1. Mr. President, could you share your vision for Madagascar’s economic development and how your administration is positioning the country as an emerging investment destination in Africa?
My vision is to position Madagascar as a rising star of the Indian Ocean and of Africa, a land of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth. We are transforming our economy by industrializing key sectors, modernizing agriculture, investing in human capital, and unlocking our natural and cultural assets. Our goal is clear: to make Madagascar an emerging economy by 2030, competitive on a regional and global scale, and attractive to responsible investors who share our vision.
2. What are the key sectors you see as drivers of growth for Madagascar’s economy in the coming years, and how is your government working to attract international investors to these industries?
We are prioritizing agriculture and agro-industry, energy, mining, tourism, fisheries, digital services, and infrastructure development. Madagascar has unique comparative advantages, from world-renowned vanilla and rare minerals to unmatched biodiversity. To attract investors, we are creating special economic zones, investment incentives, modernized legal frameworks, and public-private partnerships. We are also focusing on value addition locally, so that Malagasy resources translate into Malagasy jobs and prosperity.
3. Madagascar is rich in natural resources and biodiversity. How do you balance economic development with environmental sustainability and conservation?
Madagascar is one of the world’s biodiversity treasures, and as President, I am determined to protect it. Economic development must go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship. We have launched large-scale reforestation campaigns, are strengthening protected areas, and promoting eco-tourism and green industries. Investors are encouraged to align with our vision of sustainable growth, because for Madagascar, preserving our environment is not just a policy, it is an obligation to future generations.
4. Infrastructure development is critical for competitiveness. What major projects are underway to improve Madagascar’s transport, energy, and digital infrastructure?
Competitiveness requires modern infrastructure. We are building and operationalizing the first modern cable car system in Antananarivo, a transformative project that eases urban mobility, reduces traffic congestion, and positions our capital among the few African cities with such innovative public transport solutions. We have recently opened the first section of the new highways AR1, while expanding ports and airports to facilitate trade and regional integration. In the energy sector, Madagascar is investing heavily in solar power plants to accelerate the clean energy transition. We have commissioned new power plants, including the 105 MW Ambohimanambola thermal plant, and we are diversifying sources with renewables. Additional mini-grids and hybrid solar-diesel systems are being deployed in rural areas with the support of the World Bank, African Development Bank, and private partners.
Together, these projects are laying the foundation for a sustainable and decentralized energy network, improving reliability, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and ensuring that more Malagasy households and businesses gain access to electricity.
In digital infrastructure, Madagascar is among the most connected in the region, and we are expanding broadband and mobile coverage nationwide to foster digital inclusion.
5. Tourism is one of Madagascar’s strongest assets. What strategies is your government implementing to elevate the country as a premier global tourism destination?
Tourism is a strategic pillar of Madagascar’s economic development. Sustainable tourism is a priority for our country. It represents not only an economic lever, but also a tool of social inclusion and a way to showcase our territories. Today, tourism is Madagascar’s third-largest source of foreign exchange, representing 14.9% of national GDP and supporting more than 350,000 direct jobs and over 3 million indirect jobs. In 2024, the sector experienced a decisive rebound with 315,000 international arrivals, generating over USD 780 million in foreign currency revenues. These figures reflect not only the growing global appeal of Madagascar as a destination, but also the resilience and dynamism of our tourism operators. To further enhance the experience of visitors, we will soon inaugurate a new Artisanal Village near Ivato International Airport, a showcase of Malagasy craftsmanship that will allow travelers to discover and purchase unique products reflecting our cultural identity.
At the same time, my government is working to strengthen air connectivity. We now have 7 weekly flights operated by Emirates, 17 by Ethiopian Airlines, and 17 weekly flights to Nosy Be, our iconic resort island. These connections are vital to positioning Madagascar as a premier global destination.
We are also encouraging investment in eco-resorts, luxury hotels, and high-end hospitality infrastructure. To this end, we have secured strategic land reserves dedicated to new tourism developments, while continuously improving the business climate to attract leading international brands.
