Comoros Embraces Digital Innovation to Boost Food Security and Agricultural Development

Moroni, Union of the Comoros, 8 October 2025 (ECA) - A three-day national workshop held in Moroni has spotlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies in strengthening food security and agricultural value chains across the Comoros.

Organized by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, in collaboration with the Government of the Union of the Comoros, the event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, digital experts, and development partners.

Under the theme "Digital Innovations to Strengthen Food Security and Agricultural Value Chains in the Comoros", the workshop explored how tools such as e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, precision agriculture, and online branding can help modernize the agricultural sector and improve access to quality local food products.

In his opening remarks, Andrew Mold, Director of ECA's Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, emphasized the urgency of leveraging digital innovation to stabilize agricultural supply and enhance resilience:

"Digital transformation is a strategic opportunity to improve agricultural performance, facilitate market access, enhance transparency, and strengthen producers' resilience to climate and economic shocks."

Mr. Mold also outlined key structural challenges: Agriculture contributes 36.6% to GDP and employs over 70% of the workforce; Only 40-45% of national food needs are met through local production; The country relies heavily on imports, with rice and wheat dependency rates reaching up to 90%; Post-harvest losses can reach 30%, due to limited storage and processing infrastructure and Less than 2% of cultivated land is irrigated.

Despite these challenges, the Comoros is witnessing a digital shift, supported by nationwide fiber-optic deployment and the rise of local platforms such as Authentic-Comores, Kuuza Comores, and Comores en Ligne.

Insights, Innovation, and Inclusion

Ms. Simone Assah Kuete, ECA economist, presented a regional analysis on agricultural trade and food systems. She noted:

"Digital tools are not merely for entertainment-they are powerful incentives for transforming food systems, enhancing traceability, and connecting producers to both local and international markets. However, their effective adoption depends on well-designed outreach strategies that ensure proper integration by agricultural producers and consumers, particularly women and youth, who are prominently represented in the sector."

The workshop served as a platform for sharing best practices in digitalizing food production, processing, and trade. Government officials, private sector leaders, and technical partners discussed scalable solutions and policy integration.

Mr Boinali Djamil, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Investments, reaffirmed the government's commitment:

"Digital technology is at the heart of our national development strategy. It must enable farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to produce better, sell better, and live better."

Entrepreneur Fahami Thabit, CEO of Kuuzacomores.com, shared his success story: "Thanks to digital tools, we've built a strong local brand, reached international customers, and showcased our agricultural products like never before."

Participants engaged in hands-on sessions on digital packaging, labeling, and marketing. The "Authentic Comores" label-developed with ITC and the Comoros Chamber of Commerce-was highlighted as a quality assurance tool for local products.

Toward a National Digital Roadmap

The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to integrate digital tools into national agricultural policies and consumer practices. ECA and the Government of the Comoros pledged continued collaboration to build a more resilient, inclusive, and competitive agricultural sector-laying the groundwork for long-term food self-sufficiency.

Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: [email protected]