Business & Economy

Wednesday, 30 August 2023 06:24

Artisan showcase, fashion and trade fair

Written by Lalaina

Artisan Showcase, Fashion and Trade Fair, Four Madagascan companies exhibited at the Sourcing at Magic, Las Vegas last August 2023In a generous gesture of support, the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM) sponsored three booths for members of the GEFP and the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham). This collaboration not only reflects a commitment to fostering international partnerships but also underscores the spirit of appreciation for the shared goals and initiatives. The organizers express heartfelt thanks for the sponsorship, acknowledging…

Monday, 17 October 2022 06:51

"SALON RSE&IDD": AmCham Members Answered the Call

Written by Kenny Raharison

The American Chamber of Commerce in Madagascar (AmCham) was a sponsor of the latest Salon RSE&IDD that took place at Novotel Alarobia on October 6-7. The event, co-organized by Ur-CSR Consulting and BuyYourWay, gathered different stakeholders from the public and private sectors, the civil society, and international organizations. The two-day exhibition was an opportunity for private companies to highlight their approaches in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and their initiatives towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A few AmCham members…

Thursday, 13 October 2022 09:46

Romy Andrianarisoa: “SDGs as Key Performance Indicators for Businesses”

Written by Romy Andrianarisoa Voos

We are less than one month away from the Indian Ocean Conference on Sustainable Development (IOC-SD) that will be held in Antananarivo on November 4-5. Hosting the regional conference demonstrates Madagascar’s commitment to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 by involving both the public and the private sectors. Entrenching SDGs in our Industrial Policy UN agencies reaffirm that industrialization is a key element in sustainable development. Today, the Malagasy industrial system is based upon an industrial policy which…

Friday, 15 July 2022 09:36

Which future for air transport in Madagascar?

Written by Maherintsoa Andrianiaina

Economists, travelers, and even ordinary but staunch patriotic citizens are concerned with what is coming next for the Malagasy air transport. Currently in a worrying situation, the national airline is being shaken up by some turbulence, and we do not know when it will end. Ups and downs Before Madagascar regained its independence, the scaling and development of the Malagasy air transport had been outstanding both with the international (France and Eastern Africa) and domestic networks – the densest…

Monday, 11 July 2022 10:49

Anthony RASOLOFONIRINA: Create competitive advantage through digitalization

Written by Anthony RASOLOFONIRINA

Digitalization is defined as the use of digital technologies to manage and grow a business; this usually involves changing a business model and providing new revenue and value-producing opportunities that were not previously possible. COVID-19, which accelerated the evolution and use of digital technologies, profoundly changed the way people live, travel and do business, and in the process, they are transforming the tourism sector. Searching online using a mobile device has become the norm, especially with younger consumers. This younger…

Wednesday, 06 July 2022 08:11

3 key drivers for tourism recovery and further growth

Written by Aina RAVELOSON

Who would have thought that in March 2020 the COVID19 pandemic would last more than 2 years and affect the global economy as much as our ability to travel? Even though the extended closure of borders was justified to temporarily protect our population, it has brought tourism companies and their employees to their knees. By the end of 2021, air traffic was down 80 percent from 2019 while 84 percent of the 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in the tourism…

Thursday, 16 June 2022 12:32

Tahina Razafindramalo: "Digitization: Madagascar is on the right track"

Written by AMCHAM

On June 9, 2022, AmCham Madagascar held its traditional Thursday Morning Round Table at Le Centell Hotel Antanimena, and received as guest the Minister of Digital Development and Digital Transformation, Posts and Telecommunications Tahina RAZAFINDRAMALO. The Minister’s speech was mainly rooted in the presentation of the Ministry’s projects under the theme: "Meeting the needs for modernization of the country by establishing e-governance and providing e-services" that converges towards President Rajoelina’s "Velirano 11 and 4". Tahina Razafindramalo announced ongoing digital projects…

Monday, 30 May 2022 07:03

U.S. launches project to boost businesses that preserve biodiversity in Madagascar

Written by AMCHAM

Public-Private Partnership will strengthen enterprises that invest in environmental conservation and local empowerment. ANTANANARIVO – The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are helping Madagascar strengthen its business climate and protect its unique ecosystems through a new public-private partnership known as Mitsiry, or “sprout” in Malagasy. At a ceremony last Friday, the Cabinet Director from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development Mamitiana Andriamanjato and the Conseiller technique chargé du secteur privé of the Ministry of…

Thursday, 05 May 2022 06:00

FIM 2022: Digital innovation and support to start-ups

Written by Nicolas Martin

For the upcoming International Fair of Madagascar of May 19-22, 2022, the PREMIERE LIGNE event agency has decided to highlight digital innovations and support Malagasy start-ups! The "Digital Pole" at the fair will be under the active sponsorship of the Ministry of Digital Development, Digital Transformation, Posts and Telecommunications, and with the support of the Ministry of Communication. Several start-ups offering outsourcing and digital services will be present, including our partner SMARTELIA VIRTUOLOGY which gives students and women entrepreneurs an…

Thursday, 28 April 2022 05:25

Energy: Minister Andry Ramaroson reassures the private sector.

