Djibouti's Yellow Kiosks Drive Digital Services and Economic Inclusion

Djibouti City, July 8, 2026 - Once symbols of a bygone era of public telecommunications, Djibouti's iconic yellow phone booths have been transformed into digital service kiosks, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and employment across the capital.

Repurposed through a corporate social responsibility initiative involving national and international partners, the former telephone booths now serve as neighborhood service centers offering digital financial transactions, document services, and administrative support to local communities.

Equipped with computers, printers, scanners, photocopiers, and connected to digital payment platforms, the kiosks provide services including electronic money deposits and withdrawals, mobile phone credit sales, printing, photocopying, document scanning, and assistance with administrative procedures. Their growing presence throughout Djibouti City and Balbala has expanded access to essential services while supporting the country's ongoing digital transformation.

Beyond improving public access to digital services, the initiative has created entrepreneurial opportunities for hundreds of young Djiboutians, with particular emphasis on promoting economic inclusion for people with disabilities.

Among the beneficiaries is Houmed Mohamed Ali, an entrepreneur living with a physical disability who now manages one of the kiosks. After completing training in entrepreneurship, business management, and personal development, he launched his business with support from the program. The kiosk has enabled him to generate a stable income while achieving greater financial independence and supporting his family.

Like many other operators, Houmed assists customers with daily digital transactions, including electronic payments, cash transfers, mobile credit purchases, and document services. The expansion of these neighborhood kiosks has significantly reduced the need for residents to travel long distances to access financial and administrative services.

The initiative reflects the rapid growth of digital financial services in Djibouti and demonstrates how technological innovation can be combined with inclusive economic policies to create employment and expand access to essential services.

By transforming obsolete public infrastructure into community business centers, the project has given a second life to the former telephone booths while providing hundreds of entrepreneurs with new economic opportunities. The yellow kiosks have become visible symbols of resilience, digital innovation, and social inclusion, illustrating how public-private collaboration can contribute to sustainable development and improve livelihoods across the country.

Social and Health