On January 23, 2026, Madagascar's Minister of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications, Mahefa Andriamampianina, officially launched the Rapid Rural Transformation RRT and Smart Villages project along the Vohitsova-Antanimora corridor. This large-scale initiative, developed in collaboration between the Ministry and the World Food Programme PAM, aims to combat rural isolation and bring essential services closer to citizens.
Six strategic sites are now operational in the Anosy and Androy regions, forming a digital development corridor. The project leverages hybrid connectivity, combining satellite internet and off-grid solar power to ensure 24/7 service even in remote areas. State-of-the-art community centers have been established, featuring public service counters to bring government services directly to local populations.
Digitalization of services is central to the project. Eleven key entities, including districts, hospitals, gendarmerie, agriculture offices, and municipal authorities, have received laptops to automate administrative processes and reporting. To sustain the model, Smart Village Consultant Agents underwent intensive training on January 23-24, introducing a new business framework that ensures operational and financial autonomy of the sites. Community engagement was reinforced through symbolic initiatives, such as the donation of cattle in Vohitsova, fostering local support for the program.
