A turning point for energy in Madagascar

French electricity giant EDF officially joined the Volobe hydroelectric project, located in eastern Madagascar. The announcement was made on April 23, 2025, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Madagascar.

EDF will hold a 37.5% stake in the project, alongside the Malagasy group Axian and the Africa50 platform. This dam, with a planned capacity of 120 megawatts, is expected to provide access to electricity for 2 million people. In a country where two-thirds of the population live without electricity, this project is a major step forward for development. The infrastructure cost is estimated at 600 million EUR.

After a one-on-one meeting at the Iavoloha State Palace with President Andry Rajoelina, Emmanuel Macron confirmed further cooperation agreements between the two countries. The first provides for the opening of an Expertise France office to support ongoing reforms, with programs on rural electrification and sustainable agriculture.

A second agreement concerns a strategic partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) until 2028. This partnership aims to support social and economic projects. A third agreement governs the actions of France Volontaires, facilitating exchanges between the two countries.

Finally, two financing agreements worth 25 million EUR will be used to support the education sector. An additional 20 million EUR will be allocated to the second phase of the PAPAM project, focused on sustainable agriculture. This visit marks a new chapter in cooperation between Madagascar and France.