Abu Dhabi Allocates Fund for Development Projects in Comoros

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has allocated 35 million dirhams (~US$9.5 million) to support the UAE’s ongoing development efforts in the African island-nation Comoros. The fund will be used in key projects in education, health, and agriculture, state news agency WAM reported, under the “Mother of the Nation” development program, led by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC). About 4.5 million dirhams (~US$1.2 million) will fund a garment manufacturing unit to provide livelihood to families in the island; 10 million dirhams (~US$2.7 million) will be used to build a student dormitory; and 13 million for two women and children-focused health centers.

The rest of the fund will be channeled into agriculture and livestock projects, and construction of a school. “Through this agreement, we seek to support sustainable development and improve the living standards of the people of the Comoros by ensuring their access to basic services in collaboration with ERC,” the ADFD’s director-general, Saif Al-Suwaidi, said. The UAE’s commitment to Comoros dates back to the late 1970s, and the ADFD has since given 436 million dirhams (~US$118.3 million) in development aid to the African country.