Since taking office, President Rajoelina has led transformative economic and social reforms, revitalising infrastructure, expanding access to education and healthcare, and enhancing Madagascar’s global influence.

At the awards ceremony in Casablanca, Morocco, he delivered a compelling keynote address, urging African nations to embrace inclusive leadership and interconnected development strategies. He emphasised that Africa’s progress hinges on:

• Strengthening regional trade and cooperation to drive economic growth
• Modernising infrastructure to enhance connectivity and productivity
• Managing resources sustainably for long-term prosperity
• Empowering youth and women as drivers of sustainable progress

Key Achievements of His Administration

• Economic Diversification: Strategic investments in agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism have strengthened Madagascar’s economic foundation.
• Infrastructure Development: Modernising transport and energy networks has significantly boosted economic efficiency.
• Education and Healthcare Expansion: Increased funding has improved access and quality nationwide.
• Environmental Sustainability: Madagascar has emerged as a global leader in biodiversity conservation and climate advocacy.

Beyond national achievements, President Rajoelina actively champions Africa’s collective prosperity. His engagement in the African Union, multilateral summits, and global partnerships reflects his commitment to advancing the continent’s strategic interests.

Other Notable Honourees at POTY 2025:

• H.E. Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria – African Outstanding Good Governance Champion Award
• Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda – African Female Leader of the Year
• H.E. Diamantino Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Angola – African Government Minister of the Year
• Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Minister for Health, Uganda – African Public Health Leader of the Year
• Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited – African Banking Leadership & Excellence Award
• Dr. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, Executive Chairman, Moni Pulo Limited, Nigeria—African Philanthropist of the Year
• Mr. Israel Degfa, President, Kerchanshe Trading Plc, Ethiopia—Special African Business Leadership Commendation Award

President Rajoelina’s POTY 2025 recognition underscores his bold leadership and transformative policies, reinforcing his role as a catalyst for Africa’s progress. While the continent navigates future challenges and opportunities, leaders like H.E. Andry Rajoelina exemplify resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development.

The African Leadership Magazine remains dedicated to celebrating individuals reshaping Africa’s destiny. President Rajoelina’s award reaffirms his role as a beacon of progress and an inspiration for the next generation of African leaders.

African Leadership Magazine, with its international headquarters in London and offices across Africa, is a leading publication committed to shining a light on the achievements of Africa’s most exceptional leaders and organisations. The magazine takes pride in telling the African story from an authentic African perspective, celebrating success in governance, economic progress, social development, and innovation.

With a vision to inspire transformative leadership across the continent, it features thought-provoking commentary and in-depth analysis that emphasise progress, innovation, and inclusion. By fostering dialogue around key issues and celebrating the continent’s trailblazers, African Leadership Magazine serves as both a platform and catalyst for reshaping Africa’s narrative on the global stage.

For more information, contact

The Group Editor,

King Richard Igimoh

king.richards@africanleadership.co.uk

editor@africanleadership.co.uk

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According to the Global Gender Gap Report published by the World Economic Forum, Sub-Saharan Africa has made notable strides in closing the gender gap, improving by an overall 5.6 percentage points since 2006. This progress is evident as 21 out of 35 economies in the region rank within the top 100 globally. Namibia, in particular, stands out as a top-ten performer, showcasing the positive impact of gender-inclusive policies on economic outcomes.

READ ALSO: International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Architects of Change and the Power of ‘She’

One key takeaway from the report is that the “Participation and Opportunity” index currently stands at 68.1%, reflecting significant advancements in labour-force participation and notable progress in women’s representation in technical and professional roles. Increasing women’s engagement in the workforce is not just a matter of equity; it is a crucial driver of economic growth.

Studies have consistently shown that bridging gender inequalities in labour force participation can lead to enhanced Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In many African economies, where agriculture and informal trading dominate, empowering women with access to education, financing, and technology can drive substantial increases in productivity. For instance, Rwanda has become a beacon of gender inclusion, with women playing vital roles in both governance and business, demonstrating that gender equality can be a catalyst for economic growth.

Investing in women’s economic participation has far-reaching benefits, particularly in poverty reduction. Women tend to reinvest up to 90% of their earnings back into their families and communities, improving access to education, healthcare, and overall living standards. Financial inclusion—through mechanisms such as bank accounts, mobile banking, and microloans—further enables women to start businesses and achieve financial independence. Expanding financial services targeted at women is crucial for accelerating economic transitions in the region.

