Strategic Profile
Madagascar's geography, biodiversity and Indian Ocean position give it distinctive regional and global significance.
TEDRIC • AFRICA COUNTRY RESEARCH
MADAGASCAR
Country Analysis, Research and Strategic Perspectives
32.74M Population • 2025
$19.62B GDP • 2025
3.0% GDP Growth • 2025
Country Overview
Madagascar is the world's fifth-largest island and one of the Indian Ocean's most distinctive countries. Its strategic profile combines exceptional biodiversity, a large and youthful population, agricultural potential, mineral resources, tourism assets and an important position between eastern Africa and the wider Indian Ocean. Development remains constrained by poverty, infrastructure gaps, limited electricity access, climate shocks and low productivity.
Economic Structure
Agriculture remains central while textiles, mining, tourism, telecommunications and services provide diversification opportunities.
Regional Role
The island connects East Africa, the Indian Ocean and Asian markets through maritime trade, tourism and regional cooperation.
Madagascar in Images
Economic Snapshot
32.74M
Population • 2025
$19.62B
GDP • 2025
$599
GDP Per Capita • 2025
3.0%
GDP Growth • 2025
3.0%
Unemployment • 2025
8.1%
Inflation • 2025
2.3%
Remittances / GDP • 2025
42.5%
Access to Electricity • 2024
21.3%
Forest Area • 2023
64
Life Expectancy • 2024
69.2%
Poverty at $3/day • 2021
2.4%
Population Growth • 2025
Real GDP Growth Trend
World Bank data indicate that growth moderated to 3.0% in 2025 after 4.2% growth in 2024.
Development Indicators
Human development:
life expectancy was about 64 years in 2024.
Population:
Madagascar had about 32.7 million people in 2025.
Energy access:
electricity access was about 42.5% in 2024.
Natural capital:
forests covered about 21.3% of land area in 2023.
Poverty:
69.2% of the population was below the $3/day international poverty line in 2021.
Human capital:
low productivity and limited access to quality services remain major development constraints.
Politics & Governance
Madagascar's governance environment is shaped by institutional capacity, political stability, public-sector effectiveness and the challenge of delivering services across a geographically dispersed island. Strengthening institutions, improving public investment and maintaining predictable economic policy are important for long-term development.
Economy & Business
Agriculture
Agriculture remains central to employment and livelihoods. Rice, vanilla, cloves and other cash crops are important, while productivity and climate resilience remain key priorities.
Industry & Mining
Textiles, nickel and other minerals provide export opportunities. Improving infrastructure, energy reliability and investment conditions can support further diversification.
Tourism & Services
Tourism, telecommunications, trade and banking are important service-sector growth areas, supported by Madagascar's distinctive natural and cultural assets.
Population & Society
Madagascar's population is growing at around 2.4% annually. A large young population creates substantial potential for human-capital development, but also increases pressure on employment, education, healthcare, housing, energy and infrastructure.
Education
Access & Quality
Improving learning outcomes and equitable access remains essential for productivity and social mobility.
Technical Skills
Technical and vocational training can strengthen opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism, energy and digital services.
Digital Education
Digital learning can expand educational reach where connectivity, devices and reliable electricity improve.
Science & Technology
Madagascar's technology opportunities include telecommunications, digital services, agricultural technology, biodiversity research, health innovation and environmental monitoring. Expanding reliable connectivity and research capacity can improve productivity and inclusion.
Energy & Natural Resources
Electricity Access
Electricity access remains limited at about 42.5%, making reliable generation and grid expansion central development priorities.
Renewable Potential
Solar, hydropower, wind and other renewable resources provide opportunities to improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Biodiversity
Madagascar's unique forests, ecosystems and endemic species are major natural assets requiring sustainable conservation and research.
International Relations
Madagascar's foreign relations are strongly influenced by its Indian Ocean position and connections with Africa, Asia and Europe. Maritime trade, tourism, development cooperation, regional organisations and environmental diplomacy are important components of its international role.
Defence & Security
Indian Ocean Security
Maritime security, fisheries protection, trafficking prevention and regional cooperation are important for Madagascar's strategic environment.
Climate & Disaster Resilience
Cyclones, droughts and other climate shocks create significant human-security and economic risks.
Human Security
Food security, employment, health, education and resilient infrastructure are fundamental to long-term stability.
Culture, Art & Tourism
Madagascar has an exceptionally distinctive cultural and natural heritage, including the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, the Tsingy landscapes and the Rainforests of the Atsinanana. UNESCO currently lists 3 World Heritage properties and 7 Tentative List sites. citeturn0search0turn0search3
Faith & Religions
Madagascar's religious landscape includes Christianity, Islam and diverse indigenous traditions. Religious and cultural practices are closely connected to family life, community institutions, heritage and the country's distinctive Malagasy identity.
Strategic Outlook
01 • Human Capital
Expand education, health, skills and productive employment for a rapidly growing population.
02 • Energy Expansion
Increase reliable electricity access through grid investment and renewable energy.
03 • Agricultural Productivity
Raise productivity, strengthen value chains and improve resilience to droughts and cyclones.
04 • Industrialisation
Deepen textiles, agro-processing and responsible mining while improving the investment climate.
05 • Digital Transformation
Expand affordable Internet, digital public services and technology-enabled innovation.
06 • Tourism & Conservation
Combine biodiversity protection, cultural heritage and sustainable tourism to create productive local opportunities.
TEDRIC Perspective
Madagascar's long-term trajectory will depend on its ability to convert biodiversity, human capital, agricultural potential, mineral resources and Indian Ocean connectivity into broad-based productivity gains. Reliable energy, resilient infrastructure, stronger institutions, climate adaptation and sustainable management of natural resources will remain central to the country's strategic outlook.
Madagascar Country Research
TEDRIC • Research, Analysis and Strategic Perspectives