Madagascar is establishing itself as a model of success in the agricultural sector, thanks to strategic initiatives that are creating opportunities for young people and revitalizing rural communities. With the support of the African Development Bank, the country is driving an agricultural renaissance that is changing lives and strengthening its economy.
“Before, many of us had to leave our families to find work in the cities. Now, thanks to projects like Aromatsara, we can stay and build a future here,” says Andriamananjo Tokiarinivo Santatriniaina, known as Toky, who now has a stable job at the farm.
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This transformation has been made possible thanks to Madagascar’s leadership in implementing the Youth Entrepreneurship Promotion Program in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PEJAA), a national initiative that has allocated $8.19 million to promote agribusiness. Aromatsara, one of its success stories, has managed to expand in the production and export of essential oils, spices, and natural products, generating employment and sustainability. “I returned to agriculture because I wanted to see a real impact in my country. Cultivating the land is more than a job; it is the foundation of Madagascar’s future,” explains its founder, Ranjatiana Randriantsara.
The impact of PEJAA has led to the launch of the Business Linkage Program (BLP), with an additional investment of $1.4 million, reaffirming the country’s commitment to agricultural growth. Through the Madagascar Business Linkage4 platform, the program has improved access for micro and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to national and international markets. Companies like Vatsy Soa have grown significantly, strengthening the distribution of agricultural inputs across the island. “Without these programs, it would have been difficult to expand. Now I have five additional stores and can operate nationwide,” says Sarah-Marie Vololompanahy, founder of Vatsy Soa.
Madagascar’s achievements in the agricultural sector are evident: more than 409 young agripreneurs trained, 350 new businesses established, and over 1,750 jobs created. Additionally, companies supported by BLP have increased their workforce by 21% and quadrupled their revenues, consolidating the country as a benchmark in agricultural development on the continent.
Cheick Diarra, representative of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Madagascar, highlights the country’s leadership in the region. “Madagascar has enormous young talent and vast agricultural resources. With these initiatives, it is proving that it can be a key player in agricultural production and exports in the Indian Ocean region and beyond,” he concludes.
