12 December 2025
Madagascar’s Ministry of Development, Posts and Telecommunications has revealed plans to slash internet tariffs across the country, starting in the first week of December.
The move follows discussions between the government and telecom operators aimed at enhancing digital accessibility for Madagascar’s population.
Minister Mahefa Andriamampiadana explained that the extent of the reductions will vary depending on each operator’s technical and financial capacity. He emphasised that fixed internet pricing should shift away from per-gigabyte charges, which tend to unfairly burden small and low-income users.
In response to operators’ requests to eliminate excise duties, the Ministry said it is open to supporting such measures, provided they do not negatively impact government revenues. The Minister added that any financial relief granted to operators should be reinvested into improving services — offering more affordable plans, higher speeds, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
Reaffirming its commitment to creating an inclusive and competitive digital environment, the Ministry stated that the new pricing strategy aims to extend reliable internet access to more citizens and support Madagascar’s broader development goals.
The government has taken a firm stance on the issue of internet costs, insisting that price reductions must be “real, simple, and visible” in everyday data plans that most citizens rely on. Officials criticised current offerings — such as 1.1 GB for 3,000 ariary, 2.5 GB for 5,000 ariary, and 5.5 GB for 10,000 ariary — as “small, conditional, and temporary,” arguing that poorer households are effectively paying more per gigabyte than wealthier users.
While operators claimed that tax adjustments would not affect state revenue, authorities rejected this, stating that fiscal policy should not be driven by private interests. Ultimately, the government’s goal remains to build an inclusive, competitive digital ecosystem that provides reliable internet access to all Madagascar citizens.
