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National Achievements
Over the years, Mohéli has made significant National Achievements
Over the years, Mohéli has made significant strides in various areas of development. The island’s government, in partnership with communities and international allies, has translated plans into tangible progress. Here we highlight some of Mohéli’s notable development milestones and achievements:
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Infrastructure & Connectivity: Mohéli has dramatically improved its infrastructure. Most notably, the upgrade and expansion of Mohéli’s main port at Fomboni is underway, aimed at enhancing inter-island transport and trade. Once completed, this modernized port will allow larger cargo and passenger vessels to dock, benefiting over 40,000 residents through better freight service and more reliable ferry connections . In addition, many of Mohéli’s roads have been rehabilitated – the coastal road linking the capital Fomboni to outlying villages has been paved and widened, reducing travel time and improving safety. Rural connectivity has also improved as more remote communities gain road access. Electrification has increased; a majority of villages now have electricity, thanks to the extension of the island’s power grid and the installation of solar street lights in areas previously without lighting. In the realm of telecommunications, Mohéli leaped forward by connecting to a fiber-optic network – today the island enjoys mobile phone coverage in all inhabited areas and significantly faster internet service than a decade ago, enabling e-learning, e-government, and local entrepreneurship. These infrastructure advancements have laid the foundation for economic growth and improved quality of life, linking Mohéli’s people more closely with each other and the world.
Economic Development & Livelihoods
Economic Development & Livelihoods: Despite its small size, Mohéli has seen encouraging economic progress. Local production of cash crops like vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang has grown through better cultivation techniques and cooperative farming – increasing farmer incomes and reinforcing Comoros’ position as a world-renowned producer of vanilla. The establishment of cooperatives has empowered farmers and fishers to get better prices and access microfinance. Community-driven development projects, often supported by international grants, have introduced new income sources, from beekeeping for honey production to seaweed farming along Mohéli’s shores. Tourism is on the rise: the number of annual visitors has grown steadily as Mohéli gains recognition as an eco-tourism paradise. Small businesses such as guesthouses, eco-lodges, and guided tour services have sprung up, creating jobs for local youth. In the financial sector, Mohéli’s strategy to attract international business through the Mwali International Services Authority (MISA) is bearing fruit – offshore companies and financial institutions licensed on Mohéli bring revenue and professional opportunities. The island now boasts one of the most business-friendly environments in the region, with a low corporate tax rate of 10% and exemptions on certain non-resident taxes , making it a competitive choice for investors. These economic achievements have gradually translated into poverty reduction and better living standards. Unemployment among the youth, while still a challenge, has declined as vocational training and entrepreneurship programs enable more young Mohélians to start their own enterprises or find skilled work. Through prudent management and innovation, Mohéli’s economy is diversifying beyond subsistence agriculture – a crucial step toward sustainable prosperity.
Education & Youth Empowerment
Education & Youth Empowerment: Mohéli has made remarkable improvements in education. School enrollment at the primary level is now near universal, with more children (especially girls) attending school than ever before. Over the last decade, the government built and renovated dozens of classrooms across the island, eliminated school fees at primary level, and provided training workshops for teachers to enhance the quality of instruction. As a result, literacy rates among Mohéli’s younger generation have climbed significantly, and exam pass rates in primary and secondary schools have improved year on year. A milestone was the establishment of a Mohéli branch of the University of Comoros (a university extension center in Fomboni), enabling students to pursue certain university courses on the island. This achievement has opened doors for higher education without requiring all students to relocate to the capital Moroni. For out-of-school youth and adults, expanded literacy and vocational programs are giving a second chance at learning skills – for instance, community centers now offer evening classes and technical workshops (in carpentry, computing, tailoring, etc.). In terms of youth empowerment, Mohéli prides itself on an active youth community. The introduction of youth councils and regular youth forums has given young people a voice in public affairs. Many youths have taken leadership roles in initiatives like beach clean-ups, tree planting drives, and cultural festivals, supported by small grants from the government. A particularly inspiring achievement is the success of Mohéli’s sports and cultural programs – the island’s football team has won regional tournaments, and traditional dance troupes of Mohéli have performed on national stages, instilling pride in the community. These achievements in education and youth engagement are creating a skilled, confident generation ready to drive Mohéli’s future development.
