Preferential Tariff Sc heme for TPS-OIC (PRETAS) is available at: http://www.oic-
oci.org/english/convenion/PRETAS-en.pdf . 
24 Online information from the OIC, viewed at: http://www.oic-oci.org/frenc h/conventions/REGLES_ 
DORICINE_SPC_OIC_fr.pdf . WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 19 - 
 
  Investment Code.25 In 2012 a national working group on foreign direct investment was set up; it 
collects, compiles and disseminates statistics on F D I .  I t  i s  m a d e  u p  o f  r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s  o f  
government agencies and the university, and is chaired by the ANPI.26 The ANPI has undertaken 
several initiatives, including with the assistance of bilateral and multilateral partners. 
2.25.  The Investment Code continues to operate as the principal legal framework for investment 
in Djibouti. The Code contains general fundamental and legal guarantees, as well as provisions on the conditions of application of tax exemptions. 
2.26.  The Commercial Code, in force since August 2012, contains the legal framework governing 
companies and judicial reorganization procedures.
27 
2.27.  Tax exemptions, modified by the finance laws, are available under the Investment Code, 
the General Tax Code and the Customs Code (section 3). 
2.28.  These laws coexist with other laws that incorporate investment-related provisions and with 
the international undertakings made by Djibouti, including the conventions and agreements which 
it has signed (Box 2.2). Djibouti is not a member of the International Centre for Settlement of 
Investment Disputes (ICSID). 
Box 2.2 Investment framework, 2014 
National legislation 
• Constitution (Article 18), guarantees the protection of foreign nationals and their property on 
Djiboutian territory 
• Investment Code (1984), revised in 1994 
• Djibouti Code of International Arbitration (1984) 
• Free Zone Code (2004) 
• Commercial Code (2012) 
• General Tax Code (2011) 
National mediation bodies 
• None 
Free trade agreements containing  investment-related provisions 
• Investment Agreement for the COMESA Common Investment Area (2007) 
Bilateral investment agreements  
• In force (date of entry into force): Egypt (1998); Switzerland (2001); India (2003); 
Ethiopia (2006); France (2007); and Iran (2010) 
• Signed but not yet in force: exact list not yet available 
Participation in international arbitration agreements/bodies 
• New York Arbitration Convention (since 1977) 
• International Centre for Arbitration Services (CISA) (since 1984) 
Other 
• Multilateral Investment Guar antee Agency (MIGA) (2007) 
• Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Common Market For Eastern and 
Southern Africa concerning the developm ent of trade and investment relations  (signed in 
October 2001) 
• Unified Agreement for the Investment of Arab Capital in the Arab States (signed in 1980) 
• Agreement on Promotion, Protection and Guarantee of Investments among members of the 
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (2002) 
                                               
25 The 2009 Finance Law provided for the establishment of an Investment Commission. However, 
as pointed out by UNCTAD, this has been hampered by a lack of consensus. UNCTAD also recommended that 
investment promotion and the granting of tax incentives be dealt with by separate agencies in order to avoid 
conflicts of interest. 
26 Decree No. 2012-0017/PR/MDC establishing a national working group on foreign direct investment. 
27 General partnerships, limit ed partnerships, limited liability companies (SARLs) and various joint-stock 
companies. Commercial Code, viewed at: http://www.ccd.dj/i/upload/textes/juridiques/code-du-
commerce.pdf . WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 20 - 
 
  Double taxation agreements 
• In force (date of entry into force): Egypt (1998); China (2004) 
• Signed but not yet in force: Malaysia, Switzerland and Yemen.  Exact list not available.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities and by UNCTAD (2013). 
2.29.  As reported by UNCTAD in its 2013 Investment Policy Review of Djibouti, and despite recent 
improvements in Djibouti's legal framework for investment, further reform is needed. UNCTAD 
notes that the Investment Code requires amendment to bring it into line with international best 
practices. According to UNCTAD, the Code does not sufficiently address other topics generally included in a modern code, particularly with regard to the treatment and protection of investments 
and the obligations of foreign investors. The Code contains no specific details on 
non-discrimination, MFN or fair and equitable tr eatment. Moreover, the Code is imprecise as 
regards conditions of entry and establishment for FDI, and does not refer to the differences in 
treatment that exist in certain sectors of activity. As indicated by the authorities, plans to reform 
the Code in order to further enhance it are under way. By contrast, UNCTAD has noted that the new Commercial Code has brought about some positive changes. It does not (unlike the previous Companies Code) specify a minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies (SARLs). 
UNCTAD also points out that the
 collective procedures of protection, judicial reorganization and 
judicial winding-up are clearly set out in the Code. This is advantageous for the development of the private sector. 
2.3.2  Business environment 
2.30.  Djibouti has highlighted the following advantages in its bid to attract FDI: it offers a high 
level of personal security; a strategic geographic location; and the stability of its currency, which is 
pegged to the United States dollar (section 1). As  indicated by UNCTAD, capital and profits can be 
transferred completely freely. 
2.31.  According to UNCTAD, the following types of enterprise are legally authorized: 
general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies (SARLs) and various 
joint-stock companies.
28 Since January 2012, a compulsory police background check on foreign 
investors is no longer a prerequisite for the issuing of a business licence, thus reducing the time required for business start-up formalities.
29 
2.32.  There are barriers to (national and foreign) investment in activities which are subject to 
State monopoly: energy, water, postal services and telecommunications services. The areas affected by barriers (both formal and in practice) to foreign direct investment are insurance, 
transport and fisheries (section 4). In additi on, government procurement preferences favour 
local industries. 
2.33.  During the review period, efforts to improve the business environment included the launch, 
in 2013, of a national single window system for businesses. New legislative provisions have been 
adopted to reduce corruption.
30 Energy prices have dropped cons iderably since the implementation 
of an agreement with Ethiopia, signed in 2011 (section 4.2.2). There are several projects being implemented to improve Djibouti's transport infras tructure (railways, roads, ports and airports) 
(section 4.4.3). According to the authorities, the single window will be operational before the end 
of 2014. 
2.34.  These reforms have helped bring about a significant improvement in Djibouti's ranking in 
the various international indexes. Djibouti was ranked 160
th out of 189 countries in the 
World Bank's Doing Business 2014  report. In 2013, it was ranked 171st out of 185 countries.31 
In Transparency International’s Corruption Percep tions Index, Djibouti's ranking has improved 
from 105th out of 179 countries in 2007 to 94th out of 175 countries in 2013. Nevertheless, these 
rankings show that there is potential fo r Djibouti to envisage further reforms. 
                                               
28 UNCTAD (2013). 
29 UNCTAD (2013). 
30 In 2013, the Government enacted Law No. 03/AN/13/7ème L, which supplements the legislative 
provisions on preventing and combating corruption. The 2012 Commercial Code prohibits engagement in a 
commercial activity whilst se rving as a public official. 
31 World Bank (2013b and 2014). WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 21 - 
 
  2.35.  The areas in which improvements are required include business start-up procedures 
conducted by notaries or lawyers; training to establish a qualified labour force; obtaining credit and credit costs; and the quality and cost of telecommunications services. Moreover, the highly 
complex taxation system should be streamlined (section 3). 
 WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 22 - 
 
  3  TRADE POLICY AND PRACTICES, BY MEASURE 
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports 3.1.1  Customs procedures and regulations 3.1.  Since the previous review of Djibouti's  trade policy, there have been no changes to 
the registration requirements for importers. Any natural or legal person of Djiboutian or foreign 
nationality may engage in business activities, including importation. Any person seeking to engage in importing must be in possession of an "importer's licence". 
3.2.  Djibouti adopted its first Customs Code in 2011.
1 The Directorate of Customs and Indirect 
Duties, which has only had legal status since 2007, is responsible for customs procedures and for administering all the taxes levied on imports, including the internal consumption tax (TIC), excise duty and VAT. 
3.3.  Customs formalities may be completed by importers or by an approved customs broker. 
3.4.  Djibouti has been using ASYCUDA World since January 2013 and all import declarations have 
been made electronically since 2005. According to the authorities, Djibouti's customs offices have 
all been computerized and interconnected, and there is also an interconnection between 
the Djiboutian and Ethiopian customs authorities. There is no electronic risk management system. Not all goods are systematically subject to physical inspection, however, which is reserved for 
goods from certain countries for which the invoices are usually not clear. According to the 
authorities, physical inspection applies to around one third of imports. 
3.5.  The authorities have indicated that an ap proved economic operator scheme should soon be 
introduced in order to allow some operators to have speedy customs clearance. The Customs Code 
offers the possibility of removing goods in the following categories before a detailed declaration 
is submitted: perishable goods; dangerous goods; weapons and ammunition for the national armed forces and for foreign units under cooperat ion agreements with Djibouti; newspapers and 
magazines; so-called "Express" documents. 
3.6.  For the purposes of customs clearance, g oods must be the subject of a customs declaration 
assigning them to a specific customs procedure (F orm No. 1), together with the bill of lading, the 
invoice, the delivery note, and the handling receipt. The customs authorities may require other 
documents where necessary. Exemption from customs or excise duty or other levies does not obviate the obligation to make a customs declaration. 
3.7.  According to the World Bank, Djibouti is 60
th out of 189 economies in terms of ease of trading 
across borders, and 18 days are needed on average to complete all import procedures (11 days to 
draw up the documents, two for customs clearance and technical inspection, three for handling at the port and terminal and two for inland transport).
2 The customs authorities have indicated 
that Djibouti has never conducted any study into the average time required for customs clearance. 
3.8.  The Customs Code's provisions on customs valuation are aligned on those in the 
WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. Indicative valu es (minimum values) still exist, however, for 
a list of products in order to contend with under-invoicing. These include: household electrical 
goods, building and furnishing materials, food products, electronic appliances and clothing. 
The authorities have pointed out that they ar e faced with numerous cases of under-invoicing. 
Djibouti is therefore in need of technical assi stance in order to apply the Agreement in full. 
3.9.  In practice, there is no appeal body; decisions of the customs services are thus final. 
                                               
1 Law No. 140/AN/11/6ème L establishing a Customs Code. 
2 World Bank (2014). WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 23 - 
 
  3.1.2  Rules of origin 
3.10.  Djibouti has not notified the WTO of any no n-preferential rules of origin and, according to 
the authorities, it does not have any. 
3.11.  Annex 4 to the COMESA Treaty containing the protocol on rules of origin is the basis for the 
preferential rules of origin giving COMESA members preferential treatment. The protocol will only 
become applicable when Djibouti has begun intr oducing the common external tariff, for which the 
impact studies are reportedly still under way. 
3.1.3  Tariffs and other duties and taxes 
3.12.  Since 2008, Djibouti has been levying VAT in addition to the TIC, excise duty, a special 
solidarity tax, a tax on petroleum products, a busi ness licence fee, and a general solidarity tax. 
In principle, the TIC is an internal tax, but the way it is applied makes it similar to a customs tariff. 
3.13.  Djibouti uses the 2007 version of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding 
System (HS), with a tariff schedule consisting of 6,904 eight-digit lines (Table 3.1). All rates are ad valorem . 
Table 3.1 Summary of the MFN tariff, 2013
 
Description Number 
of lines Simple 
average rate
(%) Range 
of rates 
(%) C.V.a 
Total 6,904 21.0 0-26 0.4 
Harmonized System (HS)     
Chapters 1 to 24 905 13.6 0-26 0.7 
Chapters 25 to 97 5,999 22.1 0-26 0.4 
By WTO definition      
Agriculture 866 15.0 0-26 0.7 
Animal products 95 9.8 1-13 0.5 
Dairy products 26 11.3 0-13 0.4 
Fruit, vegetables and garden produce 216 10.1 1-26 0.9 
Coffee and tea 28 24.1 13-26 0.2 
Cereals and cereal preparations 117 9.3 0-26 0.7 
Oilseeds, fats and oils 91 13.4 0-26 0.7 
Sugar and confectionery 31 13.4 0-26 0.3 
Beverages and tobacco 95 26.0 26 0.0 
Cotton 9 26.0 26 0.0 
Other agricultural products 158 21.9 1-26 0.4 
Non-agricultural products 6,038 21.9 0-26 0.4 
Fish and fish products 128 13.2 1-26 0.2 
Metals and minerals 1,262 23.9 0-26 0.2 
Chemicals  987 24.8 1-26 0.2 
Wood, paper, etc. 364 22.4 0-26 0.4 
Textiles 698 17.1 1-26 0.7 
Clothing 264 12.3 1-13 0.2 
Leather, footwear, etc. 234 22.9 1-26 0.3 
Non-electrical machinery 694 21.1 1-26 0.4 
Electrical machinery 398 20.2 1-26 0.5 
Transport equipment 423 22.0 1-26 0.4 
Other manufactures n.e.s. 562 25.7 1-26 0.1 
Petroleum 24 23.3 0-26 0.3 
By ISIC sectorb     
Agriculture, hunting,  forestry and fishing 341 14.2 1-26 0.8 
Mining and quarrying 101 23.0 13-26 0.2 
Manufacturing 6,461 21.3 0-26 0.4 
By stage of processing     
Raw materials 715 17.4 0-26 0.6 
Semi-finished products 2,031 21.9 0-26 0.4 
Finished products 4,158 21.2 0-26 0.4 
a Coefficient of variation (CV). 
b International Standard Industrial  Classification of All Economic Activities (Rev. 2), excluding 
electricity, gas and water (one tariff line). 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 24 - 
 
