Long hindered by isolation, the Upper Sambirano region now benefits from a rehabilitated 43.9-kilometer road. This infrastructure is set to facilitate cocoa transport and boost the local economy.
The recent rehabilitation of the ‘Cocoa Road’ marks a significant milestone in opening up the southern part of the Ambanja district, known for its agricultural potential. More than just a rural track, this route is intended to become a vital economic tool for producers, the cocoa industry, and local communities.
Colonel Gervais Andriamiarisoa, High Councilor of the Refoundation, attended the inauguration ceremony alongside regional officials, highlighting the strategic importance of this project. The 43.9-kilometer road serves ten communes and impacts nearly 116,000 households. Previously, some areas remained inaccessible for up to six months during the rainy season, and even in the dry season, the journey could take up to six hours. Now, the travel time has been reduced to between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Funded by the World Bank through the Integrated Growth Pole Project (PIC) with an investment of 34 billion Ariary, the project is a game-changer for the cocoa sector. The Upper Sambirano region accounts for 60% to 70% of Ambanja’s cocoa production. Previously, poor road conditions forced farmers to store significant portions of their harvest locally during the rainy season due to the inability to transport goods to markets.
Beyond cocoa, the improved connectivity is expected to stimulate the entire rural economy, including other crops, and improve access to schools, health centers, and administrative services. Regional Chief, Brigadier General Louis Francio Marovavy, announced that there will be no tolls for users and emphasized the creation of a road management committee to ensure the infrastructure’s long-term maintenance.
Estimates suggest that these improvements could generate up to 50 billion Ariary in additional annual income for cocoa-producing households, provided that production and market access continue to grow.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-09 05:54:09 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/antsiranana-la-route-du-cacao.html