23 Development Projects Supported in Madagascar

The World Bank is providing $4 billion in financing to Madagascar to support 23 development projects. This significant budget will be allocated across four main sectors: energy, water, roads, and information and communication technologies.

According to Atou Seck, World Bank Representative in Madagascar, this support aims to tangibly improve people’s lives. “We expect these projects to be implemented so that they have a real impact on the ground,” he stated. This program is part of the commitment to support the country towards more balanced and sustainable growth.

The energy sector remains a central focus of this aid. Losses in this sector are estimated at 90 billion ariary (US$20 million) per month, or more than 1 trillion ariary per year. In 2023, the government received 1.27 trillion ariary in support, including 28 billion earmarked for remote areas.

Despite these efforts, Madagascar remains heavily reliant on fuel, which accounts for more than half of its energy expenditure. Approximately 30% of the electricity produced is lost due to the poor state of the grid, theft, and fraud. The country’s debt in the energy sector currently stands at 1.673 trillion ariary.

World Bank officials clarified that no projects were abandoned during the political crisis. Funding was merely suspended before resuming normally on November 12.

Furthermore, Jirama is receiving $84 million in support through the Lead project, which aims to expand access to electricity, distribute solar kits, and train local partners.