Washington, July 1, 2025 — The World Bank has sanctioned a Contingent Emergency Response Project (CERP) for Djibouti. This initiative is intended to improve the country's preparedness and ability to respond quickly to emergencies. Djibouti becomes one of the first nations globally to implement this mechanism, highlighting its dedication to strengthening crisis readiness and response capabilities.
The CERP is part of the Rapid Response Option (RRO), which allows the government to redirect funds from existing World Bank projects in case of an eligible crisis, such as floods, droughts, or health emergencies. This option is included in the World Bank’s enhanced Crisis Preparedness and Response Toolkit, offering flexible financing tools for countries during emergencies.
"The approval of this instrument is a testament to our commitment to supporting Djibouti in building resilience and enhancing its capacity to respond to crisis," said Fatou Fall, Resident Representative of the World Bank Group for Djibouti. "As the first country in the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region to have an approved CERP, Djibouti sets a pioneering example in proactive crisis management."
Djibouti faces significant natural disaster risks due to its geographical position. The nation frequently encounters droughts, floods, earthquakes, storms, epidemics, and pest outbreaks. Over recent decades, these disasters have impacted a large portion of its population with damages amounting to tens of millions of dollars. Since 2000 alone, floods and droughts have accounted for over two-thirds of all disasters in Djibouti.
Upon activation, the CERP facilitates reallocating funds from Djibouti’s active portfolio of World Bank projects towards emergency response efforts. This strategy ensures that resources are used swiftly and efficiently during crises.
"We are proud to be among the first countries to implement the Contingent Emergency Response Project, enhancing Djibouti's capacity to swiftly address emergencies," stated Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance of Djibouti. "This partnership with the World Bank is crucial for safeguarding our communities and ensuring sustainable development."