Djibouti: public finances

How much tax does Djibouti collect?

Djibouti's state revenue and grants totalled 137.5 billion Djibouti francs in 2024, up 9.4%, according to the Banque Centrale de Djibouti's annual report for 2024. Domestic revenue rose 13.7% to 129.0 billion francs, while grants fell 30.9% to 8.4 billion.

Corporate tax almost doubled from 7.0 to 13.1 billion francs, and income tax on salaries rose 14.9% to 19.2 billion. Indirect taxes, including VAT, fell 1.9% to 40.5 billion francs. Non-tax revenue rose 23.5% to 44.9 billion, mainly from dividends paid by state companies, which rose from 3.8 to 11.5 billion francs.

Official sources: Banque Centrale de Djibouti: Rapport annuel 2024 (PDF)

What is Djibouti's budget deficit?

Djibouti's budget deficit narrowed to 2.5% of GDP in 2024 from 3.4% in 2023, according to the Banque Centrale de Djibouti's annual report for 2024. Spending rose 4.9% to 157.1 billion Djibouti francs, against revenue and grants of 137.5 billion.

Current spending rose to 116.4 billion francs, while investment fell 11.2% to 40.8 billion, partly because externally financed projects, such as the Grand Barra solar plant loan, were delayed. The balance is measured on a commitment basis.

Official sources: Banque Centrale de Djibouti: Rapport annuel 2024 (PDF)

How much debt does Djibouti owe?

Djibouti's public external debt was 508.9 billion Djibouti francs at the end of 2024, up 4.4% from 487.5 billion, according to the Banque Centrale de Djibouti's annual report for 2024. Public enterprises held 78.8% of it and the state 23.2%.

China accounted for 50.4% of the external debt, followed by the Kuwaiti fund (8.9%) and the Saudi fund (5.5%). Djibouti and Exim Bank of China agreed a restructuring covering the railway and water supply projects. Debt service was 27.2 billion francs in 2024, including 8.0 billion in interest.

Official sources: Banque Centrale de Djibouti: Rapport annuel 2024 (PDF)

How much does Djibouti earn from foreign military bases?

Revenue from foreign military bases rose by 1.2 billion Djibouti francs in 2024, according to the Banque Centrale de Djibouti's annual report for 2024. A revised French lease added 3.0 billion francs and a new Italian rent 0.5 billion, while the US, Chinese and Japanese leases were broadly stable.

Base rents are part of non-tax revenue, which reached 44.9 billion francs. The report gives the change in base income but not the total amount. It says the rise shows both the resilience of this income and Djibouti's dependence on it.

Official sources: Banque Centrale de Djibouti: Rapport annuel 2024 (PDF)

What is Djibouti's debt to GDP ratio?

The IMF puts general government gross debt in Djibouti at 31.3% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 48.0% of GDP in 2017 and the low 24.6% of GDP in 2013. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 52.5% of GDP, and Djibouti placed 18th highest of 20. World rank, highest first: 150th of 185.

What is Djibouti's budget deficit?

In 2025, general government net lending or borrowing in Djibouti was -1.4% of GDP, according to the IMF, a deficit. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 0.6% of GDP; its low point was 2015, at -15.5% of GDP. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was -5.2% of GDP, and Djibouti placed 7th highest of 21. Worldwide: 59th of 188.

How much revenue does Djibouti's government raise?

The IMF puts general government revenue in Djibouti at 18.6% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 29.4% of GDP in 2008 and the low 18.1% of GDP in 2023. It is 16th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 26.3% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 141st of 187.

What is Djibouti's government spending?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 20.0% of GDP. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 18th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 28.7% of GDP. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 147th highest.