With only a 30% electrification rate, 7 out of 10 Malagasy still do not have access to electricity.
This disproportionately affects rural areas, impoverished communities, and households headed by women. The World Bank supports the national social connections system with the $150 million Least-Cost Electricity Access Development (LEAD) Project. This initiative aims to provide low-cost electricity connections to vulnerable households in the country. Since 2023, the World Bank has funded the purchase of meters and kits and has worked with the government to streamline administrative procedures for requesting connections. For some households, the cost of electricity has been reduced by 30%.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide electricity through the national electricity company JIRAMA’s grid to 200,000 households across the country at affordable prices and in a relatively short period. The World Bank's LEAD project seeks to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals pay a fair share and have the opportunity to participate productively in the economy.