Brussels, 23/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, will receive a €518 million development aid package until 2020 under the European Development Fund (EDF).
The national indicative programme, which sets out the development cooperation priorities between the EU and Madagascar, was signed in Brussels on 23 November by the European commissioner for international cooperation and development, Neven Mimica, and the president of the Republic of Madagascar, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who is currently visiting the EU institutions.
The aid will focus on governance and strengthening public policies, infrastructure to support economic development and rural development. However, the funding will also finance support to civil society. In addition, Madagascar benefits from aid through the EDF regional envelope and thematic budget lines. This is how it received €8 million in 2015 for adaptating to climate change.
Around 92% of the population in Madagascar lives below the poverty threshold - in other words, with less than $2 per day. Madagascar is an African member of the group of 78 ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) countries that are linked to the EU through the Cotonou Agreement. It is an island state and vulnerable to natural disasters.
Shaken by numerous political crises, Madagascar had its cooperation suspended with the EU under the 10th EDF, but direct aid to the population was continued (around €300 million). The successful political transition, which led to the formation of a democratically elected government in April 2014, enabled the restrictions to cooperation to be lifted, and enabled the programming of financial resources for Madagascar under the 11th EDF (see EUROPE 11097 and 11064). The 11th EDF finances cooperation between the EU and the ACP countries for the 2014-2020 period. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)