  3.1.3.1  Bound duties 
3.14.  Djibouti has bound all of its tariff lines and has not modified its bound rates since the 
previous review. 
3.15.  Bound rates range from zero to 450% (Table 3.2). Duties on non-agricultural products are 
bound at rates from zero to 230%, and on agricultural products from 2% to 450%. The simple 
average bound rate is 41.8% (52.4% for agricu ltural products and 40% for non-agricultural 
products); 98% of tariff lines are bound at 40%; four lines are bound at the ceiling rate of 450%; 
and four at zero. 
Table 3.2 Structure of MFN tariffs, 2005 and 2013 
 2005 2013 Bound ratea
Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 100.0 100.0 100.0 
Simple average applied MFN rate 28.2 21.0 41.6 
Agricultural products (WTO definition) 22.5 15.0 52.2 
Non-agricultural products (WTO definition) 29.1 21.9 40.1 
Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing (ISIC 1) 20.9 14.2 40.4 
Mining and quarrying (ISIC 2) 30.6 23.0 39.6 
Manufacturing (ISIC 3) 28.6 21.3 41.7 
Duty-free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.1 0.0 
Simple average rate (dutiable lines) 28.2 21.0 41.6 
Non-ad valorem  duties (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Domestic tariff peaks (% of all tariff lines)b 0.0 0.0 0.7 
International tariff peaks (% of all tariff lines)c 88.7 71.5 99.5 
Overall standard deviation of applied rates 8.6 8.5 21.1 
"Nuisance" applied rates (% of all tariff lines)d 0.0 9.9 0.1 
a The final bound rates are based on the 2013 tariff (in the HS07 nomenclature). 
b Domestic tariff peaks are duties exceeding thr ee times the overall simple  average applied rate. 
c International tariff peaks are duties exceeding 15%. d "Nuisance" rates are those greater than zero but less than or equal to 2%. 
Note: No rates are available for 19 tariff lines. 
 The 2013 tariff schedule comprises 6,904 tariff lines (eight digits, in accordance with the 
HS07 nomenclature). 
 The 2005 tariff schedule comprises 5,118 tariff lines (eight digits, in accordance with the 
HS92 nomenclature). 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. 
3.16.  Other duties and taxes have been bound at a ceiling of 100%. 
3.17.  As was the case for the previous review, for 26 tariff lines the TIC rate (which is similar to 
customs duty) is higher than the bound rate. 
3.1.3.2  Internal consumption tax (TIC) as an applied MFN tariff 3.18.  Since VAT was introduced, TIC rates have fallen sharply. There are now eight rates 
(zero, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 13% and 20%). The simple arithmetic average was 21% in 2013, 
compared to 28.2% in 2005 (Table 3.2). As regards the distribution of TIC rates, 20% is the modal rate (the most common); it concerns over 70% of the total number of lines (Chart 3.1). WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 25 - 
 
  Chart 3.1 Distribution of MFN applied TIC rates, 2013 
(0.1)(9.4)
(0.4) (0.01)(0.03)(2.0)(16.3)(71.7)
0102030405060708090100
01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000
D u t y - f r e e 1 %2 %3 %5 %8 % 1 3 % 2 6 %%Number of lines
Cumulative percentage (right-hand scale)
 
Note: The figures in brackets correspond to the percentage of all tariff lines. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. 
3.19.  The tariff on non-agricultural products (WTO definition) is higher (simple average of 21.9%) 
than on agricultural products (simple average of 15%). Using the ISIC (Rev.2) definition, the 
mining and quarrying sector is the most highly pr otected (with an average rate of 23%), followed 
by manufacturing (21.3%), and the agricultural sector (14%) (Table 3.1). 
3.20.  With average rates of protection of 17.4%, 21.9% and 21.4%, respectively, for raw 
materials, semi-finished products and finished products, overall the tariff shows mixed escalation. This mixed structure is confirmed for the textiles and clothing, paper, paper articles, printing and 
publishing and chemicals industries, leading to higher domestic production costs for finished 
products. The tariff escalation is positive, howeve r, in the food, beverages and tobacco, wood and 
wood products industries, as well as in metal-working industries (Chart 3.2). Such positive 
effective protection is not conducive to making the local products concerned competitive in 
international markets. 
Chart 3.2 Escalation of MFN rates by manufacturing industry, 2013 
0.05.010.015.020.025.030.035.0Per cent
Not applicableUnprocessed
productsSemi-processedproductsFinished productsFood products, 
beverages, 
tobacco
Textiles and 
clothing 
Wood and 
articles of 
wood
Paper and paper 
products, 
printing and 
publishing
Chemicals
Non-metallic 
mineral products
Base metal 
industries
Metal products, 
machinery and 
materials
Other 
manufacturing 
industriesNot applicableAverage applied rate in the manufacturing industry (21.3%)
Note: The product groups are defined in accordance with the two-digit ISIC. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 26 - 
 
  3.1.3.3  General solidarity tax (IGS) 
3.21.  A 5% general solidarity tax (IGS) is levied on all imports by persons not in possession 
of an importer's licence. 
3.1.3.4  Other taxes 
3.1.3.4.1  VAT 
3.22.  In 2008, Djibouti adopted its first legislation introducing value added tax (VAT)3, intended 
gradually to eliminate the TIC in such a way that domestic fiscal pressure remained unchanged. 
However, the process is currently facing challe nges stemming from th e different methods for 
applying the two taxes. The revenue from VAT amounted to over DF 5 billion in 2011. 
3.23.  Pursuant to the legislation, locally produced goods and services, together with imports, are 
subject to the 7% standard VAT rate, while the rate on exports of goods and services is zero. 
The tax base for imports is the customs value plus  customs duty and excise duty where applicable, 
while domestic products are taxed on the basis is the selling price. 
3.24.  The VAT law provides a list of goods (either imported or locally produced) which are 
exempt. These are mostly staple food products, agricultural equipment and inputs, medicines, 
books and newspapers, and the social component of electricity consumption. 
3.1.3.4.2  Excise duty 
3.25.  Excise duty applies to domestic production  and imports of the following products: tobacco; 
alcohol; petroleum products; khat; mineral water and non-alcoholic beverages; and fruit and vegetable juices. The rates for alcohol have been harmonized and set at 120% since the previous 
review (Table 3.3). 
Table 3.3 Excise duty applicable in 2014
 
Product Rate 
Tobacco  
Manufactured tobacco 70% 
Tobacco extracts and essences 70% 
Alcohol 120% 
Toilet waters containing alcohol DF 2,500/litre of pure alcohol 
Perfumes and perfume extrac ts containing alcohol DF 2,500/litre of pure alcohol 
Petroleum products  
Regular gasoline and premium gasoline DF 49.5/litre 
Diesel fuel DF 6/litre 
Kerosene DF 14/litre 
Lubricating oils, brake oil, grease DF 100/net kg 
Khat  
Khat DF 561/gross kg 
Mineral waters and non-alcoholic beverages  
Natural or artificial mineral waters  DF 14/litre 
Aerated water whether or not co ntaining added sugar or other 
sweetening matte r or flavoured  DF 14/litre 
Other non-alcoholic beverages  DF 14/litre 
Fruit and vegetable juices DF 160/net kg 
Source: Law No. 108/AN/00/4ème L of 29 October 2000 amending the General Tax Code. 
3.1.3.4.3  Other internal taxes 
3.26.  The Tax Code lists the other internal taxes levied on imports. 3.27.  An IGS of DF 100 is levied on each gross kg of imported or locally produced khat. 
                                               
3 Law No. 43/AN/08/6ème L introducing the value added tax. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 27 - 
 
  3.28.  In addition, a business licence fee of DF 8.4 is levied on each gross kg of khat imported or 
produced locally. This is increased by 7% for the community centime tax levied on behalf of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce. 
3.29.  A special solidarity tax at a rate of DF 50 is levied on each kg of khat. 
3.30.  A tax for the youth, sports and leisure fund applies as follows: DF 50 per kg of khat; and 
10% on the value of other imported goods. 
3.31.  There is a fixed-rate tax on petroleum products as follows: DF 5/litre of A1 jet fuel; 
DF 32.13/litre of premium gasoline; DF 7/litre of re gular gasoline; and DF 18.23/litre of diesel fuel. 
3.1.3.5  Tariff preferences 3.32.  Djibouti does not officially apply a customs tariff as the TIC is considered by the authorities 
to be an internal tax, therefore, it does not have any tariff preference scheme. 
3.1.4  Duty and tax exemptions 
3.33.  Exemptions and concessions may be gran ted under ratified international agreements 
(Vienna Convention), or pursuant to provisions in the Investment Code and those on free zones, 
or under agreements with certain companies such as the railway company. 
3.34.  In addition, Djibouti allows exemption from customs duties and taxes on imports by foreign 
military bases stationed in Djibouti, as well as under the Customs Code. The conditional relief 
procedures provided under the Code include: transit; temporary admission; and customs 
warehousing. The following are the processing or economic conditional relief procedures: inward processing; outward processing; and the bonded manufacturing procedure reserved for companies 
processing petroleum products, although this is not applied in practice. 
3.35.  The authorities have indicated that the revenue foregone as a result of duty and tax 
exemptions amounted to around DF 98 billion in 2013. 
3.1.5  Import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing 
3.36.  In general, prohibitions are those provided in the international conventions signed 
by Djibouti, namely, the CITES, the Stockholm Convention and the Rotterdam Convention.
4 
Nevertheless, pursuant to Order No. 97-0760/PRE of 17 November 1997, right-hand drive vehicles 
may still not be imported, and this also applies to non-biodegradable plastic bags 
(Order No. 99-0059/PR/MCI of 14 January 1999). 
3.37.  In order to protect biodiversity, trade (as well as the hunting and capture) of all wild 
species, their carcasses, skins and trophies remains prohibited in Djibouti. Animals listed in 
Annex I to the CITES or their products must be covered by a CITES export permit issued by the 
country of origin of the animals/products and by a CITES import permit issued by the country of destination.
5 
3.38.  The import of products on Lists A(1) and (C) of the Annexes to the Montreal Protocol is 
subject to annual quotas determined and administered by the Minister responsible for the environment, by means of a prior authorization granted subject to the opinion of the Minister 
responsible for trade and in consultation with the National Ozone Committee. Since 2010, 
Decree No. 2004-0066/PR/MHUET of 22 April 2004 has banned the import of used or new refrigeration appliances containing certain (specified) ozone-depleting substances. 
                                               
4 WTO document WT/TPR/S/159 of 1 March 2006. 
5 Decrees No. 2001-0098/PR/MHUEAT of 27 May 2001 approving the approving the strategy and 
national action programme for the conservation of biodiversity and No. 2004-0065/PR/MHUEAT of 22 April 2004 on the protection of biodiversity. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 28 - 
 
