Comoros Country Summary

FATF Status

The Comoros is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last Mutual Evaluation relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in the Comoros was undertaken in 2024. According to that Evaluation, the Comoros was deemed Compliant for 11 and Largely Compliant for 12 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was deemed Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 0 of the Effectiveness & Technical Compliance ratings.

Comoros faces significant challenges related to crime and corruption, with entrenched issues such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and financial crimes exacerbated by government corruption and political instability. Despite recent reforms aimed at enhancing anti-corruption measures and transparency, the effectiveness of these initiatives is hampered by weak institutions, an overburdened judiciary, and a largely informal economy that limits resilience against organized crime.

The economy of Comoros is predominantly small and trade-based, with a significant reliance on agriculture, particularly the export of spices like vanilla and cloves, which contribute approximately 40% to the GDP. Despite its agricultural potential, the country grapples with high poverty rates, unemployment, and a lack of economic diversification, compounded by political instability and vulnerability to natural disasters. The investment climate remains challenging, necessitating structural reforms and infrastructure improvements to attract foreign direct investment, while ongoing efforts to privatize state-owned enterprises and enhance workforce training are hindered by a persistent dependency on foreign aid.