Citizens of Djibouti headed to the polls on Friday in a pivotal election expected to determine the country’s political direction for the next five years.
Voting began early across the Red Sea nation, with reports from the Ethiopian News Agency indicating a strong turnout as voters gathered in large numbers at polling stations nationwide.
Incumbent President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh is seeking a sixth term in office, running under the banner of the ruling Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP). He faces competition from opposition parties, including the Unified Democratic Center (CDU) and the Union for Democracy and Justice (UDJ).
Wegagen Bank has signed a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), securing a $10 million trade finance guarantee to expand its support for Ethiopian importers and exporters.
The agreement, signed by Wegagen CEO Aklilu Wubet (PhD) and IFC Country Manager for Ethiopia, Malawi and Zambia Madalo Minofu, makes Wegagen a participant in IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP). The facility mitigates payment risks in cross-border transactions, helping local businesses access essential inputs and connect to regional and global markets.
The deal builds on IFC’s ongoing advisory work with Wegagen, which has focused on strengthening risk management, trade services and treasury operations. Bank executives said the partnership marks a key step toward enhancing financial inclusion and supporting private-sector growth.
“This strategic partnership agreement with IFC represents a significant milestone for the Bank and will enhance its ability to better serve customers,” Aklilu said. “Wegagen Bank is committed to building on the collaboration with IFC into other areas to enhance financial inclusion and foster economic development in Ethiopia.”
IFC’s Minofu emphasized the gap in trade finance for Ethiopian firms, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. “This partnership reflects IFC’s commitment to expanding access to trade finance in Ethiopia, where many businesses continue to face constraints in financing their cross-border trade,” she said.
“By joining IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program, Wegagen Bank will be better positioned to help local firms access essential inputs, meet demand, and connect to regional and global markets.” Wegagen, which will celebrate its 29th anniversary in June, became the first private commercial bank listed on the Ethiopian Capital Market. The bank has prioritized digital financial inclusion through its Efoyta platform, offering uncollateralized loans targeting women, informal businesses and micro, small and medium enterprises.
With 463 branches nationwide, Wegagen provides both conventional and interest-free banking services. The bank continues to invest in digital channels, including internet, mobile, agent and card banking, to improve service accessibility for customers across Ethiopia.
This morning, the Campaign Director for the Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP) candidate delivered the final briefing as the presidential election campaign came to a close. The election is set for Friday, April 10, 2026.
“In accordance with our laws, the campaign has lasted two weeks, serving as a platform for expression,” stated Abdallah Abdillahi Miguil, the campaign head. “It has allowed candidates to rally as many citizens as possible around their respective visions and programs.”
Miguil highlighted that during this period, President Guelleh, who is seeking reelection, conducted numerous rallies and public meetings to showcase the relevance of his vision and ambitions for the country.
“In the spirit of democratic pluralism, it’s important to emphasize that all political factions engaged in the national debate will participate in the vote on Friday,” he added.
He noted that Djibouti’s opposition—particularly represented by the CDU—along with the incumbent president supported by coalition parties, and the opposition party UDJ, will all take part in the election. “This reflects the vitality of democratic debate in our country,” Miguil remarked.
He commended the fact that, true to Djibouti’s electoral ethics, the exchange of ideas, approaches, and candidates’ temperaments has occurred without incivility, tension, or violence—unlike what is often observed in similar elections elsewhere.
“This stands as clear evidence of the Djiboutian people’s strong commitment to campaigns conducted in a spirit of tolerance and fair competition,” Miguil continued. “We also appreciate the attention and support of our partners, which attest to the credibility of our democratic processes.”
He concluded, “Tomorrow, it is the people who will decide. And they will do so in peace. Together, we have campaigned; together, we will build the future.”
Incumbent President and presidential candidate Ismail Omar Guelleh held his final official campaign event on Wednesday evening,
attracting a large crowd to the national Hassan Gouled Aptidon Stadium in the capital.
The rally featured thousands of Guelleh’s supporters waving campaign signs in green, the signature color of his ruling coalition,
the Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP), which has nominated him for another five-year term.
Under the campaign slogan “IOG,” Guelleh assured the crowd that he and his party would continue to foster prosperity in Djibouti.
The Horn of Africa nation, which has a service-based economy primarily driven by the Afar and Somali ethnic groups, has experienced significant growth in its logistics sector over the past two decades under Guelleh’s leadership.
Recently, the country inaugurated its largest shipyard, the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard. Furthermore, Djibouti has expanded its free trade zone, added more oil terminals, and plans to open new ports in the near future.
Over the past 15 years, the nation’s GDP has tripled. Wednesday’s rally was attended by senior government officials and business leaders.
