The completion of a major road in the Union of the Comoros is being celebrated by its people, opening up agriculturally rich areas and providing reliable access to popular tourist centers.
Thousands of Comorians gathered to witness the official opening of the $30 million road financed by the African Development Bank.
President Azali Assoumani and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, inaugurated the 49.2-kilometer section of National Road 2 (RN2) on Friday 5 July, on the eve of the country’s 49th independence celebrations.
The opening of the road linking Moroni to the Foumbouni region is a significant addition to the country’s transport infrastructure, expected to drive economic progress in the Comoros.
This new road is anticipated to increase traffic by 27% and reduce operating costs for vehicles by 30% for cars and 33% for trucks, ultimately cutting average journey times by 50%.
President Assoumani expressed gratitude for the support in completing the road during the inauguration ceremony and thanked Dr. Adesina for his presence.
Dr. Adesina emphasized the road’s importance in opening up economically potent areas for agriculture and tourism, suggesting renaming it “The Road of Hope.”
The African Development Bank has invested in various areas to strengthen the Comoros economy, including supporting women and youth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
The Bank aims to provide financing for the rehabilitation and extension of ports as part of a larger project to deepen integration in the Comoros and enhance regional connectivity.
The African Development Bank is a key partner for the Comoros in developing its transport infrastructure, with a focus on sustainable and high-quality projects to promote connectivity within the archipelago.
The Bank’s portfolio for the Comoros includes projects in transport, energy, agriculture, and multi-sector initiatives, aligning with the country’s development goals.
Plans for future financing will support the Emerging Comoros Plan 2030, with a majority of funds directed to the transport and energy sectors to drive economic growth.
Strategically located in the Mozambique Channel, the Union of the Comoros plays a crucial role in various trade routes in the region.
Media contact:
Christin Roby
Communication Department
African Development Bank
email: media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:Â
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org