Djibouti continues to register encouraging progress in the implementation of key infrastructure activities under the Sub-Delegation Agreement, with technical support from the COMESA Secretariat and funding from the European Union/ This is under the 11th EDF Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP). This progress follows the approval of a no-cost extension (special derogation) granted by the European Union to enable Djibouti to complete outstanding works under the infrastructure component.
Under this special derogation, Djibouti has benefited from US$471,368 to support the completion of pending infrastructure works, including the construction of the PK51 One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Building. In addition, Djibouti Customs has also benefited from the procurement of key equipment under the same programme, including ICT equipment (software, servers and computers) as well as weighbridge equipment, valued at US$899,040.33. With both components combined, the total value of COMESA-supported interventions in Djibouti under the programme stands at US$1,370,408.33.
The PK51 OSBP building is a strategic facility expected to streamline the operations of multiple border agencies under one roof, thereby strengthening coordinated border management and improving clearance procedures along the Djibouti corridor. The no-cost extension provides Djibouti with an implementation period of twelve months, commencing in October 2025, to finalise all pending works.
COMESA has continued to work closely with national stakeholders to review progress achieved, address outstanding technical issues, and support effective planning to ensure timely completion of the project. According to Djibouti’s latest construction progress report submitted on 27 January 2026, construction progress is at 18% with several key milestones achieved, including site clearing and preparatory works, earthworks, hoarding, foundation excavation, and steel reinforcement in readiness for concrete works.
During the supervision mission to Djibouti held on 3–4 February 2026, the COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Administration and Finance, Dr. Dev Haman, together with H.E. the Minister of Trade, Mr. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, conducted a site visit to the PK51 OSBP construction site. The delegation appreciated the progress made to date and commended SOCOPI, the contractor, for the ongoing works and commitment demonstrated in advancing implementation.
As part of the mission engagements, COMESA also underscored the importance of physically verifying the procured equipment to confirm the eligibility of expenditures and facilitate the conclusion of outstanding supplier payments. COMESA in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Customs officials undertook a physical inspection of the weighbridge and ICT equipment procured under the programme. It was observed that all weighbridge equipment had been delivered and were securely stored in Customs warehouses. Furthermore, a part of the consignment of ICT equipment comprised of computers had been successfully delivered to Customs with the remained of equipment expected to be delivered before the end of the extended period.
The officials noted the need to undertake some civil works to ensure the successful installation and operationalisation of the weighbridge at the designated site at PK51. These works would include but not limited to development of a temporal road access and construction of a weighbridge platform. Follow up discussions will be undertaken in the coming weeks to review the weighbridge bills of quantities for the additional civil and structural works required to successfully install and operationalise the weighbridge. Further engagements will also be held with the ICT contractor, G-Tech, to ensure the successful delivery of the pending ITC equipment which is vital to the upgrading of the Djibouti Customs systems.
COMESA commends the Government of Djibouti for the strong national coordination mechanisms demonstrated under the leadership of the Ministry of Trade. Continued coordination and accelerated implementation will be critical to ensuring completion of the PK51 OSBP building within the extended timeframe, allowing the project to be successfully concluded, and delivering long-term benefits for trade facilitation and regional integration within the COMESA region.