  3.39.  The import of toxic or hazardous substances requires a special authorization from the 
Ministry responsible for the environment. The transp ort, storage, sale and use of such substances 
are subject to specifications endorsed by the Ministry. 
3.40.  Cattle feed still requires an authorization from the Ministry responsible for trade and 
industry, which also issues licences for importing khat. The import of medicines, weapons and 
ammunition requires a licence issued by the Minist ry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior, 
respectively. 
3.41.  According to the authorities, Djibouti do es not apply any quantitative restrictions on 
imports. 
3.1.6  Anti-dumping, counterva iling and safeguard measures 
3.42.  Djibouti has never imposed any anti-dumpi ng, countervailing or safeguard measures under 
the WTO and has no dedicated domestic legal instruments. 
3.1.7  Standards and technical regulations 3.43.  Djibouti has not submitted any notification  to the WTO regarding its standardization regime 
or its accreditation and certification procedures. 
3.44.  In principle, the Sub-Directorate of Quality Control and Standards, under the supervision 
of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Handicrafts, is in charge, inter alia, of developing and 
publishing standards, certifying products and processes, quality assurance, testing, metrology, 
accreditation of laboratories, and participation in international standardization work and related activities. It also serves as the enquiry point and notification authority for the WTO Agreements on SPS measures and technical barriers to trade (TBT). There is, however, no domestic legislation on 
the conduct of standardization procedures. 
3.45.  In practice, the Sub-Directorate of Quality Control and Standards coordinates all 
standardization activities. It evaluates standardization needs in all economic sectors and develops 
draft standards, which are submitted to tec hnical committees such as the National Codex 
Alimentarius Committee. These technical committees are composed of representatives of government departments, the private sector, consumers' associations, and civil society. 
The standards proposed in Djibouti are generally based on international standards. 
3.46.  Once the technical committees have endorsed a draft standard, the Sub-Directorate 
of Quality Control and Standards, through the re sponsible Ministry, forwards the text to the 
G o v e r n m e n t  w i t h  a  v i e w  t o  a d o p t i o n  b y  t h e  C o u n c i l  o f  M i n i s t e r s .  O n c e  i t  h a s  b e e n  a d o p t e d ,  
it becomes a Djiboutian standard. 
3.47.  According to the authorities, the technical regulations adopted at the national level relate 
to: 
• enrichment of wheat flour for human consumption; 
• enrichment of vegetable oil for human consumption; 
• labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs; 
• regulation of bottled water for human consumption; and 
• regulation of the import and sale of iodized salt. 
3.48.  Standards are adopted by means of regulation s. If they are mandatory, this is mentioned in 
the text (technical regulations), but no notification has been made to the WTO. 
3.49.  The Sub-Directorate of Quality Control an d Standards controls conformity, in conjunction 
with the National Food Analysis Laboratory (LANAA). According to the authorities, the inspectors WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 29 - 
 
  undertake daily inspections on the domestic market. These focus in particular on the quality 
of food products (e.g. labelling, sell-by date, conservation status, etc.). 
3.50.  The LANAA is in principle an institution providing inspection services within the Livestock 
Department. The inspections it carries out do not yet encompass the technical regulations in effect 
in Djibouti. Most of its inspections concern microbiological and physiochemical analyses. The fees 
payable for food inspections range from DF 10 to DF 50 per kg of the product inspected and are determined by Order No. 2010-393 PR/MAEM-RH. The Sub-Directorate of Quality Control and 
Standards of the Ministry responsible for trade issues marketing licences and certificates 
of conformity with Djiboutian standards for spring waters for human consumption on the basis of the analyses carried out by the LANAA. 
3.51.  In 2002, a task force on standardization was set up in order to draw up domestic legislation 
on the following: (i) consumer protection and fraud control; (ii) standardization; 
and (iii) metrology.
6 
3.52.  It would seem that UNIDO has set up a legal metrology system in order to control and 
calibrate measuring instruments belonging to retailers and industrialists. In December 2004, 
a metrology laboratory was created within the Ministry of Trade, but is not yet operational as the MCI is preparing new legislation on metrology. According to the authorities, Djibouti has 
apparently requested the COMESA Secretariat for technical assistance for this purpose. 
3.53.  Djibouti is considering becoming a member of the African Organisation for Standardization 
(ARSO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It has not signed any mutual recognition agreement (MRA) and so far no accreditation system has been introduced. 
3.1.8  Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements 
3.54.  The Sub-Directorate of Quality Contro l and Standards is the enquiry point and the 
notification authority for the WTO SPS Agreement, although no notification to this effect has been 
made to the WTO. 
3.55.  Orders No. 2000-0727/PR/MAEM and No. 2000-0728/PR/MAEM of 23 September 2000 
regulate the marketing of imported or local animal products. The inspection criteria have been 
determined and take into account the chemical and microbiological characteristics of the products. 
The import or export of animal products still requires the submission of a sanitary certificate issued by the Directorate responsible for livestock and veterinary services (DESV). 
3.56.  Moreover, pursuant to Decree No. 97-0189/PR/MS of 27 December 1997, as amended 
by Decree No. 2002-0095/PRIMCIA of 2 June 2002, iodized salt may only be marketed or imported 
if accompanied by a quality certificate showing the iodine content, set at 20 to 40 mg. per kg (or 34 to 66 mg. per kg of potassium iodate). 
3.57.  In accordance with the legislation on consum er protection, if there is a known risk, an order 
may prohibit the manufacture or marketing of food products for a period not exceeding one year. In such cases, warnings and precautions for use may be widely disseminated. 
3.58.  The Minister responsible for trade or the Minister concerned may send warnings to 
manufacturers or retailers and ask them to bring the products they are selling into conformity with the rules on safety. 
3.59.  Law No. 28/AN/08/6
ème L of 21 December 2008 on protection, fraud control and consumer 
protection includes provisions regulating food safety. It provides for the publication of regulatory 
texts concerning the production and marketing of food products, packaging and labelling requirements, methods for determining hygiene specifications, and hygiene conditions in 
production and storage facilities. 
3.60.  Since 2011, Djibouti has had a National  Codex Alimentarius Committee (CNCA) within 
the Ministry responsible for trade. The CNCA is in charge of looking into matters relating to 
                                               
6 Order No. 2002-0757/PR/MCI of 17 October 2002 creating the task force to review standardization. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 30 - 
 
  Codex Alimentarius standards, mostly by giving its opinion on the possibilities for their adoption 
as Djiboutian standards, and of promoting Djibouti's participation in the Codex's bodies.7 
3.61.  The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Marine Affairs, more particularly the DESV, is the 
authority responsible for controls relating to SPS standards. The LANAA provides the DESV with 
support by carrying out microbiological and physicochemical analyses of water and food products. 
Samples are systematically taken upon importation, and contracts for the analysis of food products are signed with hotels and restaurants. The LANAA has begun the procedure for accreditation in 
respect of ISO Standard 17025/2005. It has also had a contract for analysis purposes with 
France's veterinary services since 2010. 
3.62.  If an animal disease breaks out, measures are taken immediately by ministerial order. 
For example, an Order was adopted in 2007 to combat avian flu (Order No. 2007-0193/PRE/MS), 
creating a steering committee for the project to combat avian flu. 
3.63.  According to the authorities, no formal early warning procedure is in place. 3.2  Measures directly affecting exports 
3.2.1  Procedures 
3.64.  The registration formalities applicable to importation of goods for commercial purposes 
generally also apply to exports (section 1). According to the Doing Business report for 2014, 
an average of 20 days is usually needed to complete all export procedures (13 days to draw up the 
documents, two for customs clearance and technical inspection, three for handling at the port and terminal, and two for inland transport). 
3.2.2  Taxes and other export levies 
3.65.  A tax of DF 500/tonne is still levied on exports of salt. Moreover, a charge of DF 400 is 
levied on behalf of the LANAA for a sanitary certificate for the export of camels and cattle, and DF 200 for sheep and goats. 
3.2.3  Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing 
3.66.  The main prohibitions in effect in Djibou ti are for the purpose of protecting biodiversity. 
For example, pursuant to Decree No. 2004-0065/PR/MHUEAT of 22 April 2004 on the protection 
of biodiversity, exports of Djiboutian wood and of coral are banned. 
3.67.  A sanitary certificate issued by the Damerjog  cattle export centre is required for the export 
of cattle. 
3.2.4  Export promotion, financ ing, insurance and guarantees 
3.68.  According to the authorities, Djibouti does  not grant any export subsidies. Because of the 
country's narrow export base, support services are virtually non-existent in Djibouti. Nevertheless, 
the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce defends the intere sts of exporters of salt with the Government. 
According to the authorities, there is no national strategy to develop exports. 
3.69.  Djibouti has no government programme for financing, insuring or guaranteeing exports. 
Export financing and insurance are provided by regional or multinational institutions. 
3.70.  The African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI ) grants export credit guarantees to cover 
political risks. In addition, Djibouti belongs to the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), which provides insurance services against commercial and non-commercial risks. 
                                               
7 Decree No. 2011-0204/PR/MDC creating the National Codex Alimentarius Committee (CNCA). WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 31 - 
 
  3.2.5  Free zones 
3.71.  Law No. 53/AN/04 of 17 May 2004, amended by Law No. 41/AN/08 of 28 December 2008, 
containing the finance law for 2009, grants full exemption from direct and indirect taxes for a term of 50 years to free-zone companies. 
3.72.  In order to be admitted to a free zone, a company is required to select one of the legal 
formats proposed by Law No. 103/AN/04/5
ème L (limited liability company, single-person business 
or branch). It must be engaged in industrial, comm ercial, financial or services activities, except for 
those that might endanger national security, the environment or health. Its head office must be 
set up within the free zone. 
3.73.  Djibouti's Ports and Free Zones Authority is responsible for administering and controlling 
free zones. It approves requests for approval of companies wishing to set up in a free zone. 
Its lack of autonomy, however, may undermine its dynamism, particularly as regards the 
promotion of activities within free zones. 
3.74.  Companies operating in a free zone must employ at least 30% of Djiboutian personnel by 
the end of their first year of operation, and at  least 70% by the end of the fifth year. Around 
175 companies are currently listed in the registers of Djibouti's Ports and Free Zones Authority. 
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade 
3.3.1  Incentives 
3.75.  There has been no change in the framewor k for incentives since Djibouti's previous trade 
policy review. The main incentives are still those provided under the Investment Code (Table 3.4). 
Table 3.4 Tax exemptions under the Investment Code  
Investment Code 
Law No. 88/AN of 13 February 1984, amended by: 
- Law No. 58/94 of 16 October 1994 - Law No. 143/AN/97 of 3 December 1997 - Law No. 23/AN/08 of 13 December 2008 containing the amended Finance Law - Law No. 41/AN/08 of 28 December 2008 containing the initial Finance Law for 2009 
Regime A (term 5 years) 
Investment: 5,000,000 – 50,000,000 
Internal consumption tax throughout the duration of the project 
Regime B (term 10 years) Investment: >50,000,000 - Internal consumption tax: 7 years - Corporate tax: 7 years - Property tax: 7 years - Registration fees - Exemption from tax on prof its reinvested after 7 years 
Source: Investment Code. 
3.76.  In 2014, the Djibouti High Council for Public-Private Dialogue was set up in order to 
examine the constraints preventing the emergence of the private sector and to propose solutions.  
3.77.  The Djibouti Economic Development Fund (FDED) continues to finance development projects 
or programmes for agricultural and livestock activities, fishing, tourism, services and small and medium-sized industries processing domestic raw materials.
 
3.3.2  Competition policy and price controls 
3.3.2.1  Competition policy 3.78.  In 2008, Djibouti adopted Law No. 28/AN/08/6ème L on protection, fraud control and 
consumer protection, which prohibits any form of action among economic operators intended,  
inter alia, to restrict competition, limit or control production and investment, or to abuse 
a dominant position. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 32 - 
 
  3.79.  The agency responsible for implementing government policy for the regulation 
of competition is the Directorate of Internal Trade, Competition and Fraud Control. 
3.80.  This Law does not cover State-owned enterprises or practices that ensure technical progress 
without compromising competition for a large number of the products concerned. 
3.81.  Djibouti takes part in the work on introducing a regional competition policy within 
the COMESA framework. 
3.3.2.2  Price regulation and controls 
3.82.  In principle, Djibouti's legislation encourages the free fixing of prices through market forces 
alone. However, it empowers the Government, acting on a proposal by the Minister responsible for trade, to take legal and regulatory measures to regulate prices in sectors/situations where freedom of competition is limited, for exampl e, if there are monopolies or ongoing supply 
problems. Postal and telecommunications, electricity, water and urban transport services are 
therefore regulated by the State. 
3.83.  The price of bread continues to be regulated by means of State aid for bakeries (preferential 
electricity rates, exemption from profits tax). The Government and economic operators decide 
together on the price structure. 
3.84.  If there are excessive price increases or  in unusual circumstances, the Government may 
also take temporary price regulation measures. 
3.85.  Since 2008, the Government has regularly published a price list for staple goods (milk, 
flour, rice, sugar, pasta, kerosene) exempt from TIC and VAT. An inspection unit ensures that these prices are strictly applied. 
3.86.  The Central Procurement Agency for Essential Medicines and Materials (CAMME) has 
responsibility for approving the methods used to set the selling price of pharmaceuticals; 
determining the transfer price of essential me dicines and the purchasing procedures; and for 
organizing stock management.
8 
3.3.3  State trading, State-owne d enterprises and privatization 
3.87.  Djibouti has not notified the WTO of any State-trading enterprises within the meaning of 
Article XVII of the GATT, although the State owns shares in a number of enterprises operating in 
all sectors of the economy. 
3.88.  Djibouti's economy is still dominated by the presence of State-owned enterprises, with 
around 47 government-owned companies (Table 3.5). These are mostly engaged in agro-industry, 
mining, hotels, financial services, telecommunications and transport and storage services. Efficient 
management of the public sector continues to pose serious challenges. A diagnostic study was therefore launched in 2012 with a view to enhancin g the quality and efficiency of State services.
9 
3.89.  According to the authorities, the followin g are the State-owned enterprises with monopolies 
or exclusive rights: 
• Électricité de Djibouti (EDD) for the generation, transport and distribution of electricity; 
• Office national des eaux et l'assainissement de Djibouti (ONEAD) for distribution 
of water; 
• Djibouti Télécom (DT) for telecommunications; 
                                               