The Global Gender Gap Report highlights African countries making strides in women’s economic participation. Liberia leads the way with an economic participation and opportunity index score of 0.874, ranking first globally. Botswana follows closely with a score of 0.854, ranking second. Other African nations in the top rankings include Eswatini (fourth globally), Togo (11th), Kenya (13th), Zimbabwe (14th), Burundi (15th), Namibia (17th), Madagascar (25th), and Ghana (30th). These countries demonstrate progress in promoting women’s economic empowerment and providing opportunities for women to participate in the workforce.

The advancements showcased by these nations reflect a growing recognition that empowering women is integral to economic development. However, much work remains to be done. Structural and societal barriers must be dismantled to ensure that women can participate fully in all sectors of the economy.

Achieving economic growth and sustainable development in Africa hinges on the active engagement of women. By fostering an environment where women can thrive economically, the continent will not only improve the lives of millions but also propel its economies to new heights. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us commit to championing gender equality and ensuring that women can unlock their full potential in every sphere of life.

The post Importance of Women’s Participation for Economic Growth in Africa appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

READ ALSO: Press Release: Voting Opens for the African Persons of the Year 2024

President Rajoelina has been recognised for his exemplary leadership, commitment to economic transformation, and strategic governance that have significantly impacted Madagascar’s development. His administration’s focus on infrastructure, job creation, digital transformation, and social welfare initiatives has positioned the country as a key player in Africa’s evolving economic landscape.

The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) Ceremony is an annual flagship event that brings together policymakers, business leaders, civil society actors, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond. The event serves as a platform to celebrate outstanding African leaders who are making significant contributions to the continent’s growth and development.

The 14th edition of the event also honoured other distinguished leaders, including:

• Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigeria
• Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda
• H.E. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
• Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Minister for Health, Uganda
• H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, Minister for Transport & Civil Aviation, Somalia
• Hon. Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy & Mines, The Gambia
• H.E. Rindra Rabarinirinarison, Minister of Economy and Finance, Madagascar
• Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Liberia
• Hon. Lefoko Maxwell Moagi, Former Minister of Minerals and Energy, Botswana
• Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Nigeria
• Mr. Mustafa Y. Shek, Director General of the National Communication Authority, Somalia

Prominent business leaders, including Dr. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, Executive Chairman of Moni Polu Limited, and Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/CEO of FirstBank Group, Nigeria, were also in attendance.

The event attracted high-profile delegates from across Africa, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Angola, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Congo, Cape Verde, Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya, highlighting the pan-African significance of the awards.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

The Group Editor
King Richard Igimoh
editor@africanleadership.co.uk,
king.richards@africanleadership.co.uk

About African Leadership Magazine

The African Leadership Magazine, the flagship publication of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited, has been dedicated to promoting impactful leadership in Africa for over 16 years. Through high-quality Afro-positive content, public sector training, and consulting, the magazine plays a crucial role in showcasing Africa’s success stories, driving positive change, and shaping the continent’s future.

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The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration marks a significant step in addressing the continent’s electricity deficit, with over 600 million Africans still living without access to power. As a key component of the Mission 300 initiative, the declaration brings together governments, development banks, private-sector partners, and philanthropic organisations to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. The document is set to be submitted for adoption at the upcoming African Union Summit in February.

READ ALSO: Inside Africa’s Energy Transformation: Tech That’s Changing Everything

The initiative is viewed as a crucial driver for economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards across Africa. By prioritising energy access, Mission 300 lays the foundation for a brighter future, particularly for the continent’s growing youth population.

During the summit, twelve countries—Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—presented detailed National Energy Compacts. These frameworks outline targeted strategies to scale up electricity access, boost renewable energy usage, and attract private-sector investments. The compacts, endorsed at the highest level, incorporate time-bound objectives focused on increasing affordable power generation, expanding grid connections, and enhancing regional energy integration. By leveraging satellite and electronic mapping technologies, governments can identify cost-effective solutions to bring electricity to underserved communities.

