The African Center of Excellence for Logistics and Transport (CEALT) and the Doraleh Multipurpose Port (DMP) sign a partnership agreement to pave the way forward for the transportation sector in the region.
The duo cemented their cooperation on July 24, 2023 at the Port of Doraleh premises to which DMP through its MoU announced that the collaboration was a common quest to strengthen the logistics and transport sector in Africa.
“This agreement is structured around several main axes that reflect our commitment to promote the exchange of knowledge, the development of skills and research in the field,” DMP disclosed.
As per the deal, the two parties envisage a regular exchange of information, technical experience and good practices in transport and logistics management.
“This cooperation will allow our institutions to continuously maintain a development impact and promote the emergence of sustainable and effective solutions,” the document read.
By working closely together, the two institutions will be able to offer high quality training and research programs, adapted to the specific needs of the industry and to market developments according to demand.
Co-supervision of students and internships has also been stated as important components of the partnership.
“By offering students the opportunity to work directly with professionals at DMP, we promote hands-on experience that complements their academic training,” DMP pointed out.
This approach also promotes the emergence of strong professional relationships, which can translate into long-term employment and collaboration opportunities.
In addition, the two entities are committed to developing joint research projects that meet the needs of the DMP, within the framework of the research departments existing within the University of Djibouti and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
“Research and innovation are essential drivers of progress, and by joining forces, we can explore new solutions, meet the challenges of the sector and contribute to its sustainable development,” it added.
The agreement provides for the construction of a common response to any specific training request from an operator in the logistics and transport sector or from a body linked to the field.
“This flexibility demonstrates our willingness to adapt to market needs and our desire to play an active role in solving the challenges facing the sector. The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between our institutions,” the statement concluded.

Cognizant of the dire need of fertilizer in the current rainy season, the biggest port facility in Djibouti, Doraleh Multipurpose Port (DMP), comes in clutch to achieve two consecutive unloading records.
As the modern facility disclosed, on July 21 and 23, courtesy of the 24 hours relentless efforts of the parties involved, dispatch from PSDA/DMP was able to record an untouchable and record performance in the history of bulk cargo.
According to the statement that DMP sent to Capital, the new standards that were set for the unloading and delivery of bulk goods were an unprecedented feat, given the temperature highs of 46Degree Celsius and severe heat wave conditions.
“The port’s operations achieved two records back to back: on Friday July 21, 2023, a record unloading record of 20,284 metric tons (MT) of fertilizer cargo; while on Sunday July 23 a record tonnage of 20,411 MT was unloaded and delivered, making it a first for our facility,” the statement read in-part.
“This feat testifies to the perseverance, competence, competitiveness and exceptional professionalism of DMP’s employees,” it added.
Over the years, the port of DMP has established itself as a flagship of the Djiboutian economy. Its state-of-the-art unloading infrastructure, which enables it to unload ships at a breathtaking speed of 3,000 tons per hour, has placed it as the best performing facility in the region.
The port also boasts bagging lines which are specially designed for grains and fertilizers, facilitating the cargo loading process.
The logistics facility stated that the coordination of operations between DMP and Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) has played an instrumental role in increasing port productivity.
Currently, about 454 truckloads of fertilizer are delivered to Ethiopia every day. To optimize transport, 2 trains carry a load equivalent to 74 trucks each, per individual trip, enabling a continuous and rapid flow of goods to Ethiopia by rail.
Following the record breaking performance, the Ethiopian delegation expressed its admiration for the exemplary professionalism of the port’s employees. To this send, the DMP’s leadership disclosed that, “It was delighted with the outstanding results achieved, and expressed its gratitude to the port’s management and employees.”
“This remarkable result would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the port’s labour service on operations and maintenance, SDTV, which is handling the packaging at the port facility, ESL and the contribution of Djibouti Customs,” the DMP management further applauded whilst underlying that, “The success of the Doraleh Multipurpose Port has greatly contributed to Djibouti’s reputation at regional and even international level.”
“The port’s impressive achievements in terms of productivity and unloading performance have attracted the attention of economic players in the region, consolidating Djibouti’s position as an essential hub for maritime trade in Africa,” the statement concluded.
The Port which was inaugurated in May 2017 has the capacity to accommodate vessels with up to 100,000 DWT and boasts state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the most advanced ports in Africa.
The port features various terminals, including bulk, break, container, and RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), and its impressive quay line stretches 1,200 meters, accommodating six berths with a depth of 15.3 meters.
The port also has direct connection to the Djibouti-Addis Ababa railway and is similarly undertaking massive changes and upgrades frequently. For instance, it expanded the port activity with additional equipment worth USD 7 million which allows the port to hand vessels with huge cargo.