In this interview with Agence Ecofin, Abdourahman Ali Abdillahi, CEO of Air Djibouti, discusses the national carrier's unprecedented choice to voluntarily contribute to Djibouti’s sovereign carbon registry. He explains how this innovative mechanism operates, its concrete benefits, and the company's wider strategic vision for ecological transition, regional development, and economic sovereignty. This proactive step aims to set an example for other African airlines.

Ecofin Agency (EA): Why did Air Djibouti choose to voluntarily contribute to the nation's sovereign carbon registry, especially since national airlines are usually exempt from this requirement?

Abdourahman Ali Abdillahi (AAA): Djibouti's Sovereign Carbon Initiative was established to channel financial contributions from international polluters back to the countries where they operate. Domestic companies are typically exempt from this. The initiative's clear aim is to align environmental goals with economic progress.

However, climate change is an urgent global challenge that demands collective action. Everyone must take responsibility. As President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh rightly stated, "Inaction is not an option in the face of the climate crisis."

At Air Djibouti, we understand our role, despite being a modest-sized airline globally. We are committed to contributing, within our capacity, to the decarbonization of the aviation sector and to actively participating in this vital transformation.

EA: How does this sovereign carbon registry operate in practice? Additionally, how are Air Djibouti's contributions calculated and utilized?
AAA: Djibouti’s Sovereign Carbon Registry tracks all aircraft and vessel movements into and out of the country. It calculates their carbon footprint using carbon accounting methods approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The registry also calculates and monitors carbon contributions, set at $17 per metric ton of carbon dioxide (tCO2), based on 50% of each movement's carbon footprint. The remaining 50% is the responsibility of the origin or destination country.

An independent foundation governs the registry, ensuring the system's integrity and transparency. Third-party entities conduct regular audits.

As President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh rightly stated, 'Inaction is not an option in the face of the climate crisis.’

Since its 2023 launch, the Sovereign Carbon Agency has used collected contributions to fund over 50 high-impact projects. These projects address the needs of vulnerable communities by improving access to water, healthcare, and waste management. Contributions also support environmental programs and energy transition projects throughout Djibouti.

Within the aviation sector, the Agency assists in decarbonizing Djibouti Airport, primarily by funding the purchase of electric vehicles. These efforts earned the airport Airport Carbon Accreditation, a recognition of the country's dedication to a low-carbon future.

EA: Is this initiative part of a broader strategy to "green" your operations? Are there plans for further actions in energy efficiency, fleet modernization, training, or carbon offsetting?
AAA: Absolutely. Environmental concerns are central to our operations, thinking, and development strategy. Within our capabilities, we are actively exploring all options that technological innovation provides, particularly sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). We have also taken concrete steps to decarbonize our operations in Djibouti, such as deploying electric logistics vehicles in collaboration with the Airport and the Sovereign Carbon Agency.

EA: Could Djibouti's sovereign carbon registry, launched in 2023, serve as a model for other African nations? With a Djiboutian now serving as Chairperson of the African Union Commission, have you observed interest or momentum from other states or airlines?

AAA: The Sovereign Carbon Initiative, launched in Djibouti, is designed to be a blueprint for the entire African continent. It promotes a standardized and harmonized mechanism through the African Sovereign Carbon Registry Foundation, enabling countries to establish their own national carbon initiatives.

This initiative presents a unique opportunity for Africa to finance sovereign strategies for sustainable development and climate action, while simultaneously strengthening its position within international climate mechanisms.

Since its 2023 launch, the Sovereign Carbon Agency has used collected contributions to fund over 50 high-impact projects. These projects address the needs of vulnerable communities by improving access to water, healthcare, and waste management.

As an example of this South-South cooperation, the Republic of Gabon launched its own initiative this past spring, drawing directly from the Djiboutian model. This demonstrates a commitment to African-led solutions for global climate challenges.

EA: Beyond its climate initiatives, Djibouti actively promotes a geostrategic vision for its transport sector. How do you assess the development of Djibouti's air transport sector in this context, and how does Air Djibouti specifically contribute to this broader ambition?

AAA: The development of air transport in Djibouti is strategically aligned with our vision to leverage the nation's unique position at the nexus of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Situated on one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, Djibouti is naturally poised to evolve into a pivotal regional hub for both maritime and air transportation.

Air Djibouti is central to this ambition, enhancing the country's connectivity with key economic and logistics partners. We are committed to investing in modern infrastructure and sustainable solutions to establish Air Djibouti as a leading regional airline. Our ultimate goal is to solidify Djibouti's role as a platform for transit, trade, and innovation, thereby fostering regional commerce and development.

EA: Given your recent establishment of a regional office in Addis Ababa and the signing of domestic tourism partnerships, what are your current key development priorities?

AAA : The opening of our regional headquarters in Addis Ababa is part of a regional expansion strategy. This move aims to strengthen our position in East Africa by bringing us closer to our institutional and logistics partners. Simultaneously, our recent investments in the domestic tourism sector demonstrate our commitment to Djibouti’s economic development by promoting the country’s natural and cultural assets.

Our major development priorities currently focus on three key areas. First is fleet and network expansion, which involves the gradual launch of new routes to African capitals and essential Gulf hubs. Second is the digitization of services to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency through modernizing our booking system, integrating cargo management, and implementing real-time tracking tools. Third is the training and upskilling of our teams, particularly in technical and commercial aviation roles. This aligns with our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, which includes reducing environmental impact, and our academic partnerships.

African carriers can become catalysts for ambitious public policy by supporting local industry development in areas like maintenance, training, and sustainable fuels.

Air Djibouti is now pursuing a path of controlled, inclusive growth focused on regional connectivity and national development.

EA: More broadly, do you believe African national carriers should reassess their strategic role? Should they be viewed not merely as air operators, but also as instruments of climate, industrial, and trade policy?

AAA: African national carriers must indeed reconsider their role beyond simply providing transport. They now serve a strategic function as levers for economic sovereignty, regional integration, and ecological transition. Climate, industrial, and trade issues are closely linked. In this context, these airlines can become catalysts for ambitious public policy by supporting local industry development in areas like maintenance, training, and sustainable fuels. They can also enhance intra-African connectivity and actively contribute to emissions reduction. It's time to view them as strategic tools that support an African vision of sustainable development and global competitiveness.

Interview by Louis-Nino Kansoun