8 Decrees No. 2004-0059/PR/MS of 13 April 2004, No. 97-0039/PR/SP of 3 April 1997 on the publication 
and requirements for updating the list of essentia l medicines, and Order No. 2003-0526/PR/MS of 8 July 2003. 
9 Online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org/fileadmin/uploads/aeo/2013/PDF/Djibouti%20-%20Perspectives%20%C3%A9con omiques%20en%20Afrique.pdf. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 33 - 
 
  • Radio télévision de Djibouti (RTD) for radio and television; 
• Imprimerie nationale for printing for the print media; 
• Office de voirie for rubbish collection; and 
• Laboratoire d'analyses alimentaires for the sanitary inspection of foodstuffs. 
Table 3.5 State-owned enterprises engaged in commercial activities  
Company Activity Share of the 
capital held by 
the State Progress of the 
privatization project 
Société industrielle des eaux 
minérales d'Ali-Sabieh (SIEMAS) Sale and export of 
mineral water   Provisionally at a standstill 
Cimenterie d'Ali-Sabieh Cement 100% In operation 
Imprimerie nationale de Djibouti Printing 100% Financial situation being 
stabilized with a view to granting a concession or management contract 
Compagnie nouvelle de commerce 
(CNC) Production of ceramics  Privatization under way 
(awaiting buyers)  
Centrale d'achat des médicaments et 
matériels essentiels (CAMME) Purchase and sale of 
medicines  100% In operation 
Fonds de développement économique 
de Djibouti (FDED) Financing 100% In operation 
Électricité de Djibouti (EDD) Electricity 100% In operation 
Office national des eaux de Djibouti 
(ONED) Water 100% In operation 
Djibouti Télécom (DT) Telecommunications, 
fixed and mobile 
telephony 100% In operation 
Port autonome international de 
Djibouti (PAID) Port services 100% In operation 
Aéroport international de Djibouti 
(AID) Airport 100% In operation 
Chemin de fer Dj ibouti–Éthiopie Rail transport Owned by the 
two States (50%)In operation 
Poste de Djibouti Postal services 100% In operation  
Société internationale des 
hydrocarbures de Djibouti (SIHD) Petroleum 100% In operation 
Société immobilière de Djibouti (SID) Urban housing 100% In operation 
Radio télévision de Djibouti (RTD) Audiovisual 100% In operation 
Source: Decrees No. 99-0077/PR/MFEN of 8 June 1999 and No. 2001-0191/OR/MEFPP 
of 23 September 2001. 
3.90.  Not only are State-owned enterprises a burden on the State's budget and add to its 
indebtedness, but they also supply goods and services to the public at high prices which affect the 
overall competitiveness of the economy. 
3.91.  Law No. 130/AN/96/3ème L10 lays down the terms and conditions for privatization 
of holdings, enterprises, assets or activities belonging to the public sector. 
3.92.  Under the privatization law, decrees determ ine the terms for each privatization operation on 
a case-by-case basis according to one of the following methods: public offer of sale of shares in 
companies being privatized; restricted or open national or international call for bids for the sale 
of blocks, the majority or all of the shares making up the capital of companies being privatized; restricted or open national or international call for bids for the transfer of a company or 
                                               
10 Law of 15 February 1997 establishing the terms and conditions for the privatization of State holdings, 
enterprises, assets or activities. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 34 - 
 
  the granting of a concession or lease for a company or activities being privatized; direct sale of all 
or part of a company, activity or asset being privatized, in exceptional cases and only when this is justified by the need to involve buyers offering decisive advantages such as financial, technical and/or commercial capacity; and sale to the highest bidder at a public auction for tangible assets, 
movable or immovable property and equipment. 
3.93.  Privatization programmes are implemented by a National Privatization Committee, under 
the supervision of the Minister responsible for fina nce. The State has the possibility of maintaining 
a holding in privatized enterprises in order to keep  a "right of oversight". In addition, preferences 
are given to Djibouti citizens (see the previous report on the review of Djibouti's trade policy for further details).
11 
3.94.  Since the privatization process was launched in 1997, and despite the privatization 
programmes involving, in particular, Électricité de Djibouti (EDD), the Office national des eaux 
(ONED), Djibouti International Airport, and Djibouti Télécom, no concrete privatization action has yet been taken. The authorities appear to rely more on reforming the management of State-owned 
enterprises. 
3.3.4  Government procurement 3.95.  Law No. 53/AN/O9/6ème L of 1 July 2009 regulates the government procurement 
framework in Djibouti. According to the authorities, it replaced Law No. 75/AN/95/3
ème L 
of 14 February 1995 in order to streamline the requirements for selecting bids, formalities for access to government procurement, appeals procedures, and penalties in the event of non-compliance with the Code's provisions. It applies to contracts signed by the State 
(ministries, public institutions of an industrial or commercial nature, State-owned companies, and 
local authorities) for the purpose of carrying ou t works, supplying goods or providing services. 
3.96.  The National Government Procurement Commission (CNMP) is the main body set up for 
the purpose of government procurement procedures. It was created by Decree 
No. 2010-0083/PR/SGG and has competence, inter alia, for: issuing opinions on the procurement 
projects of a contracting department (no contract that falls within the competence of the CNMP 
may be signed without its agreement); conducting technical or financial audits; proposing 
government procurement policies and amendments to the Law. 
3.97.  The Code also provides for a Dispute Settlement Committee, which is the final channel 
of appeal for any bidder for a contract. 
3.98.  Pursuant to the Code, bidders must be in compliance with the requirements of the tax and 
parafiscal departments. "However, persons who, in the absence of payment, have posted security 
deemed sufficient by the entity or accountant in charge of collecting payment are allowed to sign 
procurement contracts." Foreign bidders must pres ent a sworn declaration confirming that they 
have complied with their tax and parafiscal obligations. 
3.99.  Under Djibouti's legislation, an open call for bids is the preferred procedure for 
procurement. If the contracting department and the CNMP find that the service can only be 
provided by a limited number of suppliers, the rest ricted bidding procedure is followed, while at 
the same time ensuring that there is proper competition. For negotiated contracts, a bidder may be selected without any competition, but this procedure may only be followed, inter alia, in 
situations of emergency or when intellectual proper ty rights are required in order to meet needs. 
3.100.  The main provisions of the Government Procurement Code do not apply to contracts for 
an amount below DF 5 million, which only require a purchase order. 
3.101.  On average, since 2007 half of the contracts have been awarded following an open call 
for bids (Table 3.6). 
                                               
11 WTO document WT/TPR/S/159 of 1 March 2006. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 35 - 
 
  Table 3.6 Statistics on government procurement by procedure, 2007-2013 
(DF million) 
Year Open bidding Restricted bidding Total 
2007 5,546 6,000 11,546 
2008 9,482 8,316 17,798 
2009 5,000 5,137 10,137 
2010 4,562 4,666 9,228 
2011 10,323 12,162 22,485 
2012 6,557 11,839 18,396 
2013 5,275 4,935 10,210 
Source: Based on information provided by the authorities. 
3.102.  In the open bidding procedure, the call for bids is usually published in the newspaper 
La Nation . Above a certain amount determined by regulation or at the discretion of the CNMP, 
a call for bids may also be published internationally. The authorities have stated that most 
of the contracts financed by foreign donors were awarded following calls for bids published internationally. 
3.103.  The legislation provides for preferential ma rgins of up to 7.5% for bids by natural persons 
of Djiboutian nationality or legal persons under Djiboutian law the majority of whose capital is 
owned by the State or by natural persons of Djib outian nationality. In addition, preferential 
margins up to a maximum of 4% may be gr anted to foreign bidders which undertake 
to subcontract at least 20% of the amount of the services to Djiboutians. Bids which propose to 
use supplies of Djiboutian origin may also receive a maximum 15% preferential margin. 
3.104.  The CNMP organizes public opening of bids for all bidders. Pursuant to the Code, it must 
notify bidders whose bids have not been select ed and inform them of the reasons if they 
so request. 
3.105.  Djibouti is neither a party nor an observer to the Plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procurement and has not announced its intention to accede to it. 
3.3.5  Intellectual property rights 
3.106.  Djibouti is a contracting party to a number of regional and international intellectual 
property rights (IPR) treaties and agreements, including the World Intellectual Property 
Organization (WIPO), the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and 
the Berne Convention for the Prot ection of Literary and Artistic Works. It has also ratified 
the 1995 Marrakesh Agreement. According to the authorities, Djibouti acceded to the 
Bangui Agreement establishing the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) in 1994, 
but withdrew in 2001. 
3.107.  The WTO has not been notified of any enqu iry point in relation to the TRIPS Agreement. 
3.108.  There were far-reaching changes to the legislative framework for IPRs in Djibouti during 
the period under review. In 2006, Djibouti ad opted a law on the protection of copyright 
and related rights
12, and a law on industrial property in 2009.13 In addition, 
it signed the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances in 2012, and the Marrakesh Treaty on 
access for the visually impaired to published materials protected by copyright in 2013. 
3.109.  The Industrial Property Law covers the granting and registration of patents, layout-designs 
of integrated circuits, trademarks for products or  services, trade names, geographical indications, 
appellations of origin, as well as industrial designs. Pursuant to Decree No. 2011-079/PR/MDCC 
implementing Law No. 50/AN/09/6ème L on the protection of indust rial property, the examination 
and approval of applications for industrial property rights is one of the responsibilities of the Office 
of Industrial Property and Commerce (ODPIC). This Office is also in charge of implementing 
the law on the protection of industrial property rights. During the period under review, most 
of the intellectual property rights registered concerned trademarks (Table 3.7). 
                                               
12 Law No. 154/AN/06/5ème L of 23 July 2006 on the protection of copyright and related rights. 
13 Law No. 50/AN/09/6ème L of 19 July 2009 on the protection of industrial property. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 36 - 
 
  Table 3.7 Industrial property rights  registered by the ODPIC, 2009-2013  
 Number of registrations 
 2022009 20210 2011 2012 2013 
National and international patents 
By residents 0 0 0 0 1
By non-residents 0 0 0 0 2
Total 0 0 0 0 3
   
Industrial designs  
By residents 0 0 0 0 2
By non-residents 4 5 1 0 3
Total 4 5 1 0 5
   
Trademarks   
By residents 177 243 284 307 230
By non-residents 8 4 15 20 17
Total 185 247 299 327 247
Source: Information provided by the authorities. 
3.110.  Pursuant to the Industrial Property Law, a compulsory licence for a patent may only be 
issued by a competent court three years after the patent has been granted or four years after the 
date of filing the application for the patent. Moreover, it may only be granted if the patent owner is working the invention in an abusive way and where national security, health or nutritional concerns or the development of vital sectors of  the economy so require. The authorities have 
never made use of compulsory licensing. 
3.111.  According to the legislation, a trademark is protected by its registration. 3.112.  The Law on copyright and related rights covers, inter alia, literary, musical, artistic and 
audiovisual works, as well as computer programs. Authors have the right to exploit their works 
themselves or to assign the exploitation rights in such a way as to derive a pecuniary gain. The term of protection granted by the Law for economic rights in protected works extends 
throughout the lifetime of the author and for 50 years after his death. Anonymous or 
pseudonymous works are protected for 50 years af ter the date on which the work was legally 
made available to the public. If the author's identity is disclosed or no doubts exist as to his true identity prior to the end of this period, however,  protection becomes the same as that granted for 
economic rights. 
3.113.  The Law on copyright and related rights created the Djibouti Office for Copyright and 
Related Rights (BDDA), which is responsible, inter alia , for enforcing copyright in Djibouti. 
It represents copyright owners in connection wi th production, musical performances, audiovisual 
performances and reproduction of works. Its main task is to oversee the use of works protected by 
copyright, to negotiate the terms for using them, to collect royalties and distribute them to the 
right holders, and to bring legal proceedings if royalties are not paid. 
3.114.  It also recognizes the related rights of performers and of phonogram producers. 3.3.5.1  Sanctions 3.115.  The Law prohibits counterfeiting, trade or any other transaction in counterfeit goods, 
and provides criminal sanctions for counterfeiting and piracy. 
3.116.  The owner of the intellectual property right may bring any administrative or legal 
proceedings with a view to ending the production of counterfeit goods or to preventing 
infringement if this is imminent. Proceedings may be instituted by the BDDA in the case 
of copyright; by the owner of the right of exploitati on or the holder of a licence for the right before 
the court in the actual or chosen place of domicile of the complainant. For foreign complainants, 
however, legal proceedings may be brought before the court in the place where the ODPIC 
is situated. 
3.117.  As regards imported or exported counterfeit goods, the right holder may make a request 
to the customs administration, which may decide to seize or retain the goods. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 37 - 
 