Speaking at the summit, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania emphasised the significance of the event, stating, “Hosting this landmark occasion is a privilege for Tanzania, as we discuss strategies to fulfil our commitment to providing power and clean cooking solutions that will transform lives and economies.”

The successful implementation of these energy strategies requires strong political will, long-term planning, and unwavering support from Mission 300 partners. Governments are working to create an enabling environment through comprehensive reforms, complemented by increased concessional financing and strategic collaborations with philanthropies and development banks to catalyse private-sector investments.

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, underscored the importance of bold reforms to accelerate electrification. He stated, “Expanding renewable energy, improving utility performance, ensuring transparency in licensing and power purchase agreements, and establishing predictable tariff regimes are critical. Our collective aim is to support African leaders in developing and executing clear, country-led energy compacts that align with their national visions for electrification.”

Similarly, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga highlighted the fundamental role of electricity in development, remarking, “Access to electricity is a basic human right. Without it, nations and communities cannot thrive. Our mission to provide electricity to half of the 600 million Africans without power is a crucial first step. Success depends on collaboration; no single entity can achieve this alone. Governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks must work together to accomplish our shared goal.”

During the summit, major funding commitments were announced:

• The African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group plan to allocate $48 billion for Mission 300 by 2030, with flexible adjustments based on implementation needs.
• Agence Française de Développement (AFD) pledged €1 billion to support energy access initiatives in Africa.
• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) committed between $1 billion and $1.5 billion to support Mission 300.
• The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group announced $2.65 billion in funding for Mission 300 and broader energy access programmes from 2025 to 2030.
• The OPEC Fund made an initial commitment of $1 billion, with further financing expected.
• The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group jointly launched Zafiri, an investment company aimed at supporting private-sector-led energy solutions, such as renewable mini-grids and solar home systems. Zafiri’s anchor partners plan to invest up to $300 million in its first phase, with a long-term goal of mobilising up to $1 billion to bridge Africa’s energy equity gap.

The summit brought together key African leaders, including President Julius Maadaa Bio of Sierra Leone, President Andry Nirina Rajoelina of Madagascar, Libya’s Presidential Council President Mohamed al-Menfi, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia. These leaders engaged in discussions with global energy experts on the path forward.

The commitments made at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit highlight the power of collective action. By combining policy reforms, substantial funding, and dynamic public-private partnerships, African nations are poised to turn ambitious plans into tangible progress, delivering electricity access to millions across the continent.

The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit was co-hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and the World Bank Group (WBG), with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa.

The post Africa Energy Summit 2025: Leaders Secure Over $50B for Energy Transformation appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The cable car system in Antananarivo, home to over 3 million, featuring modern cable cars equipped with advanced technology, connects key areas of the city, providing a swift and scenic alternative to the often-congested roadways. With projected ridership in the tens of thousands daily, the cable cars are expected to significantly reduce travel times and ease the burden on the city’s road network. Additionally, the reduction in vehicle emissions will contribute to a cleaner, healthier urban environment.

Valued at approximately $150 million, the cable car system presents a substantial investment in the country’s infrastructure. Beyond the immediate benefits to urban mobility, the project has had far-reaching economic implications. The construction and operation phases have created numerous job opportunities, stimulated local employment and providing a boost to the economy. Moreover, small businesses situated along the cable routes are expected to flourish due to increased foot traffic and improved accessibility. Furthermore, the enhanced transportation network has facilitated greater social mobility, enabling residents to access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities with greater ease.

Beyond its practical impact on daily commutes, the cable car system is poised to become a major tourist attraction in Antananarivo. The cable cars offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, providing unparalleled views of the city’s landscape. Key tourist destinations connected by the cable routes include historic sites, cultural landmarks, and vibrant markets, thereby enhancing the city’s overall appeal. Industry experts predict a substantial increase in visitor numbers, driven by the convenience and novelty of cable car rides, which are expected to become a major draw for tourists seeking a distinctive and memorable experience.

READ ALSO: Driving STEM Innovation: African Union’s Ambitious Agenda

Tourism industry experts anticipate a substantial increase in visitor numbers, bolstered by the convenience and novelty of cable car rides. This influx of tourists is expected to generate significant revenue for the country, with estimates suggesting that the cable car system could bring in an additional $10 million annually from tourism-related activities.

