In Djibouti, the start of the 2026 political year looks set to be dominated by reforms and the modernisation of the state. President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh is calling on his government to strengthen security, invest in young people and diversify the economy. It is an ambitious roadmap, as the country seeks to translate its growth into more jobs and opportunities.
Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh wants to give fresh momentum to his government’s action: consolidating the sovereign functions of the State while transforming economic growth into opportunities for the population. On 1 September 2026, at the opening of the Council of Ministers, the President called on his government to strengthen security, invest in human capital and accelerate the diversification of the economy. This policy direction comes as the country recorded economic growth of 6.5% in 2025.
“ Strengthening our sovereign responsibilities remains essential, and we must ensure internal security, protect our vital infrastructure, strengthen control over our borders, and address emerging threats linked to cybersecurity and disinformation. ”
Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic – Djibouti
This new political season is placed under the banner of commitment, action and results. On the social front, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has made education, training and healthcare priorities for strengthening national unity and social cohesion. This choice responds to a major challenge: according to the World Bank, more than half of the working-age population remains outside the labour market, while nearly 46% of young people aged 16 to 24 are not in employment, education or training. Overall unemployment is estimated at 26% in 2025. To address this, the President is banking on economic diversification, particularly through light industries, the digital economy, tourism, renewable energy and fisheries, with the ambition of creating more jobs and opportunities for young people.
“ Our human capital and our youth are our greatest asset. We must continue investing in education, training and healthcare, strengthen inclusion, and act decisively against youth unemployment by promoting skills development, professional integration and access to entrepreneurship. ”
Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic – Djibouti
Digital transformation completes this roadmap. The digitalisation of procedures, paperless public services and interoperability between government administrations are expected to modernise the State. Djibouti also wants to prepare for the use of artificial intelligence, with the announced organisation of a national forum dedicated to this technology. The challenge of this new political season is therefore clear: moving from growth driven by the country’s strategic geographical position towards a more diversified model that creates jobs and places greater emphasis on human capital.
