Key Takeaways
- Tiryaki Agro and the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore long-term development, modernization and future operation of the Port of Tadjourah.
- The agreement covers enhancing port infrastructure, expanding logistics and storage capacity, and improving the handling of agricultural and bulk commodities.
- The MoU provides the basis for the parties to negotiate a long-term concession agreement for the port's management and operation.
- IFC provided early-stage support, including feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement, that helped lay the groundwork for the agreement.
- The initiative is framed as strengthening agricultural trade, supply chain resilience and food security across the Horn of Africa.
Tiryaki Agro and the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the long-term development, modernization and future operation of the Port of Tadjourah, a step toward positioning Djibouti as a larger regional trade and logistics hub.
What Tiryaki Agro's Agreement Covers
Under the MoU, Tiryaki Agro and DPFZA will assess the technical, commercial and operational framework for the port's future development. Subject to further studies, negotiations and definitive agreements, the project envisions enhanced port infrastructure, expanded logistics and storage capacity, and improved handling of agricultural and bulk commodities. The MoU also provides the basis for the parties to negotiate a long-term concession agreement for the port's management and operation.
The agreement builds on IFC's existing partnership with Tiryaki Agro, which has included early-stage feasibility studies, planning and stakeholder engagement supporting Djibouti's position as a gateway for regional trade and food security across the Horn of Africa.
Regional Trade and Food Security Goals
Süleyman Tiryakioğlu, Chief Executive Officer of Tiryaki Agro, said the agreement reflects a long-term commitment to Djibouti's role in regional logistics.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step forward in our long-term commitment to Djibouti and our vision of contributing to the country's role as a regional trade and logistics gateway. We sincerely appreciate the vision and support of the Government of Djibouti, the leadership and collaboration of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, and the valuable partnership of IFC, whose advisory support has helped shape this opportunity from its earliest stages,” said Süleyman Tiryakioğlu, Chief Executive Officer, Tiryaki Agro.
The companies said the project is intended to create the conditions for future investment in the Port of Tadjourah, supporting more efficient agricultural trade, stronger supply chain resilience and sustainable private sector-led growth across the Horn of Africa. Tiryaki Agro and DPFZA plan to continue working with the Government of Djibouti and IFC through the project's next phases.
