Madagascar, despite its abundant natural beauty, faces serious challenges in electricity access: less than 35 % of its people currently enjoy a reliable supply of electricity, especially in rural areas. Aptech Africa, is working to change that story by installing two solar‑hybrid mini‑grids in the rural municipalities of Androka (in southern Madagascar) and Manatenina (in the southeast).
The sites ware selected as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021–2023, which aims to address Madagascar’s development challenges. These systems combine solar PV, battery storage, and diesel generators backups to deliver dependable power.
Aptech Africa LTD, designed, procured and installed a 65Kwp for Androka and 82kwp for Manantenina with a 109.44kwh battery bank storage and 191.52kwh for Androka and Manantenina respectively. The hybrid system was ground mounted with a generator of 60kva and an over head distribution network with a total length of 4,354m for Androka.
Manantenina also had a generator of 40kva and an overhead distribution network with a total length of 5,150m. Alpha ESS batteries, GoodWe inverters, and Risen solar modules where used in the installation as well as the remote monitoring systems to collect information on the power out put voltage, current and energy production.
The minigrid will benefit households, single phase businesses with an estimated load capacity of less than 0.7kw each, and 3phase businesses with an estimated load capacity of less than 3.5kw each. Households benefit from reliable electricity for lighting, communication, and domestic needs, reducing reliance on costly or unsafe alternatives.
Schools, health centers, and community facilities can operate more effectively, improving education outcomes and healthcare delivery. Access to power enables small and medium businesses to expand operations, improve productivity, and generate income, which fosters local economic growth. The Androka and Manatenina mini‑grid projects by Aptech Africa are excellent examples of renewable energy brought to life. They illustrate the blend of solar, batteries, and diesel backup in hybrid form, tailored to remote communities.
While challenges abound fuel logistics, maintenance, weather careful design, strong community involvement, and robust financial planning make these projects sustainable in the long run. As Madagascar strives to increase its electricity access, these mini‑grids represent more than just infrastructure: they are a sign of development, hope, and resilience
