A $35-million loan will support the Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (Smart) Clean Cooking Project, while an additional $30-million loan will help develop transport infrastructure through the Facilitation of Commerce Corridors Project Phase II (PACFC II).

Approximately 75% of basic healthcare centres have no access to electricity or are equipped with a single independent solar refrigerator. The estimated potential market for health facility electrification by 2030 is 2,274 facilities. This will require a total investment of USD 83 million over the next 10 years.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking proposals from NGOs/CSOs working in the field of women’s empowerment for capacity building of 20 women in domestic photovoltaic solar energy. Proposal amounts should not exceed USD 25,000 for direct interventions including all charges relating to training and equipment activities.

The village of Tsarazaza is located in the district of Fandriana in the Amoron’i Mania region in central Madagascar. Farming (mainly rice) and livestock are the primary economic activities.

The financing agreements were signed recently between the Malagasy authorities and local officials from the European Union (EU) and the French Development Agency (AFD). The two institutions have pledged €40million to implement the TalakyBe project, which aims to conserve and enhance the value of forests, as well as intensify sustainable agriculture

Madagascar, one of the world’s most energy-starved countries, has put its energy transition plans on track with a special focus on renewable energy. The government has plans to democratise electricity access, which may help bridge the ever-widening energy gap in the country.

The World Bank approved a $400 million credit for the Digital and Energy Connectivity for Inclusion in Madagascar Project (DECIM) that will contribute to doubling energy access from 33.7% to 67% in Madagascar and add an additional 3.4 million internet users to promote socio-economic inclusion.

Off-grid solar power, spearheaded by a variety of start-ups, has gained in popularity in Africa because it can affordably connect millions of homes which are left off mainstream electricity grids to clean power.