As part of its ongoing support to build sustainable energy systems in sub-Saharan Africa, the EELA Program hosted a regional webinar and a national workshop during the SADC Industrialization Week 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. These events brought together key institutional actors, including government representatives, regulators, private sector stakeholders, and development partners, around a shared commitment: to accelerate the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and policies at both national and regional levels.

Webinar: Harmonisation of Energy Standards and Industrial Motor Standards for the SADC Region

The regional webinar framed energy efficiency as a critical enabler of inclusive industrialisation and economic competitiveness. HE Hon. Olivier Jean-Baptiste, Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons of Madagascar, opened the dialogue by highlighting the urgent need to harmonise energy standards across the SADC region. Such alignment, he explained, not only facilitates trade and technology diffusion but also ensures that smaller economies are not left behind in the green transition. Drawing from recent national experiences, such as a partnership with a local company working on smart public lighting, he illustrated how innovation in energy management is already emerging in Madagascar. His intervention concluded with a call for stronger regional cooperation to build a more resilient and efficient energy future.

Expanding the regional perspective, Mr. Nixon Bukachi from AFREC presented the African Union’s Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan, adopted in 2024. This framework shifts the focus from traditional efficiency metrics to energy productivity, an approach that resonates more strongly with political agendas by linking energy use to economic output. This framing, he noted, is particularly relevant for countries where access to energy remains a more immediate concern than optimisation.

From a policy and investment standpoint, Eng. Edvan Moyo of the SADC Secretariat emphasised the importance of harmonised standards in driving industrial growth, attracting investment, and safeguarding both consumers and producers. He acknowledged the support of international partners, particularly EELA, for advancing these objectives.

Mr. Luc Tossou from the African Development Bank provided an in-depth look at the institution’s multi-level support mechanisms for energy efficiency. He explained how the Bank leverages a combination of direct loans, concessional financing for policy reforms, and credit lines to financial intermediaries to unlock investments in energy-efficient appliances and systems. Case studies from Nigeria and Senegal demonstrated innovative models, such as on-bill financing and results-based policy disbursements, that are helping to overcome entrenched market barriers. In parallel, the Bank offers technical assistance and is investing in regional certification schemes to professionalise the sector and improve project bankability.

EELA experts Mr. Makaliki (SACREEE) and Mr. Ndivhuho Tshikovhi (UNIDO) reinforced the importance of harmonising energy standards to unlock economies of scale for manufacturers, reduce trade friction, and improve access to quality-assured products. They explained how aligned standards make it easier for SMEs to meet the expectations of financial institutions, increasing their chances of securing funding.

Peter Blake from UNEP’s United for Efficiency initiative presented model regulations for key appliances, including air conditioners and electric motors. Developed through broad consultations with governments, NGOs, and industry, these tools provide countries with ready-to-adapt frameworks that align with global best practices. Blake also underscored the importance of leveraging international platforms, like the G20 and COP summits, to give political visibility to regional progress on energy efficiency.

National Workshop: Advancing Energy Efficiency Implementation in Madagascar

The momentum from the webinar carried into the national workshop held on July 31, which focused on contextualising energy efficiency efforts within Madagascar’s unique landscape. Opening remarks from the Minister of Energy, UNIDO, and the SADC Secretariat reiterated that energy efficiency is not a secondary issue, but a strategic response to Madagascar’s pressing energy challenges—from supply constraints to the rising cost of imported fuels.

EELA presented its core programme pillars: the harmonisation of minimum energy performance standards, the engagement of the private sector, the promotion of high-efficiency technologies, and the creation of Clean Tech Platforms to support innovation and investment. These elements are designed to be implemented nationally while benefitting from a coordinated regional approach that maximises their scalability and impact.

Key national institutions—including the Ministry of Energy, the Bureau des Normes de Madagascar (BNM), JIRAMA, and the Electricity Regulation Office—shared updates on policy development, regulatory gaps, and technical challenges. While a national energy efficiency strategy is under development, issues such as outdated standards, lack of certification infrastructure, and limited awareness among end users continue to hinder implementation.

The workshop also revealed critical operational concerns. Representatives from JIRAMA reported grid losses approaching 29%, especially during the dry season, when demand exceeds available capacity by over 50 MW. Improving grid management and promoting end-use efficiency are seen as immediate priorities to reduce losses and stabilise supply.

Participants stressed the need for a robust regulatory and enforcement framework. BNM highlighted the importance of aligning with international norms and working with accredited testing laboratories. However, the lack of domestic testing infrastructure remains a barrier, affecting the credibility and enforcement of energy-efficient products in the market.

To address these issues, EELA introduced the development of a Regional Compliance Framework for the SADC and EAC regions. The framework proposes shared product registration systems, cross-border intelligence-sharing, and coordinated market surveillance, along with the creation of joint testing facilities. It also foresees progressive enforcement support over the next five years, tailored to national capacities.

One of the most tangible outcomes of the workshop was the proposal to establish a National Energy Efficiency Working Group. This multi-stakeholder platform would be tasked with drafting a national action plan, advancing testing infrastructure, exploring incentive mechanisms, and forging stronger ties with regional centres of excellence.

By facilitating this two-part engagement, EELA reaffirmed its role as a catalyst that bridges technical assistance, regional integration, and national implementation. Energy efficiency emerged as a strategic priority—key not only to reducing emissions, but also to enhancing economic competitiveness and securing sustainable development.

The collaboration between EELA and Madagascar’s institutions, grounded in shared goals and regional cooperation, marks a critical step forward. As efforts continue to mature and expand, the EELA Program remains committed to working side by side with national and regional actors to support the implementation of meaningful and practical energy efficiency measures across Southern Africa.