The introduction of the Internet in Madagascar dates back to 1995, but its expansion significantly accelerated in 2010 with the arrival of submarine cables. Since then, access has broadened, with internet penetration reaching 79.47 %. This increased connectivity is driving the island’s digital transition, though the fixed infrastructure remains insufficient to meet the growing demand.

Rapid growth of mobile internet adoption

According to the ARTEC, over 9.6 million mobile internet subscribers were registered in Madagascar in 2023, compared to 4.9 million the previous year. This rapid adoption is noteworthy, though it remains unclear whether the numbers reflect individual users or active SIM cards. Mobile internet analysis is considered more reliable than fixed-line data, which can involve multiple users on a single subscription, potentially skewing estimates.

Data traffic growth and price reduction

During the same period, mobile data consumption surged by 49.07 %, with traffic increasing from 127,684 TB to 190,339 TB. This growth is partly attributed to the reduction in costs, with an average price of 5.56 MGA/MB in 2022, equivalent to 0.0012 USD. Despite these advances, internet adoption in Madagascar remains below the African average of 40 %. However, local barometers report that Madagascar’s internet speed surpasses that of countries like Kenya and Egypt.

Comparing Mobile and Fixed Internet Subscriptions

While mobile internet has seen widespread adoption, fixed internet subscriptions have grown at a slower pace. In 2014, ARTEC recorded 24,835 fixed subscriptions, which increased to 38,141 in 2023. Although this represents progress, mobile internet subscriptions have grown at a much faster rate, quadrupling in 2021. This disparity underscores the preference for mobile internet, which is more accessible and easier to deploy across Madagascar’s vast territory.

Telecom operators and revenue growth

Madagascar currently has five internet service providers, three of which also operate in the mobile telecom sector. In 2023, mobile data services generated 172 billion MGA in revenue, equivalent to over 37 million USD, marking a 37.4 % increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, fixed internet subscriptions and equipment sales showed a 17 % growth, reaching 39 billion MGA in revenue.

Price and Internet package : increasingly accessible

Mobile internet dominates the market due to its flexibility and lower costs, while fixed-line internet grows at a slower pace. The higher cost of fixed internet is attributed to the monopoly of certain service providers and the additional expenses of equipment and long-term contracts. Despite these challenges, the development of fixed internet remains crucial for ensuring stable and high-performance connectivity, which is vital for Madagascar’s economic growth.

Starlink : New high-speed internet provider

Starlink’s arrival in Madagascar is shaking up the telecommunications landscape. Elon Musk’s satellite-based project offers high-speed internet, particularly in underserved areas. Unlike local providers, Starlink does not require long-term contracts. Its weather-resistant technology ensures low latency, and unlimited connections, addressing the needs of many regions across the island.

Unequal internet access across the Island

Internet access in Madagascar remains marked by significant social and geographic inequalities. With 80.7 % of the population living below the poverty line in 2023, earning less than 12.5 USD per day, many households struggle to afford devices like computers. Despite this, mobile phone penetration increased by 79.47 % between 2022 and 2023, highlighting rapid growth in the telecom sector.

Geographic disparities

Internet coverage across Madagascar remains uneven. In 2023, the introduction of 5G brought 28 sites online across six newly connected municipalities, but 4G, with 3,568 sites, remains the most widespread technology. ARTEC reports that 68 % of the country is covered by 4G.

Regions such as Analamanga, Diana, Itasy, and Boeny in the center and north have over 90 % coverage, reflecting denser infrastructure due to their larger populations and economic activities. In contrast, regions like Androy in the south have much lower coverage, below 35 %, illustrating the infrastructure and connectivity challenges faced in remote and sparsely populated areas.

Toward broader digital inclusion

The disparity between northern and southern Madagascar underscores the need for a more balanced digital development policy. To address these gaps, over 235 new 4G sites are planned for 2024, mainly targeting underserved regions. This expansion is crucial to improving digital inclusion and fostering the socio-economic development of the entire country.