Embracing Collaboration: The Djibouti Forum 2025
It was a bright day on April 7, 2025, when Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed took the stage at the opening session of the second edition of the Djibouti Forum, an event hosted in the bustling heart of Djibouti City. The gathering saw 150 business leaders and policymakers from 51 countries immerse themselves in a mosaic of ideas and innovations, aiming to ignite a transformation within the Red Sea nation and across the African continent. “Unleashing Opportunities for Regional and Global Growth,” the theme proudly proclaimed, striking an optimistic chord in light of the global storms brewing on the horizon.
Prime Minister Mohamed, with a firm but hopeful tone, addressed the audience by acknowledging the volatile global environment, where policy-induced challenges are seemingly around every corner. “In these times of uncertainty, where yesterday’s truths are no longer a given, Djibouti remains steadfast, shoring up its foundations against the unpredictable tides of change,” he said. Then, he underscored the importance of economic diversification. His words painted a picture of a nation keen on exploring new avenues beyond its traditional strongholds in ports and logistics — venturing into the realms of renewable energy, digital economy, tourism, and financial services.
Carlos Lopes, the former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, reminded attendees of the “unprecedented” challenges currently shaking the global economic framework. Geopolitical uncertainties and the specter of protectionism cast long shadows over efforts to nurture African prosperity. Lopes highlighted the impacts of crises stemming from global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, exclaiming, “How can we expect economies with limited fiscal space to navigate such relentless crises?” His rhetorical question lingered, resonating deeply with the assembled leaders.
Despite the challenges, there was a glimmer of optimism. Acha Leke, a senior partner and chairman at McKinsey Africa, noted that Africa harbors enormous potential. He shared, “With approximately 345 businesses each valued over a billion U.S. dollars, and cumulative revenues circling a trillion U.S. dollars, Africa stands as a beacon of untapped opportunity.” His words offered a salve, suggesting that adversity could fuel resilience and innovation.
Slim Feriani, as the chief executive officer of Djibouti’s sovereign wealth fund, emphasized the crucial role of the private sector. He passionately argued for thoughtful regulations that could kindle a thriving economic environment. “We see ourselves as vital conduits for channeling investments into productive sectors across our continent,” he declared, infusing a personal anecdote about Djibouti’s ongoing efforts to encourage entrepreneurship from the ground up.
The forum itself was a cacophony of engaging debates and insightful discussions. With over 50 influential speakers, participants delved deep into topics ranging from privatization to public-private partnerships, with particular focus on technology, connectivity, energy, tourism, financial services, and logistics. This intellectual exchange transformed Djibouti City into a cauldron of collaborative thinking, reminding one listener of a quote by Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Throughout the event, the sense of collective ambition was palpable. It prompted a reevaluation of how each country on the continent could contribute to a shared future, leveraging individual strengths while embracing mutual support. As conversations unfolded, one couldn’t help but wonder, “What would a united Africa look like if all these dreams took flight?” As attendees departed after the three-day event, this central question lingered, challenging each participant to envision and work towards that hopeful horizon.
The Djibouti Forum 2025 concluded on a note of resolve and anticipation, bearing witness to a tapestry of ideas woven by Africa’s leaders and thinkers. As the dust settled on this congregation of minds, it became clear that the journey to “Unleashing Opportunities for Regional and Global Growth” was just beginning. With deliberate steps and a collaborative effort, the future seems a promising frontier.
Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
