ANTANANARIVO — Since early 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) has been supporting the Madagascar Ministry of Finance and Budget (MFB) to improve Madagascar’s budgeting and treasury systems, and to establish a single, centralized account for Madagascar’s finances.

In this partnership’s latest initiative, USAID is donating 45 computers and 25 solar panels, which will provide reliable electricity to regional offices and strengthen financial management by improving the flow of information between the regional offices and ministry offices in Antananarivo.

The MFB’s external network is present in 113 districts, but an evaluation found that an unreliable electricity supply, poor internet connections, and outdated or absent computer equipment were limiting effective financial management for offices outside of Antananarivo. These challenges led to delays in processing financial transactions and slowed down budget and treasury activities.

“We realized a stronger and more reliable communications network would help improve the Government of Madagascar’s treasury management and budget execution processes,” said Chris Milligan, USAID Madagascar Acting Mission Director.

The solar panels will provide backup electricity supply for each of the MFB’s regional offices, and the computers will allow employees to share information and provide more timely reports.

“Once fully installed, this equipment will enhance information flow to and from the MFB regional centers in support of improved financial management,” said Ms. Vonintsalama Andriambololona, Minister of Finance and Budget.