Djibouti sits at one of the most important geographic choke points in the world — the gateway between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, where U.S., Chinese, French, and other strategic interests intersect. As the country accelerates its agricultural and infrastructure development, global partners are being invited to participate in long-term investment frameworks under initiatives like the FAO Hand-in-Hand program.

In 2019, Mark Erjavec and his affiliated companies — including Blue Heron Farms, Mesaba Finance, and supporting legal and finance entities — participated in an early-stage development mission that established key relationships and laid groundwork for agricultural modernization. That initial visit, documented in the Star Tribune, created the momentum and business structure being expanded today as Djibouti moves into a new phase of private-sector engagement

Djibouti’s importance is not theoretical — it is strategic, immediate, and long-term:

• Controls access to the Suez–Red Sea corridor
• Host nation to the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa (Camp Lemonnier)
• Central logistics hub for East Africa, Ethiopia, and the Gulf
• Now entering a new phase of agriculture, logistics, and food security development
   

While historically dependent on imports, Djibouti is now actively seeking private investment to build farming capacity, local value chains, and modern agrifood infrastructure. That creates a rare first-mover advantage for experienced operators with proven execution in challenging environments.

The original delegation included multiple private-sector contributors. Most saw the obstacles — climate limitations, infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexity. But Erjavec recognized the opportunity, and through his diverse international experience and multi-entity structure, positioned his group to activate the strategy that is progressing today.

“The others on the initial trip saw only the challenges and complexity. Mark, with his international experience and diverse entities — including Blue Heron Farms and Mesaba Finance — was able to identify the opportunity, structure the approach, and develop the strategy being executed today.”
 

That early engagement, backed by finance, legal, and operational expertise, allowed Erjavec to build a platform instead of a pitch — a coordinated framework for agricultural development, investment, and long-term partnerships.

Djibouti’s Hand-in-Hand initiative, recent agribusiness summits, and FAO-backed investment forums are actively soliciting private-sector participation. The government is positioning agriculture as a strategic pillar alongside ports, free zones, and logistics. What began as an exploratory engagement is now aligned with national priorities and global development frameworks.

Erjavec’s role today is not theoretical — it is strategically positioned at the intersection of U.S. interests, African food security, and long-term investment, supported by relationships originally established during the 2019 delegation.

• Irrigation, soil management, and water-efficient production
• AgTech and climate-adaptive farming models
   

• Local processing
• Cold chain and logistics
• Export frameworks and food security partnerships
   

• Bilateral relationships aligned with U.S. strategic interests
• Private-sector pathways for investment and development
• Market entry advantage for aligned partners