Our ambition is clear: to place Madagascar among the top African destinations, known for its exceptional biodiversity, pristine landscapes, and authentic cultural heritage, while ensuring that tourism growth remains sustainable, inclusive, and respectful of our environment.
6. Energy access and the transition to renewables are central to Africa’s growth. How is Madagascar expanding energy access, particularly through clean and decentralized solutions?
Energy is central to our emergence. We aim to double access to electricity by 2030, with a strong focus on solar, hydro, and wind energy. Already, solar mini-grids are bringing power to remote villages, supporting schools, health centers, and small businesses.
We need to accelerate the transition toward renewable and sustainable sources of energy. Madagascar has committed to massive investments in solar parks, producing 100 MW per year, with the objective of reaching 70% clean and green energy in our national energy mix by 2028.
Between 2020 and 2024, the share of renewable energy in our national production has already increased from 16% to 28%, demonstrating both our determination and our progress in this field.
We are working closely with international partners such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and private investors to ensure that our energy transition is inclusive, affordable, and sustainable. Together, these projects are creating the foundation for an energy-secure and climate-resilient Madagascar.
7. Regional and global trade integration are increasingly important. How is Madagascar working with international partners and organizations to enhance trade competitiveness and market access?
As Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Madagascar is at the heart of regional integration. We are also committed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which opens a market of 1.3 billion consumers. We are modernizing customs, improving logistics, and aligning our standards with international norms to boost competitiveness. Partnerships with the EU, US (AGOA), Asia, and the Gulf further strengthen our global market access.
8. The private sector plays a vital role in national development. How is your government fostering a more business-friendly environment and supporting entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and women?
A dynamic private sector is essential for national development. My government is simplifying business procedures, digitizing services, and supporting access to finance. We have launched programs to empower youth and women entrepreneurs, offering training, incubation, and funding opportunities. I believe Madagascar’s greatest asset is its people, creative, resilient, and ambitious. By fostering entrepreneurship, we are unlocking innovation and inclusive growth.
9. The Gulf region, and the UAE in particular, is expanding its investments in Africa. What opportunities exist for Madagascar to deepen its economic and strategic partnerships with Gulf countries?
The Gulf region, are strategic partners for Madagascar. Our ambition is to deepen both economic and diplomatic relations with the Emirates, building on a foundation of trust and shared vision for sustainable growth. More recently, in May 2025, we held the Dubai–Madagascar Business Forum, which brought together more than 60 Malagasy companies and over 100 Emirati economic operators. This event was a resounding success, showcasing Madagascar’s opportunities in agro-industry, renewable energy, infrastructure, and tourism. I personally invited Emirati investors to join us in developing projects that are win-win, profitable, and transformative for both our nations.
Beyond trade and investment, our cooperation with the Emirates also covers strategic areas such as renewable energy, port and airport modernization, logistics, and tourism infrastructure. Madagascar is ready to welcome Emirati expertise and capital, and we are securing strategic land reserves and improving our business environment to facilitate their investments.
The Emirates are among the priority partners in our economic diplomacy, and I am confident that the coming years will see a new era of robust and diversified cooperation between Madagascar and the Gulf region an alliance built on trust, opportunity, and shared prosperity.
10. Finally, Mr. President, what message would you like to deliver to Khaleej Times readers, business leaders, policymakers, and investors, about Madagascar’s role as a land of opportunity and future growth?
To the readers of Khaleej Times, business leaders, policymakers, and investors: Madagascar is open for business. We are a land of unique resources, unmatched biodiversity, talented youth, and untapped opportunities. Under my leadership, Madagascar is committed to stability, transparency, and ambitious reforms that make investment safe and profitable. Join us in writing the next chapter of Madagascar’s emergence. Together, we can transform potential into prosperity, for Madagascar, for Africa, and for our partners worldwide.
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