President of the Union of the Comoros says maritime corridor is the mark of a resilient nation.
by Blue Africa News
The Union of Comoros has launched a US$137 million maritime corridor and regional trade facilitation project, financed by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Under the agreement, port infrastructure will be modenised to facilitate trade and strengthen regional connectivity.
Additionally, the African Development Bank Group said the funding will enable the nation to capitalise on its strategic geographical position in the Mozambique Channel, and become a logistics hub between Africa and Asia.
“The Bank Group’s financing consists of a principal grant of U$135 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional window, and another grant of US$2 million from the Transition Support Fund, a mechanism for countries in transition,” the bank said.
Speaking during the launch on October 27, 2025, Azali Assoumani, president of the Union of the Comoros said the maritime corridor is a symbol of a resilient nation, fully integrated into regional and continental dynamics.
“It is a living symbol of our openness to the world, a bridge between people, a vehicle for trade, cooperation and shared prosperity,” he said.
Yasmine Hassane Alfeine, Comorian Minister of Maritime and Air Transport thanked the African Development Bank Group whose technical and financial support has accompanied the island nation’s efforts to realise a vision of development based on sustainability, integration and infrastructure resilience.
“Thanks to this strengthened corporation, we are taking a new step in the modernisation of our port and maritime infrastructure, with the prospect of creating a special economic zone,” noted the minister.
In the long run, the project will contribute to the development of value chains in agriculture and fisheries, while creating economic opportunities for young people and women.
Other partners, including the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, French Development Agency, European Union and the European Investment Bank will join hands in co-financing the project, mobilising together more than $110 million in additional funding.
Comoros is already highly dependent on the ocean, as much as 18% of its GDP coming from the marine economy.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News