Madagascar
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to see examples
of projects
in this country
Madagascar is an Indian Ocean island nation south-east of Africa, with a total area of 587 000 km² and a population of some 18 million. Madagascar is one of the least developed countries (LDCs) in the world, with growth hampered by several political and social crises. Since 2002 the political situation has been relatively stable, however, with consequent improvements in growth – particularly in agriculture. Although Madagascar still suffers from high levels of poverty, the situation has improved with poverty rates falling from 80% in 2002 to 68% in 2005.
Aid programmes
The Country Strategy Paper for Madagascar (2008-2013) 
presents the strategic framework for cooperation between the European Commission (EC) and Madagascar under the 10th EDF. EC assistance will concentrate on transport infrastructure, rural development, regional planning and general budget support. EC support will contribute to developing national transport infrastructure, improving the transparency of road maintenance funding, supporting decentralisation and the sustainable use of natural resources. In addition, it will contribute to improving macroeconomic reform and the management of public funds as well as advancing social governance and increasing the capacity of relevant public institutions and non-state actors. Additional support will be available for measures to promote good governance and regional integration.
The multi-annual indicative programme for Madagascar under the 10th EDF amounts to €589.2 million to address these priorities.
EC interventions in Madagascar also take account of cross-cutting issues, in particular gender, HIV/AIDS and environmental issues.
Recent assistance
The Country Strategy Paper for Madagascar (2002-2007) gave priority to road infrastructure and rural development under 9th EDF funding.
After 2002, aid projects focussed on the southern regions (Fianarantsoa and Toliara), identified as the poorest.
Main improvements:
- road infrastructure, particularly between the capital and the four main ports, and to areas producing goods for export
- export networks (by diversifying horticulture, standardising agriculture, promoting cash crops and monitoring fisheries)
- productivity in rural areas (through micro financing, agricultural services)
- emergence of leaders in rural areas
- evolution of cooperation with the EU towards directly financed, small-scale projects; land management and planning
For further details on projects and programmes in Madagascar financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) and the general budget of the EU, please visit the project's section of the website of the Delegation of the European Union to Madagascar.
Other sources of information
More information on EU relations with Madagascar is available on the pages of the Delegation of the European Union to Madagascar, which is also responsible for co-operation activities in the country.
Information on trade and external relations with the ACP region can be found on the websites of the Directorate-General for Trade and the EU External Action Service.