- CEO receives national honour for advancing digital infrastructure and submarine cable strategy
- Telecom sector in Djibouti faces high demand, regulatory reform, and infrastructure investment pressures
Djibouti Telecom recognised for digital expansion
The Director General of Djibouti Telecom, Mohamed Assoweh Bouh, was recently decorated by the country’s Prime Minister in recognition of his leadership in expanding the nation’s digital capabilities. The ceremony, held at the Prime Minister’s office, marked a symbolic moment for Djibouti’s digital transformation as Bouh was awarded the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du 27 Juin. This honour follows years of strategic investments in international connectivity, including a growing network of submarine cables positioning Djibouti as a key digital gateway in East Africa.
Under Bouh’s leadership, Djibouti Telecom has reinforced its ambition to become a regional telecoms hub. The state-owned operator is now a landing point for more than 10 submarine cables, such as DARE1 and SEA-ME-WE5, enhancing the country’s connectivity to Europe, Asia and the rest of Africa. Bouh’s award reflects not just personal achievement but the increasing strategic role Djibouti plays in the region’s ICT infrastructure.
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Industry challenges and innovations at Djibouti Telecom
Despite these advances, Djibouti’s telecom industry faces key challenges. The need for continued infrastructure upgrades, expanding rural access, and managing the balance between state control and competitive pricing remain pressing concerns. Moreover, rising data demand and global shifts in submarine cable ownership are pushing Djibouti Telecom to innovate while navigating complex geopolitics and investment risks. The company’s monopoly status has also sparked calls for liberalisation, especially as regional peers move towards more open telecom environments.
Nonetheless, Djibouti Telecom is leveraging innovation to stay competitive. Recent initiatives include deploying 4G+, expanding international IP transit capacity, and exploring data centre services to support cloud and content providers. The company is also improving customer service platforms and strengthening enterprise solutions, with a growing focus on cybersecurity. As regional and global traffic increasingly passes through Djibouti, the operator’s challenge is to maintain its technological edge while evolving its service model in a rapidly transforming digital landscape.