With a population of approximately 28 million, Madagascar has made a trailblazing step in urban mobility and sustainable development with the introduction of its new cable car system. This ambitious project has effectively addressed traffic congestion, boosted tourism, and delivered significant economic and social benefits, showcasing the country’s innovative zeal and commitment to progress. As Madagascar continues to invest in cutting-edge infrastructure projects, such as the cable car system, the future appears bright for Antananarivo and beyond, establishing a precedent for other cities to emulate and follow suit.

The post Soaring Over Antananarivo: Madagascar’s Cable Car Revolution appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

There has been significant effort by coastal countries in Africa to meet up with the demand of their economies, while adhering with Global practice and standard. It is to this effect that the World Bank’s Transport Global Practice in association with S&P Global Market Intelligence’s Global Intelligence & Analytics division created the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).

The CPPI serves as a benchmark for acknowledging improvements efforts made by national governments, port operators, port authorities, development organizations and public and private stakeholders geared towards improving port performance. The CPPI uses; cost, landside connection & services, ship-to-shore interchange, and terminal capacity or space utilization as metrics for compiling this list.

According to the CPPI list, the top 10 seaports in Africa are as follows;

Djibouti Port, Djibouti: The Port of Djibouti, located in Djibouti City, Djibouti comes first on the list for Africa and 26th in the world. The port plays an important role in trade, linking the Horn of Africa to the Persian Gulf thereby being very instrumental to trade in the Far East. It is the fifth biggest sea port in Africa with 18 berths that length up to 2830 meters.

Berbera, Somaliland: On the Horn of Africa, is a not so familiar country, Somaliland, officially the Republic of Somaliland, recognized internationally as de jure part of Somalia. This country is home to the Berbera Seaport which comes up second on the CPPI Africa’s list and 144^th in the world. The Berbera Port was used as a naval and missile base for the Somali central government in the past, but it has since been upgraded to a commercial seaport and is influential to trade activity for countries like Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

Conakry, Guinea: The Port of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea is the third on the CPPI list and the 189^th in the world. The port is the 22^nd largest seaport in Africa and has a capacity of 8,000 TEU and 2,000 vehicles. The port is administered by private operators who are responsible for the development of port infrastructure and equipment.

Dakar, Senegal: At fourth position is occupied by the Dakar Seaport, Dakar, Senegal which is also the 196^th in the world. The port is visited by thousand of vessels annually and can handle of 8 million tons of cargo. Its most transported cargo being refined hydrocarbons, crude oil, phosphoric acid, oil, gas, sugar cane, bitumen, caustic soda, chemical products, wine, clinker, sulfur, coal, attapulgite, rice, fertilizer, corn, urea, gypsum and crabs.

Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo: The Matadi Sea Port is the fifth port on the CPPI’s list and the 197th in the world. The port is responsible for 90 percent of maritime traffic in DR Congo. It is the 20^th biggest sea port in Africa and handles over 2.5 million tons of cargo annually.

Tema, Ghana: The Port of Tema is the biggest seaport in Ghana and is proximal to the country’s capital, Accra. It is the CPPI’s sixth top ranked sea port in Africa and the 205th in the world. The port is linked by rail and road network that makes transportation to and from the port easy.

Mogadishu, Somalia: The Port of Mogadishu, located in the capital of Somalia, is the seventh on this list and the 221^st on the global list. The port is classified as a major class port and is also the 21^st largest seaport in Africa.

Beira, Mozambique: On the eight place is the Beira Sea Port, in the northern part of the Mozambique Channel. It is the 223^rd in the world and is very crucial in trade activities within Central Africa. The port is connected by railways from Zimbabwe, Congo, Zambia and Malawi making it the primary port for inland nations.

Freetown, Sierra Leone: Freetown Sea Port, Sierra Leone is the nineth sea port on the CPPI Africa’s list and the 226^th in the world. Freetown Sea Port is the primary commercial port of the country and the major import and export hub. It is the 23^rd largest sea port in Africa and can berth and operate six vessels at the same time.

Toamasina, Madagascar: The Port of Toamasina is situated on the east coast of Madagascar and faces the Indian Ocean. Toamasina is connected by railway to the country’s capital city of Antananarivo. It is the 10^th on the CPPI’s list and 227th in the world. The port handles 90 percent of Madagascar’s container traffic and is managed by the Philippines’ International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), operating as Madagascar International Container Terminal Services Ltd (MICTSL).

