New Project to Strengthen Communities and Support Vulnerable Groups in Djibouti
Today, the World Bank approved a $31 million project aimed at strengthening the socio-economic base of underserved areas in Djibouti by enhancing human capital and expanding economic opportunities.
Integrated community resilience projects will focus on improving basic infrastructure and services, strengthening social safety nets, and enhancing economic opportunities for vulnerable communities. By connecting safety nets to livelihood opportunities and wider socio-economic development, the project will promote resilience, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Dickir region, as well as refugee trusteeship areas in Obock and Ali Sabieh. It will also strengthen market ties and integrate value chains, enabling beneficiaries to connect with local, national and regional markets while providing support to poor families throughout Djibouti. The $31 million allocated for the project includes $9 million from the window for host communities and refugees of the International Development Association, the IDA of the World Bank’s Low Income Country Foundation.
“The project is an important step towards strengthening the socio-economic resilience of Djibouti’s most vulnerable communities and strengthens the adaptive social protection system for those who are extremely poor or at risk of poverty,” he said. Fatu Qiu, the Djibouti World Bank Group, said. “By improving access to essential services and economic opportunities and specifically addressing women’s needs, the project strives to promote inclusive growth and gender equality across the country.”
Djibouti’s bridge between Africa, the Middle East and Asia (along one of the busiest transportation routes in the world) has recently found that food prices have risen, with limited availability of essential commodities, and disproportionate impacts on the most vulnerable due to regional and geopolitical tensions.
The country also faces significant challenges in service delivery, especially in rural areas. Although Djibouti’s social protection system has developed significantly over the past five years, challenges remain in achieving effective and sustainable systems.
By improving health, nutrition and resilience, and empowering the economy, focusing on the development of human capital, the new project provides the basis for sustainable self-sufficiency among vulnerable groups, including refugees and host communities. This comprehensive approach not only enhances access to basic services, but also enables communities to drive their own economic growth, thus promoting a more resilient and prosperous future.
According to Djibouti’s vision for 2035, this action directly supports socio-economic development, extending Djibouti Ville to underserved areas. It also aligns with the World Bank Group (WBG) National Partnership Framework (CPF) and the World Bank Group Gender Strategy, thereby strengthening its commitment to inclusiveness and sustainable development.
*thisInternational Development Association (IDA) It is the poorest fund of the World Bank. Founded in 1960, it provides grants and as low as zero-interest loans for projects and programs that promote economic growth, reduce poverty and improve the lives of the poor. IDA is one of the largest sources of aid for the 76 poorest countries in the world, 39 of which are in Africa. IDA’s resources bring positive changes to 1.6 billion people. Since 1960, IDA has supported development efforts in 113 countries. Over the past three years, the annual commitment averaged $21 billion, with about 61% going to Africa.
* this The window for host countries and refugeesSupport countries with large refugee populations and create medium- and long-term development opportunities for refugees and their host communities.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the World Bank Group.
