The Union of the Comoros has appointed Faouzia Vitry, a seasoned regional development expert and former Vice President of the Regional Council of Réunion, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the country’s Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV-SAS-2027), the entity established to oversee the construction of the Games Accommodation Village for the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games (JIOI).
Vitry’s appointment marks a significant step in Comoros’ preparations to host the prestigious regional sporting event, with the experienced administrator leaving behind an accomplished political career in Réunion to take on what she describes as a mission that extends far beyond the Games themselves. A respected figure in regional cooperation within the Indian Ocean, Vitry previously served as Vice President of the Regional Council of Réunion, where she was responsible for strengthening relations among the islands of the Indian Ocean. She also served as an elected representative in the Municipal Council of Saint-Denis and held responsibility for Community Affairs, gaining extensive experience in territorial governance, institutional management and economic development.
During her tenure in Réunion, Vitry managed programmes with a budget of approximately €64 million, dedicated to consolidating regional cooperation across the Indian Ocean. Her background in financial management and public administration is expected to play a crucial role in delivering one of Comoros’ most ambitious infrastructure projects. Speaking on her new role, Vitry said she is fully prepared to lead the development of the Games Accommodation Village, describing it as a project that combines sporting infrastructure with long-term national development.
Rather than viewing the village solely as accommodation for athletes during the Games, she envisions it as a catalyst for economic growth and international investment. The project is designed to engage Comorian citizens, the country’s diaspora across the world and economic partners throughout the Indian Ocean region. Vitry said the initiative aims to build bridges between governments, institutions and investors while giving the accommodation village visibility that extends well beyond the Games. “Beyond the accommodation itself, the project should demonstrate the Comoros Islands’ capacity to deliver a structured project based on good governance and international quality standards with a strong professional foundation,” she said.
The Special Purpose Vehicle has been tasked with mobilising financing for the project and overseeing the construction of what will become one of the country’s most significant legacy developments. Plans call for the construction of approximately 200 villas, which will serve as the official Games Village during the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games before being converted into a permanent residential community after the event. Government officials believe the development will leave a lasting legacy by expanding the country’s housing stock, attracting investment and supporting broader economic and tourism development.
Vitry’s appointment underscores Comoros’ determination to deliver a successful edition of the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games while ensuring that investments made for the event continue to benefit the country long after the closing ceremony. By combining sports infrastructure with sustainable urban development, the project is expected to contribute to Comoros’ long-term economic transformation and strengthen its profile within the Indian Ocean region.
