Energy crisis: Jirama seeks to allay concerns while the population mobilizes

Mis à jour le 22 May 2026

Faced with the persistence of a major energy crisis in Madagascar in 2026, the situation continues to deteriorate, fueling anxiety and frustration among the population. Jirama, a key player in the national electricity supply, finds itself at the heart of a delicate situation where the energy shortage is becoming increasingly acute. Recurring load shedding and water cuts, rightly perceived as a violation of the fundamental right to electricity, are generating massive mobilization, reflecting discontent that threatens social stability. Managing this crisis requires a rapid and appropriate response, but the accumulation of institutional failures, combined with climatic and technical factors, complicates the implementation of sustainable solutions. The persistent drought is dramatically reducing water levels in dams, thus impairing hydroelectric production capacity—Madagascar’s main source of renewable energy. Dependence on power plants running on heavy fuel oil exacerbates the situation, due to rising fuel costs and delays in upgrading existing infrastructure. Energy demand now exceeds available capacity every night, by a gap of 30 to 50 MW, forcing unprecedented rationing of electricity supply. Meanwhile, the population, already weakened by uncertainty, is enduring a regime of systematic shortages. The situation transcends mere technical challenges, suggesting a genuine crisis management policy where every decision has profound social implications.

The Structural Causes of the Energy Crisis in Madagascar in 2026

The deep roots of the problem lie in decades of neglect and underinvestment in the energy sector. Dependence on an outdated production infrastructure, combined with opaque management, has created a vicious cycle where maintenance is delayed, often exacerbating its failures. The powder keg is further fueled by the aging distribution network, which loses significant amounts of electricity due to technical and fraudulent losses. Poor management practices and corruption have also weakened Jirama’s governance, rendering it incapable of coping with recurring crises. The lack of a genuine energy transition plan adds to this problem, as the integration of renewable sources such as solar and wind power has only just begun, despite promises made over several years. The long-term vision, essential for ensuring energy security, remains unclear. Furthermore, a shortage of technical expertise and specialized human resources limits the company’s ability to modernize its infrastructure or anticipate crises. The combination of these flawed levers reflects a structural weakness that prevents an effective response to the emergency and fuels public distrust.

The social and economic consequences of inadequate crisis management

The immediate effects of this mismanagement are a decline in the quality of daily life. The population bears a heavy burden, with the cost of living rising due to the need to rely on private generators and fuel purchases to compensate for the energy deficit. This phenomenon exacerbates inequalities, which are even more visible in working-class neighborhoods and rural areas where access to any form of alternative energy remains limited. Frustration intensifies, fueling social movements and protests such as the one planned in Ambohijatovo, where citizens are demanding immediate accountability.

Economically, the private sector is suffering significant losses, particularly in trade and industry, due to unpredictable power outages. Productivity is plummeting, hindering growth and further weakening an economy already vulnerable to regional fluctuations. The flight of foreign investment is resulting in a lack of attractiveness for the country, which is now perceived as an unstable environment unfavorable to entrepreneurship.

Emergency Measures Implemented by Jirama in 2026

Faced with the emergency, Jirama’s management is attempting to implement several immediate actions to mitigate the impact of the crisis. The priority lies in the accelerated repair of existing power plants, particularly the Ambohimanambola thermal power plant, which runs on heavy fuel oil. The rapid recommissioning of this unit could temporarily alleviate the energy shortage. The mobilization of technicians, more critical than ever, must ensure more regular maintenance to prevent further breakdowns.

In parallel, the strategy for the gradual integration of solar energy is progressing, with the commissioning of four production units around Antananarivo totaling 30 MW. Expansion projects, notably in Tsarasaotra, aiming to generate an additional 100 MW, are also being discussed. The construction of the 105 MW thermal power plant in Ambohimanambola, although delayed, is expected to play a key role in diversifying energy sources. These initiatives, while insufficient in the short term, demonstrate a commitment to placing the country on a path of energy transition, even if their implementation is taking place in a context of growing protest.

The political and social stakes surrounding the energy crisis

Social tensions are becoming visible and exacerbating the crisis. The legitimate anger of the population is leading to significant demonstrations, such as the one planned in Ambohijatovo. The presence of political demands, symbolized by arrests and manipulated protests, reveals a fragility in the dialogue between authorities and citizens. The legal proceedings surrounding the social movement pose an additional challenge for the government and Jirama, which must juggle crisis management and de-escalation.

The authorities are nevertheless attempting to reassure the public. During a visit to Ambohimanambola, the Minister of Energy, Jean Baptiste Olivier, emphasized that “destruction is not the solution” and stressed the need to coordinate efforts to strengthen the energy infrastructure. These statements, accompanied by promises of concrete measures, aim to calm the population while renewing the collective commitment to finding lasting solutions. A national mobilization to address the shortage

Faced with the energy crisis, a call for general mobilization has been launched for Thursday, September 25th. Citizens, social actors, and representatives of associations are gathering to denounce the incessant power outages and water cuts that are exacerbating the situation. This resistance movement aims to put pressure on decision-makers to raise awareness and accelerate the implementation of profound reforms in energy management in Madagascar.

The demands include the immediate end of rationing, improved electricity supply, and the implementation of a genuine energy transition plan. Solidarity is being organized, and several neighborhoods in major cities are mobilizing. Civil society thus wants to demonstrate that it is not remaining inactive in the face of a crisis that directly impacts their daily lives, at a time when the credibility of the government is also at stake.

Long-term solutions to overcome the energy crisis

To definitively overcome this crisis, a multidimensional plan is needed, integrating massive investments in infrastructure, transparent management, and the diversification of energy sources. Modernizing the electricity grid, reducing technical losses, and combating fraud must be among the absolute priorities. Furthermore, promoting renewable energies must become a national policy to ensure sustainable energy security.

The creation of a specific fund for the energy transition, the training of qualified technicians, and the implementation of pilot projects at the local level are also strategic priorities. International cooperation must be strengthened, particularly through green finance and technology transfers. All of this requires a firm and sustained commitment from successive governments to address the challenges of climate change while ensuring electricity supply for citizens.

Leverages for effective crisis management in Madagascar in 2026

Efficient crisis management requires uniting public, private, and citizen stakeholders around a common project. Transparency in governance, particularly regarding the management of funds and investments, is essential to restoring trust. Establishing a steering committee dedicated to the energy crisis would allow for a coordinated and proactive response to fluctuations in the sector.

Strengthening control and oversight capacities is also essential to combat corruption and embezzlement. The integration of innovative tools such as data analytics and smart grids could optimize distribution and minimize losses. Political stability, citizen mobilization, and economic transparency are therefore essential pillars for overcoming this critical period and preparing Madagascar’s energy future.

FAQ

What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Madagascar in 2026?

The main causes lie in a reliance on old, obsolete power plants, opaque management, and a challenging climate that reduces hydroelectric production. Stagnant investment and poor governance also complicate the situation.