When a nation is blessed with abundant natural resources but struggles with the pressing challenges of energy shortages, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, the path to development often seems daunting. Yet, it is in these very challenges that the seeds of transformation are sown. Innovative minds, driven by a deep understanding of both local realities and global trends, emerge as catalysts for change. One such mind is Guy Ranjatoelina, whose leadership at GLW INTERNATIONAL has been instrumental in addressing Madagascar’s critical infrastructure needs.
Guy has been a driving force behind the company’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure challenges in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region. With a sharp focus on energy, environment, and infrastructure, Guy has led GLW INTERNATIONAL in providing sustainable solutions to some of Madagascar’s most pressing issues, from energy shortages to water resource management and environmental degradation.
Guy Ranjatoelina is the Founder of SRCD, a trading and EPC company engaged in the energy, infrastructure, and mining sectors. He is also the Founder of LITCHII & Co, a trading company specializing in health and cosmetics. Guy serves as the CEO and shareholder of SRCD, a limited company, and as a shareholder of LITCHII & Co.
Vision for Sustainable Development
In 2006, Guy co-founded GLW INTERNATIONAL alongside two Malagasy professionals with extensive international expertise. The company’s foundation was built on the recognition of Madagascar’s critical developmental challenges, particularly in energy and environmental sustainability. Since its inception, GLW INTERNATIONAL has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges by offering innovative, sustainable solutions in energy, environment, and infrastructure.
Pioneering Industrial Growth Across Madagascar
Established in 1998, SRCD began as a trading company with a focus on the industrial sector, particularly in mining, public works, the railway industry, energy, construction, ship repair, and health. Originally, SRCD acted as a gateway for its French sister company, COMPAGNIE INTERNATIONALE DE MAINTENANCE (CIM), handling railway, construction, and ship repair operations in Madagascar.
Over time, both the market and the company itself have evolved. In addition to its trading activities, SRCD has expanded into industrial contracting, particularly in the energy sector, and now collaborates with prominent energy industry leaders in Madagascar.
Starting from Madagascar, SRCD’s reach has extended into French-speaking Africa and the Indian Ocean. The company’s key targets now include national electricity companies, major international projects, and private initiatives. Its current focus areas include electricity production and transmission, oil exploration, mining, public works, the railway industry, construction, and ship repair.
Expanding GLW INTERNATIONAL’s Roots
GLW INTERNATIONAL’s portfolio of services spans several critical sectors, including energy, environmental management, and water resource solutions. The company has long-standing expertise in Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (EIES), Environmental and Social Management Plans (PGES), and Protected Area Resettlement Plans (PAR). This expertise enables the company to ensure that development projects not only meet technical requirements but also adhere to high environmental and social standards.
In the energy sector, GLW INTERNATIONAL operates across the entire value chain—from production (thermal, hydro, solar, and biomass) to transmission and distribution. Their comprehensive approach to energy extends beyond electricity to encompass water, both in potable form and for wastewater treatment and distribution.
Illuminating Madagascar’s Energy Future
Under Guy’s leadership, GLW INTERNATIONAL has made significant contributions to transforming Madagascar’s energy sector. Notable achievements include:
- Renewable Energy Initiatives: The company conducted environmental and social impact assessments for the QMM/Rio Tinto renewable energy project in Fort Dauphin, a 16 MW clean energy project integrating solar and wind energy. Funded by CrossBoundary Energy, this project diversifies Madagascar’s energy portfolio and significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels, showcasing GLW INTERNATIONAL’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.
- Electricity Transmission Projects: Through projects like the “Tana Medium Ring,” funded by the EXIM Bank of China, GLW INTERNATIONAL expanded electricity transmission networks across Itasy, Analamanga, and Vakinankaratra. This involved the construction of new transmission lines, substations, and comprehensive Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), significantly improving energy access across Madagascar.
- Grid Reliability Improvements: GLW INTERNATIONAL has worked on the RIA-PAGOSE project, funded by the World Bank, enhancing power reliability in Antananarivo. Other initiatives, such as LEAD and PIC, have helped extend electricity access to underserved communities, directly impacting hundreds of localities.
Solving Madagascar’s Water Woes
Despite Madagascar’s abundance of natural water resources, the country faces severe water shortages. GLW INTERNATIONAL has expanded its scope to include water management, with a focus on the production, treatment, and distribution of potable water, as well as wastewater treatment and sanitation. This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to addressing the country’s critical water challenges and ensuring sustainable development in the region.
Partnerships Powering Progress
A key aspect of GLW INTERNATIONAL’s success is its ability to build strong partnerships with both local and international stakeholders. Over 90% of the company’s projects are funded by international development partners, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other multilateral and bilateral donors. Additionally, the company has formed valuable collaborations with global corporations such as Rio Tinto, which enhances the company’s ability to execute large-scale projects and drive impactful change.
Turning Challenges into Catalysts for Progress
Madagascar’s development landscape is challenging, characterized by bureaucratic hurdles, underdeveloped infrastructure, and limited skilled labor. However, under Guy’s leadership, GLW INTERNATIONAL has navigated these obstacles by leveraging international expertise and adopting an innovative approach. The company’s comprehensive project management methodology, covering feasibility studies, implementation, and monitoring, ensures that projects meet technical, environmental, and social standards, while addressing client needs and fostering long-term sustainability.
Growing for the Future
Sustainability is at the heart of GLW INTERNATIONAL’s operations. The company integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into every project, emphasizing the importance of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA). This commitment to sustainability goes beyond regulatory compliance, reflecting a forward-thinking approach that aims to improve the standard of living for communities while ensuring the preservation of Madagascar’s natural resources.
Pioneering Sustainability Beyond Borders
While primarily focused on Madagascar, GLW INTERNATIONAL has been expanding its operations across the Indian Ocean region and Francophone Africa. Through partnerships with European, North American, and Asian organizations, the company has gained access to advanced technologies, strengthening its technical and operational capabilities.
An emerging focus for GLW INTERNATIONAL is the mining sector. Madagascar is rich in valuable minerals, including sapphires, rubies, chromium, nickel, and cobalt. GLW INTERNATIONAL is leveraging its expertise in environmental sustainability to play a key role in the responsible and sustainable development of these resources. This approach ensures economic growth while safeguarding environmental integrity.
Building Tomorrow Through Talent and Trust
Guy Ranjatoelina recognizes that the success of GLW INTERNATIONAL depends on the company’s people. As such, he prioritizes employee training and skills development to ensure that the workforce is aligned with both local and international standards. The company fosters a culture of excellence, professionalism, and ethical governance, creating an environment of trust with its collaborators, donors, and local communities.
Conclusion
Guy Ranjatoelina has been instrumental in positioning GLW INTERNATIONAL as a leader in sustainable development in Madagascar. Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, the company has played a pivotal role in reshaping Madagascar’s energy, water, and environmental sectors. Guy’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, combined with his leadership and expertise, has ensured that GLW INTERNATIONAL continues to make a lasting impact on Madagascar’s development trajectory. The company’s work stands as a beacon of hope for other nations grappling with similar challenges, demonstrating that sustainable development is achievable through innovation, collaboration, and ethical leadership.
