IFC provides €25 million loan to boost digital infrastructure in Comoros

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Operators; 23 June 2025; 3448 views

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has approved a €25 million loan to Axian Telecom’s Comoros-based operation, Yas Comoros, to support the expansion of connectivity infrastructure and the enhancement of mobile and fixed broadband services across the East African archipelago.

As part of the agreement, Yas Comoros will use the funding to accelerate telecom infrastructure deployment, improve overall network quality, and strengthen inter-island connectivity. The new loan follows a previous €13 million IFC investment in 2019, which supported Yas Comoros’ initial network rollout after securing the country’s second telecom licence. That loan was fully repaid in June 2025.

Axian Telecom highlighted Yas Comoros as the group’s fastest-growing entity. The new financing will help meet surging demand for data services and support investment in next-generation technologies such as 5G, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), and fibre-to-the-office (FTTO), with deployment set to begin this year.

“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,” said Christophe Oliver, Chief Executive Officer 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.”

Mehita Fanny, IFC Country Manager for Comoros, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Seychelles, added: “This partnership with Axian Telecom marks a pivotal step in IFC’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation in Comoros and across Africa. It 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.”

Oumouri Mmadi Hassan, Minister of Post, Communications, Digital Economy and Transparency of Comoros, welcomed the funding, stating it will “support key projects to stimulate innovation and digital inclusion, enhancing the competitiveness of our businesses and contributing to the country’s digital transformation.”