African Union and Comoros Strengthen Energy Partnership with GRMF Support. By Raymond Enoch
The African Union (AU) continues to bolster its commitment to sustainable energy development in member states, with the Union of the Comoros emerging as a significant beneficiary. In a recent engagement, H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, met with H.E. Youssouf Mondoha Assoumani, Ambassador of the Union of the Comoros to Ethiopia and the African Union, to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. Ambassador Assoumani extended congratulations to Commissioner Mataboge on her appointment and reaffirmed Comoros’ full support for AU initiatives during her tenure.
A cornerstone of this partnership is the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF), a collaborative effort between the AU, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund, in cooperation with the German development bank KfW. Established in 2012, the GRMF aims to fund, facilitate, and accelerate geothermal development in Eastern Africa, encouraging public and private sector investment in geothermal power generation. The facility co-finances surface studies and drilling programs, acting as a catalyst in establishing geothermal energy as a strategic option for power generation capacity expansion in twelve partner countries, including the Comoros.
The Comoros has been actively engaged with the GRMF, notably receiving an $844,680 grant in May 2015 for surface studies at the Karthala Geothermal Prospect on Grande Comore Island. This grant, covering 80% of the study costs, marked a significant step towards harnessing the nation’s indigenous geothermal resources. The AU has consistently urged the government of the Union of the Comoros to maintain momentum and apply for subsequent GRMF grants to advance drilling programs and further geothermal development.
In her recent remarks, Commissioner Mataboge emphasized the AU’s commitment to supporting Comoros in its energy sector endeavors. She highlighted the importance of continued collaboration through the GRMF to enhance energy access and infrastructure development in the Comoros. Ambassador Assoumani expressed appreciation for the AU’s efforts and support, recognizing the pivotal role of geothermal energy in the nation’s sustainable development.
As the Comoros continues to explore and develop its geothermal potential, the partnership with the AU and the GRMF stands as a testament to the collective effort towards achieving energy sustainability and economic resilience in Eastern Africa.