  3.118.  The sanctions provided may involve a term  of imprisonment of five years and a fine 
of DF 10,000,000 or one of the two. 
3.119.  The courts may decide that the counterfe it goods and all the materials and instruments 
used to create or manufacture them should be confiscated or destroyed, that the filing and 
registration should be annulled, with the court's ruling being published in a Djiboutian newspaper 
at the expense of the unsuccessful party, either in full or an extract thereof, and may prohibit the 
infringing acts subject to a fine. 
3.120.  Pursuant to the Law, the penalties applicable to counterfeiters also apply to persons who 
have knowingly received, exhibited, put on sale or sold, introduced or exported products deemed to be counterfeit. 
 WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 38 - 
 
  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
4.1  Agriculture 4.1.1  Overview 4.1.  In Djibouti, agricultural production makes only a very small contribution to GDP, amounting 
to about 3%. Despite its not-inconsiderable potential, agriculture continues to be based on family 
and subsistence farming; and the small size of the holdings (average area one half hectare) tends to limit the opportunities for economies of scale, particularly as input costs are quite high. 
4.2.  In addition to the foreclosure effect of the services sector (particularly port services), there 
are several other factors that contribute to this poor agricultural performance. For example, where crop production is concerned, the country has about 10,000 hectares of groundwater-fed arable 
land, of which only 1,000 to 2,000 hectares are being cultivated. At the same time, according to 
the authorities, between 100,000 and 110,000 hectares  could be cultivated using surface water. 
The weakness of the farming sector can be attributed to a combination of obstacles such as the lack of water and the underutilization of irrigation techniques (about 9.5% of the land under 
cultivation is irrigated). 
4.3.  According to the master plan for the agricult ural sector, the livestock subsector, although the 
strongest link in agricultural production, is mainly nomadic and meets only part of the demand. 
Despite serious constraints, such as the low produc tivity of the cattle and poor control of animal 
diseases, it is the primary subsistence activity of the rural population, which accounts for one third of the total population of Djibouti. 
4.4.  Djibouti has abundant fishery resources, with an exploitable potential estimated 
at 48,000 tonnes per year.
1 However, because of a lack of means of production (limited number 
of vessels), preservation facilities and fishing skill s, only 2% of the potential is being exploited. 
4.5.  The main objective of Djibouti's agricultural  policy continues to be ensuring food security. 
In February 2009, a master plan for the develo pment of the primary sector (PDSP) over the 
period 2009-2018 was drawn up by the Ministry of Ag riculture, Livestock and Marine Affairs, with 
support from Turkey. The aims of the PDSP are: (i ) to improve the mobilization of water resources 
(boreholes, wells and surface water); (ii) to increase crop, animal and fish production; 
and (iii) to improve the primary sector's contribution to the national economy. 
4.6.  Under the Djiboutian system of tenure, the land  is State property and in its allocation priority 
is given to agriculture. The State may assign land on a definitive basis to persons of Djiboutian 
nationality. Foreigners may invest in agricultural land under a leasing arrangement. 
4.7.  In 2008 and 2009, in parallel with the econom ic and financial crisis which adversely affected 
its economic growth, Djibouti had to contend with rising world food prices and a simultaneous 
episode of drought. In response to this situation and to combat the resulting food crisis, in 2009 
the State established the Djiboutian Food Security Company (SDCA).2 
4.8.  The SDCA seeks to restore the purchasing power of Djiboutian consumers and, to this end, 
one of its functions is to manage the production of the farms owned by the Djiboutian State in 
Ethiopia and Sudan (because of the low operating costs), on which wheat, sorghum and sunflowers are grown. The idea is gradually to build up stocks of cereals which will then be sold on the local market at subsidized prices, thereby helping to stabilize food prices. In addition to this 
measure based on the supply of foodstuffs by th e Government, the State also grants exemption 
from indirect taxes on staples, namely, rice, oil, sugar, flour and milk. Finally, the State is also introducing policies to promote the development of arable land and the use of new techniques, 
such as cultivation under glass and drip irriga tion, for the production fruit and vegetables. 
                                               
1 Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Marine Affairs (2009). 
2 The Djiboutian Food Security Company was established by Law No. 45/AN/09/6èmeL 
of 21 February 2009, as amended by Law No. 90/AN/10/6ème L of 11 July 2010. Viewed at: 
http://faolex.fao.org/cgibin/faolex.exe?rec_id=106939&database=faolex&search_type=link&table=result&lang
=eng&format_name=@ERALL . WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 39 - 
 
  4.9.  In 2011, the Djiboutian economy suffered th e repercussions of a second upsurge in prices. 
This rapid rise in food prices was also linked with a rise in fuel prices, since the higher oil price due 
to disturbances in the Middle East and North Africa  raised transport costs and, indirectly, the cost 
of fertilizer. To this should be added the drough t in the Horn of Africa, which severely affected 
Djibouti by drastically reducing the food supply. As well as causing the loss of crops and cattle, 
it also led to an inflow of refu gees from neighbouring countries. 
4.10.  The objectives of the Economic and Social Policy Law for the decade 2001-2010 were: 
(i) combating poverty by raising revenue and living standards among the rural population; 
(ii) halting the rural exodus; (iii) the rational exploitation of natural resources in order to enhance and protect the environment and biodiversity; (iv)  developing arable land, increasing the area 
under irrigation and promoting livestock and fishin g activities with a view to increasing local 
agricultural production (vegetables, fruit, meat and fish); (v) developing oasis-type agriculture in 
order to promote cultivation of the date palm, in  particular; and (vi) reorganizing the Ministry 
responsible for agriculture so as to build up its structures for planning, monitoring development 
programmes and disseminating information. 
4.11.  According to the authorities, the main incentives in the agricultural sector concern: 
exemptions from fuel tax for fishing; gifts of s eed and equipment through agricultural associations 
and cooperatives; and supplying livestock farmers with free medicine and treatment for their 
cattle. The authorities also intend to open input shops in agricultural areas, with the assistance of the FAO. 
4.12.  The average TIC on agricultural products (ISIC, Rev.2 definition) is 14.3%, with 
rates ranging up to 26%. The products are marketed directly by the farmers and livestock 
breeders themselves. 
4.1.2  Principal subsectors 
4.1.2.1  Crop and animal production 
4.13.  Crop production, which is very marginal, mainly involves market garden, orchard and forage 
crops. Fruit and vegetable production covers less than 10% of requirements, the rest being 
imported. As for cereals, the country's needs are met entirely by imports. 
4.14.  Foreign organizations, in particular the United Arab Emirates company INMAA and the 
Arab Authority for Agricultural Development and Investment, have recently engaged in agricultural investment in Djibouti. 
4.15.  The average rate of TIC is 11.3% for fruit, vegetables and plants and 9.3% for cereals. 
Health monitoring measures are in place within the context of animal and plant health protection, together with food safety measures (section 3) . According to the authorities, the importation 
of date palm stock has been prohibited since 2013. 
4.16.  Livestock breeding is nomadic and the major activity of the rural population. It is 
characterized by mobility governed by rainfall  and the availability of pasturage. Sedentary 
stock-raising is practised in the vicinity of population centres and water sources. 
4.17.  There are no recent statistics on the livestock herd. The statistics for 1995 
listed 550,000 goats, 450,000 sheep, 50,000 bovine animals, 60,000 camels and 6,500 asses.
3 
4.18.  The subsector's potential for development has been further confirmed in recent years. 
Experiments on crossing dairy breeds with exotic species have proved interesting and resulted in 
increased yields. Moreover, in the urban areas, the growing demand for livestock products could serve to provide a guaranteed outlet on the domestic market for all the additional production. 
4.19.  Djibouti has a regional cattle export centre , which is helping to improve the exportation and 
exploitation of cattle in conformity with the sani tary and veterinary requirements of the importing 
countries. This centre is regularly inspected by officials from the partner countries. Every year, 
                                               
3 Online information. Viewed at: ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1250e/a1250e.pdf . WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 40 - 
 
  about two million head of cattle, a large proportion of them from Somalia, transit through this 
centre before being exported to the Arabian Peninsula. 
4.20.  The Government's efforts within the context of the PDSP involve, inter alia : 
making an exhaustive inventory of the herd at national level, ensuring greater productivity 
(by making fodder more readily available and introducing genetic improvements), taking measures 
to strengthen the control of diseases, and building the capacity of the professional and marketing organizations. 
4.21.  The TIC ranges from 0 to 26%, with an average of 15% on animals and animal products. 
4.1.2.2  Fishing 4.22.  Fishing's contribution to the Djiboutian economy remains marginal (less than 0.1%) due to 
national legislation that only authorizes artisanal fishing, defined as fishing carried out on foot or 
on vessels without refrigeration equipment which spend around 72 hours at sea during one trip. 
The country has 372 km of coastline and the fish ing and related activities subsector employs 
about 3,000 people. There is no fish farming or aquaculture even though the conditions are 
suitable for breeding certain species (shrimps and algae). 
4.23.  Djibouti has a Fisheries Master Plan and a National Action Plan to prevent, deter and 
eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. However, IUU fishing appears to be on 
a small scale. 
4.24.  The inadequate infrastructure, particularly for preserving and processing, insufficient 
training and the lack of financing continue to limit production. There are hardly any exports of fishery products. For health reasons, the European Union prohibits the import of fish and other 
fish products from Djibouti. In order to comply with the standards prescribed by importing 
countries, Djibouti has drawn up regulatory texts that take international sanitary standards into account. The authorities have indicated that the National Food Analysis Laboratory is in process 
of being accredited. 
4.25.  The Fisheries Directorate is responsible fo r the fishing subsector. Its functions include the 
monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities. It also has responsibility for the sanitary 
inspection of fish products. However, where surveillance is concerned, it relies to a large extent on 
the collaboration of the Ministry of Transport's coastguard services, which are better equipped for 
the purpose. 
4.26.  The practice of fishing and aquaculture continues to be governed by 
Law No. 187/AN/02/4
ème L of 9 September 2002 establishing the Fisheries Code. In 2007, 
an implementing decree created the Fisheries Advisory Council, regulated the exercise of fishing activities and established the fishing vessel ownership regime. 
4.27.   The authorities have indicated that a new Fi sheries Code is in process of being adopted with 
a view to making good the sh ortcomings of the 2002 Code. 
4.28.  In waters under Djiboutian jurisdiction, co mmercial fishing is reserved for vessels registered 
in Djibouti and for Djiboutian nationals. Djibouti does not have any fisheries agreements with any 
other country. Under the Code, no fishing is allowed without a licence. These annual licences are issued by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Marine Affairs, upon payment of a fee to be 
fixed in an order (currently being drawn up). Three categories of artisanal fishing are defined and 
authorized: (i) enhanced artisanal fishing, on  vessels measuring over 9 metres in length; 
(ii) small-scale artisanal fishing, on vessels of up to 9 metres in length; and (iii) traditional, either on foot or on floating structures that do not have  to be registered. The Mari ne Affairs Directorate is 
responsible for registering fishing vessels. 
4.29.  Trawling is prohibited in Djiboutian waters, except for scientific purposes in cooperation with 
the Djibouti Study and Research Centre (CERD) an d the Ministry responsible for the environment. 
4.30.  Investment in the fishing subsector is governed by the National Investment Charter. 
The TIC ranges from 0 to 26%, with an average of 21.9% on fish and fish products. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 41 - 
 
