Madagascar is undergoing a historic transformation of its energy landscape, guided by an ambitious national objective: expanding electricity access from just over 30% today to 80% by 2030, while ensuring that half of all households access clean cooking solutions. This vision sits at the heart of the Madagascar Energy Compact, a comprehensive framework built on renewable energy expansion, strengthened infrastructure, and accelerated private-sector participation.
To meet rising demand, the country plans to triple its generation capacity to around 2,000MW, prioritising clean, low-cost power. Hydropower stands at the forefront. With more than 7,800MW of technical potential, flagship projects are finally moving at scale. Among them, the 120MW Volobe hydroelectric project, developed through a public-private partnership, will play a defining role. “At full operation, Volobe will contribute around 15% of Madagascar’s electricity needs,” says Mr. Rémy Huber, CEO of Compagnie Générale d'Hydroélectricité de Volobe (CGHV). The project will generate 750GWh annually, reduce fossil-fuel dependence, and stimulate local development through thousands of jobs and dedicated training programmes.
Solar and wind are rising in parallel. New solar capacity, including a 50MW Masdar-backed plant with battery storage and a major solar facility planned near Moramanga, will help stabilise the Antananarivo grid and cut diesel reliance during the dry season. Wind projects in the south and north further diversify the renewable mix.
Decentralised solutions are equally essential for a nation where 75% of people live in rural areas. Companies such as HERi Madagascar and ANKA are expanding mini-grids, solar kiosks, and household solar kits, pioneering innovative models that link clean energy with women’s empowerment, agricultural productivity, and youth employment. As Mr. Samy Chevalier of HERi notes, “Our mission is to deliver reliable, clean and affordable energy to communities that would otherwise remain excluded.”
With reforms advancing and Gulf partnerships deepening, Madagascar invites investors to take part in a renewable energy ecosystem poised to drive inclusive, long-term growth.
.png)
