In a world where economic, social, and environmental challenges are becoming increasingly intertwined, development finance stands out as a strategic lever to drive transformation and enable inclusive, sustainable growth.
In Madagascar, only 39.4 percent of the population had access to electricity in 2023. This national figure masks stark inequalities, with 75.6 percent of urban residents enjoying electricity access compared to just 14.6 percent in rural areas. The country’s energy mix, dominated by biomass at 81 percent, reflects an enduring reliance on wood and charcoal. Limited access to electricity, particularly in rural communities, has serious consequences for the environment and public health, disproportionately affecting women and children. Accelerating Madagascar’s energy transition is therefore essential for ensuring universal access to clean and sustainable energy.
In response to this challenge, the FIER Project — Financement Intégré pour les Énergies duRables — is supporting the country’s efforts to build institutional capacity for sustainable energy finance. Developed and implemented jointly by UNDP, UNCDF, and UNIDO with financial support from the Joint SDG Fund, the project convened a high-level training in Antananarivo from 3 to 5 June 2025. The workshop brought together key public actors, including representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and other national institutions.
Organized in collaboration with the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), the training focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of development finance and equipping them with innovative tools to support Madagascar’s energy transition. The opening remarks were delivered on behalf of the implementing UN agencies, highlighting the importance of cross-sectoral expertise and collaborative learning as powerful drivers for change.
Over three days, participants engaged in an intensive programme designed to foster both conceptual understanding and practical skills. Through case studies, interactive sessions, and group exercises, they explored the landscape of development financing, learning how to identify suitable mechanisms aligned with national priorities. Special emphasis was placed on blended finance, a key strategy to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic capital for sustainable development. Participants also examined risk management approaches and developed a deeper understanding of integrated financing frameworks and the potential for innovative guarantees and instruments.
This training represents a meaningful step toward systemic transformation. By enhancing the capacities of national institutions, the FIER project is helping create the conditions for better resource mobilization, strategic allocation, and impactful investment. Participants are now equipped to analyze Madagascar’s financing context and to design and implement financing mechanisms that reflect national realities while remaining attractive to investors.
At the conclusion of the training, each participant received an official certificate from ITC-ILO, marking their readiness to apply the skills and knowledge gained. These new competencies will contribute to the more effective implementation of energy and development projects that benefit communities across Madagascar.
Originally published by UNDP Madagascar.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
