Omanghana
Madagascar’s government has authorised state electricity and water utility Jirama to purchase 18 diesel generators from Russian company Malmekhservice without competitive bidding, as the country struggles with persistent power shortages.
The decision was approved at a cabinet meeting on October 6, 2026, and made public the following day. It allows Jirama to negotiate the acquisition directly under exceptional measures introduced to address the energy crisis.
The energy ministry has not disclosed the contract’s value or the generators’ combined capacity, leaving key financial and technical details of the agreement unclear.
The purchase comes as electricity and water disruptions continue to affect the country nearly a year after protests over unreliable services contributed to the political upheaval that brought military leader Michaël Randrianirina to power.
Authorities renewed the energy emergency in September, enabling exceptional interventions in the sector. The continuing difficulties were highlighted on October 3 when a power outage interrupted Randrianirina’s speech at an event in Ambohijatovo, prompting a public apology from Jirama.
The generator agreement also reflects Madagascar’s expanding relationship with Russia following the October 2025 coup. According to Business Insider Africa, Moscow has provided military equipment, deployed personnel and established a cultural center on the island.
The report also noted that Randrianirina met Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first official overseas trip, signaling a shift in diplomatic priorities from Madagascar’s traditional relationship with France.
The government intends the acquisition to strengthen electricity supply. However, the absence of published capacity and cost figures makes it difficult to assess how much additional power the generators will provide or the financial commitment involved.
Source: Omanghana
