Women entrepreneurs in Comoros are starting more businesses than before. In the past, most women in Comoros worked on farms, in markets, or stayed at home. Now, most of them run their own businesses. Some sell clothes, spices, or handmade goods. Others own farms or even lead big companies. This is helping the local community and the families of Comoros earn more. It is also making the economy stronger.

Even though more women are becoming entrepreneurs, they still face many challenges. Getting loans is not easy. Finding business training is difficult. Some people still believe women should not run businesses. But things are improving. The government and international groups are helping. They provide training, small loans, and business advice.

Some women-led businesses in Comoros are now very successful. Many sell products to other countries. Some use social media to reach more buyers. Their success is creating jobs for others. People like buying handmade and organic products from Comorian women.

Women entrepreneurs in Comoros play a great role in the economy. They work in farming, trade, and small businesses. Their work helps their families earn and supports the community. More women are starting businesses and entering different industries, helping the country grow even faster.

More women are working now than before. In 2023, about 33.1% of women in Comoros were part of the workforce. For men, this number was 55.4%.

Even though more women are working, many still face various challenges. Jobs are not always easy to find. Some of the women work without any contracts or stable income. But things are improving gradually, and more women are finding ways to succeed.

Women entrepreneurs in Comoros work in many areas or sectors. The most common sectors are:

1. Agriculture 

Many women of Comoros work on various farms. They grow various types of crops, take care of farm animals, and sell food items.

2. Manufacturing and Production

About 10.98% of working women have jobs in the manufacturing and production sector.

3. Services 

Many Comorian women work in shops, hotels, schools, and the tourism industry. They also sell goods in markets and run home-based businesses. They earn by making and selling clothes, food items, and handmade products.

4. Informal Work

Many Comorian women work in the informal sector. This means they do not have official jobs with stable income. They work without contracts, job security, or proper pay. Some earn by selling products in the streets or working as daily labourers.

As a result, many Comorian women struggle to save for themselves and their families. Without stable jobs, it is hard to plan for the future. But things are changing. More programs are helping women get stable jobs and start businesses.

More women are starting their own businesses. They sell clothes, food, spices, and beauty products. Some open small shops or work in the tourism industry. Being a business owner helps women earn more and have control over their income.

Women who own businesses also help others. They create jobs for other women. This makes communities stronger and improves family income. More women are seeing business as a way to grow.

Women entrepreneurs in the Comoros are taking on larger roles in the economy. More are working, starting businesses, and gaining financial independence. The government and international groups are helping them grow.

With more support and opportunities, women can play an even bigger role in Comoros’ economic future. They are already proving that they can lead, innovate, and build strong businesses.

Even though women in Comoros work hard, they still face many problems. Some cannot get loans to grow their businesses. Others lack training or education. Some face cultural barriers in which people believe men should run businesses, not women. These challenges make it really hard for women to grow their businesses or find better jobs.

1. Struggles to Get Loans

Everyone needs funds to start and grow businesses. But getting a loan is really difficult in Comoros. Many banks ask for property or other assets as collateral. Most Comorian women do not own land or significant assets, so they are rejected for loans by Comorian banks. Without financial support, it is hard for them to expand a business. 

A World Bank report says women in Africa, including the Comoros, have fewer financial resources. Because of this, growing businesses are difficult.

2. Lack of Business Education

Many Comorian women are not educated enough. They also lack the minimum business training. Without learning proper skills, they struggle to manage finance, advertise, or plan business growth. Some of them still do not know how to apply for financial help.

Women in Comoros have lower literacy rates than men. This limits their access to business information and reduces their chances of success.

3. Cultural and Social Barriers

Many traditional beliefs limit women in business. Many people in the Comoros think that men should run all businesses while women should stay at home. These ideas and beliefs stop women from stepping into the business world.

Early marriage is another big challenge. Some young women get married early and are expected to focus on family instead of careers. Because of this, many women never get a chance to start a business or get a steady job.

4. Weak Legal Support

There is also a lack of legal practice to fully support women in business. There are laws to protect women’s economic rights, but many women still do not know about them. Without strong legal representation, they face unfair treatment in the workplace and in business.

A World Bank study found that legal and policy barriers still slow down women’s progress in business.

5. Unstable Jobs with No Security

Many women work in unstable jobs in Comoros. They do not have proper contracts or fixed salaries. This makes it hard to plan for the future.

Jobs in the informal sector do not provide social protection. If women lose their jobs, they have no safety net, which is one of the many challenges for women in Comoros.

6. Women Are Not in Leadership Roles

Women have fewer chances to make big decisions in business and government in Comoros. Men still hold most leadership positions. This makes it harder for women to push for business-friendly policies.

When women are not in decision-making roles, laws and programs do not focus on their needs.

7. Balancing Work and Family

Most women take care of their families while running businesses or working jobs. Many spend hours cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. This limits the time they have for their business or job.

Without proper support systems, many women cannot focus fully on their work. This slows down their business growth and reduces job opportunities.

But there are solutions. More training programs and financial support are helping women start and grow their businesses in Comoros. Women are also proving that they can succeed in business if given the chance.

Women need better support to overcome these challenges. 

