Djibouti positions digital transformation as a core pillar of national development

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

Djibouti has reaffirmed its commitment to technology-driven economic and social transformation, with digitalisation framed as a strategic national priority rather than a discretionary policy choice. This message was delivered by  Mariam Hamadou Ali, Minister Delegate in charge of the Digital Economy and Innovation, during the Conference on Technology and Innovation organised by the think tank DERE, where she served as keynote speaker.

Opening a session dedicated to the role of digital technology in development, the Minister underscored that digital transformation sits at the heart of Djibouti’s Smart Nation vision and represents a long-term, structuring project for the country. She highlighted several reforms and initiatives already undertaken by the government to create an enabling digital ecosystem, including the adoption of the Digital Code to strengthen trust and security, and the implementation of the Startup Act to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Minister also pointed to ongoing efforts in skills development, open data, and artificial intelligence, alongside a digital governance framework focused on inclusion, sovereignty, and measurable impact. She emphasised that meaningful digital transformation cannot be imposed unilaterally, but must be built through collective action involving public institutions, startups, the private sector, experts, and the Djiboutian diaspora.

Concluding her remarks, Ms. Mariam Hamadou Ali stressed that training, innovation, security, and decisive action are central to Djibouti’s ambition to leverage digital technologies for sustainable economic growth, social progress, and institutional development.