Madagascar implements transparency measures amid fiscal challenges

Madagascar’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Dr. Herinjatovo Aimé Ramiarison, has introduced new transparency and anti-corruption protocols within the ministry. During a meeting in Anosy on October 24, the minister mandated weekly reports from all departments and required that any service irregularities be formally reported in writing within 24 hours. The initiative aims to protect state resources intended for health, education, and infrastructure, with the minister warning that sanctions will be applied to those involved in corruption or failing to report it.

Separately, recent economic data highlights significant fiscal pressures. Interest charges for the period of January to September 2026 rose by 35.4 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 2,251 billion lires. During this nine-month period, the central government spent 13,948 billion lires against total revenues of 12,108 billion lires, resulting in a budget deficit of approximately 1,840 billion lires. Interest payments accounted for 16.1 percent of total budget expenditures, significantly outpacing agricultural support, which stood at 114 billion lires.