Comoros, an island nation in Southeastern Africa, faces ongoing challenges in providing reliable electricity, particularly in rural areas. According to the World Bank, while nearly 83% of rural residents had access to electricity as of 2022, many communities, which vary by island, still lack the power needed for economic growth and sustainable development.
To bridge this gap, the Comorian Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is launching a minigrid installation program through the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP). With a $1.67 million investment, the initiative will bring sustainable electricity to Banda Samlini (Grande Comore), Ouzini (Anjouan), and Miremani (Moheli). Each minigrid will be tailored to the communities’ specific energy needs and economic activities, laying the foundation for improved livelihoods and long-term development.
Ouzini, AnjouanBanda Samlini, Grande ComoreMiremani, Moheli
Ouzini, Anjouan
Ouzini, a village near Domouni in Anjouan, is a remote community of over 500 households with limited accessibility—reachable only by off-road vehicles during the dry season. Solar energy is the sole lighting source, but few residents can afford solar equipment, leaving most reliant on the village dispensary for phone charging due to inadequate energy capacity. Despite these constraints, Ouzini has significant agricultural and livestock potential, particularly in banana plantations and livestock farming, which could generate substantial value with a reliable energy supply.
“I need electricity at home to be able to use my television, my electric cooker and all the appliances that run on electricity.” – Chamsia Ben ALI, farmer, Ouzini.
Banda Samlini, Grande Comore
Banda Samlini, located in northeast Grande Comore, was selected for this project due to its fertile volcanic soil, earning it the title of the island’s granary. Many farmers have settled there to be close to their fields, forming a village with essential needs such as water and electricity. While some households in Grande Comore have access to the power grid, rural areas like Banda Samlini remain largely excluded. For this reason, this locality has been selected as a priority for the installation of a minigrid power plant, an initiative enthusiastically embraced by the community.
“With a freezer, I could keep my supplies cool. Plus, if I can recharge my phone, I will be informed of everything that is happening in the village and will be able to go there, even in the evening.” – M’lindra Mzé Mbaba, farmer, Banda Samlini.
Miremani, Moheli
Miremani, a rural village in Moheli near Numachua, is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including a beach frequented by tourists. However, like the rest of the island, it struggles with limited electricity and a lack of modern infrastructure. This makes it an ideal site for the installation of a minigrid power plant. Once implemented, the project will highlight the Comorian government and its partners’ commitment to advancing sustainable development in rural communities.
“If electricity arrives here, the village will have many changes, especially for fish conservation. I could perhaps consider a project to build a cold room if I have the means.” – Saindou Oili, resident, Miremani.
Comoros, like Nigeria and other participating AMP countries, are in the planning or implementation stages of the project. UNDP modelling estimates that minigrids will be the lowest-cost approach to providing electricity to 265 million people across AMP’s 21 countries by 2030. More broadly, this aligns with Mission 300, an initiative led by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other partners. Mission 300 seeks to speed up electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa while ensuring the shift to cleaner and more diverse energy sources meets rising demand, fuels economic growth, and generates employment.
