Food & Climate
The blue economy offers a transformative opportunity that expanding fisheries in the Comoros, marine tourism, and conservation, alongside infrastructure and environmental safeguards, will be key to realizing this potential, according to World Bank.
The first edition of the Comoros Economic Update, titled An Ocean of Opportunities: Blue Economy as a Driver of Sustainable Growth, presents recent economic trends and the medium-term outlook. The report’s focus section explores how the blue economy can drive growth, create jobs, and protect ecosystems while ensuring long-term resource sustainability.
The economy is rising but remains insufficient to reduce persistent poverty and inequality
In 2024, Comoros’ economy grew modestly from 3% to 3.4%, driven by household consumption and services, supported by rising remittances and easing inflation.
Agriculture and industry also expanded but per capita income stagnated, and poverty levels remained high. Public finances came under pressure. Revenues held steady at 16.6% of GDP, while spending surged due to large externally financed projects, widening the fiscal deficit from 1.3% to 3.9%.
Public debt rose to 36.8% of GDP, prompting the IMF and World Bank to classify Comoros at high risk of debt distress.
Remittances, averaging 11.3% of GDP over the past decade, remain a vital source of household income but cannot offset trade imbalances or fund development, according to the report which seen by “Food & Climate” platform.
Liberalization of rice imports
Despite a positive growth outlook, Comoros faces persistent macroeconomic risks and structural development challenges
Between 2025 and 2027, Comoros is projected to maintain steady growth, driven by private consumption and public investment, particularly in infrastructure and preparations for the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games, according to the World Bank.
Inflation is expected to decline, supported by reforms such as the liberalization of rice imports.
However, the country continues to face macroeconomic challenges such as high import dependency, limited export diversification, and persistent inflationary pressures.
WTO accession presents could open new markets, but may reduce trade revenues without complementary policies. Climate change, natural disasters, and global volatility further threaten stability.
Weak governance, high youth unemployment, and limited formal job creation constrain the country’s capacity to respond effectively to these challenges.
WTO accession offers export diversification opportunities, particularly in fisheries and agriculture, but must be supported by investments in trade logistics and quality infrastructure. Financial sector reforms are also needed to address high non-performing loans and expand financial inclusion. Improving governance, enhancing SOE oversight, and advancing decentralization, alongside stronger anti-corruption and judicial systems, will be essential to improve service delivery and build investor confidence.
Growth by unlocking the blue economy
Comoros can drive inclusive growth by unlocking its blue economy through reforms, investment, and sustainability, according to the World Bank.
The country holds significant untapped potential in its natural capital, particularly in fisheries in the Comoros, and marine tourism.
Despite of high per capita fisheries in the Comoros, it struggles to translate its wealth into economic growth due to weak infrastructure, outdated practices, and limited market access. A well-executed blue economy strategy, anchored in governance reforms, infrastructure investment, and environmental stewardship, could raise GDP growth and support the country’s goal of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2050.
This aligns with the objectives of the Plan Emergent Comores 2030, which prioritizes sustainable resource management and climate resilience. Key priorities include modernizing fisheries in the Comoros. A well-executed blue economy strategy, anchored in governance reforms, infrastructure investment, and environmental stewardship, could raise GDP growth and support the country’s goal of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2050., expanding aquaculture, improving port and energy infrastructure, and enhancing financial inclusion, especially for women and MSMEs.
Strong governance, marine spatial planning, and digital innovation will be essential to manage resources sustainably. By aligning human capital development, climate resilience, and inclusive finance with blue economy goals, Comoros can drive long-term, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
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