news 25 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Djibouti's Ambitious Salaam City Project Sparks Interest in Uganda
Djibouti has launched Salaam City, its largest residential development featuring over 7,000 housing units and integrated urban amenities, drawing attention from Uganda amid its own urban housing challenges. The project, linked to a Ugandan-operating group, highlights opportunities in employment, sustainability, and planned city growth. Source: https://observer.ug/news/djibouti-builds-new-city-uganda-takes-note
President Ismail Omar Guelleh recently initiated construction on Salaam City, Djibouti’s most ambitious housing project to date. This massive development will deliver more than 7,000 residential units alongside schools, healthcare centers, a mosque, and commercial areas, forming a complete self-sustaining community.
Designed to tackle rapid urbanization, the initiative aims to provide organized housing while boosting the economy through up to 2,000 construction jobs at its peak.
Sustainability features, including energy-efficient buildings and eco-friendly materials, align with emerging trends in African urban planning, supported by Shari’ah-compliant financing.
Uganda, facing similar pressures in cities like Kampala, views this as a potential blueprint for affordable housing and infrastructure. The project’s developer, Salaam Real Estate under the Salaam Group—which already operates in Uganda—adds direct relevance for local policymakers.
As Djibouti advances, the model prompts Uganda to consider large-scale urban projects for long-term growth and job creation.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)