The Minister of Telecommunications and USAID Director Launch Communication Program

On February 22nd, 2007, the Minister of Telecommunications, Posts, and Communication (MTPC), Mr. Bruno Andriatavison, and the USAID-Madagascar Mission Director, Mr. Henderson Patrick, launched the Last Mile Initiative (LMI) program in Moramanga. The USAID/LMI program is the United States Government’s contribution to the Government of Madagascar’s effort to establish telecommunication centers that provide phone, internet and other information services to rural populations. The program is funded by the American people with a budget over $450,000 (amount in Ariary) for two years. Madagascar was selected to participate in this program because of its commitment to rural development.

The LMI program in Madagascar is being implemented by Pact Madagascar, a U.S.-based non-governmental organization, with a close partnership with the Ministry of Telecommunications and other telecommunications operators such as TELMA and DTS. Moramanga (in the Alaotra-Mangoro Region) and Ranomafana (in the Haute-Matsiatra Region) have been selected as pilot sites.

The program will create a telecenter at each of the two sites where customers will be able to access basic services such as telephone, photocopy, fax, and internet. In addition, the centers will provide workshops and training sessions on topics that include: organizational and institutional development for local associations; business network development between local farmers and consumers; and the use of communication to improve the quality of health services.

To assure sustainability, LMI will work with local associations and business operators such as SAF/ FJKM and GasiPro in Moramanga; and FAFED and Valbio research center in Ranomafana. The Mayors of Moramanga and Ranomafana will also participate.

Commenting on the LMI program, USAID Mission Director, Mr. Henderson Patrick, stated, “This program represents the United State’s commitment to work with the people of Madagascar to improve telecommunication and give Malagasy rural populations some tools to accomplish the better future they deserve.”

The telecenter in Moramanga was inaugurated at the same time as the official launching. The inauguration of the telecenter in Fianarantsoa is anticipated in March 2007.