By: Dawan Africa

Djibouti has received a new fleet of vehicles to support the implementation of a major regional digital initiative, the Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) project. The handover ceremony was presided over by Djibouti's Minister of Communications and Posts and Telecommunications, Radwan Abdillahi Bahdon, and attended by the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workineh Gabayehu. This event marks a tangible step in strengthening regional digital trade and logistics systems.

The HDMI project is a coordinated effort funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and managed by IGAD. With a budget of $5.8 million, the project is scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2027. Its primary goal is to accelerate digital economic integration across the Horn of Africa, specifically targeting the nations of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan.

The initiative focuses on several key areas to foster a digital economy. These include promoting digital trade and e-commerce, developing data-driven services, and building technology-based market systems. A core objective is to foster trust in digital platforms, which is essential for the growth of online commerce in the region.

At the ceremony, IGAD Executive Secretary Workineh Gabayehu highlighted critical foundational steps for the project's success. He emphasized the importance of harmonizing regional e-commerce policies to create a seamless cross-border trading environment. Furthermore, he stressed the need to ensure equitable access to online commerce, particularly for rural communities that are often left behind in digital transformations.

The central role of postal services in this digital shift was a key point of discussion. Both officials underscored the evolving role of national postal networks, with Djibouti Post being identified as a key operator for the project's logistics and digital implementation. Minister Bahdon expressed full confidence in the postal service, describing it as the "essential link" in this regional transformation.

The newly received fleet of vehicles is a practical investment aimed at enhancing the physical logistics that underpin the digital economy. The Director General of Djibouti Post, Bahnan Ali Meidal, stated that the equipment would enhance delivery performance and reliability. Officials expect the fleet to reduce delivery times and improve service consistency, thereby reinforcing the operational backbone required for a functional regional digital market.

Djibouti's participation in the HDMI project is part of its broader national strategy to position itself as a leading digital and logistics hub in the Horn of Africa. By investing in both digital infrastructure and the physical logistics needed to support e-commerce, the country is building a comprehensive ecosystem to drive future economic growth and regional integration.