The rehabilitation of Madagascar’s National Road 12A (RN12A) has reached a new milestone with the opening of the Taolagnaro–Ebakika section. The project aims to improve transport connectivity between the Anosy and Atsimo Atsinanana regions by 2028.

RN12A Upgrade Progresses in Southern Madagascar

The Malagasy government is moving forward with the rehabilitation of RN12A, a strategic road corridor linking Taolagnaro (Fort-Dauphin) and Vangaindrano in the country’s southeast.

A 45-kilometre section between Taolagnaro and Ebakika has been opened to traffic, while several other segments are either under construction or recently completed. The project is being financed with support from international partners, including the European Union (EU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

The full rehabilitation programme is scheduled for completion in April 2028.

Multiple Sections Under Development

The RN12A programme includes several key segments:

• Taolagnaro – Ebakika: 45 km, now operational;
• Ebakika – Somisika: 121 km, currently under construction;
• Somisika – Masianaka: 35 km, completed;
• Masianaka – Vangaindrano: 32 km, under construction.

In addition, 11 bridges are being built between Ebakika and Somisika to replace difficult river crossings that have historically slowed the movement of people and freight.

Before the project began, several sections of the road were particularly challenging for truck traffic, especially during the rainy season when access was frequently disrupted.

A Key Logistics Corridor for Southern Madagascar

RN12A serves as one of the main transport corridors in southeastern Madagascar. Its poor condition has long constrained trade flows between agricultural production zones, urban centres, and the port of Taolagnaro.

The rehabilitation is expected to deliver:

• shorter transit times;
• more reliable freight movements;
• lower transport costs linked to detours and road interruptions;
• improved market access for local producers.

For logistics operators, the upgraded corridor is expected to strengthen supply chain performance in a region that has historically faced significant connectivity challenges.

Why It Matters

1. Improved Regional Connectivity

RN12A connects several remote communities to key economic centres in southern Madagascar.

2. Greater Reliability for Freight Transport

The construction of bridges and the removal of difficult crossings will reduce disruptions to road traffic.

3. Support for Economic Activity

Improved infrastructure will facilitate the movement of agricultural products, construction materials, and consumer goods.

The ongoing rehabilitation of RN12A represents a significant step forward for road transport in Madagascar. As the remaining sections are completed, the corridor is expected to improve freight mobility between Taolagnaro and Vangaindrano while enhancing logistics resilience across the country’s southern regions.