Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority Denounces World Bank’s Container Port Performance Report: Claims Misrepresentation and Data Discrepancies

The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) has expressed profound indignation over the latest World Bank Container Port Performance Report, which ranked the port of Djibouti at 379th—a drastic and unjustified decline from its previous ranking of 26th. This report, according to DPFZA, grossly misrepresents the true status of their facilities and the quality of services they provide.

In a strong statement, the DPFZA highlighted their shock and disapproval at the port’s exclusion from the Sub-Saharan Africa Region Ranking, despite being recognized as the leading port in this region for the past three years by the World Bank. This omission has been labeled as both perplexing and unacceptable by the authority.

Renowned for its efficiency and strategic importance to international trade, Djibouti’s ports play a crucial role in connecting Africa with global markets. This reputation is backed by consistent performance and substantial investments in infrastructure and technology, such as the advanced Maritime Single Window system, which facilitates seamless trade operations.

The World Bank’s recent ranking is seen by the DPFZA as a significant misrepresentation of Djibouti’s established performance in maritime transport and port services. The authority suggests that this ranking could be attributed to discrepancies in data collection or a misunderstanding of the current operational context.

Contrary to the report’s findings, the DPFZA provided specific performance metrics that highlight their improved efficiency:

• Berth productivity at Djibouti container port stands at 120 moves per hour.
• Vessel call statistics show a notable growth, with 422 vessels averaging 1,765 moves per vessel in 2022, increasing to 556 vessels with 2,124 moves per vessel in 2023, reflecting a 31.75% increase.
• The truck turnaround time (TTT) in 2023 averaged just 70 minutes.

Additionally, Djibouti has received numerous international accolades and continuous positive feedback from global shipping partners, further attesting to the high quality of its port services.

In response to the World Bank’s report, the DPFZA is conducting a thorough review of the methodology and data used in the assessment. The authority plans to engage directly with the World Bank to address these discrepancies and ensure a more accurate representation of their port’s performance.

Despite these issues, the DPFZA reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and transparency. They continue to strive for the enhancement of their facilities and the improvement of service delivery, contributing positively to both the regional and global economy.