Djibouti Targets Livestock, Horticulture and Dates to Cut Reliance on Imported Food

Djibouti's government and the World Bank launched a national AgriConnect Compact identifying livestock, horticulture and dates as three priority agricultural value chains. The September agreement is intended to create jobs and attract investment in a country where the World Bank says close to 90% of food needs are currently met through imports.

Why this matters

Livestock is particularly important because it accounts for nearly three-quarters of agricultural GDP and supports around 80% of the rural population, according to the announcement. Stronger animal health services, producer organizations and financing could help move more value into local processing and marketing.

The limits and what happens next

The compact is a shared investment and policy roadmap, not evidence that Djibouti has already reduced its import bill. Water constraints, food-safety infrastructure, logistics and buyer demand will determine which proposed projects become sustainable businesses.

Original source

Primary source and original publication: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/09/14/djibouti-launches-agriconnect-compact-to-strengthen-food-security-boost-private-in