Digital jobs needed in Madagascar

The World Bank predicts that 230 million jobs across the continent will require digital skills by 2030. In Madagascar, digital transformation in agriculture could create 250,000 more jobs by 2031, according to the GSMA.

Agriculture’s digital strategy

Madagascar’s national digital transformation strategy for agriculture, covering 2024-2028, identifies a need for computer developers, agronomists, data specialists, technicians, and trainers. It also includes a platform to connect agricultural producers with workers at different stages of the production cycle.

Africa’s digital agriculture roles

A review of digital agriculture in Africa highlights diverse roles, including application developers, agricultural data analysts, geolocation specialists, drone pilots, and digital marketing professionals. These jobs span the value chain from production to sales and logistics.

Agriculture’s economic role

Agriculture accounts for about 70% of employment in Madagascar and contributes 22% to the GDP. However, youth employment and professional integration remain major challenges, with most young people working in the informal sector.

Network and infrastructure challenges

High-speed mobile broadband covers 66% of Madagascar’s population, but only 14.3% have mobile internet access. Rural areas face additional barriers, including difficult terrain and limited 4G coverage, which hinders the expansion of digital services.

Access to digital tools remains limited

Only 15% of rural households have access to electricity, and entry-level smartphones remain too expensive for many due to taxes. These factors limit regular use of digital platforms, even where coverage exists.

Skills gap hinders job growth

Nearly 70% of Malagasy youth have not continued their education beyond primary school, and 19.3% of those aged 15-24 are illiterate. Employers struggle to find trained workers in key sectors, including agriculture and ICT.