In a significant move to bolster trade and economic ties across Africa, Egypt has announced plans to establish a large-scale logistics zone in Djibouti. The project, which will span an area of one million square meters, is set to enhance Egypt’s strategic presence in the region and strengthen its role as a key trade hub on the continent.

The initiative will be spearheaded by Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Transport, Lt. Gen. Kamel El-Wazir, who will collaborate closely with the Djiboutian government to bring the project to fruition. The logistics zone is expected to streamline trade routes, reduce transportation costs, and facilitate smoother movement of goods between Egypt, Djibouti, and other African nations.

Djibouti, strategically located at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, is already a vital gateway for international trade, hosting major ports and logistics facilities. Egypt’s investment in the logistics zone underscores its commitment to deepening economic integration within Africa and leveraging Djibouti’s strategic position to access broader markets.

In addition to the Djibouti project, Egypt is also planning to build dry ports in Rwanda and Tanzania, further expanding its logistics and trade infrastructure across the continent. These dry ports will serve as critical nodes for cargo handling, storage, and distribution, reducing dependency on coastal ports and improving trade efficiency for landlocked countries like Rwanda.

The move aligns with Egypt’s broader vision to enhance intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single continental market for goods and services. By investing in logistics and transport infrastructure, Egypt is positioning itself as a central player in Africa’s economic transformation.

The logistics zone in Djibouti and the planned dry ports in Rwanda and Tanzania are expected to create jobs, boost local economies, and foster stronger economic partnerships between Egypt and its African neighbors. This initiative marks a significant step forward in Egypt’s efforts to strengthen its role as a key trade and logistics hub in Africa.