Due to its relative stability and its strategically significant location in the crisis-ridden Horn of Africa, Djibouti is a country of importance beyond its region. This was underscored when Germany opened an embassy there in 2010. Since the autumn of 2011, Djibouti has maintained an embassy in Berlin – one of its 23 embassies around the world. Diplomatic relations, which are amicable, were established after Djibouti gained independence in 1977.

The EU’s Operation ATALANTA to combat piracy in the Red Sea and ASPIDES, an operation contributing to the freedom of maritime routes, have liaison offices in Djibouti. Moreover, within the framework of ASPIDES, Djibouti has served as a supply port for EU member states since the end of February 2024. As a result of this, the German Government has expanded military cooperation with Djibouti.

Although Djibouti is not one of Germany’s partner countries for development cooperation, it benefits from regional projects funded by Germany via the IGAD regional organisation (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) and other organisations. Germany supports refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia in Djibouti by providing flexible, regional UNHCR funding. Funds from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) benefit both refugees and the local population.

Djibouti offers investment potential for German companies, particularly in the spheres of transport, logistics (ports), renewable energies (photovoltaic, wind and geothermal energy), not to mention digitalisation. Germany and Djibouti do not have an investment promotion and protection agreement.