Extension of the port of Tamatave : end of first phase
The first phase of the extension of the port of Tamatave, launched in April 2018, was completed at the beginning of July. 9 hectares of land were created by gaining access to the sea and more than 3,000 giant concrete blocks, of 30 and 50 tons were manufactured. They will be submerged to reinforce the protection of the port during the second phase of work, which should continue until 2026. It will also consist of covering the new medians, intended for the storage of containers, and create a new 470 meter quay, offering a draft of 16 meters. A total of $639 million will be invested in this operation, including 65% provided by the Japan Cooperation Agency.
14 aerodromes entrusted to the private sector
The Malagasy public authorities have decided to withdraw from the management of 45 secondary aerodromes, for many, rudimentary terrain accommodating very occasional traffic. 8 of them had already been transferred to private operators following a first call for expressions of interest. Last August 6, 14 additional management and operating contracts have been signed while a new call for expressions of interest is launched for the remaining 23 aerodromes.
Private managers have the mission of modernizing infrastructure and working to develop traffic.
Rio Tinto bets on solar and wind power
Rio Tinto, which operates an ilmenite mine in Fort-Dauphin, signed an agreement with an independent energy producer, CrossBoundary Energy, which will build a photovoltaic power plant and a wind power plant on the port of Ehoala where boats come to load the ore. The facilities, with a total power of 20 megawatts and supplemented by a storage unit of 8,25 megawatts, should cover up to 60% of Rio Tinto's electricity demand and part of the energy that the firm currently supplies to the city of Fort-Dauphin.
Ambatolampy solar power plant : capacity doubled
The capacity of the Ambatolampy photovoltaic plant, south of Tananarive, will see its capacity increased from 20 to 40 megawatts by its two promoters, the Axian and Green Yellow Madagascar groups.
The works, launched in June, are due to be completed at the end of this year. They require more than 17 million euros of investment. Axian and Green Yellow reached an agreement with Jirama, the national electricity company, which buys from the private sector a growing share of the electricity it distributes.
Estimated growth of 4,3% in 2021
Madagascar's growth rate for 2021 has been revised slightly downwards as part of the amending finance bill, of 4,5 to 4,3%. It should be more significant in the secondary sector (+10%), against 3,6% in the primary sector and 4,1% in the tertiary sector.
Butane gas against deforestation
The Malagasy government signed an agreement at the beginning of July aimed at encouraging the use of butane gas for cooking food., instead of traditional charcoal, whose massive production is one of the main causes of deforestation on the Big Island. 15,000 gas bottles will be distributed free of charge over the coming months and refills will be available at a reduced rate (3,000 riyals, environ 0,65 euro).
