Towards more efficient infrastructures

On September 5, 2025, the Malagasy Customs presented the results of a major diagnosis of the country’s ports, an important step to improve foreign trade.

This initiative, carried out with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Office for Project Support Services (UNOPS), aims to simplify procedures, speed up exchanges and strengthen border security.

Between July and August 2025, Malagasy and foreign experts visited nine strategic ports: Antsiranana, Vohemar, Sambava, Antalaha, Nosy-Be, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara and Tolagnaro. Their mission: to observe the installations, meet the port actors and analyze the official documents to draw up a precise state of the infrastructures and customs practices.

The report shows that Customs generally complies with international standards, but some ports need improvements. In Toamasina, congestion remains a problem. Antsiranana and Toliara lack the dematerialization of procedures, and Mahajanga suffers from aging infrastructures. The study also revealed uncontrolled border areas, which facilitate illegal trafficking. A security plan for these areas is therefore necessary.

The approach also aims to reform the port system to reduce delays and costs of operations, make procedures more clear and transparent and improve Madagascar’s competitiveness. Specific recommendations will be proposed for each port and for all trade stakeholders.

In parallel, the Customs has specified the procedure for evaluating imported second-hand machines. Specialized machinery, construction, lifting or drilling equipment must be evaluated by the Value and Origin Department, in order to ensure fair taxation. This measure avoids confusion with ordinary vehicles and protects rule-abiding importers.