Madagascar Reports Significant Progress in Electricity Access, Targets 67% Electrification

President Rajoelina Highlights Electrification Gains at UN

President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar announced at the 80th United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2025, that the nation has achieved a substantial increase in electricity access over the past six years. This declaration underscores the country's commitment to expanding energy availability for its population, a critical component of its development agenda.

Ambitious Targets and Current Progress

Madagascar has set an ambitious target to significantly boost its national electrification rate. In April 2023, the World Bank approved a $400 million credit for the Digital and Energy Connectivity for Inclusion in Madagascar Project (DECIM). This project aims to double energy access from a baseline of 33.7% in 2020 to 67%, representing a nearly 99% increase in the electrification rate. Current data indicates that Madagascar's electricity access stood at approximately 39.40% in 2023, up from around 31% in 2019, when President Rajoelina took office. The government's long-term goal is to achieve 70% electricity access by 2030.

Key Initiatives Driving Expansion

The significant strides in electrification are attributed to several key initiatives and strategic investments:

• DECIM Project: The World Bank's $400 million DECIM project is central to the expansion, targeting 10 million people, including 2,000,000 households and over 150 villages, with access to electricity.
• LEAD Project: The Least-Cost Electricity Access Development Project (LEAD), also supported by the World Bank, has been instrumental in supporting private sector companies to reach remote areas.
• Solar Kit Distribution: The Rajoelina administration has spearheaded the distribution of 1.2 million solar kits to help households transition away from traditional lighting sources like kerosene.
• National Energy Policy (NEP): Adopted in 2015, the NEP outlines a comprehensive strategy to promote liberalization, private participation, and a significant increase in renewable energy's share in the energy mix.
• Renewable Energy Focus: Madagascar is leveraging its vast potential in hydropower, solar, and wind energy to achieve energy self-sufficiency and increase the share of renewable energy in its power generation.

These efforts are supported by agencies like the Rural Electrification Development Agency (ADER) and the Office of Electricity Regulation (ORE), which are fostering a favorable regulatory environment for decentralized renewable energy solutions.

Addressing Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the progress, Madagascar faces ongoing challenges, including a notable urban-rural divide in electricity access, an often unreliable grid, and the need for substantial investment. In 2023, approximately 18.76 million people in Madagascar still lacked access to electricity. The government, however, remains committed to overcoming these hurdles, actively seeking private investment and international partnerships to modernize infrastructure and ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for all citizens. President Rajoelina emphasized the importance of renewable energy expansion and attracting foreign investment as crucial for the nation's sustainable development.