Launch of a new for infrastructure in Madagascar

The official inauguration of an 8-kilometer section of Madagascar’s first highway linking Antananarivo to Toamasina took place on August 18, 2025.

President Andry Rajoelina, flanked by several SADC heads of state and government, presided over the ceremony in the presence of a large audience.

In his speech, the Head of State emphasized the government’s commitment to completing this project. “This project will not stop at Ambodifasina-Ambohimanga; the work will be completed in its entirety,” he stated.

The project benefits from financial support from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, which has allocated USD 60 million. This funding paves the way for a decisive step in modernizing the national road network and opening up regional areas.

President Rajoelina emphasized the unprecedented nature of this achievement. The RN2 and the railway linking the capital to Toamasina were built in 1901. Since then, the journey took an average of 12 hours. With the highway, the distance has been reduced by 100 km, and the journey can be completed in just two hours. “This is a road of the future, an infrastructure that will transform our economy and the daily lives of Malagasy people,” he declared.

Presented as a driver of economic and social development, the highway is expected to facilitate trade, attract investors, and stimulate new opportunities. The Head of State emphasized the role of this infrastructure in creating jobs and improving the country’s competitiveness.