Madagascar: New solar-powered system strengthens meteorological services and climate resilience
Antananarivo, 27 March 2026 – The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with the technical support of the Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons through the Rural Electrification Development Agency (ADER), inaugurated a photovoltaic system at the Hydrometeorological Forecasting Operations Centre.
This infrastructure was implemented under the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), which supports Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in closing basic weather and climate data gaps, representing a total investment of USD 4.9 million, implemented by UNDP Madagascar.
The installation of this photovoltaic system marks a significant step forward in strengthening the capacity of the national meteorological system, while actively contributing to the country’s energy transition. With a capacity of 61 kWp and a storage capacity of 16 kWh, the system ensures a continuous power supply to the Operations Centre. It ensures uninterrupted availability of essential services related to the management of meteorological data, including their collection, transmission, storage, and security.
This initiative directly contributes to strengthening early warning systems, which are essential for anticipating climate risks, reducing the impacts of natural disasters and protecting livelihoods. It is fully aligned with Madagascar’s national priorities and international commitments on climate resilience, energy transition, and sustainable development, while reinforcing efforts to improve the quality and reliability of its meteorological services.
The investment demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening Madagascar’s resilience to climate hazards while promoting sustainable energy solutions. Ensuring the continuity of meteorological services also means supporting the country’s development.
By enabling the continuous production and international sharing of weather and climate data, this investment also strengthens the global observing system, helping to reduce forecast errors worldwide.
Photos: UNDP
About SOFF:
Established in 2022, the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a United Nations fund co-created by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) dedicated to closing the basic weather and climate data gaps in the world’s most resource-constrained regions. SOFF provides grants and peer-to-peer technical assistance to help Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States generate and sustain surface-based observations that meet Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) standards. By enabling a steady flow of high-quality weather and climate data, SOFF delivers a global public good that strengthens forecasts, improves early warnings, and supports climate-resilient development everywhere.
About UNDP:
UNDP is the United Nations’ leading agency supporting countries in developing sustainable policies and programmes, and in strengthening their capacities to manage risks and disasters. UNDP has been working in Madagascar since 1960 and is committed to supporting the country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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