Madagascar to Implement US$225 Million Urban Resilience Initiative Targeting Antananarivo and Toamasina

Washington — The World Bank Group has approved a US$225 million financing package for the Integrated Urban Development and Resilience Project for Jobs (PRODUIRE2) aimed at enhancing climate resilience, upgrading infrastructure, and creating new employment opportunities in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina.

Madagascar’s rapidly expanding urban centers are confronting escalating challenges. Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, which struck in early 2026, inflicted damages equivalent to 3.4 percent of the nation’s GDP. In Greater Antananarivo, extreme urban poverty has surged by over 100% in the last decade, despite the capital contributing nearly 44% of the country’s GDP. Recurrent flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure land tenure are deterring private investment, limiting economic prospects, and deepening poverty among the most vulnerable populations.

Building on prior World Bank initiatives in Antananarivo, PRODUIRE2 will expand investments in flood mitigation, drainage systems, solid waste management, neighborhood upgrades, and land administration within Greater Antananarivo. In Greater Toamasina, where Cyclone Gezani damaged 70% of housing stock, the project prioritizes reconstructing resilient housing and rehabilitating critical public infrastructure, including schools and health centers. By 2032, the initiative aims to extend climate-resilient infrastructure to 1.5 million residents, reconstruct 20,000 homes to higher standards, formalizing land rights for 50,000 parcels, and generating approximately 17,000 jobs—catalyzing sustained private investment and economic growth.

“When cities function effectively, citizens thrive. With this World Bank Group-supported project, families will experience safer neighborhoods, improved infrastructure, and expanded access to land services, fostering economic opportunities. This investment will create jobs, empower local enterprises, and enable communities to build stronger futures for their families,” stated Dr. Herinjatovo Ramiarison, Madagascar’s Minister of Economy and Finance. “

The project addresses insecure land tenure—a critical obstacle, as nearly half of Antananarivo’s land lacks formal titles. PRODUIRE2 will implement land regularization and digital land services, enabling residents to secure legal documentation and streamline transactions. At least 40% of newly issued land documents will recognize women as sole or joint rights holders.

“Cyclone Gezani destroyed nearly 70% of Toamasina’s homes, displacing thousands. With PRODUIRE2, families will rebuild resilient homes, while critical infrastructure and services are restored and fortified. The University of Barikadimy, severely damaged, will be rebuilt to modern standards to serve future generations. In Antananarivo, investments in flood control, drainage infrastructure—including the Canal C3 ter and Canal C3 bis—solid waste management, and land administration will reduce flooding, offering families greater security during rainy seasons. This project empowers people to live more safely, unlock economic opportunities, and focus on what matters most: their children’s education, livelihoods, and well-being,” emphasized Atou Seck, World Bank Group Country Manager for Madagascar.

PRODUIRE2 underscores a sustained partnership between Madagascar’s government and the World Bank Group, positioning Antananarivo and Toamasina as resilient, inclusive, and dynamic growth engines.

The project benefits from technical support by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and Japan’s Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership, enhancing Madagascar’s disaster risk management, urban resilience frameworks, and infrastructure quality standards.

Contacts

In Madagascar: Dia Styvanley, +261 34 78 254 44, dstyvanley@worldbank.org

In Washington: Daniella van Leggelo-Padilla, +1 (202) 473-4989, dvanleggelo@worldbank.org

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