Reasons to hope Is Africa doomed to poverty, war, disease and other such hardships? This is a question that needs to be discussed in light of the actual situation.

	Madagascar’s roads lead to development While Madagascar extends and improves its road infrastructures, Total is introducing a program to professionalize the transport of hydrocarbons.

	A particularly promising future Total has been present in Africa for seventy years and has played a pioneering role that, as Total Senior Vice President, Africa, Exploration & Production, Jean Privey, points out, has now made the Group the leading international hydrocarbons producer on the continent.

	Energy reserves Many of the 1.5 billion people worldwide who lack access to electricity live in Africa. To provide the energy that is crucial for the continent’s economic development, Total is focusing on natural gas, coal, and solar photovoltaic energy and on the skills the Group is making available to local populations.

	Something new under the sun In Morocco, a new world is dawning for the inhabitants of the most remote rural areas. The Office National de l’Électricité has launched a huge solar electrification program. Énergies takes a closer look.

	Getting the most out of service stations Over the last few decades, Total has expanded its refining and marketing activities to cover forty-seven countries in Africa, a record presence that makes the Group joint leader on that continent.

	A commitment to regional development For a long time now, Total has been working to maintain close relationships with the countries where it operates, going beyond simple industrial and commercial dealings.