1. Women should get better access to loans, training, and legal help. 
2. More women should be in leadership positions. 
3. Cultural changes must also happen so that women can grow without limits.

If these barriers are removed, women can play a bigger role in the economy. 

1. Agribusiness

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in Comoros. Women play a significant role in growing the agricultural sector. They grow various kinds of crops and process food. 

There’s a growing demand for organic products. Women can help grow this market as well. They can produce organic vanilla, spices, and other crops. 

Investors can invest in these sectors. They can provide funds and various resources. This helps women grow their businesses and also supports the economy of the Comoros. ​

2. Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel

Comoros has very beautiful landscapes and a very rich culture. Eco-tourism is growing slowly. Comorian women lead many tourism businesses. They run guesthouses and offer cultural tours to tourists from all around the world. 

Investors can partner with these women. They can develop eco-friendly accommodations and services. This attracts tourists and supports local communities.

3. Technology and Digital Services

Many Comorian women are starting various tech businesses. They offer digital marketing and IT solutions.

Investors can support tech training programs. They can provide resources for women-led tech startups. ​

4. Handicrafts and Cultural Products

Comoros has a rich tradition of handicrafts. Women create unique items like textiles and jewelry. There’s a global market for handmade goods. 

Investors can help women artisans reach international buyers. They can support online platforms and marketing efforts. This preserves culture and provides income. ​

5. Health and Wellness

The wellness industry is growing in Comoros. Women lead businesses in beauty and fitness. They use local ingredients for skincare products. 

Investors can support these ventures. They can provide funds for spa centers and product development. This promotes health and boosts the economy. ​

6. Government Incentives and Support

The Comorian government encourages investment. They offer tax breaks and subsidies. Special economic zones provide benefits for new businesses. 

Investors in women-led enterprises can take advantage of these incentives. This makes investing more attractive. ​

7. Microfinance and Private Funding

Microfinance plays a key role. It provides small loans to women entrepreneurs. 

Private investors can partner with microfinance institutions. They can expand loan programs and offer mentorship. This helps women start and grow businesses. ​

Investing in women-led businesses brings many benefits. 

1. It promotes gender equality and economic growth. Women reinvest earnings into families and communities. This improves education and health outcomes.
2. Investors earn financial returns while making a positive impact. ​
3. It drives economic growth and social development. Investors can make a difference while achieving returns.

In summary, Comoros offers many investment opportunities. Supporting women entrepreneurs benefits everyone. 

1. Coeur de Ylang

Fatima Mohamed started a company named Coeur de Ylang. They make essential oils and beauty products using ylang-ylang flowers. Investors saw this as a great opportunity to secure great profits, so some of them helped increase the production. This even helped the businesses to reach the global buyers. 

Through these investments, investors made good profits. Thanks to these investments, local women, such as ylang-ylang farmers, secured a stable income for themselves.

2. Comores Natural Beauty

Salima Hassan wanted to use local ingredients to make organic skincare products. She used coconut oil and ylang-ylang in her products. Investors supported her idea and provided funds to grow the business. 

With their help, she increased production and met the growing demand for natural skincare. The investment brought strong profits. It also helped farmers who supply the ingredients.

3. Solar Energy

Comoros needs more electricity as the population is growing fast. Many villages still have no power. Investors invested in a solar energy business started by Amina Moinaecha. Her company brings solar energy to villages across the Comoros. 

With investor funding, the business grew rapidly. They expanded to more regions and provided power to thousands of homes. The investment made strong profits. It also improved the lives of many families.

4. Comorian Handicrafts: Selling Local Art to the World

Handmade crafts are in high demand globally. Investors partnered with Latifa Ahmed, who runs a handicrafts business in Comoros. Her business helps women artisans make and sell handmade textiles, jewelry, and crafts. 

Investors provided funds to grow production and improve marketing. Today, the business sells internationally, making steady profits for investors while providing local women entrepreneurs in the Comoros with a stable income.

Women entrepreneurs in Comoros are slowly stepping into the business world. They now run farms, have started tech businesses, sell handmade stuff and work in various renewable energy projects. Thanks to their businesses, the economy of Comoros has seen constant growth over the years. Investors who supported them secured a healthy return.

Despite many challenges, things are slowly getting better. The government of Comoros and various NGOs are helping women entrepreneurs in Comoros enter the business world more easily. For investors, there are many chances to invest in women-led businesses in farming, eco-tourism, tech, and energy. These areas bring high profits and support the local economy. The success of women-led businesses proves that investing in them is a smart move in Comoros.

1. Why are women entrepreneurs important in Comoros?
   Women entrepreneurs help the economy grow. They create jobs, support families, and make local businesses stronger.
2. What challenges do women face in starting businesses?
   Many women struggle to get loans. Some do not have business training. Cultural beliefs also make it hard for them to grow their businesses.
3. What industries do women in Comoros work in?
   Women work in farming, tourism, handicrafts, and tech businesses. Many also sell beauty products and handmade goods.
4. How are investors helping women-led businesses?
   Investors provide money, training, and resources. They help women expand their businesses and sell products in bigger markets.
5. What are the best investment opportunities in women-led businesses?
   The best opportunities are in farming, eco-tourism, tech, and renewable energy. These areas bring good profits and support the economy.