As part of the government's post-covid19 socio-economic recovery programs “Rising Djibouti”, UNDP partnered with the CLE to organize the second edition of the national agri-business fair held for the first time in Djibouti City with the support of USAID and ISDB. This fair aims to stimulate the potential of local agri-business and highlight the productions of the regions.

The agribusiness exhibition 2022 brought together 100 farmers from 36 cooperatives from all regions and 11 Djiboutian agritech companies. Three days full of flavors and unsuspected discoveries through the diversity of agricultural products and many innovative products.

The National Agri-business Exhibition allowed producers from all regions of Djibouti to present their products of vegetable crops such as sweet potatoes, eggplants, peppers and fruit trees such as guavas, lemons, pomegranates etc. but also aloe vera, honey, cheese, stevia, camel milk, tea, spread, incense .... And finally, many innovative agritech ideas, such as hydroponics, digital intelligence system to monitor temperature and humidity inside the greenhouses and natural toothbrushes, which impressed the guests. 

This fair was a unique opportunity for regional producers to present their products to the public and to develop commercial relationships with the private sector. Producers from different regions were also able to share best practices and potential collaboration.

UNDP Representative Ms. N'Gouan-Anoh and USAID Director Mr. Lloyd Jackson present at the exhibition were keen to salute the efforts made by these producers and their resilience despite the significant challenges they face.  The exhibitors were particularly honored by the presence and exchanges with His Excellency Mr. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister of Djibouti and His Excellency, Mr. Ilyas M Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of industry and several members of the government.

The national agribusiness exhibition highlighted the potential of local production but also the challenges of sustainable and resilient agriculture to promote market access and improve the livelihoods of local producers. It  also emphasized the fact that farmers and agriculture need to be business-oriented and move beyond subsistence farming. The products are impressive, but farmers need to get a fair price and be in a business dynamic.