Healthcare & Social Welfare
Healthcare & Social Welfare: Mohéli’s healthcare system, though modest, has seen significant upgrades that directly impact people’s well-being. The main Fomboni Hospital was recently refurbished with new medical equipment and an expanded maternity ward. Furthermore, the construction of a new maternity clinic in Nioumachoua (a town in southern Mohéli) means that women in that region no longer have to travel hours to Fomboni for childbirth or prenatal care. In fact, residents of Nioumachoua, especially women and children, “no longer have to travel miles to reach the hospital in Fomboni, the Mohéli island’s capital,” thanks to this local maternity facility and an ambulance service for emergencies . There has been a concerted drive to ensure qualified medical personnel are present: Mohéli now has more doctors and midwives per capita than it did a decade ago, supported by deployments from the Union government and foreign medical missions (for example, partnerships have brought in specialists from countries like China and Cuba to serve in Comorian hospitals). Preventive healthcare has expanded through vaccination campaigns that have achieved high immunization coverage for children against diseases like measles and polio. The island has also benefitted from the Comprehensive Approach to Health System Strengthening (COMPASS) project which improved primary health services – more pregnant women are receiving full prenatal care and more infants are delivered safely by skilled attendants than before . In terms of social welfare, Mohéli established community-based programs to support the vulnerable: a network of community health workers visits the elderly and disabled to assist with basic needs and health monitoring. The government launched a modest social assistance program providing stipends to the poorest households and persons with disabilities, ensuring a safety net for those most in need. These healthcare and welfare achievements are reflected in outcomes like increased life expectancy on Mohéli, lower child mortality, and stronger social cohesion – as the community sees tangible proof of the government’s commitment to caring for its people.
Environmental Conservation & Energy
Mohéli is often cited as a success story in environmental conservation. The creation of Mohéli Marine Park in 2001 (now Mohéli National Park) was a groundbreaking achievement – it was the first national park in Comoros and has since become a model for community-driven conservation . Over 400 km² of marine and coastal ecosystems are protected, leading to a rebound in species populations. For instance, the island now hosts one of the largest green sea turtle nesting sites in the Indian Ocean, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the world . Local communities actively participate as park rangers and eco-guards, and in return, they share in eco-tourism revenues – a win-win that has reduced practices like poaching and destructive fishing. In 2021, Mohéli’s commitment was internationally recognized when the entire island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, underscoring a balance of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources . In terms of energy and climate action, Mohéli is embracing renewable energy solutions in line with Comoros’ climate commitments. A flagship project is the rollout of solar power plants on the island: a 1 MW solar photovoltaic plant with battery storage is being installed on Mohéli as part of a World Bank-funded initiative to improve clean energy supply . This, coupled with smaller solar micro-grid projects in remote villages, will reduce reliance on imported diesel fuel and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, hundreds of solar home kits have been distributed, bringing electricity for the first time to some hamlets. The island’s reforestation programs – planting thousands of trees on deforested hills – have improved watershed management and will help mitigate climate change effects. Community-led initiatives have also virtually eliminated illegal charcoal-making in protected forests by providing alternative livelihoods. Mohéli’s environmental and sustainable energy achievements are a source of pride: the island is charting a path of eco-friendly development, ensuring that its extraordinary natural beauty and resources are preserved for generations to come while improving resilience to climate challenges.
Each of these achievements demonstrates Mohéli’s progress and potential. While challenges remain, the trajectory is positive. The island today has stronger infrastructure, a diversifying economy, better educated and healthier citizens, and a global reputation for environmental stewardship. These milestones serve as building blocks as Mohéli continues striving toward an inclusive, sustainable future as part of an emerging Comoros.
