Tourism and energy identified as drivers for economic transformation in Comoros

Moroni, Comoros, 15 November 2017 (ECA) - Tourism and energy are among the sectors that can accelerate growth in Comoros and enable the country to achieve the Government strategic vision to become an emerging country by 2030.

The joint session concluded the three-day meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts held by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Moroni. The Comoros profile produced by the ECA, which highlights macroeconomic and social developments in the country, was officially presented during the meeting.

The goal was to identify catalysts and constraints to growth in Eastern Africa. In the case of Comoros, Emma Anoh, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Comoros and Priscilla Lecomte, economist at the ECA, stressed the need to improve tourism facilities in Comoros, in order to leverage the exceptional potential of the country.

"To develop sustainable tourism in Comoros, it is essential to promote its natural heritage. The projet of a national Protected Areas Network aims to meet this objective," explained Ms. Anoh.

The General Planning Commissioner of the Union of Comoros, Fouady Goulame, presented the context for the revision of the Accelerated Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (SCA2D). "The goal is to align the development strategy with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 national vision", said M. Goulame.

Finally, regarding the energy sector, the Director of Renewable Energy, Farida Ahmed Karim, insisted on the Government strategy towards a more sustainable energy mix. The UNDP presented the geothermal development initiative, as a component of the energy transition strategy. ECA concluded by sharing its experience in supporting energy planning processes in Eastern African countries. 

 

Issued by:

Office for Eastern Africa

Economic Commission for Africa