The post CPPI’s Top 10 Seaports in Africa appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

17 May 2024

Her Excellency, Rindra Hasimbelo Rabarinirinarison, Minister for Economy and Finance, has confirmed her participation as a speaker and leader of a delegation from Madagascar at the 9th ALM Africa Summit 2024. The summit, which will be held on 4th – 5th July 2024 at the prestigious UK House of Lords and Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London, United Kingdom, will focus on the theme “Africa Unleashed – Navigating Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities.”

Madagascar’s active involvement in the summit underscores the country’s dedication to economic development and its commitment to fostering international collaboration. As a speaker, Minister Rabarinirinarison will participate in the “Countries & State Governments Investment Opportunities Showcase,” highlighting the numerous investment opportunities available in Madagascar.

MADAGASCAR’S MINISTER FOR ECONOMY, RABARINIRINARISON, TO LEAD A DELEGATION TO ALM AFRICA SUMMIT – LONDON 2024

Madagascar offers a range of investment opportunities across various sectors, including agriculture, tourism and renewable energy, mining, and infrastructure development. The Minister’s presence at the investment opportunities showcase will provide a platform to showcase these opportunities to potential investors, highlighting the country’s favourable business environment, natural resources, and strategic location. Investors attending the showcase will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Minister and her delegation, gaining valuable insights into the investment landscape and specific projects available in Madagascar.

DR. KEN GIAMI AND MADAGASCAR’S MINISTER FOR ECONOMY, RINDRA RABARINIRINARISON

The ALM Africa Summit, hosted by the African Leadership magazine since 2016, is a premier annual program that brings together policymakers, political and business leaders, diplomats, civil society leaders, thought leaders, and stakeholders from Africa, the UK, and around the world. The summit is a unique platform for engaging in discussions on various issues related to the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of Africa. The 9th ALM Africa Summit in 2024 aims to build on the successes of previous editions by advancing discussions and actions towards sustainable prosperity for Africa.

About African Leadership Magazine

The African Leadership Magazine is published by the African Leadership Organization, a company registered in the United Kingdom (Company No. 07435198). The magazine focuses on bringing the best of Africa to a global audience, telling the African story from an African perspective; while evolving solutions to peculiar challenges being faced by the continent today. Since its maiden edition in August 2008, African Leadership Magazine has grown to become a leading pan-African flagship leadership-focused publication read by over 1,200,000 targeted international investors, business executives, government policymakers and multilateral agencies across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Europe and the US.

Over the past 16 years, African Leadership Magazine UK has established itself as a trusted partner for African leaders in business, politics, and diplomacy. Through its high-level global events, the organization has facilitated strategic deals and investments, resulting in over $5 billion in investments and 500 successful partnerships. The African Leadership Organisation’s track record positions it as the platform of choice for promoting Africa-led businesses and fostering collaboration between African and international stakeholders.

For enquiries and participation, please contact:

Ehis Ayere

+44 23 9265 8276

ehis@africanleadership.co.uk

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The award is in recognition of her commitment and efforts toward promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency. As well as engendering reforms in treasury management, customs, and budget management in the country. As an expert in public procurement, public finance, the judiciary, and international negotiations, H.E. Rabarinirinarison has continued to address some of the challenges and impediments to the nation’s economic development and transformation.

The African Minister of the Year Speaks on Disaster Response

The frequency and intensity of climate disasters continuing to increase in recent years in Madagascar, has negative impacts on the nation’s agricultural sector and economy. The Ministry of Economy and Finance, under the leadership of H.E. Rabarinirinarison, has worked tirelessly to improve disaster and risk management (DRM). In an exclusive interview with African Leadership Magazine, the Minister added that “on the DRM side, we set up a contingency fund. That will allow us to rapidly respond to disasters and complete emergency actions.”

“Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has an ongoing partnership with the World Bank through the FID (Development Fund for Actions). To implement the social safety nets programme to support the most vulnerable households impacted by climate disasters”, she added. “Thanks to our partners (the World Bank, AfDB, GIZ, etc.), our subscription to insurance mechanisms (such as the CAT DDO with the World Bank and the climate insurance with the African Risk Capacity) is not only a great addition to our DRM capability but also reduces the pressure on our public finances.”

