In 2023, Djibouti relied on net imports for almost three-quarters of its electricity consumption. Fossil generation supplied about 18%, while domestic low-carbon generation provided roughly 10%, entirely from wind. Imports therefore dominated the electricity supply, but their generation mix is not specified, so they cannot be classified as either clean or fossil electricity from these figures alone.

Is Electricity Growing in Djibouti?

Electricity consumption per person was not growing relative to its previous peak. In 2023, it stood at 616 kWh per person, about 3% below the 2021 record of 633 kWh—a shortfall of 17 kWh per person. Domestic low-carbon generation was also slightly below its record, at approximately 61 kWh per person compared with 62 kWh in 2021. This stagnation is concerning: Djibouti needs expanding clean electricity supplies to support development, electrification and future demand.

Suggestions

Djibouti can increase clean electricity generation by expanding wind and developing solar, while considering nuclear through long-term planning and regional cooperation. Nearby Somalia and Yemen each generate about 17% of their electricity from solar, offering relevant regional examples; solar also supplies around a third of generation in the sunny US state of Nevada. For wind, Morocco’s roughly 20% share illustrates what sustained deployment can achieve. Nuclear deserves consideration alongside these sources: the United Arab Emirates generates about 20% of its electricity from nuclear, while France produces roughly two-thirds. These regions offer lessons in building expertise, planning infrastructure and sustaining clean electricity investment. Combining solar, wind and nuclear development could help meet rising demand while reducing reliance on fossil generation and its climate and air-pollution impacts.

History

Djibouti’s reported low-carbon electricity history is brief and centered on wind. In 2021, wind generation increased by around 0.1 TWh. The figures then show no additional increase in either 2022 or 2023. That initial gain was a welcome step toward cleaner electricity, but the subsequent lack of growth underscores the need for further investment to turn a single advance into sustained expansion.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade