In June 2025, Laudato Si’ Movement Africa undertook a mission to Madagascar to advance the message of ecological justice and promote the transition to renewable energy across the country. Anchored by an in-person workshop, this visit brought together diverse voices, opened strategic partnerships and expanded the movement’s presence within Catholic institutions and civil society in Madagascar.
At the heart of the visit was an in-person workshop that convened participants from across the country. Attendees included members from the National Commission of Lay Apostolates, National Coordination of Youth Catholic Associations, various universities, Centre Arrupe, civil society organisations, and the media.
The workshop featured presentations from multiple working groups focused on ambitious climate action and a just energy transition. A special training session on renewable energy provided both foundational knowledge and practical pathways for action. Participants engaged in group discussions, collaboratively crafting action plans that can serve as building blocks for a just energy transition in Madagascar.
Capturing the momentum of this gathering, a live media show was broadcast on Radio Don Bosco, a national radio station with a reach of 4 million Malagasy people. This ensured broader public engagement and further highlighted the urgency of the renewable energy agenda. Click on the radio show to listen.
Gaining Support from CEPAL
A key moment of the visit was the LSM team’s meeting with Mr. Théodore RAVOAHANGINIAINA, Secretary General of the Episcopal Commission of Lay Apostolates (CEPAL), the Catholic body responsible for governing lay movements in Madagascar. Mr. Théodore acknowledged the timeliness and necessity of LSM’s work and committed to approving the LSM Madagascar Chapter as an official Catholic movement within CEPAL’s network.
This endorsement marks a significant milestone. Official recognition opens access to key Church platforms and strengthens LSM’s capacity to operate in collaboration with national Catholic structures. CEPAL also expressed enthusiasm for future cooperation on renewable energy initiatives, ensuring that this partnership will have a long-term impact.
Strategic Engagements with Catholic Congregations
Throughout their time in Madagascar, the LSM-Africa team held strategic meetings with different church structures, including religious congregations like the Centre Arrupe, a program of Jesuits, and the Inter-Franciscans Conference.
During a meeting with CEPAL, the Catholic Body in charge of all lay movements in Madagascar, Mr Theodore RAVOAHANGINIAINA the Secretary General, acknowledged the importance of having our chapter in Madagascar and explored various avenues for collaboration. With great enthusiasm, he reiterated that this partnership will go far.
It is amazing to see how all are doing good work in promoting Laudato Si and are open to joining the growing network advocating for a Transition towards Renewable Energy transition.
By aligning with these congregations, LSM gains access to valuable infrastructure, networks, and capacity-building programs that will support its animators and further root the movement’s mission in Madagascar’s faith communities.
Reaching 4 Million Listeners at Radio Don Bosco Radio
In line with the mission to raise hope and awareness, the LSM team was hosted on Don Bosco radio, a nationally acclaimed Catholic radio station with over 4 million regular listeners. During a dedicated one-hour program, Steeven and Reagan unpacked Madagascar’s growing climate vulnerabilities, emphasised the importance of renewable energy, and encouraged everyday citizens to take part in environmental stewardship.
This media outreach was a significant step in broadening the conversation and reaching people who might not have been present at the in-person events but are essential to community-led action. ( a link to be added)
A Meeting with Archbishop Benjamin Ramarosana
To close out the visit, the team had the honour of meeting Archbishop Benjamin Ramarosana of Antsiranana, who also chairs the Justice and Peace Commission at the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar. During this meeting, the LSM team shared the purpose and outcomes of their mission. Archbishop Benjamin expressed deep appreciation for the movement’s work and reaffirmed that the renewable energy transition agenda falls under his commission’s responsibility.
From left : Fr Marie Cyprien Médard sj, Steeven Kezamutima , Mgr Benjamin RAMAROSON and Reagan Wafula
From left: Reagan Wafula , Steeven Kezamutima, Mr Theodore RAVOAHANGINIAINA, Mbola Tiana, and Sophie Rakotoroalahy
As a sign of his full support, Archbishop Benjamin agreed to continue offering his support to the work on ecological conservation and the urgency of energy transition in Madagascar, to amplify local testimonies, share learnings from the visit, and chart a path forward for the Laudato Si’ Movement in the country.
A Growing Movement of Hope
The visit to Madagascar was more than a campaign stop; it was a renewal of commitment to the values of Laudato Si’ and a strategic push to plant deeper roots across Africa. Through meaningful engagements with Church leadership, grassroots communities, and the media, LSM continues to raise hope, one partnership, one policy, and one story at a time.
As the climate crisis escalates, the work being done in Madagascar is a reminder that a just and renewable future is not only possible, it is already being built.