The World Bank has approved $250 million in financing to accelerate access to reliable and affordable energy in Madagascar, while strengthening the financial and operational performance of the national electricity company, JIRAMA.
Called "Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Madagascar” (ASCENT Madagascar), the program aims to provide electricity and modern cooking solutions to more than 2.5 million people by 2030.
The initiative is part of Madagascar’s National Energy Pact and the pan-African Mission 300, which seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by the end of the decade. It also falls under the World Bank’s regional ASCENT program, focused on sustainable and inclusive energy access across Africa.
Despite strong renewable energy potential, Madagascar remains one of the least electrified countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with only 36% of the population having access to reliable electricity. For years, JIRAMA has faced major structural challenges, including heavy reliance on diesel, significant technical losses, and tariffs too low to cover production costs.
Through ASCENT Madagascar, the World Bank aims to address these challenges with a comprehensive approach combining expanded energy access and structural sector reforms. The program also marks a first for the country: it is Madagascar’s first Program for Results (PforR), directly linking funding to independently verified outcomes.
Madagascar’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Hery Ramiarison, emphasized that energy is a key driver for economic recovery, attracting private investment, and creating sustainable jobs.
The program includes a large-scale electrification plan using both grid-connected and off-grid solutions. Around one million people will benefit from 200,000 new connections to the national grid in urban and peri-urban areas. At the same time, 30 isolated plants will be equipped with hybrid solar solutions and battery storage systems to reduce diesel dependence and improve supply reliability.
In remote rural areas, the project will also support the deployment of mini-grids and home solar systems through the Rural Electrification Development Agency, enabling an additional 1.5 million people to access electricity.
ASCENT Madagascar also plans to distribute 1.5 million improved cookstoves and equipment to reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood, which contribute to household pollution and deforestation.
According to Atou Seck, Madagascar has the resources needed to succeed in its energy transition, thanks to its renewable potential and a population ready to seize new economic opportunities.