On 18 August 2025, a landmark moment unfolded as Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders joined His Excellency Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar and current SADC Chairperson, to inaugurate an important 8-kilometer segment of the expansive 260-kilometer highway connecting Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, to the vital port city of Toamasina.
The Ambodifasina-Ambohimanga stretch, unveiled amid a large gathering of government officials and thousands of Malagasy citizens, represents a major milestone in Madagascar’s infrastructure development journey. Distinguished guests included President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, King Mswati III of Eswatini, Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane of Lesotho, and SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi.
This highway is poised to transform Madagascar’s economic landscape by significantly reducing travel time between the interior and the coast, boosting trade, attracting investment, and fostering regional connectivity. It promises to accelerate economic growth and increase the country’s competitive edge in the region.
The inauguration took place the day after Madagascar successfully hosted the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government on 17 August 2025, held under the theme: “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.” This milestone in transport infrastructure reinforces the region’s commitment to collaborative development and integrated growth across Southern Africa.
