Djibouti, World Bank Sign $36.5 Million Deal to Boost Water Access

Djibouti, March 31, 2026 (ADI) - The Republic of Djibouti has signed a partnership agreement with the World Bank aimed at improving access to drinking water and strengthening resilience to drought, officials said Tuesday.

The agreement, signed in Djibouti City, was attended by Minister of Economy and Finance Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh and the World Bank’s representative in the country, Fatou Fall. It marks a new phase in cooperation between Djibouti and the institution on water security challenges.

Under the deal, funding of approximately 6.5 billion Djiboutian francs (around $36.5 million) will be allocated to priority projects, with the goal of increasing national drinking water coverage to 98% by 2030. Djibouti, a country frequently affected by water scarcity, has identified access to water as a key development priority.

“This agreement reflects the commitment of the highest authorities to act swiftly in the face of water-related challenges, which constitute a national priority,” Dawaleh said, noting that the initiative aligns with the strategic vision of President Ismail Omar Guelleh.

He also praised the World Bank’s continued support for Djibouti’s development, particularly in infrastructure and essential public services.

For her part, Fatou Fall reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting national efforts to expand access to water. “This partnership aims to sustainably improve living conditions and strengthen resilience to the effects of drought,” she said.

The agreement is part of the broader Djibouti ICI National Development Program, which prioritizes improvements in water services with the backing of international technical and financial partners.