For years, load shedding has been a part of daily life in Madagascar. For small businesses whose operations depend on electricity, waiting for the power to return is no longer a viable solution. Cybercafes, hair salons, and other businesses are now equipping themselves with generators to continue their activities.
“Electricity is essential for our equipment to function. We cannot simply wait for it to come back to continue working,” says Fanja, owner of a cybercafe.
In several neighborhoods, signs even announce the continuity of service despite the power cuts. “We remain open even during load shedding,” can be read in front of some shops. The goal is to maintain operations and avoid losing customers during outages.
However, this adaptation comes at a cost. In addition to their electricity bills, merchants must budget for the fuel required to run their generators. “We can consume about five liters of diesel for two hours,” explains Fanja. Consumption, however, depends on the power and type of generator used. For these small businesses, the generator has become a means to avoid interrupting their work—a solution that allows them to keep operating despite the outages, but one that also increases their daily expenses.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-27 05:38:44 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/coupure-de-courant-les-petits-commerces.html
