[Djibouti] is a country with a population of 1,120,849, ranking 152nd globally, just behind Eswatini. Located in the Horn of Africa, it covers 23,200 square kilometers, ranking 140th worldwide, slightly smaller than North Macedonia.
Djibouti’s economic position in 2022 shows a GDP of 3,515,108,859.95 USD, ranking it at 161 globally. It is closely behind Aruba, which has a GDP of 3,544,707,788.06 USD. In terms of GDP per capita, Djibouti stands at 3,136.11 USD, placing it at 133 worldwide.
It trails behind Bhutan, with a GDP per capita of 3,144 USD. Djibouti’s economy is steadily growing, with a focus on sectors such as transportation, logistics, and trade due to its strategic location.
What are the economic activities of Djibouti?
- Primary activities: 2.4% of GDP.
- Secondary activities: 17.3% of GDP.
- Tertiary activities: 80.2% of GDP.
Primary Sector of Djibouti
Djibouti’s primary sector, mainly agriculture, thrives due to its arid climate and limited natural resources. With 73.51% of land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops and animal products such as vegetables, beans, milk, beef, camel milk, lemons/limes, goat meat, lamb/mutton, tomatoes, and beef offal.
Despite contributing only 2.4% to the GDP, agriculture plays a crucial role in Djibouti’s economy by providing food security and employment opportunities. The diverse range of agricultural products showcases the sector’s importance in sustaining the country’s agricultural industry.
Djibouti’s diverse geology provides a range of natural resources, including potential geothermal power, gold, clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, and petroleum. These resources play a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing to sectors such as energy, construction, and mining.
Secondary Sector of Djibouti
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?
The secondary sector involves industries that create finished products ready for consumption. These industries take raw materials from primary activities and manufacture new goods for domestic sale or export. In Djibouti, the main industrial products include construction materials, agricultural processing products, and shipping services.
Manufactures make up a small percentage of Djibouti’s total exports in 2023, indicating a reliance on other sectors for economic growth and development.
Tertiary sector of Djibouti
What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?
The tertiary sector consists of intangible services that enhance productivity and meet needs. In Djibouti, key tertiary activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, tourism, and transportation. These services contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.
In particular, Djibouti’s tourism industry plays a pivotal role in its economy, accounting for a significant portion of its GDP. With annual tourist arrivals numbering around 123,000 in a population of around 1 million, popular destinations like Lake Assal and Moucha Island contribute greatly to this sector’s growth. The government actively promotes sustainable tourism to further bolster the economy.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular economic sector, with approximately 519,000 subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing communication and access to digital services across the population.
International Trade of Djibouti
Import Activities of Djibouti
Import activities are crucial for Djibouti, with imports accounting for 171% of its GDP in 2023, totaling over $601 million.
Djibouti’s key import partners are China (38%), UAE (20%), India (10%), Morocco (6%), and Turkey (6%). The country imports refined petroleum, palm oil, fertilizers, cars, and raw sugar, supporting its economy and infrastructure development.
Exports Activities of Djibouti
Djibouti’s total exports in 2023 amounted to $169 million, contributing 4.81% to its GDP. With low importance, exports play a minor role in the country’s economy.
Djibouti primarily exports palm oil, chlorides, seed oils, flax yarn, and cattle. Its main export partners are Ethiopia (61%), China (17%), India (7%), Jordan (2%), and Central African Republic (1%).
Djibouti economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, Djibouti faces challenges in balancing its food import-dependent economy with growing trade relations with Ethiopia and China. The country’s resilience to COVID-19 disruptions is tested as it strives to invest in infrastructure while maintaining its status as a key re-exporter in the region.
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