Power cuts: the government intensifies pressure on Jirama

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

For several years, Madagascar has been grappling with a persistent energy crisis that is weakening the country’s electricity grid, with the major challenge being supplying power to its regions. In 2026, this situation worsened, causing a series of recurring power outages that severely impacted citizens’ daily lives and economic activity. Managing this crisis, under constant government pressure, reveals a crucial strategic issue: how to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply in the face of increasingly complex technical constraints? Recent government interventions, aimed at strengthening the sector’s capacity, attempt to address these problems but also raise serious concerns about their short- and long-term effectiveness. Jirama, the main operator in charge of electricity distribution in the country, finds itself at the heart of this struggle between technical challenges, political responsibilities, and public expectations. The need for urgent action to overcome this impasse, while preserving social and economic stability, underscores the gravity of the situation. Given this context, it is essential to analyze the roots of this crisis, the measures taken, and the future prospects for Madagascar, which risks seeing its national cohesion severely tested if this energy crisis persists. The question remains: what strategies will be truly effective in reviving a chronically failing sector and restoring the confidence of a population largely frustrated by the ongoing power outages?

Essential information on power cuts: causes, prevention, and solutions for effectively managing power outages.

The underlying causes of power cuts in Madagascar: causes and responsibilities.

The recurring power outages in the country result from a complex interplay of structural, technical, and socio-political factors that have plunged Madagascar into a precarious situation. The aging infrastructure is undoubtedly a major contributing factor, with the majority of Jirama’s equipment having exceeded its useful life and requiring urgent replacement. For example, the recent handover of 28 electrical transformers, valued at 5 billion ariary, with the assistance of a local operator, will not be sufficient to sustainably improve the situation without comprehensive renovations. Furthermore, the poorly designed and significantly under-capacity electrical grid is unable to meet growing demand, leading to frequent outages, often lasting several hours, which paralyze economic and social life. Excessive reliance on fuel oil and the lack of renewable energy alternatives exacerbate this vulnerability. The inefficient and opaque management of the state-owned company, compounded by embezzlement and a lack of transparency, is also being criticized, as evidenced by the

revelation of the shady dealings

that are undermining the company’s management.

In addition, the international context, marked by the global fuel shortage and the war in Ukraine, further complicates energy supplies, making each outage more difficult for the authorities to manage. The government’s response, although being consolidated with investments such as the replacement of transformers and the construction of new power plants, remains insufficient given the magnitude of the crisis, which is affecting all regions of Madagascar.

Technical factors and their impact on grid stability

Technical challenges represent a major source of failures. Inadequate maintenance, the aging power plant infrastructure, and equipment inefficiency during peak consumption periods lead to increasingly frequent outages. The lack of additional generators for localities such as Ihosy, raised during an official visit, causes further interruptions, demonstrating the scale of the problem.

Moreover, the water supply, like the electricity supply, is at the mercy of a failing distribution network. The recent government inspection in Antanetibe Ilafy, where 28 transformers were handed over to Jirama, illustrates this commitment to addressing structural emergencies. However, these emergency measures, if not accompanied by a long-term strategy, risk being nothing more than a band-aid on a gaping wound. The government’s emergency measures to address the energy crisis: between promises and realities

Faced with the ongoing deterioration of the electricity grid, the government has launched numerous initiatives to try to improve the situation. The provision of new equipment, particularly through the delivery of transformers, demonstrates a clear commitment to increasing production capacity. However, these actions remain insufficient without a genuine plan for the renovation and modernization of the grid.

Official statements, such as those from Jirama’s Director General, Ron Weiss, who promised a recovery plan for electricity and water, demonstrate an awareness of the gravity of the situation. However, the population, having endured endless power cuts, remains skeptical about a rapid improvement. Overcoming this crisis will require going beyond ad hoc measures and mobilizing significant investments, particularly in the renewable energy sector, to reduce dependence on costly and unreliable imports.

The government’s efforts must also incorporate better resource management, avoid waste, and ensure complete transparency to reassure citizens. Finally, increasing pressure, particularly from the Malagasy executive branch, could accelerate the implementation of essential reforms for the sector’s recovery.

• Concrete initiatives to strengthen the electricity grid: Among concrete actions, the construction of new hydroelectric and solar power plants presents itself as a sustainable solution, enabling a reduction in dependence on imported fuel oil. Several pilot projects are already underway, illustrating the commitment to integrating renewable energy into the national energy mix.
• A list of priority actions would be as follows:
• Modernizing existing infrastructure 🔧

Developing the distribution network 🚧

Investing in renewable energy ☀️💨

Improving management and transparency ⚖️

Essential information on power outages, their causes, impacts, and solutions to better prepare for them.

Jirama under the microscope: challenges and strategies of an actor in crisis

Jirama, preemptively criticized for its opaque management, now finds itself at a crossroads. Its ability to guarantee a stable electricity supply depends on a radical change in its practices, investments, and governance. The recent government intervention, notably the delivery of 28 transformers, aims to restore users’ confidence, but this remains insufficient without genuine internal reform and rigorous management.

According to the president of the Refoundation movement, the company must rethink its business model, reduce its losses, and optimize its human resources. Transparency in financial management and the fight against corruption must be priorities to restore the sector’s credibility.

Enhanced credibility

Involvement of private and international stakeholders

Mobilizing funds and expertise

Sector growth

The social and political challenges linked to the energy crisis

Power outages fuel growing social dissatisfaction, exacerbating mistrust of political leaders and managers. Regular demonstrations, the protest in Ambohijatovo, and increasing citizen demands illustrate the tension between popular expectations and the realities of the sector. These tensions risk further hindering the development process if no concrete response is forthcoming.

The political context must be integrated into a comprehensive strategy where transparency and citizen participation become cornerstones. Without this, the energy crisis could fuel a spiral of mistrust and chaos, jeopardizing the country’s long-term stability. Open and constructive dialogue, reinforced by concrete initiatives, is essential to breaking the deadlock.

Strategic Options for Sustainable Energy Management in Madagascar

To truly break free from this impasse, Madagascar must develop a new energy model based on diversification and resilience. Among these strategies, the active involvement of international partners and the development of microgrids, enabling decentralized power supply, appear essential. Modifying the regulatory framework to facilitate private investment in renewables is also a step that needs strengthening.

In addition, enhanced social oversight is necessary to guarantee transparency in energy management and distribution. Modernizing the institutional framework would improve overall governance, secure investments, and enhance accountability. Technology, particularly smart grids, also plays a key role in automating and optimizing the network.

The Role of International Partners and Green Finance

Given the scale of the needs, cooperation with financial institutions and international partners is becoming indispensable. Implementing projects financed by green funds dedicated to renewable energy could catalyze the transformation of Madagascar’s energy sector. These investments, in addition to reassuring donors, will help establish a dynamic of long-term change and create local jobs. The mobilization of these resources must be accompanied by a clear and coherent national strategy to guarantee the sustainability of the actions undertaken.

What is the main cause of power outages in Madagascar in 2026? Outdated infrastructure, poor management, and dependence on fuel oil are among the major factors responsible for the recurring outages.

What measures has the government taken to reduce the energy crisis?