2013年-世界发展银行全球_Transport_and_Logistics_in_Djibouti___Contribution_to_Job_Creation_and_Economic_Diversification_53页_878kb

Summary of "Transport and Logistics in Djibouti: Contribution to Job Creation and Economic Diversification"

Core Content

This policy note analyzes the role of the transport and logistics sector in Djibouti, focusing on its contribution to job creation and economic diversification. It is part of a broader World Bank study on Djibouti's new growth model, aimed at identifying sustainable and inclusive development strategies.

Djibouti's transport and logistics sector is a key component of the economy, with the port being a world-class, deep-water facility on one of the busiest shipping lanes. The port serves as Ethiopia's main gateway, handling 93% of its trade, and is vital for the country's economic activities. However, the sector faces significant challenges in terms of employment generation and economic development.

Main Objectives and Findings

• Assess the current situation of the transport and logistics sector in Djibouti, particularly regarding employment.
• Examine the potential of the sector for job creation and new economic activities.
• Analyze constraints and propose recommendations to improve the sector's performance.

Current Situation

• Djibouti's port is a critical infrastructure, with the Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT) being a modern facility.
• The port generates direct revenues of $65 million to $90 million annually, contributing 20%-25% of government revenue.
• The sector provides about 6,500 direct jobs, and with multiplier effects, it supports 15,000 total jobs (direct and indirect), representing 10% of Djibouti's formal and informal employment.
• Ethiopian trucking firms dominate the Djibouti-Addis corridor, accounting for 97% of traffic, with low tariffs and limited job opportunities for Djiboutians.
• The Djibouti-Ethiopia railway, once the main link, has been largely abandoned due to underfunding and declining demand.

Constraints

• Limited strategic planning: The government lacks a coherent strategy for transport and logistics, with no feasibility studies available for major projects.
• Weak institutional capacity: There is a lack of capacity to prepare and oversee studies or collect and publish transport statistics.
• Workforce skills gap: The Djiboutian workforce lacks technical skills and English proficiency, which is essential for international trade.
• High costs and poor infrastructure: The free zone has not generated significant employment due to high labor costs, unreliable electricity, and poor telecoms.
• Inefficient logistics: The sector is capital-intensive and efficient operations reduce the need for low-skilled labor.
• Road maintenance issues: The corridor highway is deteriorating due to lack of maintenance, risking further decline in service quality.

Opportunities and Strategic Priorities

• Regional integration: COMESA and other regional initiatives are promoting trade and transport among neighboring countries.
• Ethiopia's economic growth: Ethiopia's growing economy and planned expansion of industries offer opportunities for increased transit through Djibouti.
• South Sudan's emergence: The independence of South Sudan introduces a new trade corridor potential.
• Competitive advantage: Djibouti's strategic location and stable economy position it as a regional transport hub, but this requires good governance and private sector engagement.

Strategic Principles for Development

• Enhanced planning: Strengthen the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's planning capacity, including market surveys and feasibility studies.
• Strengthen ties with Ethiopia: Build trust and maintain a win-win relationship through existing committees like the Comité de Suivi.
• Formalize public-private partnerships: Use transparent mechanisms to manage trade and transit reforms.
• Invest in training: Develop vocational training in transport-related technical skills and English, especially for youth and freight forwarders.
• Streamline customs procedures: Improve efficiency and reduce transit costs by modernizing customs and facilitating trade procedures.

Action Plan

Short-term Actions

1. Evaluate railway reconstruction risks: Assess the financial viability of shifting traffic from road to rail.
2. Seek independent third-party advice: For large and complex contracts to ensure transparency and better outcomes.
3. Establish a training center: Focus on developing trainers and offering detailed training programs.
4. Create a standing committee: Include private sector representatives to manage the Djibouti-Addis corridor.
5. Transition to ASYCUDA World: Improve customs efficiency and consider a green channel regime for authorized operators.

Medium-term Actions

6. Develop a transport strategy: Create comprehensive plans for each sub-sector (road, rail, port, airport) to guide future investments.
7. Improve infrastructure planning: Ensure that major projects are based on sound economic and technical analysis.
8. Enhance institutional capacity: Build the government's ability to manage and oversee transport development.

Key Information

• Employment contribution: Transport and logistics generate about 15,000 jobs, but this is relatively low compared to Djibouti's unemployment challenges.
• Port and corridor importance: Djibouti is Ethiopia's main seaport, with 85% of its port traffic transiting to or from Ethiopia.
• Free zone underperformance: Despite being a business-friendly policy, the free zone has not created significant employment due to high costs and poor services.
• Need for maintenance: The corridor highway requires urgent maintenance, with a recommended annual budget of $8 million, far exceeding current allocations.
• Strategic role: Djibouti's future depends on maintaining its role as Ethiopia's preferred port and improving its transport infrastructure and governance.

Conclusion

While the transport and logistics sector in Djibouti is crucial for the economy, its potential for large-scale employment is limited. The focus should be on improving the efficiency of the supply chain, enhancing institutional capacity, and leveraging regional integration opportunities. The government should prioritize strategic planning, public-private collaboration, and workforce development to ensure long-term sustainability and inclusiveness.