The Comoros is embarking on its most ambitious infrastructure transformation since independence. A major maritime corridor project, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with $137 million and a further $110 million+ from partners — including the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, French Development Agency (AFD), European Union and EIB — aims to modernise the archipelago's port infrastructure and position the Comoros as a regional logistics hub.
A Strategically Positioned Archipelago
Located in the Mozambique Channel at the crossroads of maritime routes linking Africa and Asia, the Comoros holds an underutilised geographic advantage. The maritime corridor project seeks to capitalise on this position: strengthening connectivity between the three main islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohéli), boosting trade with the broader region and paving the way for a special economic zone.
The archipelago recorded economic growth of 3.8% in 2025, according to IMF data — its best performance since the Covid-19 pandemic. This renewed momentum provides a supportive backdrop for a project of this scale to take off.
Thousands of Jobs Expected
Beyond port modernisation, the project plans to develop value chains in agriculture and fisheries — two key sectors of the Comorian economy — and build climate-resilient infrastructure. Creating « thousands of jobs » for young people and women is one of the project's stated goals.
The AfDB financing breaks down into a $135 million grant from the African Development Fund and a $2 million complementary grant from the Transition Support Facility.
Why It Matters
For the Indian Ocean region, a better-connected Comoros changes the picture. Improved port infrastructure reduces regional trade costs, facilitates exchanges between IOC (Indian Ocean Commission) island members and strengthens the zone's position as a redistribution hub between Africa and Asia. Business.OI will closely monitor this project's progress as it could redraw the economic geography of the sub-region.
Sources: African Development Bank, Alwihda Info, Financial Afrik, IMF (2025–2026)