Madagascar's Office of Mines and Strategic Industries (OMNIS) has presented its 2026-2030 roadmap structured around 16 strategic projects. The state is reasserting control over its resources: mining permits suspended since 2010 are being reopened, a new petroleum production-sharing model is in development, and operators face mandatory social investment requirements.
Sixteen projects to rebuild mining governance
After three months of work, OMNIS submitted a strategic plan for 2026-2030 built around 16 projects. The central objective: strengthen state control over mining and petroleum activities while ensuring a better financial return for the country. Mining Minister Carl Andriamparany is unambiguous: «Anyone wishing to carry out mining activities must make a contribution, particularly through social investments.»
Mining permits reopened after 16 years
One of the plan's flagship measures is the resumption of mining permit applications, suspended since 2010 following widespread abuses and governance failures. The reopening comes with stricter requirements: social investments, community participation, and environmental commitments — an attempt to rebalance the relationship between the state, foreign operators, and local populations.
Oil: 500 blocks waiting, a new contract model to build
Madagascar holds more than 500 onshore and offshore petroleum blocks. A new production-sharing contract model is being developed to better frame the state-company relationship, particularly for heavy oil deposits governed by a 2004 agreement now deemed insufficient. General Tsilavonjato Honoré Andriantaolo, OMNIS Director General, is overseeing the transformation.
Why it matters
Mining remains one of Madagascar's greatest development opportunities, but the sector has long been marked by unequal rent distribution and transparency deficits. This reform arrives amid tensions with the IMF and after announcements of accelerated public investment. If implemented in practice, it could reposition the island as a more predictable and equitable mining investment destination — and attract fresh African and international capital into its strategic resources.