  4.2  Mining and energy 
4.2.1  Mining 4.31.  During the review period the legal and institutional framework for mining remained 
unchanged. 
4.32.  Depending on the activity, the 1994 Mini ng Code provides for three different types 
of permit: a prospection permit, an exploration permit and an operating permit (Table 4.1).
4 Under 
the Code, mining is open to Djiboutian and foreign investors. In 1997, a research development 
fund was set up; it is to be financed by 20% of the surface and mining royalties specified in 
Decree No. 97-0064/PR/MIEM. The authorities have indicated that this fund is still not operational. 
Table 4.1 Mining titles 
Mining rights Term  Restrictions Cost (per annum)
Prospection permit Valid for one year and 
renewable for two further periods of one 
year each. May not be assigned, 
transferred, handed down by succession, or 
given as security. DF 20,000 for building material quarries or 
renewal. DF 50,000 for useful substances other than 
precious metals and minerals or renewal. 
DF 100,000 for precious metals and minerals. Surface royalty of DF 200 per km
2. 
Exploration permit Valid for a period of 
three years and 
renewable twice for two 
years each. DF 50,000 for building material quarries and 
renewal. 
DF 150,000 for minerals and metals. 
Surface royalty of DF 1,000 per km2. 
Operating permit:  
 Artisanal Valid for one year and 
renewable for the same 
period. May not be assigned, 
transferred, handed 
down by succession, or 
given as security. DF 20,000 per annum. 
Surface royalty of DF 5,000 per km2 (building 
material quarries), 
DF 20,000 (precious metals and minerals) and 
DF 10,000 (substances other than building 
materials, precious metals and minerals). 
 Small-scale Valid for a period not 
exceeding five years 
and renewable for two further periods not exceeding three years. May be assigned or 
transferred subject to 
the prior consent of the Government. The permit holder may give the 
permit or the minerals 
produced on the permit area as security or a guarantee subject to the Government's consent. 
The operating permit 
may not be handed down by succession. DF 100,000 per annum for building materials 
and renewal, and surface royalty of DF 5,000 
per km
2. 
DF 150,000 per annum for substances other than precious metals and minerals and building 
materials, and surface royalty of DF 20,000 
per km
2. 
DF 350,000 per annum for precious metals and minerals, and surface royalty of DF 50,000 per km
2. 
 Large-scale Valid for a period not 
exceeding 20 years and 
renewable for further 
periods not exceeding 
10 years. May be assigned or 
transferred subject to 
prior consent by the 
Government. The permit 
holder may give the 
permit or the minerals 
produced on the permit 
area as security or a 
guarantee subject to the 
Government's consent. 
The operating permit 
may not be handed 
down by succession. DF 500,000 per annum for building material 
quarries and renewal, and surface royalty of 
DF 20,000 per km2. 
DF 1 million per annum for substances other 
than precious metals and building materials, and 
surface royalty of DF 50,000 per km2. 
DF 2 million per annum for precious metals and 
minerals, and surface royalty of DF 100,000 
per km2. 
Source: Law No. 66/AN/94/3ème L of 7 December 1994 and Decree No. 97-0064/PR/MIEM of 12 May 1997. 
4.33.  The benefits granted to mining companies are regulated by the Investment Code. 
4.34.  Salt is still the major mining resource being exploited in Djibouti. In 2005, salt-producing 
operations resumed as a result of a new export contract with Spain and a pick-up in exports to 
Ethiopia. However, it would appear that the salt exports did not continue for very long due to the 
                                               
4 WTO document WT/TPR/S/159 of 1 March 2006. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 42 - 
 
  cessation of industrial exploitation. According to the authorities, only one licence for salt 
exploitation has been granted, to the company Salt Investment (SI). 
4.35.  Djibouti has salt resources of considerable  potential importance. The exploitation of these 
resources suffers from several constraints which are affecting its development. These include, 
inter alia , the absence of modern technology, lack of skills and a product with low value added. 
The salt resources of Lake Assal, whose rate of replenishment is estimated at 6 million tonnes per year, are still being exploited by the company Salt Investment under a concession contract 
signed on 17 July 2006. This contract grants SI the right to exploit the salt of Lake Assal for 
a period of 50 years. The salt produced will be mainly for export of an estimated 4 million tonnes 
per year. This project is currently at a standstill. 
4.36.  At present, the main local source of supplies of salt for Djibouti's street markets is the 
Doraleh salt marshes, where salt is produced on an artisanal basis. 
4.37.  Salt is the national product with the greatest export potential. 4.2.2  Energy 
4.2.2.1  Electricity 
4.38.  The legal and institutional framework of Djibouti's electricity subsector has remained 
essentially unchanged since its last trade policy review. Électricité de Djibouti (EDD), 
a State-owned enterprise, still has a monopoly on the production, distribution and marketing 
of electricity in the country. 
4.39.  The authorities have indicated that efforts are being made to draw up a regulatory 
framework and a development strategy for the elec trical sector in Djibouti. The Government's 
objectives include, in particular: the development of the country's geothermal and wind and solar 
power resources; the opening up of the subsector to competition; and an increase in the rate 
of electrification. 
4.40.  The structural weaknesses of the country's el ectrical installations and their consequences, in 
particular exorbitant tariffs (US$30 cents/kWh), exert an upward pressure on production costs. Government subsidies for the electricity subsector, which amounted to about 1.5% of GDP in 
2012, are also a burden on the national economy.
5 
4.41.  Installed production capacity amounts to  about 125 MW, mostly generated by oil-fired 
thermal plants. Losses, due to the poor condition of the network and illegal connections, are equal to about 16% of the electricity generated.
6 
4.42.  Since 2011, the interconnection of Djibouti's  grid with that of Ethiopia has considerably 
reduced domestic electricity generation (37% as compared with 2010). About 50% of the total electricity supply (395.7 gWh) is imported from Ethiopia, while the domestic energy demand is 
estimated at 421.73 gWh. Under the bilateral contract governing electricity imports, the latter are 
limited to 243 gWh per year during the period 2012-2015. The tariffs for imported electricity are between US$6 and 7 cents/kWh.
7 
4.43.  Some private businesses maintain their own generators, with a view to avoiding the adverse 
effects of repeated power cuts. However, they are not allowed to resell surplus electricity. 
4.44.  Electricity rates are fixed by presidential decree and there are two levels of consumption 
(Table 4.2).8 Low voltage consumption is billed at the established rates.9 Medium voltage rates are 
                                               
5 IMF (2012). 
6 ARE (2013). 
7 ARE (2013). 
8 Order No. 2014-285/PR/MERN of 31 March 2014. 
9 Namely: (i) social rate or Code 1 for any househ old dwelling, amounting to  1 kVA in the district 
of Djibouti or the region of Arta; (ii) residential rate or Code 2 for use in any fami ly dwelling in the district 
of Djibouti or the region of Arta; (iii) general rate or Code 3 for any use, with the exception of consumption in 
family dwellings and public lighting; (iv) special ra te or Code 4 for bakeries producing "common bread"; WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 43 - 
 
  determined according to use.10 Bakeries producing "common bread" benefit from a special low 
voltage rate of DF 48/kVA. A monthly charge, determined per kVA contracted, is also payable by all subscribers. 
4.45.  The TIC on electricity is 33%. The EDD is granted exemption from surcharges 
on its purchases of petroleum products (heavy fu el oil, diesel fuel and lubricants) used to 
generate electricity.
11 
Table 4.2. Electricit y rates, March 2014 
(a) Low voltage 
(DF) 
Type of rate First 
bracket Second 
bracket Monthly standing charge 
Social residential (Code 1) PS = 1 kVA  
27  
62  
544 
Social residential (Code 2) 
PS = 3 kVA 
PS = 6 kVA  
40 
40  
58 
58  
951 
1,069 
Residential (Code 17) PS = 9 kVA PS = > 9 kVA  
48 48  
55 55  
1,308 1,494 
General (Code 3) 
PS ≤ 36 kVA 
Non-residential 
PS > 36 kVA 
with ind. P max  
62 
 
62 
62  
.. 
 
.. 
..  
605 
 
66 x PSa 
80 x PSb 
Special "common bread" 
(Code 4) 48  1,520 
Degressive (Code 5) 
PS < 08 kVA 
PS > 08 kVA 
(av. and max.)  
62 
62  
54 
54  
519 
1,900 x (PS - 8) 
SMI rate (Code 16) 50 .. 1,520 
Public lighting (Code 8) 59 59 n.a. 
Building sites (Code 9) 62 .. 7,756/18 kVA 
PS Power subscribed. 
.. Not available. 
n.a. Not applicable. 
 a The amount of the stan ding charge is DF 66. 
b The amount of the standing charge is DF 80.  
                                                                                                                                               
(v) degressive rate or Code 5 for any use, with the ex ception of consumption in fa mily dwellings and public 
lighting in the district of Djibouti and the region of Arta ; (vi) public lighting rate or  Code 8 for public lighting 
in the district of Djibouti and the region of Arta; (vii ) low voltage rate or Code 7 for any use in the districts 
Ali-Sabieh, Dikhil, Obock and Tadjourah; (v iii) Code 9 for any use on building sites. 
10 Medium voltage is for all uses other than in family dwellings. 
11 Order No. 2000-0030/PR/MEFP of 13 January 2000 granting exemption from surcharges on petroleum 
products intended for the ge neration of electricity. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 44 - 
 
  (b) Medium voltage 
Rate General Industriala 
 Code 11 Code 12 Code 13 .. 
 Djibouti and 
Arta Ali-Sabieh, 
Dikhil, Obock 
and Tadjourah   
First bracket 50 60 37 41 
Second bracket 40 50 33 .. 
Monthly standing charge  
0 to 500 kVA 1,931 x power 
500 to 1,300 kVA 1,738 x power 
more than 1,300 kVA 1,642 x power 
.. Not available. 
a Rate granted solely to large customers in th e following categories: hotel industries (over 
100 rooms); processing industries whose production is intended for export; and agro-food industries producing staple goods and fisheries. 
Source: Électricité de Djibouti, 2014. 
4.2.2.2  Petroleum products 
4.46.  Djibouti has neither hydrocarbons nor refi neries. All hydrocarbons are imported. In 2002, 
the consumption of refined petroleum products was 127,808 litres, imported from the Middle East. 
4.47.  In January 2014, the Government adopted a Hydrocarbons Law to govern the importation, 
storage, transport, distribution and marketing of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon products. Under 
the new law, to engage in any commercial activity in the hydrocarbons subsector it is necessary to 
obtain a licence issued by the Minister for Energy, subject to a favourable opinion from the Director responsible for hydrocarbons. Where transport is concerned, the decision to issue 
a licence must be taken jointly by the Ministers for Energy and Transport.
12 
4.48.  Hydrocarbons importers must comply with the requirements concerning quality and the 
constitution of emergency stocks. Quality standards and the arrangements for building up 
emergency stocks are to be established by decree. The authorities have indicated that a law is in 
the process of being adopted in this respect. 
4.49.  The charges for import, storage, transport,  distribution and marketing licences are to be 
fixed by regulation . 
4.50.  Since January 2014, the Djibouti Oil Supply Company (DOSC) has been the only importer 
of petroleum products. It was formed as a result of a merger between the Djibouti International Hydrocarbons Company (SIHD) (a State-owned enterprise) and Independent Petroleum Group 
(IPG). Petroleum products are distributed by Total, Oil Libya, Djibouti Petroleum, UCIG 
and Emiroil. 
4.51.  The TIC on petroleum products is 30%. A surcharge and a tax also apply (section 3). 
4.52.  Since 2003, kerosene for domestic use has been exempt from the surcharge and the tax on 
petroleum products.
13 
4.3  Manufacturing sector 4.53.  There have been no developments affect ing the framework of the manufacturing sector 
since the last review. According to the authorities, a master plan for the sector is in process 
of being adopted and will address, in partic ular, the promotion of small and medium-sized 
enterprises. The manufacturing industries make only a modest contribution to GDP formation 
(Table 1.1). They mainly consist of agro -food and cement-producing units and other 
artisanal activities. 
                                               
12 Law No. 3/AN/13/7ème L regulating the importation, stor age, transport and distribution of 
petroleum products. 
13 Decree No. 2003-0114/PR/MEFPCP of 25 June 2003. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 45 - 
 
  4.54.  Cement is produced by a public enterprise (the Ali Sabieh cement works) and a private 
company (Nil Ciment). 
4.55.  Likewise, the beverages market is supplie d by three enterprises producing mineral water. 
When imported, mineral water, together with aerated and alcoholic beverages, is subject to TIC 
at 26%, VAT at 7%, and excise duty at DF 14 per litre. 
4.56.  A National Handicrafts Development Strategy (SNDA) was adopted in 2009 with a view to 
implementing measures such as: (i) the drafting of a handicrafts master plan; (ii) support for 
craftsmen's self-organization; (iii) the establishment of a National Handicrafts Agency (ANA) and 
a Handicrafts Intervention and Promotion Fund (FIPA); (iv) the building of craft villages; (v) the establishment of distribution chains for ha ndicraft products; (vi) the introduction of tax 
incentives for inputs; (vii) easier access to bank credit; and (viii) promotion of the participation 
of craftsmen in government procurement procedures up to a value of DF 5 million. 
4.57.  The simple average of applied TIC rates in the manufacturing sector (ISIC definition) 
is 21.3%. Other duties and taxes are also levied on imports. 
4.4  Services 
4.4.1  Financial services 4.58.  Djibouti did not undertake any commitments on financial services under the GATS. 
4.4.1.1  Banks 
4.59.  Since 2011, Djibouti's banking syst em has been governed by Banking Law 
No. 119/AN/11/6
ème L of 22 January 2011, whose main inno vations are the fixing of the minimum 
capital requirement for financial institutions at DF 1 billion and the extension of the scope of the 
law to include financial auxiliaries (in particular, money transfer agencies) and Islamic finance 
institutions, together with the creation of a commission responsible for implementing the Law in the event of its being infringed (Table 4.3). 
Table 4.3 Prudential ratios, 2012 
Ratios Conditions 
Composition of loan establishment 
own funds (Instruction No. 5 of 2011) Positive net own funds required 
Minimum capital representation 
(Instruction No. 2 of 2011) Depending on the size of the establishment, the real representation 
of the capital on the asset side of the balance sheet must exceed the 
liabilities to third parties by DF 200 million or DF 1 billion 
Solvency (Instruction No. 3 
of 2011) In comparison with overall risks, the amount of net own funds must 
exceed a ratio of 5%. The BCD, neve rtheless, insists that this ratio 
should not be less than 12% 
Participation in the capital of loan 
establishments (Instruction No. 6) Participation in company capital, othe r than that used for the operation 
of the establishment, is limited to 15% per entity and 60% of own funds 
for the participating entities as a whole 
Cover of fixed assets by long-term 
resources Long-term resources must cover all fixed assets 
Limitation on individual risks 
(Instruction No. 4) The total loans given to a single borrower may not exceed 25% of the net 
own funds of the lender 
Global cover of large individual risks The total of indivi dual risks, each exceeding 15% of net own funds, must 
not exceed ten times the amount of these same net own funds 
Cover of deposits in foreign 
currency Deposits in foreign currency must be  covered by liabilities in foreign 
currency equivalent in amount , type of currency and rate 
Cover of inter-bank credits and 
loans for over two years Loans with a term of more than tw o years may not exceed an amount 
equivalent to twice the long-term resources WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 46 - 
 
