Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo welcomes Atou Seck, the World Bank representative

Mis à jour le 22 May 2026

A Decisive Meeting to Strengthen International Cooperation Between Madagascar and the World Bank in 2026

In this crucial year, the visit of Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, Prime Minister of Madagascar, welcoming Atou Seck, World Bank representative, marks a turning point in the dynamics of bilateral relations. Faced with the complex economic and social development challenges confronting Madagascar, this official meeting comes at a time when the international community, and particularly the World Bank, is seeking to demonstrate a genuine commitment to renewed engagement on the ground. Beyond the usual rhetoric, these discussions reflect a firm intention to maintain financial assistance and strengthen targeted investments, especially in priority areas such as access to water, electricity, and education. However, this meeting also takes place within a fluid context; the prospect of a withdrawal or continuation of aid remains subject to increased awareness regarding the governance and transparency of funded projects. The signing of new partnership agreements, promoting transparent governance and equitable resource redistribution, could help reassure all parties involved. Madagascar’s position, shaped by a troubled history of foreign aid, now requires concrete commitments to avoid a repeat of past economic crises, such as the one in 2009, when the massive withdrawal of donors plunged the country into a deep crisis. The continuity and stability of development projects are therefore essential to guarantee the country’s long-term resilience. Discover the World Bank’s missions and initiatives to promote economic development and reduce poverty around the world.

The Stakes of a Strengthened Partnership: Sustainable Development and New Prospects for Madagascar

In this regard, the Bank’s active portfolio, representing approximately $3.5 billion in 2025, underscores a significant concentration on essential sectors. Infrastructure development (43%), as well as support for education, health, green growth, and the reduction of social inequalities, are becoming major priorities. These investments, designed to meet real needs, will also require institutional strengthening to guarantee their effectiveness and sustainability. It is not simply a matter of increasing the volume of aid, but also of ensuring its optimal management, avoiding any scandals or waste, as has been observed in the past. The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and technical assistance to developing countries to reduce poverty and support economic development.

The Future of Cooperation between Madagascar and the World Bank

This approach is based on clearly defined projects and long-term commitments. The meeting identified several priority areas, including continued expansion of access to essential services, infrastructure modernization, and the promotion of technological and digital innovation to support growth efforts. Priority Areas 🚀

To assess the impact of joint initiatives, it is essential to observe how World Bank aid contributes to addressing socio-economic challenges in Madagascar. The priority remains poverty reduction, which still affects a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Implementing projects to improve access to water, electricity, and healthcare, while strengthening local governance, are key drivers of this transformation.

Furthermore, economic resilience must become a true priority, especially in the face of climate change, global crises, and market volatility. Economic diversification, the promotion of local industries, and the development of sustainable agriculture are all strategies that can lead Madagascar toward more balanced and inclusive growth—an objective closely shared by Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and his international partners. The World Bank is an international institution that provides financing and technical support to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development in developing countries.

Challenges Related to Transparency and Management of Development Projects The success or failure of international financing largely depends on the ability to guarantee transparency and efficiency in project management. After several scandals involving poor governance, Madagascar must now demonstrate greater rigor in monitoring investments. The international community, particularly the World Bank, emphasizes the need to establish robust oversight mechanisms involving civil society and local stakeholders.

Impact of the 2009 political crisis and the path to stability by 2026

It is crucial to remember that Madagascar’s recent history has been profoundly marked by the 2009 political crisis. The official ouster of President Rajoelina by a coup d’état, followed by the near-total withdrawal of donors, left the country virtually without international aid for several years. The reconstruction of its heritage and institutions was a long and arduous process, but the desire to regain political and economic stability is now evident. In 2026, this desire appears to be taking shape in the gradual resumption of relations with the international community. The new dynamic of cooperation, embodied by the meeting between Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and Atou Seck, demonstrates a genuine effort to avoid the mistakes of the past. Increased transparency, strengthened governance, and a clear commitment to directing aid toward concrete and measurable projects should facilitate a sustainable recovery, thus enabling Madagascar to definitively turn the page on its crises and build a more united and resilient future. A series of frequently asked questions about cooperation between Madagascar and the World Bank in 2026What is the main objective of the meeting between Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and Atou Seck?

It aims to strengthen international cooperation, ensure the continuity of financial assistance, and define new strategies for Madagascar’s sustainable development.

Which sectors benefit most from World Bank support?

Infrastructure, sustainable development, as well as human development and financial inclusion, are at the heart of investments aimed at eradicating poverty and ensuring inclusive growth.

What governance challenges must be overcome to guarantee the success of projects?

Respecting deadlines, ensuring transparency in fund management, and fostering community involvement are essential to preventing waste or scandals that would damage the credibility of cooperation.

How can Madagascar avoid another crisis like the one in 2009?

By strengthening political stability, improving governance, and ensuring transparent management of international funding. Cooperation with the World Bank also aims to establish a climate of lasting trust.

How can civil society contribute to the success of projects?

By participating in oversight mechanisms, ensuring local transparency, and engaging in raising awareness and evaluating development initiatives.