**Madagascar and United States Seek to Strengthen Economic Ties Through Private Investment**
Madagascar and the United States are working to expand their economic relationship, with a primary focus on fostering private investment and developing partnerships across several strategic sectors.
The initiative was the subject of a meeting held on September 1 in Antaninarenina between Madagascar’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Ramiarison Herinjatovo Aimé, and Tom Bevan, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the U.S. Embassy.
**Strategic Cooperation Areas**
The two nations have identified infrastructure, energy, water access, health, and strategic natural resources as key areas for cooperation. Washington aims to facilitate the involvement of U.S. companies in projects designed to support economic development and create sustainable employment in Madagascar.
To support this, Tom Bevan introduced the U.S. “whole of government” approach, which coordinates various public institutions to assist businesses and investments. Potential participating agencies include the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
**Public-Private Partnerships**
Minister Ramiarison Herinjatovo Aimé emphasized the importance of private capital, noting that Madagascar faces significant infrastructure needs that exceed current public resources. The Ministry of Economy and Finance is utilizing its existing public-private partnership (PPP) structure to pursue projects in road construction, electricity, energy grids, and digital infrastructure.
Both parties discussed improving the flow of information regarding available projects in Madagascar to help U.S. firms better identify and pursue investment opportunities.
**Energy, Water, and Health Initiatives**
Energy remains a priority, with Madagascar seeking to increase its use of renewable sources to reduce reliance on imported fuels. Regarding water resources, the U.S. delegation discussed a memorandum of understanding involving a U.S. company tasked with conducting resource prospecting studies.
The two countries also intend to continue their existing health cooperation. Current programs focus on laboratory support, supply chain management, frontline personnel training, disease surveillance, and data collection. Ongoing efforts include malaria prevention, specifically through the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and support for local health facilities.
This meeting signals a shift toward prioritizing concrete economic projects in the bilateral relationship, with the private sector serving as a primary driver for future development.
Article and image source: madagascar-tribune.com
