The planet is over-heating and global warming is a reality. It is human activity that is responsible for this fact and energy is the main cause, whether it is to produce, transport or consume it. The energy transition is now necessary to limit global warming and its devastating effects on ecosystems and the climate as much as possible. Madagascar aims to significantly increase the share of renewable energies in the global energy mix. This goal is in line with the country's vision for energy sustainability. 

However, the current reality is that most of the energy supply is still based on non-renewable sources. Currently, only 15% of energy production comes from renewable sources, highlighting the considerable way to go to reach this challenging goal. To achieve this, Madagascar both need to invest in the development of renewable energies, such as solar and wind energy, and to put in place policies and infrastructure conducive to the adoption of these technologies. The establishment of regular monitoring mechanisms to measure progress towards this target will be essential. 

Many countries have already adopted such mechanisms to monitor the transition to renewable energy and to draw valuable lessons from it. In line with the country's vision for energy sustainability, Madagascar is seeking to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy sources. Major renewable energy projects from wind, solar and hydropower are underway. However, to accelerate progress, achieving them will require sufficient financial support.

In Madagascar, economic growth has been supported by the extractive industry sector since 2012. But this support gradually declined and became negative in 2016 following the fall in the price of nickel and the gradual withdrawal of oil companies. This trend has been reversing since 2017. Madagascar has set itself the goal of achieving a high level of economic productivity through diversification, technological modernization and innovation by 2030. This ambitious vision aligns with the country's aspirations to create a more dynamic and diversified economy. However, the current reality contrasts with these ambitions. Currently, the underground economy is growing significantly, which can limit overall productivity. The share of high value-added sectors in GDP remains relatively low.

To achieve this target, the government will need to invest in technological upgrading and innovation, particularly in structural transformation with high value-added potential. This will require a policy and regulatory framework conducive to the adoption of new technologies and the promotion of innovation. In addition, encouraging training and skills development to meet the needs of high value-added sectors will be crucial to improving economic productivity.

Madagascar is ranked the third country most vulnerable to climate change in the world. Deforestation and the destruction of natural ecosystems are among the greatest factors of climate vulnerability, through the loss of ecosystem services. The average annual deforestation rate was 1.5% in 2019. Land degradation affects 12 of Madagascar's 23 regions, with an area of 70,000 km2 requiring immediate action in 2024.

Madagascar aims to integrate climate change measures into its policies, strategies and national planning by 2030. This vision reflects the recognition of the urgency of addressing the effects of climate change and promoting climate resilience at all levels of governance. However, the current situation highlights the need to accelerate these efforts. Madagascar is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with phenomena such as cyclones and droughts becoming more frequent and intense. Recent statistics indicate an increase in climate disruptions affecting key sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure.

To meet this target, Madagascar will need to integrate climate considerations into all stages of decision-making, from national policies to local planning. This will require cross-sectoral coordination and strong partnerships to develop coherent and effective climate policies.

In 2022, according to the Corruption Perceptions Index, Madagascar was ranked 142nd out of 180 countries with a score of 26/100. According to the Rule of Law Index, the country is ranked 112^th out of 139 countries. In addition, only 39.7% of the Malagasy population say they are satisfied with the public services received. The reduction of extreme poverty should be strengthened by improving governance, strengthening institutions, the rule of law, public accountability and the fight against corruption.  

This would offer Madagascar the opportunity to grow its economy with a greater focus on structural transformation, resilience and emerging decentralization. In connection with the latter, the government is currently strengthening the implementation of decentralization, in accordance with the Letter of the Emerging Decentralization Policy following the promulgation of Law No. 2021-011 of 24 June 2021.

However, it is crucial to ensure that this goal is supported by four complementary pathways to accelerate development: (i) enhance economic opportunities; (ii) improve service delivery; (iii) build resilience; and (iv) strengthen governance, with the latter being a precondition for progress on other fronts to achieve the SDGs.