In 2023, Djibouti relied on net imports for almost three-quarters of its electricity consumption, about 72%. Domestic fossil generation supplied around 18%, while low-carbon generation—all from wind—provided about 10%. The data do not identify the sources of imported electricity, so imports cannot be classified here as either clean or fossil-based. Expanding domestic clean electricity would help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and their associated climate-changing emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Djibouti?

Electricity consumption per person has not surpassed its previous peak. In 2023, it stood at 616 kWh per person, down 17 kWh from the record of 633 kWh in 2021. Low-carbon electricity generation was also slightly below its peak, at about 61 kWh per person compared with 62 kWh in 2021. This stagnation is concerning: Djibouti needs sustained growth in electricity supply, especially clean electricity, to support wider electrification, economic development and future demand.

Suggestions

Djibouti can build on wind generation while making solar a major pillar of electricity expansion. Nearby Somalia and Yemen each generate about 17% of their electricity from solar, while Eritrea generates around 11%, offering relevant regional examples. Lebanon’s solar share of almost a third and the US state of Nevada’s share of about a third also illustrate solar’s potential. For wind, Morocco’s 20% share offers another useful benchmark. Djibouti should also consider nuclear electricity through long-term planning and regional cooperation, drawing lessons from the United Arab Emirates, where nuclear supplies 20% of electricity, and France, where it supplies about two-thirds. Together, solar, wind and nuclear offer pathways toward a larger low-carbon electricity supply.

History

The supplied history covers only 2021–2023 and shows one initial increase followed by little additional progress. Wind generation increased by a reported 0.1 TWh in 2021, while the recorded changes in both 2022 and 2023 were zero at the data’s stated precision. That initial expansion was a welcome step toward clean electricity, but the subsequent lack of recorded growth underscores the need for a sustained pipeline of new low-carbon generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade