Djibouti - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Djibouti - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Djibouti Telecom's HSPA service improving mobile broadband connectivity

Djibouti is one of the last countries in the world allowing its national telco, Djibouti Telecom (DT) a monopoly on all telecom services, including fixed lines, mobile, internet and broadband. The lack of competition has meant that the market has not lived up to its potential, although the country has a service-based economy consistently growing at 5 to 6% per year and is one of the best connected for fibre optic international cables the region. Though broadband services in Djibouti remain very expensive, continuing to hold back the full growth potential of the sector, new link to subsea cables will increase bandwidth and encourage a reduction in access prices. Growth in the mobile and internet markets is accelerating in line with DT's investment in its mobile network. Nevertheless, competition and foreign investment are both required for the telecoms market to show solid development in coming years. In preparation for this, DT itself is forging international alliances.

Key developments:

Djibouti remaining one of the fastest growing telecom markets in Africa;
Submarine connections to improve with the SEA-ME-WE 5 cable by end-2016;
Growth in the mobile and internet sectors accelerates with 3G launch;
Gulf Bridge International (GBI) signs MoU to land an extension of its cable to Djibouti.

Estimated market penetration rates in Djibouti's telecoms sector end-2015 (e)
Market | Penetration rate
Mobile | 28.5%
Fixed | 2.7%
Internet | 14%
(Source: BuddeComm based on various sources)

Companies mentioned in this report:

Djibouti Telecom (Evatis, Adjib);
Telecom Italia Sparkle;
Saudi Telecom Company (STC);
Algerie Telecom.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of trends and developments in Djibouti's telecommunications market.

Subjects covered include:

Key statistics;
Market and industry overviews;
Government policies affecting the telecoms industry;
Market liberalisation and regulatory issues;
Telecoms operators privatisation, new products;
Infrastructure development;
Major players (fixed, mobile and broadband);
Internet and broadband development and growth;
Mobile voice and data markets.