1. Can you give us an overview of ANKA’s role in the expansion of energy access in Madagascar and the region?
ANKA is an actor in both energy access and energy transition, with a strong focus on renewable energy, especially solar. Over the past nine years since our creation in Madagascar, and now also through our holding in Mauritius, we have built expertise in designing, financing, building, and operating solar power plants and distribution networks.
Our first mission was to provide electricity to off-grid populations. In Madagascar, only 36% of the population has access to electricity nationally, and in rural areas that number drops to around 20%. This means more than 25 million people live without reliable power, relying instead on candles or battery lamps. Through decentralized mini-grids, we deliver affordable and reliable electricity directly to consumers, helping unlock entrepreneurial activity, mechanization, and local development.
As we grew, industries and commercial companies also approached us for more sustainable and reliable energy solutions. Many wanted to transition from diesel generators to solar to cut costs, improve sustainability, and align with global CSR standards. This became our second business line, supporting the private sector in its energy transition.
Finally, we developed consulting services, offering technical assistance, market studies, and regulatory support to both public and private stakeholders across Africa. So today, ANKA stands on three pillars: energy access, energy transition for economic operators, and advisory services.
2. What are the main challenges and opportunities to accelerate the energy transition in the commercial and industrial sectors in Madagascar?
The opportunities are clear. Many companies want to transition to renewable energy, both for brand image and competitiveness. Solar today is more cost-effective than diesel, while also offering more reliability given Madagascar’s grid challenges.
The challenges, however, lie in two areas. First, the regulatory and fiscal framework needs improvement. Most solar equipment is imported, and taxation remains a barrier. Incentives and exemptions are necessary to make renewable technologies more competitive.
Second, there is the issue of financing. Large-scale energy projects require significant capital. Local banks are not yet able to support the sector’s rapid growth, so companies like ANKA rely heavily on international investors and lenders. Ensuring Madagascar is perceived as a stable and attractive investment destination is key to mobilizing more funding.
On a positive note, progress is being made. We co-founded the Madagascar Renewable Energy Association (MAREA) in 2025, the first industry association uniting both SMEs and large players in the sector. This creates a stronger, unified dialogue with government and international partners, which is crucial to accelerate the transition.
3. How does ANKA leverage innovation to improve efficiency, durability, and reliability for companies and communities?
We innovate on three levels: technology, financing, and integration.
We also developed AgriGrid©, an innovative model that links solar mini-grids to agricultural development. By providing energy for irrigation, processing, and mechanization, we help farmers, especially women’s associations, strengthen their income and purchasing power.
Additionally, we pioneered electric cooking solutions in Madagascar to reduce deforestation, improve health outcomes, and fight climate change. This initiative is now being scaled up in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Forward7 initiative, marking the first Saudi-Malagasy energy partnership.
4. Feminist entrepreneurship is a global priority. How does ANKA support women in the energy sector?
As a female founder, it has always been natural for me to promote women within ANKA. Today, 70–80% of our board of directors is made up of women, and women occupy positions across all levels of the company.
That said, we face challenges in technical recruitment, as there are still too few female engineers and technicians in Madagascar. To address this, we engage universities and training centers to encourage young women to pursue careers in energy and engineering.
Beyond our company, we support women’s associations through the AgriGrid© model, providing training, capacity building, and financial support to women-led businesses connected to our mini-grids. We also set quotas to ensure female-led enterprises benefit from our local entrepreneurship support programs.
At the national and international level, I am proud to represent women in energy. I serve on the board of the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), which includes over 250 members across 53 countries. Visibility and representation are essential to inspire more women to lead in this sector.
5. Partnerships are crucial in energy development. Do you collaborate with Gulf institutions and investors to scale your impact?
Historically, most of our financing came from the U.S. and Europe, but we are now building strong collaborations with Gulf partners.
Since 2019, we have worked with OFID (OPEC Fund for International Development), which financed large off-grid solar plants in southern Madagascar, some of the largest of their kind in Africa. More recently, we partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Forward7 initiative, focused on clean cooking solutions.
We see enormous potential for further partnerships with Gulf investors and institutions, especially as Madagascar positions itself as a stable and attractive destination for sustainable energy investment.
6. Finally, what message would you like to send to Khaleej Times readers about ANKA’s vision?
ANKA was born as a start-up nine years ago in one of the most challenging environments in the world. We have grown steadily, survived crises such as COVID, and proven our ability to deliver impactful, reliable, and innovative projects.
Our vision is ecosystemic: energy is not an end, but a lever that unlocks development in agriculture, education, health, and entrepreneurship. We combine energy access, energy transition, and advisory services under one roof, with a track record of resilience and results.
For Gulf partners, ANKA represents a trusted and visionary partner in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region. We are ready to scale impact, attract investment, and position Madagascar as a hub for sustainable growth.
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