The President of the Refoundation, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, is expected in Paris to attend the International Space Salon, where Madagascar will take part in discussions with several European partners. The Malagasy delegation left the country on Wednesday morning, with an agenda expected to go well beyond the space industry event.
The visit is being presented by the head of state as an opportunity to strengthen Madagascar’s relations with France, Belgium and the European Union. Several meetings with senior European officials are being considered, including discussions with French and Belgian authorities as well as with the leadership of the European Commission. A possible meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron has also been mentioned as part of the diplomatic agenda.
One of the main issues expected to be discussed is the Volobe hydroelectric project in the Atsinanana region. Colonel Randrianirina indicated that the project would necessarily be on the agenda during his talks in Paris. The project involves the construction of a hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 120 MW on the Ivondro River. It is considered one of Madagascar’s major energy projects and is expected to contribute significantly to improving the country’s electricity supply.
Beyond Volobe, discussions with the European Union are also expected to focus more broadly on energy and other areas of cooperation. The President of the Refoundation emphasized that the European Union is one of Madagascar’s main financial partners and highlighted the importance of European funding, a significant portion of which consists of non-repayable grants. Such resources can play an important role in financing infrastructure and supporting development projects.
Political issues are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Madagascar’s upcoming elections are likely to be addressed with European partners, as the country’s political and institutional process continues to attract international attention. The visit to Paris therefore provides an opportunity for the Malagasy authorities to present their vision of the political transition and discuss the next stages of the country’s institutional process with European partners.
Madagascar’s presence in Paris is therefore shaping up to be more than a participation in an international space event. The visit carries significant economic, energy and diplomatic dimensions, reflecting the authorities’ intention to strengthen dialogue with European partners and advance several strategic issues for the country.
The meetings scheduled during the visit could allow Antananarivo to deepen its relations with Europe while seeking additional support for priority projects, particularly in the energy sector. They could also provide a platform for discussions on international financing and the organization of future elections, making Colonel Michaël Randrianirina’s visit an important diplomatic engagement for Madagascar.