  Ratios Conditions 
Cover of deposits in DF Assets in foreign currency held by loan establishments must be in 
proportion to deposits  by customers in DF 
Additional regulations monitored by 
the BCD  
Performance ratios Net profit/total net own funds 
Net profit/balance-sheet total 
Average cost of deposits/average re turn on loans (customers and all 
transactions) 
Customer portfolio Trends in deposits and loans (by depositor, by type of deposit or loan, by 
type of foreign currency, and acco rding to the term of the loan) 
Cover of compromised, bad or i rrecoverable risks by provisions 
Internal audit of loan 
establishments (Instruction No. 1 
of 2011) Quality of the organization and internal procedures 
Observance of the limits set in terms of risk and accuracy of the 
accounting data 
Management control 
Source: Information provided by the Djibouti authorities. 
4.60.  Several other reforms have also been introduced by the banking authorities in recent years. 
A banking supervision service has been set up and supervision criteria have been defined. In these 
criteria the following factors are taken into account: internal audit, minimum capital, solvency 
ratio, "large risks", capital composition, capital participation, non-performing loan declarations, and the approval of the auditors. 
4.61.  The Central Bank of Djibouti (BCD) is re sponsible for monitoring the operating conditions 
of loan establishments, overseeing the quality of  their financial situation and ensuring that the 
rules of professional ethics are observed. The BCD's approval is necessary to engage in any financial activity in Djibouti. Where commercial banks are concerned, a standby refinancing 
arrangement in foreign currency with a bank of international standing is required. 
4.62.  Since Djibouti's last trade policy review, there has been a relative expansion in the country's 
banking system thanks, in particular, to the grow th of its GDP and the dynamism of its services 
sector. This expansion has been further sustained by the free movement of capital and the 
absence of exchange controls. 
4.63.  The number of commercial banks has increased from two in 2006 to 11 in 2014; however, 
most banking operations remain concentrated in the two main banking institutions, the 
Bank of Africa (BoA) and the Banque pour le Commerce et l'Industrie - Mer Rouge (BCI-MR), with 
more than 95% of customers' deposits and 80% of total domestic lending (Table 4.4). 
Table 4.4 Djibouti's banking system, 2012 
Active loan establishments Founded Type Capital
(DF million) Majority shareholders 
Banque pour le Commerce et l'Industrie – 
Mer Rouge (BCI-MR) 1957 Retail 2,093 BRED 
Bank of Africa (BoA) Decembe r2010 Retail 1,500 BMCE 
International Commercial Bank (ICB) Septembe r2006 Retail 1,000 ICB (Malaysia) 
Saba Islamic Bank (SIB) June 2006 Islamic 300 Yemeni capital 
Banque de Dépôts et Crédits Djibouti (BDCD) January 2008 Retail 605 SF Swiss Financial 
Investments 
Salaam African Bank (SAB) Decembe r2008 Islamic 600 Somali capital 
Cooperative Agricultural and Credit Bank (CAC Bank) January 2009 Retail 544 Yemeni capital 
Dahabshiil Bank International S.A. Octobe r2009 Islamic 600 Dahabshiil FZCO 
Shoura Ban k June 2010 Islamic 300 Egyptian capital 
Warka Ban k May 2010 Retail 300 Iraqi capital 
Exim Bank Djibouti July 2010 Retail 551 Tanzanian capital
Source: Central Bank of Djibouti (BCD). 
4.64.  The State's participation in banking is limited to the 33% of the BCI-MR's shares that it 
holds. Loans are generally for the short term and mainly intended for the private sector (over 80% 
of the loans granted). Lending and borrowing interest rates are freely determined by the WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 47 - 
 
  commercial banks. Though relatively high, they have fallen significantly due to the emergence 
of new loan establishments. They stand at aro und 12% for risk-free loans, 15% for overdrafts 
and 10% for real estate loans. 
4.65.  Mergers or takeovers require approval from the BCD, regardless of whether it is Djiboutian 
nationals or foreigners that are involved.14 The authorities have noted that in 2007, BNP-Paribas, 
the main shareholder in BCI-MR, sold its 51% holding in the Bred Banque Populaire group. Moreover, in 2010, BIS-MR, a subsidiary of the Cr édit Agricole group, was sold outright to 
the BoA group. 
4.66.  Loan establishments must be set up in the form of either a public limited company or 
a cooperative society under Djiboutian law. A bank or financial institution must be managed by a person with resident status, in other words, a natural person whose domicile is Djibouti, or 
a legal person whose place of registration or place of business is in Djibouti. There are no specific 
requirements as to nationality. 
4.67.  Loan establishments must install an anti-money laundering mechanism comprising: 
- the centralization of information on the identity of customers and suspicious 
transactions; 
- the appointment of an officer with responsibility for money laundering issues at the 
headquarters and in the branches and agencies of each loan establishment; 
- the in-service training of employees with responsibility for money laundering issues; - a system for internally monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the 
measures adopted under the current law on money laundering; and 
- the processing of suspicious operations on the basis of screening lists published by the 
European Union, the United Nations, the United States, and the United Kingdom, together with the national list issued by the Central Bank of Djibouti. 
4.4.1.2  Insurance 
4.68.  An insurance control unit in the Ministry  of Finance is the regulatory authority for the 
insurance industry in Djibouti. The power to grant or withdraw approval lies with the Council 
of Ministers, acting on a proposal from the insurance control unit. 
4.69.  Law No. 17-78 of 1 March 1978 on the conditio ns of approval and the control of insurance 
companies establishes the conditions for granting and withdrawing insurance company licences. Insurance and reinsurance companies may only carry out the operations for which they have 
been approved. 
4.70.  Under the legislation, approval may be withdrawn if the company's financial situation does 
not offer sufficient guarantees of its ability to fulfil its commitments or if it is not operating in 
conformity with the regulations in force or its memorandum and articles of association. 
4.71.  Annual turnover in the insurance market  amounts to around DF 2.8 billion, or 1.15% 
of GDP. Insurance services provide some 50  jobs and there are two private commercial 
companies: GXA and AMERGA. These companies offer the usual range of insurance products 
(life, health and property) and, in accordance with Djiboutian regulations, specialize in life or non-life insurance. 
4.72.  All insurance companies must have a reinsurance programme. 
                                               
14 Approval of the BCD is required for other operations involving substantial changes in the initial 
conditions of approval. These include, inter alia : any change leading to a reduction of the equity or capital 
funding; any significant change in the capital structure; an y change in activities likely  to lead to a change in 
the category of the financial establishment; and any sa le of part of the shares amounting to 10% or more. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 48 - 
 
  4.73.  Insurance is compulsory for imported goods with an f.o.b. value exceeding DF 500,000 and 
for motor-driven land vehicles, their trailers and semi-trailers. The National Bureau set up under 
the COMESA Yellow Card Scheme covers third-party motor liability insurance in cross-border transport for Djiboutian vehicles traveling to Ethiopia. 
4.74.  Risks incurred in Djibouti may be covered only by companies formed and established in the 
country. However, there are no restrictions on Djiboutian insurance companies covering risks incurred abroad. 
4.75.  The insurance companies fix their tariffs individually, subject to the approval of the 
Insurance Regulatory Authority . 
4.4.2  Telecommunications and postal services 4.76.  Since Djibouti's last trade policy review, the Government's objectives have included, 
inter alia , the adoption of a legal framework for telecommunications activities, the setting up 
of a regulatory authority, and the establishment of a fiscal framework to promote the development of telecommunications. However, concrete measures to achieve these objectives are slow in 
being adopted. 
4.77.  Djibouti Télécom (DT), which is wholly State-owned, remains the country's only 
telecommunications operator (internet, fixed and mobile telephony services). The authorities have 
indicated that the liberalization of the telecommunications sector is under consideration. 
4.78.  The Ministry responsible for communications,  postal services and telecommunications is the 
supervisory authority for Djibouti Télécom SA and formulates national telecommunications policy.  
4.79.  Since 2003, Djibouti has had a law defining its national policy on information and 
communications technologies. A national ICT development strategy and a National Advisory and 
Monitoring Board have been established under this law. 
4.80.  The authorities have made known their ambiti on to turn Djibouti into a regional hub in the 
telecommunications sector. In 2007, Djibouti Télécom rehabilitated its GSM infrastructure. It is 
also participating in the Europe-India Gateway  submarine cable and the Eastern African Submarine 
Cable System (EASSy) projects. 
4.81.  The EASSy cable has been being marketed to East African and Southern Indian Ocean 
operators since 2010. As for the Europe-India Gateway cable, marketing began in 2011. 
4.82.  The development, outside the capital, of code division multiple access (CDMA), a technology 
similar to wireless telephony, proved a reso unding success in rural areas in 2012. The number 
of CDMA subscriptions has vastly increased (from 2,858 in 2011 to 11,019 in 2013). The rapid 
expansion in fixed and mobile telephony led to a change in numbering in 2012. Djibouti numbers now have eight digits instead of the previous six. 
4.83.  The telephone network still suffers from the poor quality of international calls. The rates for 
telecommunications services are determined by the Council of Ministers, on the basis of a proposal 
from Djibouti Télécom. In 2012, Djibouti Télécom made substantial reductions in 
telecommunications rates. In addition to free  fixed-line calls between regions (excluding 
Djibouti-Ville), communications rates recorded falls ranging from 33% for certain local calls to 80% for some international calls. 
4.84.  The main activities of Djibouti's postal op erator, La Poste de Djibouti (PD), which is wholly 
State-owned and supervised by the Ministry responsible for postal and telecommunications 
services, are as follows: issuing stamps and all franking marks; all activities relating to the State's postal monopoly, at the national and international levels; and receiving savings from the public. 
Decree No. 99/PR/MCC provides that, subject to authorization by the competent government 
authority, the following are open to competition: collection, transport and distribution of articles 
and goods governed by the provisions of the Un iversal Postal Union Convention, provided that 
these are in the form of international expedited mail services. The issuing of postage stamps and 
franking marks of any kind is not open to competition. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 49 - 
 
  4.4.3  Transport 
4.85.  Transport accounts for around 35% of Djibou ti's GDP. Transport's dominant role is mainly 
due to the activities of the Djibouti International Autonomous Port (PAID) and those of the international road corridor, which are very closely linked with the activities of the port. However, 
the country's potential in terms of transport services remains unexploited. 
4.86.  The lack of a consistent strategy for the development of transport services and logistics is 
a serious obstacle to the development of trade. In 2008, the Ministry of Planning and Transport 
produced a strategy paper devoted to the subsector. However, the document received little 
publicity. It concerns, in particular, the feasibility studies relating to the large-scale infrastructure projects currently in preparation, namely, the reco nstruction of the Djibouti-Addis railway line and 
the construction of a new railway line for exporting Ethiopian potash via a new port to be built at 
Tadjoura, as well as the new port of Tadjoura itself. It also concerns a project for airport 
expansion, or possibly even the construction of a new airport. 
4.87.  Djibouti has difficulty in preparing and supervising such studies, particularly in connection 
with the publication of basic statistics on the current transport system. It also appears that the 
existing studies have not been widely disseminated.
15 
4.4.3.1  Maritime transport 
4.88.  There has been no substantial change in the legal and institutional framework for transport 
since the last trade policy review in 2006. There are very few legislative or regulatory texts 
in place. 
4.89.  Because of its contribution to GDP and job creation, respectively, maritime transport 
is a vital segment of Djibouti's economy. The port installations have undergone a remarkable 
modernization in the course of the last ten years as a result of major investments by the Emirate of Dubai under a 20-year concession agreement concluded with Dubai Ports 
International (DPI). 
4.90.  However, attention is drawn to the fact that the Government terminated that contract 
in 2011. The PAID has a container terminal as well as a dozen berths. The port of Doraleh has had 
an oil terminal and a container terminal since 2006. A free zone has been built adjacent 
to the PAID to attract foreign investment.
16 
4.91.  Djibouti's geographical location accounts for the importance of maritime transport in the 
country's international trade. The PAID port comple x lies on one of the world's busiest sea routes. 
Its relative proximity to Ethiopia enables it to serve as a sea port for that country whose economy 
is growing very rapidly. In particular, Ethiopian transit is contributing to the development of handling, transit, shipping agency, hotel industry, transport and catering activities. 
4.92.  In 2012, the volume of goods and hydroc arbons traffic entering the PAID amounted 
to 6,872.25 tonnes as against 6,741.73 in 2011 (Table 4.5), driven up by increases in both hydrocarbons traffic and Ethiopian transit traffic.
17 The PAID employs some 1,300 people. 
Table 4.5 Total traffic through the PAID, 2008-2012 
(Metric tons) 
 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Var.% 
2012/2011 
Goods 7,045.46 9,011.92 3,451.94 2,895.57 2,961.16 2.3 
 Djibouti 1,188.04 848.67 515.45 871.96 854.00 -2.1 
 Transit 5,068.66 7,513.28 2,910.38 2,022.35 2,107.17 4.2 
 Transhipment 788.77 649.96 26.11 1.25 .. .. 
Hydrocarbons 2,285.03 2,269.28 2,571.96 3,846.16 3,911.09 1.7 
Total 9,330.49 11,281.19 6,023.90 6,741.73 6,872.25 1.9 
.. Not available. 
Source: Djibouti International Autonomous Port (PAID). 
                                               