African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA)

The African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) was organised by the African Leadership Organisation, publishers of the African Leadership Magazine UK, attracting high-level business leaders and policymakers, including Lord Dolar Popat, a Member of the UK House of Lords and the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Rwanda and Uganda; Baroness Sandy Verma, Member UK House of Lords; Hon. Renganaden Padayachy, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, and Development, Mauritius; Rindra Rabarinarison, Minister for Economy and Finance, Madagascar; Hon. Seedy Sk Nije, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Of The Gambia; and Hon. Fonati Koffa, Deputy Speaker, House of Reps, Liberia.

Other guests at the event include His Royal Majesty, Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III CFR, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Nigeria. Olori Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Nigeria. Hon. Debele Kabeta Hursa, Commissioner, Ethiopian Customs Commission. Mrs. Mukwandi Chibesakunda, CEO, Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) Plc. Mohammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Nokuthulamolela, CEO Food and Beverages Manufacturing, South Africa. And H.E. Dr.Benedito Paulo Manuel, Director General, Sociedade de Catoca Lda, Angola; amongst others.

The post Madagascar’s Rabarinirinarison Gets The African Minister Of The Year Award In London appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Nonetheless, these young talented Madagascar leaders have taken charge of their lives and are shaking things up in an attempt to change the face of Madagascar.

Let’s meet them.

Matina Razafimahefa

Matina Razafimahefa, is a young, talented Malagasy entrepreneur. She is the co-founder & CEO of Sayna– an innovative EdTech venture based in Madagascar.

Created in 2018, Sayna is a start-up by African developers via a micro-tasking platform. Sayna intends to address a twofold problem: the lack of training in the digital sector in Africa and the gap between the supply of digital talent and the growing demand of companies in the context of their digital transformation.

Sayna offers digital skills training and provides solutions that allow students to enter the job market. To date, Sayna has trained and placed over 2000 people in the global IT marketplace across multiple African countries like Comoros, Ivory Coast, Benin, and Senegal.

Sayna’s ambition is to enable at least 8,000 people in Africa to enter the digital industry through its training and have more than 3,500 people working on its micro-task platform; Meet the IT needs of 300 SMEs and start-ups in the French-speaking world; Complete a Series A fundraising of approximately €3 million in 2022 to accelerate growth and finance a pan-African expansion in West Africa.

Andriankoto Ratozamanana

Andriankoto Ratozamanana is recognized as a young world leader who demonstrates achievement and potential, especially in improving the lives of young people in Madagascar.
Andriankoto is a new media social entrepreneur and pioneer in Madagascar. He focuses on Sciences, Technology, and Innovation.

He is the Co-founder and CEO of the Habaka-Madagascar Innovation Hub, a non-profit organization supporting local youth with technology and entrepreneurship.

Andriankoto is also an international consultant who understands technology’s power regarding Africa’s socio-economic development.

He is a social entrepreneur who has been a passionate advocate for supporting the reforestation of his native Madagascar with endemic species and helping people produce essential oils and other sustainable products.

In 2014, Andriankoto was ranked among Africa’s top 100 young economic leaders by the Choiseul Institute for International Politics and Geo-economics. This annual independent study recognizes the economic leaders of Africa aged 40 or less who will play a significant role in Africa’s economic development.

In 2018, he was appointed by the government of Madagascar to take charge of the Private Sector and Digital Development.

Selected as a TED Fellow by the famous TED organization, Andriankoto was recognized in 2009 as an outstanding young world leader for improving the lives of young people in his local communities through technology.

Angelin Marius Rafidisaonina

For Angelin Marius Rafidisaonina, personal growth is about the simple things we often forget. It is about expressing oneself, learning new things and forming new habits, allowing oneself to experience things differently and keeping that process going as often as possible.

Because of Madagascar’s under par national education system, young people are forced to create a solution to a failing system. This is where Angelin Marius Rafidisaonina comes in.
Angelin is the founder of the training and mentoring program “Stop becoming… JUST BE!” His program gives youth in Madagascar the tools they need to choose their own path and achieve their goals.

In 2018, the programme received an award at the African Union Innovation Expo.

