Armed conflict and political violenceSevere
Sustained lethal conflict or armed violence is being reported.
Country risk assessment ยท Africa
Djibouti political and security risk assessment
Djibouti carries a guarded level of political and security risk for business. It scores 39 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 2 of 5), down 1 on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
39of 100
Guarded
Band 2 of 5
▼ Down 1 on last week
Africa
Djibouti
What is the political and security risk in Djibouti right now?
Djibouti carries a guarded level of political and security risk for business. It scores 39 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 2 of 5), down 1 on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
Week on week the picture is little changed. The main standing risks are foreign government warnings and heavy reporting of armed violence.
On the economic side, real GDP grew 6.5% in 2025 with inflation at -0.3%.
What are the main risks of operating in Djibouti?
Staff movement and duty of careGuarded
Foreign governments advise normal to increased caution.
Chokepoint exposure
Bab el-Mandeb StraitThe Red Sea's southern gate, between Yemen and DjiboutiRead the explainer →What has changed recently in Djibouti?
Djibouti moved down 1 this week and fell 1 point over the last 12 weeks, from 40 to 39.
- Reporting of armed clashes and attacks down 61% week on week
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess there is a realistic possibility that Djibouti stays in the Guarded band through the end of December. It sits 1 point from the Elevated band.
40 to 55%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Trade routes for Djibouti are exposed to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, so disruption there feeds straight into freight time and cost.
Food makes up 41% of goods exports (2023 data), so harvest, port and road disruption matter for buyers.
Trade equals 206% of GDP (2025 data). A highly open economy, so local disruption travels quickly through supplier networks.
Operating conditions are generally normal, with localized risks to plan around.
Key facts
GDPUS$4.6 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth6.5%Latest data, 2025
Inflation-0.3%Latest data, 2025
Trade206% of GDPLatest data, 2025
Food exports41% of goods exportsLatest data, 2023
Population1.2 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the Djibouti threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Djibouti for business?
Djibouti carries a guarded level of political and security risk for business. It scores 39 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 2 of 5), down 1 on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Djibouti?
The main risk drivers are armed conflict and political violence (severe); staff movement and duty of care (guarded). Sustained lethal conflict or armed violence is being reported.
What is the outlook for Djibouti?
We assess there is a realistic possibility (40 to 55%) that Djibouti stays in the Guarded band through the end of December. It sits 1 point from the Elevated band.
Which shipping chokepoints matter for Djibouti?
Djibouti is exposed to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Red Sea's southern gate, between Yemen and Djibouti.
How often is the Djibouti risk assessment updated?
The Djibouti threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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