Opportunity Knocks off the Coast of Africa

Known as the "pearl" of the Indian Ocean, the 164 square-mile Island nation of Anjouan has been a center of political unrest for decades. Fighting among political factions and a lack of opportunity have stood between the country and prosperity, but there are hopes that Internet gaming could bring new life to the economy as it has throughout the Caribbean.

Anjouan is part of the Comoros Islands, a group of isles at the mouth of the Mozambique Channel a few hundred miles northwest of Madagascar. With the exception of the island of Mahoré, the Comoros broke away from French rule in 1974. Anjouan seceded from the Comoros in 1997, and was left under the control of two opposing factions which disagreed on whether they should join France or declare independence. The result has been fierce fighting which grew out of control in April 1999. Finally, leadership was ousted on April 30, and a plan was put in place for elections within the next year.

The primary industry in this relatively poor country has been agriculture for many years. Amid recent turmoil, however, an ordinance was adopted in March that sets the framework for establishing an international offshore business environment. Ordinance N° 1 of March 1, 1999 hands the responsibility of regulating offshore businesses, including online gaming operations, to the Office of the International Companies, known in French as Bureau des Compagnies Internationales (BCI).

International companies can register offices in Anjouan without having a presence there. Plus, they are exonerated from all taxes with the exception of governmental and BCI annual rights.

Certain businesses, such as banks, insurance companies and gambling businesses, however, must obtain a license. An online casino license in Anjouan will run you $40,000 per year, plus $1,400 annual "gaming company fee." Upon receipt of annual fees, a license can be set up within 48 hours, almost a short enough wait to set up a drive-through lane. Unless, they've developed an amazingly extensive super-system for background checks, that could spell trouble.

Still, low rates, quick installation and offsite management make Anjouan a very attractive alternative.

So far, one licensee--Flamcasino.com--has signed with the BCI. According to BCI Registrar of International Companies Fabien Lecler, as many as 40 additional companies have shown an interest in climbing aboard.

If the telecommunication facilities are solid and the political turmoil can be put to rest, at $41,400 a year, the industry could be booming there in no time.

For more information on Internet gambling in Anjouan, visit http://www.anjouan.net/BCI/3_index.htm.