His Excellency President AZALI Assoumani, officially opened the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGEO-C11) at the People’s Palace on Wednesday.
The ceremony brought together representatives from 20 countries, institutional leaders, researchers, investors and technical and financial partners.
In his speech, the Head of State referred to an African paradox: indeed, the continent is full of resources, yet a part of its population still does not have access to reliable and affordable electricity. Geothermal energy provides a way to diversify energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.
” Geothermal energy also reminds us of an obvious fact: the constraints that nature imposes on us can, when science, will and investment meet, become opportunities for development,” he stressed.
Karthala, an asset for the country
For the Comoros, this perspective has a name: Karthala, which is part of our heritage, our history and our identity. “The Karthala volcano has long been seen primarily as a force of nature, and today it is a major lever for the energy sovereignty and sustainable development of the Comoros,” said the President.
The volcano geothermal exploration project was launched on 2 July 2026 with support from the African Development Bank, the African Union Commission and UNDP. It should allow for a better assessment of the resource and the conditions under which it could be exploited. Prospects will depend on the results of studies and exploration.
In the long term, more stable energy would benefit the entire economy: productive activities, industrialization, public services, access to water, and living conditions for families. The objective is clear: that the benefits meet the real needs of the Comorians.
A national, African and international ambition
This is part of the emerging Comoros 2030 Plan, for which security of energy supply is a prerequisite for the country’s transformation. It also joins Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the United Nations SDO 7, which aims to provide everyone with access to reliable, sustainable and affordable energy.
African cooperation to build
Welcoming ARGeo-C11 in Moroni is also a plea for closer exchanges between African countries. The Head of State called for cooperation based on solidarity, expertise and concrete results, especially for countries wishing to develop their geothermal energy. He stressed the role of the already experienced states, which would accompany the training of skills and exchanges between institutions, researchers and economic actors.
In declaring the conference open, the President hoped that the work would lead to strong partnerships and concrete decisions. For the Comoros, the task now is to gain a better understanding of Karthala’s potential and to prepare for its development, while respecting our heritage.