RELATED POSTS
Djibouti has strongly criticized the World Bank’s recent assessment of its port performance, which saw a steep drop in global rankings. The latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), co-produced with S&P Global Market Intelligence, ranked Djibouti’s ports 379th out of 405, a significant fall from 26th last year. The report highlights systemic issues, including outdated equipment, poor maintenance, frequent crane malfunctions, and a lack of specialized training for port workers. It cites these problems as reasons for extended delays and inefficiencies, impacting Djibouti’s status as a strategic maritime hub. The report also notes the absence of advanced digitalization and modern management systems as key factors. Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) expressed strong indignation, claiming the report misrepresents the port facilities and services. The government argues that the decline in ranking does not reflect reality, pointing to a productivity rate of 120 movements per hour and a 30% growth in port activity between 2022 and 2023. Djibouti’s ports play a crucial role as the main entry point for goods to Ethiopia. The government disputes the report’s data and methodology, arguing that other high-traffic ports were also unfairly downgraded. The sudden regional reclassification of Djibouti from sub-Saharan Africa to West, Central, and South Asia in the rankings was also questioned. Berbera Port of Somaliland was ranked 106th, Mogadishu 166th, and Djibouti 379th in the latest CPPI.
