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# [COMOROS] Economic Sovereignty: New Law Reserves Small Commerce for Native-Born Comorians
- URL: https://businessoi.media/en/comores-souverainete-economique-une-nouvelle-loi-reserve-le-petit-commerce-aux-comoriens-de-naissance-en/
- Published: 2026-08-08T08:43:30.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-08T08:43:30.000Z
- Description: Promulgated on 27 July 2026, a new Comorian law reserves street vending, crafts and personal services for native-born citizens only. An act of economic sovereignty that is dividing opinion across the Indian Ocean region.
- Author: Emmanuel TAOCHY
- Tags: Comores, Économie, emploi, Flash de mi-journée, #en

On 27 July 2026, the Comorian government promulgated a law adopted by the National Assembly on **15 June 2026**: **small local commerce activities** will now be reserved exclusively for native-born Comorian nationals. Presented as an act of economic sovereignty, the move is sparking intense debate in the Comoros and across the region.

## Which Sectors Are Affected?

The law targets activities characterised by low capital, limited annual turnover and minimal technology investment. Article 26 explicitly lists:

- **Street vending** and market trading;
- **Small repair workshops** (electronics, textiles, footwear);
- **Personal local services** (hairdressing, tailoring, street food).

These activities are now restricted to **native-born Comorians** — naturalised citizens are explicitly excluded, a provision already facing legal challenges.

## The Sovereignty Argument

The Ministry of Economy defends the law on three grounds: **food security** (controlling distribution of essential foodstuffs), **modernisation of domestic trade**, and **harmonisation with OHADA standards**. Moroni argues that large swathes of the informal small trade sector are controlled by communities from East Africa, France and Madagascar, limiting economic opportunities for young Comorians.

## A Divided Debate

Supporters note that similar protectionist laws exist elsewhere in Africa. Critics identify three risks: **supply shortages** in sectors where competition kept prices down; a form of **reverse discrimination** incompatible with regional community law; and a potential **loss of skills transfer** from the naturalised diaspora to the local population.

## Why It Matters

The Comoros relies on **diaspora remittances for approximately 25% of GDP**, mostly from France. This law sends a mixed signal: on one hand, a determination to reclaim economic ownership; on the other, a risk of friction with the Franco-Comorian community that funds much of the domestic economy. The Union of Comoros is at a crossroads: between asserting sovereignty and deepening regional integration within the IOC-COMESA framework.

*Sources: Comores Infos (July 2026).*