Moroni — Participants at the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts have adopted the final communiqué which focuses on catalysts to growth in Eastern Africa, and paves the way for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and member states, including the Union of the Comoros.

The communiqué, which concludes the three-day meeting organized in Moroni by the ECA in partnership with the Government of Comoros, takes stock of best practices and research results that have been shared during the meeting on issues related to tourism, remittances, and the banking sector, among others.

The key role of investments in infrastructure and renewable energies in particular was emphasized, as well as the need to support the private sector, through improved access to credit.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Mohamed Daoudou, the Interior Minister of the Union of the Comoros, insisted on the importance of Moroni meeting's outcomes for Comoros. "Among the contributions to economic transformation, political will is a key factor in enabling Eastern Africa to become an emerging region," he argued.

The Commissioner General for Planning, Mr. Fouady Goulame, highlighted the new strategic orientations of the Government and added that the ongoing elaboration of Comoros 2030 Vision would draw on research results presented during the meeting, including the Comoros country profile produced by the ECA.

In this regard, ECA's Acting Director in Eastern Africa, Mr. Andrew Mold, recalled the organisation's commitment to support the Government of Comoros on tourism, energy, connectivity and blue economy-related issues. Following the request made by President Azali, the ECA may also assist the Government of Comoros in developing a strategy to mobilize the diaspora for financing development.

21st Intergovernmental Committee of Experts: The Moroni Communiqué

Office for Eastern Africa

Economic Commission for Africa