By Salifu Faridat
A beacon of hope shines on Madagascar’s path towards sustainable development as the European Union (EU) and the French Development Agency (AFD) unite to inject a substantial €73.2 million into the island nation.
This infusion of funds marks a pivotal moment, with a strategic focus on advancing two critical initiatives: the expansion of electrification through solar energy and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
Importantly, these endeavors are carefully designed to safeguard the precious forest ecosystems that are the lifeblood of Madagascar.
This notable commitment was solidified through recent agreements between Malagasy authorities and representatives from the EU and AFD. A significant portion of this financial support, totaling €40 million, has been earmarked for the implementation of the TalakyBe project.
This strategic initiative is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Madagascar’s forests while simultaneously intensifying and diversifying sustainable agricultural practices.
The TalakyBe project is set to unfold across 25 rural councils in the Anosy region of south-east Madagascar. At its core lies the development of a comprehensive plan for the newly established protected area, initiated in February 2018.
Adding to its sophistication, the project will employ a drone-based monitoring system to ensure vigilant oversight of various activities, including agricultural endeavors.
This ambitious project, with each partner contributing €20 million, seeks not only to rejuvenate forest landscapes and bolster ecosystem-based adaptation but also to introduce tailored agricultural services.
In parallel with these efforts, another funding allocation totaling €33.2 million has been dedicated to rural electrification. AFD’s contribution stands at €22 million, complemented by an additional €11.2 million co-financing from the EU.
The Agence de développement de l’électrification rurale (ADER) will leverage these funds to electrify 130 localities through mini-grids powered by photovoltaic solar energy. This electrification initiative is strategically planned for the Androy, Anosy, Menabe, Melaky, and Atsimo Andrefana regions.
Central to this project is the support extended to private concessionaires operating within these regions.
Respondents to Ader’s project calls will receive subsidies designed to reduce electricity tariffs.
The installation of solar mini-grids in rural areas is expected to be a significant milestone, providing electricity access to over 175,000 individuals.
This move holds the potential to drastically improve the current scenario, where 85% of Madagascar’s population lacks access to this essential service.
To expedite the electrification initiative, the Malagasy government is gearing up to enhance the nation’s electricity capacity.
This strategy emphasizes decentralized solutions and the establishment of smaller-scale photovoltaic solar power plants.
Notably, President Andry Rajoelina has embraced this trajectory, inaugurating a formidable 2.4 MWp photovoltaic solar power plant in Ankorikihely.
Orchestrated through a public-private partnership (PPP) involving the Malagasy government and Diego Green Power, this plant is poised to empower 3,600 households in the Antsiranana II district, located in the northern region of the island.
As the EU, AFD, and Malagasy authorities join hands, their collective efforts resonate with the promise of fostering sustainable growth, catalyzing electrification, and safeguarding Madagascar’s ecological legacy.
Together, they chart a course towards a more resilient and sustainable future for the island and its people.