Madagascar’s Digital Foundation: Minister Andriamampiadana on Digital Identity, AI, and Africa’s Key Policy Priorities

Digital Identity and Sector Reform

Minister Andriamampiadana pointed to digital identity as one of Madagascar’s most significant achievements. The government has launched a project called Prodigy, which is rolling out biometric unique IDs for the population. Alongside this, the country has undertaken substantial reforms in the telecommunications sector, overhauling existing regulations to better align with government priorities and create a more enabling environment for digital growth.

Emerging Technologies in Focus

On the technology front, Madagascar is actively working on artificial intelligence and mobile money, while keeping its sights firmly on digital public infrastructure as the most critical layer underpinning all other digital initiatives. The minister framed DPI not just as a technical investment but as the foundation on which meaningful digital services can be built and scaled.

Africa’s Three Policy Priorities

Asked to take a Pan-African view, Minister Andriamampiadana was clear and concise on what the continent must get right. Affordable connectivity and infrastructure, a clear and trusted regulatory framework, and digital skills and talent development are, in his view, the three pillars Africa cannot afford to get wrong. He stressed that policy harmonization is not a nice-to-have but a necessity, and that these three elements collectively form the foundation for any meaningful acceleration of digital transformation across the continent.

“The top priority for Africa should be about affordable connectivity and infrastructure, a clear and trusted regulatory framework, and digital skills and talent development. Harmonization of policy is crucial. I believe these three are the foundation.”

– Mahefa Andriamampiadana, Minister of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications, Madagascar

Partnership with GSMA and the Road Ahead

Minister Andriamampiadana also spoke to Madagascar’s collaboration with GSMA on a digital economy report for the country. He highlighted three areas he expects the report to illuminate: trends in mobile connectivity and digital adoption across Africa, the economic impact of digital technology, and persistent challenges around affordability, infrastructure gaps, and skills shortages. The findings, he suggested, will help shape and sharpen Madagascar’s digital strategy going forward.

Closing the conversation, the minister expressed cautious but clear optimism about the direction of travel, both for Madagascar and for the continent.