In Antsirabe, Antsaravibe, and Antanamiavotro, solar electricity is no longer just a response to energy shortages. It is now becoming an accelerator for business, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.
In the rural areas of the Diana region, darkness is not just an issue of lighting; it is an economic one. Without reliable electricity, it is difficult to process agricultural products, develop businesses, access digital services, or preserve produce. The project led by Experts-Solidaires, in partnership with several Malagasy stakeholders, aims to overcome these barriers through Village Energy Networks (REV) powered by solar plants.
While electricity is not yet distributed directly to every household, the installation of these solar plants has enabled the emergence of various income-generating activities, such as incubators, snack bars, welding, hairdressing, sewing, and agricultural processing. The project supports selected entrepreneurs by providing buildings, equipment, and training, while they contribute to the maintenance of the facilities through electricity and equipment rental fees.
These sites have also become hubs for social life, hosting weekly markets, football matches, and neighborhood cinema screenings. Furthermore, the availability of refrigeration allows for the sale of fresh drinks and yogurt, while services like mobile phone charging and Wi-Fi access in Antsaravibe have significantly improved local connectivity. Despite these advancements, local leaders like Raphaël Pascal Moralahy, mayor of Antsirabe, emphasize that the next major goal remains the direct distribution of electricity to individual households.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-08 05:54:30 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/diana-les-centrales-solaires-reveillent.html
