Madagascar economist urges digital law for growth
Jonah Andrianantoanina says updated legislation will help Madagascar leverage AI and improve internet access.
Economist Jonah Andrianantoanina is pushing for a significant law to drive Madagascar's digital transformation, stating that digital technology can become a main engine for economic growth. He believes reforming laws on electronic communications and digital infrastructure will speed up this change. Andrianantoanina described the draft law n°040/2026 on electronic communications and digital infrastructure as having major importance for consumers and the country. He said the goal is to enable Madagascar to benefit from the fourth industrial revolution, including artificial intelligence.
Madagascar already participates in the AI value chain through data annotation, with a large part of training data for French AI companies prepared in the country, according to Andrianantoanina. He noted that these strengths need better internet connectivity to be realized, stating that without accessible internet for all, they will remain useless. The proposed legislative reform will update regulations from 2005, when less than 1% of Malagasy people used the internet, to current realities where over 20% now use it, with smartphones and mobile payments transforming habits.
The new law aims to create equal rules for all actors, introducing five license categories awarded through competitive processes and strengthening the independence of the Regulatory Authority for Communication Technologies (ARTEC). Andrianantoanina stated these measures could improve the investment environment and broaden access to digital services for Malagasy citizens.
Why it mattersMadagascar's economic growth and ability to benefit from AI are directly linked to new digital infrastructure laws and improved internet access.