Nellie Anjaratiana

Madagascar has her very own Mary Slessor! Nellie Anjaratiana is the guardian angel to the twins of Mananjary.

Crowned Miss Madagascar in 2020, Nellie Anjaratiana saw her life turn into a fairy tale, an opportunity to advocate for children’s rights, especially the Mananjary twins. Her Beauty With A Purpose” project is to support and help the Mananjary twins abandoned at birth and deprived of rights because of local habits and customs in the South-east of Madagascar.

Forged from her humanitarian and charitable actions, Nellie desires to change the world. She wants to build awareness for the care centres for rejected twins in Mananjary and raise international awareness to the issue to have more resources.

Nellie desires to prevent children from being abandoned and to provide them with a place to go for their protection and where they can grow up in a safer and more caring environment. In addition, she would like to convince society and the parents of the children that twins are double blessings, not a curse.

Her project reached a milestone when the Malagasy State-backed her and supported the Mananjary twins.

The post 4 Talented Malagasy Youths Changing Madagascar’s Narrative appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

As population growth presents economic potential, it could also be a challenge to a country if not well managed. The young population is putting pressure on its education, training, and technology systems because the demand the infrastructure is higher than what the government can provide.

The national education system has not improved enough, and things are not changing for the youths in time to meet up with demands of their generation.

The youths are, therefore, forced to create their solution to these challenges. In the quest to reshape Madagascar’s economy through technology, some youths have been innovative in trying to create some technology hubs amongst others.

Habaka is one of the innovations founded in 2011. It offers co-working space, runs events and offers training, and has also been running the CoderDojo programme since 2014.

In 2015, Habaka stepped up the pace, embarking on consultations with the Malagasy government on how best to grow the technology ecosystem in the country.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, and co-founder of Habaka, Andriankoto Ratozamanana, “We think it’s meaningful consideration for us and a sign of openness. Working with the government through different ministries is key in our mission of reshaping Madagascar’s economy through technology.”

One other initiative that has been helpful to the country is how the country used technology to solve its education problems. Madagascar has a dire school shortage. About a third of Malagasy children have no access to education because the schools are too far away or severely overcrowded.

A non-profit organisation that is dedicated to increasing global access to education, “Thinking Huts” made the world’s second 3D printed school possible in the country.

Thinking Huts believes that twenty-two thousand new schools are needed to fulfil the demand and as such, it plans to tackle the issue with a series of 3D-printed schools, the first of which was completed in April 2022.

The 765-square-foot honeycombed structure, named Bougainvillea, is located on a university campus in Fianarantsoa, a town in south-central Madagascar.

It was developed in partnership with 14Trees, which built the world’s first 3D-printed school in Malawi in July 2021.

The single-story school will house 30 engineering students. In other sectors, one of the first youth-driven social media projects to encourage young people in Africa to talk about their sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to offer them reliable information on the subject was founded by a 23-year-old called Manantsoa Ratsarazaka.

Manantsoa said Tanora Garan’Teen (Guarantee for Youth) was founded because he was determined to give youth the power and the means to make decisions about their families and their future.

Madagascar has experienced an upsurge in the number of adolescent pregnancies in the past 15 years, a trend that has been putting pressure on the healthcare system. Currently, 36 per cent of women aged 20-24 have reported a birth before age 18.

Over one in three girls become pregnant before her 18th birthday. But talking about sex remains taboo, which makes Manantsoa’s accomplishment more remarkable.

Observing how urban youth are connected by their mobile phones and the Internet, Manantsoa got the idea to use social media to educate young people about sexual and reproductive health.

He gathered a team of 20 volunteers to run the project and secured three coaches to support them; two from the Ministry of Youth and one from the UNFPA Country Office in Madagascar.

Using platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook, the project’s main objective is to facilitate adolescents’ and youth’s access to information about sexual and reproductive health by encouraging them to share information, express their opinions and seek advice that will help them make informed decisions.

Since the project began in 2012, it has reached more than 10,000 people through various events and focus groups across its social medial platforms.

Because it enables participants to maintain their privacy, Tanora Garan’Teen has attracted more young people to take part in its online activities.

With these technological innovations, there is no doubt that most of its technological problems would be fixed by the country’s innovative youths.

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