Madagascar and Japan have signed a grant agreement worth $16 million to improve access to electricity in Toamasina, Madagascar's second-largest city and main seaport. This was announced by the African country's Foreign Ministry.
The agreement was signed following negotiations between Foreign Minister Christine Razanamahasoa and Japanese Ambassador to Antananarivo Tojima Hitoshi.
"This grant agreement, valued at 2.5 billion Japanese yen, or approximately 68 billion ariary ($16 million), demonstrates the Japanese government's continued commitment to Madagascar's development ... This project will contribute to improving access to electricity in the city of Toamasina, offering a concrete solution to one of the main challenges facing the population," the statement read.
According to the African country's Foreign Minister, ensuring reliable and safe access to electricity is a crucial factor for Madagascar's economic development.
In February, Côte d'Ivoire and Japan signed a grant agreement for 6 billion CFA francs ($11 million) to strengthen road infrastructure in Abidjan.
In August 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, following the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), stated that the country intends to develop cooperation with African nations in the areas of "economy, society, peace, and stability."