15 World Bank (2013c). 
16 World Bank (2013c). 
17 Central Bank of Djibouti (2012). WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 50 - 
 
  4.93.  The PAID container terminal has been facing a problem of capacity in recent years, since it 
could only handle vessels of less than 4,000 TEU, with a storage capacity of 500,000 TEU per year. This prompted the port authorities to opt for the construction of a new port complex at Doraleh. 
4.94.  The Doraleh site comprises an oil port, a container terminal and a free zone. 
The management of the oil port, which has storag e space for 370,000 tonnes of hydrocarbons, has 
been entrusted to Horizon Djibouti Terminals Limited (HDTL), a joint venture involving an Emirates oil company (Emirates National Oil Company, 40%),  Djiboutian private operators (30%), a Kuwaiti 
oil company (Independent Petroleum Group, 20%) and the State of Djibouti (10%). 
4.95.  The container terminal required major investment of the order of US$400 million, wholly 
financed by the private sector and guaranteed by the World Bank. With a wharf 1,050 m long and an 18 m draught, the new terminal has a handling capacity of 1.2 million TEU per year and can 
accommodate container vessels of up to 15,000 TEU. Management of the terminal has been 
entrusted to a public limited company, Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT), two thirds of which is owned by the port of Djibouti and one third by DP World. The construction of the port facilities at 
Doraleh has enabled the PAID to specialize in bulk cargo handling (cereals, fertilizer, building 
materials) and ordinary non-containerized goods (vehicles, cattle). 
4.96.  The PAID is situated at the gateway to the Red Sea and on the sea routes leading from Asia 
to Europe, and is backed by a large African hinterla nd (a strategic position). This deep-water port 
plays an essential role in the country's development. There are no restrictions with respect to cabotage in Djibouti. 
4.4.3.2  Road transport 
4.97.  Since the Djibouti-Ethiopia Railway closed down in 2008, most Ethiopian goods handled 
by Djibouti's ports leave by road. The international corridor therefore plays a key role in economic activities. It consists of two supply routes fo r the Ethiopian market: a northern route 910 km 
long (with 219 km in Djibouti territory) and a southern route 840 km long (with 107 km 
in Djibouti territory). 
4.98.  In addition to the bilateral agreement on  transit between Djibouti and Ethiopia, transport 
along the international corridor is regulated by the COMESA provisions aimed at reducing transport 
costs by harmonizing members' transport regimes. Road cabotage is not authorized in Djibouti. 
4.99.  Road transport still faces a number of constr aints, including lack of financing and failure to 
maintain the network. The Djibouti Highways Agency (ADR) is responsible for road maintenance. 
It arose as a result of the merging of the Pub lic Works Directorate with the Road Maintenance 
Fund established in 1999, whose resources come from a fee equivalent to US$20 per tonne paid by all trucks leaving the port of Djibouti. 
4.100.  Road transport offers real opportunities for economic growth, job creation and poverty 
reduction. However, several obstacles, including the lack of qualified drivers in Djibouti and the cost of production factors, stand in the way of the subsector's development. Road transport 
between Djibouti and Ethiopia is therefore almost entirely in the hands of Ethiopian operators who 
enjoy something of a monopoly. Ethiopia has 6,000 to 8,000 trucks for use in international trade along the corridor, whereas Djibouti has only 200 to 250. 
4.4.3.3  Rail transport 
4.101.  The railway linking Djibouti to Ethiopia is a 781 km long, unelectrified single-track line, 
of which 681 km are in Ethiopia and 100 km in Djiboutian territory. In 2008, the rolling stock 
consisted of two railcars, nine locomotives, of which seven were in service, 22 passenger 
coaches, 248 goods wagons and 111 tank wagons, mostly in a very poor state. Nearly 50% of the 
rolling stock is defective and there is also a problem with the lack of availability of spare parts. 
4.102.  The Djibouti-Ethiopia Railway (CDE) is a binational industrial and commercial public 
enterprise with its head office in Addis Ababa. In 2006, more than 40% of the staff on either side 
of the frontier were dismissed in view of the prospective concession of the CDE to a private company. The enterprise now has a staff of 1,400. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 51 - 
 
  4.103.  Rail transport in Djibouti has failed to profit from the development of Ethiopian transit, 
which depends almost entirely on road transport. The proportion of Djibouti's international freight carried by rail fell from around 60% in the 1960s to about 1% in 2007. There has been no substantial improvement in the railway infrastructure (either track or rolling stock) since the early 
1980s and its condition has progressively deteriorated, which has led to accidents, including 
repeated derailments that have seriously undermined its credibility and reputation. 
4.104.  The CDE stopped carrying passengers at the end of 2008. The reason appears to be, in 
particular, an ongoing programme for the rehabilitation of 114 km of track between Dire Dawa and 
Addis Ababa. In recent decades, the CDE has su ffered from a lack of financing for maintenance 
and the renewal of equipment. An attempt to redr ess the situation by giving the railway out to 
private operators on concession was made in the years 2005-2009 before being abandoned. 
4.4.3.4  Air transport 
4.105.  Djibouti International Airport (AID) is the country's only international-class airport. It has a 
runway over 3 km long, capable of accommodating any type of aircraft. The authorities intend to 
develop air transport with a view to building up tourism. A limited number of airlines make regular 
flights to the AID. Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways and Daallo Airlines handle most of the passenger traffic, while Air France generates most of the cargo traffic. Traffic rights 
continue to be governed by bilateral agreements  between Djibouti and the countries of origin 
of the various airlines. Djibouti is also a signatory to the Yamoussoukro Agreements. 
4.106.  The airport's regular direct links with the re st of the world include flights to Europe (Paris, 
London, Istanbul), the countries of the Arabian Peninsula (Dubai, Jeddah, Sana'a) and the 
countries of the Horn of Africa (Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Bossaso, Hargeisa, Mogadishu, Asmara, 
Nairobi). The frequencies of the flights to these various destinations are: six per week to Europe, seven to the Middle East, 14 to Addis Ababa, four to Nairobi and seven to Somalia. 
4.107.  The authorities have indicated that passenger traffic doubled between 2004 and 2012, 
from 95,000 to 186,000 local passengers. There has been no substantial development in the 
volume of freight traffic, which stands at around 9,000 tonnes of goods, nearly 75% of which 
consist of imports. Military traffic accounts for about 60% of the airport's activities. 
4.4.4  Tourism 4.108.  Djibouti has had a national tourism development strategy since the year 2000. It was 
drawn up with the support of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and serves as a framework 
law for the sector. 
4.109.  The National Tourist Board (ONDT) in Djibouti is responsible for the promotion of tourism. 
Its goal is to make tourism a tool for reducing poverty, while ensuring the protection of the 
environment. A national commission, chaired by the ONDT,  i s  i n  c h a r g e  o f  r e g u l a t i n g  tourism 
(all matters relating to licences, standardization and the classification of tourist facilities and services). 
4.110.  Despite Djibouti's very considerable tourism potential, which it owes, in particular, to its 
geological heritage and the wealth of its marine environment, its tourism industry suffers from competition with better-known tourist destinations in neighbouring East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia), as well as from the infrequency of flights to Djibouti and the associated high 
transport costs. 
4.111.  The ONTD has recently undertaken a series of tourism promotion campaigns. The number 
of visitors more than doubled between 2004 and 2 009, from 23,600 to 58,425. Nearly half of the 
tourists are French, while Gulf country nationals, a new category of clientele, account for 
about 17% of arrivals.
18 The number of visitors increased from 20,100 in 2000 to 26,300 
                                               
18 Rapport sur l'impact du réseau  de transport sur le commerce et le tourisme à Djibouti  (2011). Viewed 
at: http://www.comcec.org/UserFiles/File/ulastirma/%C3%9CLKE%20RAPORLARI/Djibouti.pdf . WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 52 - 
 
  in 2004.19 The presence of foreign armed forces in Djibouti was one of the reasons for this growth. 
Tourism activities employ some 1,500 people.20 Djibouti's hotels had 685 beds in 2002. 
4.112.  The aims of tourism policy for the period 2001-2010 were as follows: (i) to alleviate 
poverty and maximize the sector's contribution to job creation; (ii) to develop and protect 
the country's tourism potential (fauna, flora and the ecosystem) and cultural potential; 
(iii) to boost women's participation in economic development; and (iv) to build up the capacity of Djiboutian operators. 
4.113.  Under the GATS, Djibouti bound, without limitations, measures affecting cross-border 
supply, consumption abroad and commercial presence for hotel and restaurant services. The measures affecting all modes of supply for recreational, cultural and sporting services (only underwater diving centres) were also bound without limitations.
21 
                                               
19 The number of nights increased from 32,870 in 1999 to 77,623 in 2002. 
20 According to the Integrated Framework Diagnostic  Study, tourism gives work to over 600 crafts 
workers, chiefly women. 
21 WTO document GATS/SC/104 of 30 August 1995. WT/TPR/S/305/Rev.1 • Djibouti 
 
- 53 - 
 
  REFERENCES 
African Economic Outlook (2013). Viewed at: 
http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org /en/countries/east-africa/djibouti  
Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) (2013), Africa-EU Energy Partnership – Country Power 
Market Brief: Djibouti. Viewed at: 
http://www.ruralelec.org/fileadmin/DATA/Documen ts/06_Publications/Mar ket_intelligence/AEEP_D
jibouti_Country_market_brief_EN.pdf  
African Development Bank (2011), Djibouti – Co untry Strategy Paper, 2011-2015. Viewed at: 
http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Docu ments/Project-and-Op erations/Djibouti%20-
%20CSP%202011-15.pdf  
Central Bank of Djibouti (2012), Rapport annuel, Djibouti. 
World Bank (2013a), Finding New Paths for Growth in Djibouti. Viewed at: 
http://siteresources.worldbank.o rg/INTMENA/Resources/QN85.pdf  
World Bank (2013b), Doing Business 2013, Smarter Regulations for Small and Medium-Size 
Enterprises, 10th edition. Viewed at: http://www.doingbusiness. org/reports/global-
reports/~/media/GIAWB/Doing%20Business/Documents/Annual-Reports/English/DB13-full-
report.pdf  
World Bank (2013c), Transport and logistics in Djib outi: contribution to job creation and economic 
diversification. Viewed at: http://www-
wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2013/02/26/000442464_20130
226144048/Rendered/PDF/751450ENGLISH00t0Logistics0P127403.pdf  
World Bank (2014), Doing Business 2014, Understanding Regulations for Small and Medium-Size 
Enterprises, 11th edition. Viewed at: 
http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/GIAW B/Doing%20Business/Documents/Annual-
reports/English/DB14-Full-Report.pdf  
United Nations Conference on Trade and Developm ent (UNCTAD) (2013), Examen de la politique 
d'investissement de Djibouti, New York and Geneva. 
International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2012), Djibou ti: Fourth Review under the Extended Credit 
Facility Arrangement. Viewed at: http://www.imf.org/external/p ubs/ft/scr/2012/cr12169.pdf  
IMF (2013), Djibouti – Sixth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Request 
for Waivers of Non-observance of Performance Criteria, IMF Country Report No. 13/78, April. 
Viewed at: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2013/cr1378.pdf  
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Marine Affairs (2009), Plan directeur 2009-2018, February. 
Viewed at: http://www.tralac.org/files/2012/12/MasterPlan.pdf  
World Trade Organization (WTO) (2006), Trade Policy Review - Djibouti, Geneva. 
__________