1. Can you introduce Jovena and its key role in Madagascar's energy sector?
Jovena is the leading player in oil and gas distribution in Madagascar. It was established following the liberalization of the energy market in 1999, meaning we celebrated our 25th anniversary last year. Since our inception, we’ve experienced tremendous growth. We began with about 50 service stations across the country, and today we operate 115 stations throughout the territory.
Our role is fundamental, not only in supplying energy to everyday users but also in servicing large-scale industrial and business clients. We currently handle about 500,000 cubic meters per year, ever increasing our position as a major actor in the country’s energy landscape.
2. How is Jovena contributing to Madagascar's energy security and diversification?
Energy security is a core part of our mission. We do ensure that adequate fuel stocks are available across the country. This is of course closely monitored and regulated by national authorities.
Regarding diversification, we've made strong progress by installing solar panels at all our service stations. By the end of this year, every Jovena station will be powered, at least partially, by solar energy and we do take tremendous pride in this achievement. We’ve already installed around 1 megawatt of total capacity, with an estimated annual production of about 1.6 gigawatts.
Beyond Jovena itself, our holding company AXIAN Energy and its subsidiaries are developing hybrid power stations that combine thermal and solar energy to supply JIRAMA and other large clients. We see this energy mix as crucial to Madagascar’s sustainable future and to make energy a lever of growth.
3. What recent investments or projects are helping to modernize your infrastructure and improve service delivery?
Aside from our solar initiative, we’ve made significant investments in our delivery fleet, particularly with the acquisition of new bowsers trucks equipped to supply remote roadworks and infrastructure projects. Road reconstruction is booming across Madagascar, and we’re adapting to better serve those demands.
We’ve also focused on expanding our geographic footprint. There are still 31 districts without access to a service station in Madagascar. In order to reach them, we're rolling out a concept we call “nanostations”, compact, cost-effective fueling points adapted for rural or less populated areas. These allow us to reach communities where traditional stations aren't viable and ensuring energy access for every Malagasy citizen within the next five years has thereby become our mission.
Additionally, we’re digitally transforming our service stations by having installed forecourt controllers throughout our network, reducing paper use, improving inventory management, and enabling real-time, seamless customer transactions.
4. How are you supporting Madagascar’s transition to renewable energy?
This transition is happening both directly and indirectly. While Jovena’s core operations focus on oil and gas, we work closely with our sister company NEA, New Energy Africa, which specializes in renewable solutions, especially solar and hydroelectric. Together, we've developed hybrid energy systems that blend thermal and renewable energy sources for industrial and utility clients. These hybrid stations are a stepping stone toward a cleaner, more resilient energy system for Madagascar.
5. What strategies are you deploying to expand energy access in remote areas?
We are currently targeting the 31 districts in Madagascar that remain without a service station. While these areas may not be commercially profitable in the short term, we see providing access to energy as our public mission. That’s why we’re developing nanostations, small, scalable stations that require lower investment but have a real impact on local communities in terms of energetic inclusion.
The goal is to achieve full nationwide coverage within five years, ensuring that every Malagasy, regardless of where they live, has access to affordable, reliable energy.
6. How does Jovena collaborate with public institutions and private actors to drive sector-wide development?
We work closely with both. With public institutions, we support JIRAMA in their transition toward greater efficiency and sustainability. We’re also in continuous dialogue with ministries to modernize fuel specifications and address environmental standards to bring them in line with broader African benchmarks.
On the infrastructure side, we’re exploring the expansion of national storage and distribution capacities to meet the growing energy demands. This includes both oil and gas-related facilities.
On the private sector side, we’re innovating to provide secure and efficient fuel management for major industrial clients, especially road construction companies and mining operators. Theft and misuse of fuel are significant concerns in these sectors, so we’ve implemented advanced digital systems to track consumption, reduce losses, and ensure transparency.
7. What role does digital innovation play in your customer service and energy operations?
Digitalization is central to our transformation. Over the past two years, we've implemented a "zero paper" policy. All our documentation, from fuel receipts to internal logistics, is now digital. This is not only efficient but also environmentally responsible, especially in a country where deforestation is a serious issue.
We’ve also been first movers in installing forecourt controllers across our network. These devices automate and streamline the fueling process. Vehicles are recognized automatically, no codes are needed, and clients can complete transactions with a simple digital validation. These innovations significantly enhance the customer experience and help us stand out in the market.
8. Are you exploring partnerships or capital investments with entities from the UAE and the wider Gulf region?
At this time, we don't have active partnerships with entities from the UAE or the Gulf region, but we are definitely open to collaboration. Being a family office enables us to remain both agile and forward-looking.
We’re particularly interested in partners who bring value, whether it's technical expertise or capital for new projects. One example is the Volobe hydropower project, which was successfully developed with EDF. We're always open to similar partnerships, including with investors from the Gulf, especially for large-scale infrastructure or renewable energy development.
9. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about Jovena’s impact and Madagascar’s energy potential?
Jovena’s mission is simple: to provide energy to the people of Madagascar. It’s a mission we take seriously and passionately. Over the past 25 years, we've grown with the country, and we see enormous untapped potential here, both in terms of market opportunity and impact.
Madagascar is a beautiful and dynamic place, full of untapped opportunities, and still relatively underexplored by international investors. We invite readers to come discover the country for themselves. There’s immense value to be unlocked, not only commercially but also socially and environmentally, by investing in Madagascar’s energy future.
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