President Irro’s tour of Doraleh Terminal and talks with Djibouti Ports Authority mark turning point for regional trade and infrastructure cooperation.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of Somaliland, accompanied by key members of his delegation, was welcomed on Thursday by Mr. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (APZFD), for a high-level meeting at Red Sea World—the heart of Djibouti’s maritime power.
The encounter signaled a pivotal advancement in regional port integration, with both sides eyeing a new era of joint infrastructure development, cross-border logistics optimization, and maritime economic cooperation.
Joining the meeting were Djiboutian Cabinet heavyweights Hassan Houmad Ibrahim, Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, and Radwan Abdillahi Bahdon, Minister of Communications, along with senior executives from APZFD. The discussions focused on reviving strategic port projects in Somaliland—particularly Zeyla, Toqoshi, and Bullaxar—and aligning them with Djibouti’s world-class logistics network.
In a powerful symbol of connectivity and vision, President Irro and his delegation toured the Doraleh Container Terminal (SGTD), regarded as one of Africa’s most technologically advanced seaports. There, they witnessed firsthand the high-efficiency operations, cutting-edge handling systems, and seamless maritime-land integration that have made SGTD a linchpin in Red Sea trade.
SGTD officials showcased Djibouti’s port infrastructure and its capacity to serve as a critical hub not only for East Africa but for the wider global shipping community. The visit sparked conversations around harmonizing port standards and building shared logistics corridors that can turbocharge Somaliland’s emerging trade potential.
This landmark engagement positions Somaliland as a serious regional partner in the Horn of Africa’s rising maritime economy. This cooperative momentum between Djibouti and Somaliland could reshape supply chains and create a new axis of economic power in East Africa.
President Irro’s visit to Djibouti’s port authority is not just diplomatic—it’s transformational. It reflects his administration’s commitment to leveraging infrastructure for economic independence, forging practical partnerships, and placing Somaliland at the core of regional integration.
As talks progress on shared port development and streamlined trade routes, one thing is clear: Djibouti and Somaliland are rewriting the map of African logistics—together.
