IFC invests US$27mn to accelerate Comoros’ digital growth

Yas Comoros, a subsidiary of AXIAN Telecom, has announced a new partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to fuel the next stage of digital development across the Union of the Comoros

This collaboration will support the expansion of mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure, promoting economic advancement and greater digital inclusion throughout the islands.

Under the terms of the agreement, IFC will provide a €25 million loan (approx. US$26.75mn) to accelerate infrastructure rollouts, boost network quality, and improve inter-island connectivity. This builds on the IFC’s initial €13 million (approx. US$13.91mn) loan provided in 2019, which supported Yas Comoros’ network launch after being awarded the country’s second telecom licence. That earlier loan, IFC’s first private sector investment in Comoros, was fully repaid in June 2025.

Now undergoing rapid expansion, Yas Comoros is the fastest-growing brand within the AXIAN Telecom group. This new funding will enable the company to meet increasing demand for data services, improve service standards, and invest in advanced technologies such as 5G, fibre to the home (FTTH), and fibre to the office (FTTO), with rollout beginning in 2025.

“This loan is an opportunity not only to modernise our network but also to invest in advanced technologies from 2025, including 5G rollout, FTTH, and FTTO, and thus accelerate the digitisation of the Union of the Comoros over the next five years,” commented Christophe Oliver, CEO of Yas Comoros. “We are committed to delivering improved connectivity solutions across the board, for consumers, SMEs, corporates, and public sector institutions, in alignment with the government’s digital vision,” he continued.

“This partnership with AXIAN Telecom marks a pivotal step in IFC’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation in Comoros and across Africa. This partnership not only supports the country’s digital ambitions, but also unlocks pathways for innovation, financial inclusion, and economic opportunity for all Comorians, especially women, youth, and rural communities,” said Mehita Fanny, IFC country manager for Comoros, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mozambique and Seychelles. “Investing in digital infrastructure is central to IFC’s strategy to foster sustainable development, empower local entrepreneurs, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.”

Commenting on the development, minister of post, communications, digital economy and transparency of Comoros, Oumouri Mmadi Hassani said, “This loan of 25 million EUR granted to Yas Comoros by the IFC represents a key milestone for the telecommunications sector in the Comoros. It will contribute to the expansion and modernization of digital infrastructures, thus providing better connectivity to our entire population, particularly in rural areas. It will also support key projects to stimulate innovation and digital inclusion, enhancing the competitiveness of our businesses and contributing to the country's digital transformation. This is a strong commitment to a sustainable digital future, which will promote economic growth and the well-being of Comorians. We are pleased about the effective involvement of the IFC, which, through this financing, contributes significantly to the development of Comoros' digital economy with unparalleled transparency.”