Location: Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

AfDB convenes a high-level meeting on March 25 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

One of the most critical issues to be addressed in realizing the Comoros' growth opportunities is the immense power deficit which acts as a major constraint to the country's socioeconomic development. The power sector is going through an energy crisis in the Comoros, due to the structural problem of exorbitant generation costs and inefficient organization of the sector. It is the African country with the highest rate of energy loss and the lowest cost recovery rate. It is estimated that 48% of the electricity generated is lost and only 33% of energy sold is actually paid for.

Tackling the energy challenge is an urgent necessity to provide the country with basic services. Reforms of the sector are currently being undertaken. Moreover, the African Development Bank's decision to focus solely on the energy sector in its country strategy for 2011-2015 reflects the efforts to move forward. However, they are insufficient. This is why the AfDB is holding a high-level meeting jointly with the Government of the Comoros, and the main technical and financial partners.

The Vice-President and Minister of Finance of the Union of Comoros, public and private sector representatives, donors such as the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the President of the AfDB will discuss strategic themes and issues to sustainably develop the country's energy sector.