The announcement highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in driving Africa’s digital transformation and underscores Comoros’ ambition to become a more connected, innovative, and inclusive digital economy.

Yas Comoros, a subsidiary of AXIAN Telecom, announced on June 20 a major partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to boost digital infrastructure across the Union of the Comoros. The collaboration will support the next phase of digital transformation by expanding high-quality mobile and fixed broadband services across the archipelago.

“This loan is an opportunity not only to modernise our network but also to invest in advanced technologies that will accelerate the digitisation of the Union of the Comoros over the next five years,” said Christophe Oliver, CEO of Yas Comoros. “We are committed to delivering improved connectivity for all — consumers, businesses, and government institutions — in support of the country’s digital vision.”

As part of the agreement, IFC will provide €25 million in new financing to Yas Comoros to accelerate the rollout of telecom infrastructure, enhance network quality, and strengthen inter-island connectivity. The investment builds on IFC’s €13 million loan in 2019, which helped establish Yas Comoros as the country’s second telecom operator. That initial loan, IFC’s first private sector investment in Comoros, was fully repaid in June 2025.

Now the fastest-growing unit within AXIAN Telecom, Yas Comoros will use the new funding to meet rising demand for data services and invest in next-generation technologies, including 5G, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), and fibre-to-the-office (FTTO), with deployments beginning in 2025.

Minister of Post, Communications, Digital Economy and Transparency, Oumouri Mmadi Hassani, hailed the investment as a turning point for Comoros’ connectivity: “This €25 million loan marks a key milestone in our telecom sector. It will strengthen digital infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, stimulate innovation, and enhance the country’s economic competitiveness. We commend IFC’s continued commitment to transparency and inclusive development in the digital economy.”

With only 35.7% of Comorians currently online, according to DataReportal, the partnership between Yas Comoros and IFC represents a crucial step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring broader access to the internet. By expanding high-speed mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure across the islands, the initiative will help bring millions of people online for the first time. This increased connectivity has the potential to unlock economic opportunities, improve access to education, healthcare, and financial services, and drive inclusive growth.

Hikmatu Bilali