Boosting the economic activity of six secondary cities and improving living conditions

Since 1990, Madagascar has been experiencing an average annual urban growth rate of 4.5%. These dynamics concern both Antananarivo, the capital, and the country’s secondary cities: Antsirabe, Antsiranana (Diégo-Suarez), Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina (Tamatave) and Toliara (Tuléar). Secondary cities have a role to play as a driving force in the development of their region. They are also key intermediaries in ensuring there is a balanced territorial development at national level. However, their development is hampered by the low level of financial resources and a serious lack of infrastructure, particularly in Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa and Toliara. Each of these cities faces major challenges in improving living conditions for their residents. It involves improving urban governance, creating jobs, first and foremost for young people, tackling urban poverty and addressing flood risks.

The program to support and develop balanced cities in Madagascar (PADEVE) aims to promote balanced territorial development in Madagascar. It is supported by AFD via a EUR 25m concessional sovereign loan and EUR 2m grant. It is cofinanced by the Government of Madagascar with EUR 6m. There are three objectives: Invest in infrastructure in Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa and Toliara in order to support their economic activity, enhance their attractiveness and open up their neighborhoods: investments are planned in road and drainage infrastructure, market facilities (markets, abattoirs…) and public spaces; Build the community management capacities of Antsirabe, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina and Toliara, with a focus on establishing sustainable financial governance; Support the urban development policy at national level: this component will mobilize expertise, studies and seminars.

Economic activity boosted in six secondary cities; Economic development of surrounding rural areas; Improvement in living conditions for populations; Promotion of balanced economic development at national level.