Comoros, a volcanic archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is known for its natural resources, especially agricultural exports.
It’s one of the top global producers of ylang-ylang, which made up 9% of exports in 2022. Agriculture drives the economy, with vanilla and cloves making up 75% of export earnings.
Within its 390,000-square-kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone, Comoros has a wealth of marine life, including tuna and snapper.
The country also has untapped reserves of rare earth metals, gold, and copper. Native forests supply timber and support unique wildlife. Solar and wind energy potential exists but remains mostly unused.
Comoros’s Natural Resources And Their Locations
Here are the natural resources that have been discovered in Comoros and their locations:
| Natural Resources | Locations |
|---|---|
| Ylang-ylang | Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan |
| Vanilla | Agricultural zones across all three islands |
| Cloves | Agricultural zones across all three islands |
| Rare Earth Metals | Grande Comore |
| Gold | Grande Comore |
| Copper | Grande Comore |
| Marine Resources (Fish) | Exclusive Economic Zone (390,000 sq. km) |
| Forests | Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan |
| Medicinal Plants | Indigenous forests on all islands |
| Renewable Energy (Solar) | Coastal and inland areas of all islands |
| Renewable Energy (Wind) | Coastal areas of Grande Comore and Mohéli |
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Discoveries Of Comoros’s Natural Resources
Ylang-ylang was introduced to Comoros by French colonists in the 1880s to support perfume production. By the early 20th century, it had become a major export, with Comoros now supplying about 80% of the world’s ylang-ylang.
Vanilla and cloves followed a similar path, introduced during French colonial rule from 1841 onward. These spices soon became essential to the local economy, playing a big part in agricultural exports.
In 1952, the rediscovery of the West Indian Ocean coelacanth off the Comoros coast drew international attention. This ancient fish was once believed to be extinct for 66 million years but was later established.
The Exclusive Economic Zone, later established, spans 390,000 square kilometers and contains abundant fish stocks, including tuna and snapper.
Geological surveys from the late 20th century onward discovered valuable mineral resources on Grande Comore, such as gold, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth metals.
However, mining activities are restricted due to poor infrastructure and a lack of investment. Meanwhile, the islands’ indigenous forests continue to be recognized for their biodiversity and medicinal plants.
Since the early 2000s, studies have shown strong potential for solar and wind energy across Comoros, particularly in coastal zones. Despite this, large-scale renewable energy projects have yet to take off.
Viability Of Comoros’s Natural Resources
Ylang-ylang thrives in Comoros due to its volcanic soil and tropical climate. The islands produce around 50–70 tons of essential oil each year, supplying up to 80% of the global market.
While sustainable harvesting and eco-friendly distillation methods are being promoted, issues like deforestation and overharvesting continue to threaten its future.
In 2022, Comoros produced 240,330 kg of vanilla, making it the 7th largest producer globally, with a 3.12% market share. Comorian vanilla is prized for its high vanillin content, over 2%, which appeals to premium buyers.
However, the industry has faced persistent issues since 2021, including corruption, unstable pricing, and rising competition from synthetics. High production costs, due to manual methods like hand-pollination, add further strain.
Clove trees grow well in fertile soil and are resilient to climate fluctuations. Still, productivity is hampered by aging trees and outdated farming methods.
There’s a clear need for replanting and improved techniques. Comoros’s Exclusive Economic Zone covers 390,000 square kilometers and supports diverse marine life, from tuna to the rare coelacanth.
Yet, overfishing and restricted access to modern gear undermine sustainability. Mineral surveys have found rare earth metals, gold, copper, nickel, and cobalt on Grande Comore.
The sector is untapped due to infrastructure gaps and a lack of expertise. Forests supply timber, medicinal plants, and habitat for unique wildlife like lemurs while also helping store carbon. Agricultural expansion is the main driver of deforestation, making conservation efforts increasingly urgent.
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Export Potential Of Comoros’s Resources
Comoros has strong export potential across agriculture, marine resources, minerals, and renewable energy.
Ylang-Ylang
Comoros produces 50–70 tons of ylang-ylang essential oil each year, supplying 70–80% of the global market. This made the country a major contributor to the luxury perfume industry. France alone gets 70% of these exports, followed by Germany, Italy, and the USA.
WTO membership has improved Comoros’s access to global markets. This helps the modernization of production systems and upgrades in supply chain logistics, including cold storage and transport networks.
Vanilla
Vanilla is among Comoros’s top agricultural exports. In 2022, the country ranked as the 7th largest global producer, contributing 3.12% to world output.
Support under WTO frameworks could help improve farming methods, boosting yields and access to premium markets in Europe and North America.
Cloves
Comoros is 5th largest clove producer globally. In 2021, cloves accounted for a significant share of agricultural exports. Increased investment in local processing could improve export value, especially in Asian and European markets.
Marine Resources
Despite rich marine biodiversity within its 390,000 sq km Exclusive Economic Zone, Comoros lacks fish processing facilities.
WTO-backed Fisheries Subsidies agreements present a chance to expand seafood exports by improving sustainability and compliance standards.
Mineral Resources
The country has untapped deposits of rare earth metals, gold, copper, nickel, and cobalt. Infrastructure is a barrier, but foreign investment could help unlock these resources.
Export Potential Of Comoros’s Resources
The natural resources of Comoros are a big part of the country’s economy.
Contribution To GDP
Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes around 37–40% of the GDP from 2023 to 2025. It employs nearly 80% of the workforce, making it essential to the livelihoods of most citizens.
Key cash crops, ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves, dominate the sector and anchor the national economy. The ocean economy contributes about 18% of the GDP, with fisheries alone making up nearly 30% of that share.
Export Revenues
Comoros’s economy depends on agricultural exports for foreign exchange. As the world’s top supplier of ylang-ylang oil, producing 70–80% of global demand, this crop significantly drives export income.
Vanilla is another major export, ranking second globally after Madagascar, while cloves also add value. Together, these three account for almost all of Comoros’s export revenues.
Though underdeveloped, the fisheries sector within a 390,000 sq km Exclusive Economic Zone has untapped potential.
Rural Development
Natural resources directly support rural communities with employment, income, and food security. With over 80% of the population involved in agriculture and fishing, these sectors are essential for poverty reduction.
Smallholder farmers benefit from cooperatives and global support initiatives that improve production and market access.
Ylang-ylang cultivation alone sustains thousands, especially women, contributing to community empowerment. Fisheries also support coastal communities nutritionally and economically.