Written by AMCHAM

AmCham’s traditional Thursday Morning Round Table (TMRT) was held last week at Le Centell Antanimena. It was an opportunity for AmCham members to meet and discuss with Malagasy Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Andry Ramaroson, about current energy issues. Following up on an interview given in the 14th edition of "The American" magazine, the Minister insisted on a couple of important matters, including other hydro initiatives than Sahofika and Volobe such as Ambodiroka, Ranomafana and Antetezambato. He also announced the…

Wednesday, 20 April 2022 07:07

Romy Andrianarisoa Voos: "Let us now translate our commitment in Glasgow into actions!"

Written by Kenny Raharison

In the 13th edition of The American magazine, Romy Andrianarisoa Voos, as a representative of the private sector within the GEM[1], put a stress on the critical role of the private sector in the fight against climate change. Energy transition is a key component of the commitment made by Madagascar last November during COP26. Just to recap, Romy stated that Madagascar would take a made-in-Mada path in its energy transition where fossil energy will not be banned. How is Madagascar’s…

Monday, 11 April 2022 10:13

Energy panic worldwide ... What about us?

Written by Rivo Rakotondrasanjy

The world, with all its conventional institutions, is now facing an existential challenge. The war in Ukraine is shaking up the established order and changing the geopolitical situation. Food and energy are becoming more than ever the new trump cards in the game of influence and power relations, both in the immediate, short, long and medium terms. What volume of production will be on the market? To whom? For whom? At what price? Under what conditions? When and for how…

Wednesday, 09 March 2022 06:00

Jessica Ranohefy: “Together, let’s celebrate our differences”

Written by AMCHAM

“Together, let’s celebrate our differences” The world is made up of people, with their own differences: gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation. That affects our life experiences, how we perceive the world around us, and how we are perceived by others. At Rio Tinto we are working every day to build a workplace that is safe and inclusive. We have developed preventive strategies and programs to break the bias, stereotypes, and discrimination: the family and domestic violence program and the Raise…

Monday, 07 March 2022 06:33

Josiane Randrianitovina: "The feminine power of resilience"

Written by AMCHAM

A major operator in the textile and clothing sector in the Indian Ocean and over the international market, the Socota Group, directed by female leaders, is moving forward with resilience and keeps on meeting the requirements of major brands. Mrs. Véronique Auger, the Chief Executive Officer, has won and upheld the trust of some major customers such as Orchestra, Camaieu, Marks & Spencer, Woolworths, Truworths, Zara, GIII etc. Mrs. Josiane RANDRIANITOVINA, the Chief Human Resources Officer, has strengthened the Socota…

Friday, 04 February 2022 06:00

Mind what you wear!

Written by Kenny Raharison

Reaching the United Nations’ “SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production” requires that we opt for a more sustainable use of our natural resources, that we manage chemicals and waste in a more responsible way, and of course, that we substantially reduce our waste generation. What do they wear in the Western world? What do we wear in Africa? Their fall into the trap of fast fashion. Brands like Zara and H&M are omnipresent in the high streets and biggest malls…

Wednesday, 02 February 2022 06:00

Narindra Randrianavony: "Restart tourism sustainably: a matter of a strong domestic tourism"

Written by Narindra Randrianavony

The world is waiting… We will restart tourism!” it says. For almost a year now, the UN World Tourism Organization has launched the #RestartTourism campaign - asking travelers to be patient, responsible, and to ‘travel tomorrow.’ It took time but here we are finally… Borders are progressively reopening throughout the world! Avid tourists are already planning their next trips. At the same time, the hotels and restaurants, the travel agents and tour operators, the coffees and bars - all the…

Friday, 28 January 2022 06:00

Romy Andrianarisoa Voos: “The private sector is a key player in the fight against climate change.”

Written by Romy Andrianarisoa Voos

The engagement of the private sector in setting and implementing sustainable development policy remains at the heart of the global debate. While big global groups prove reluctant to progressive regulations, many more show evident support to SDGs by setting highly ambitious targets – such as Microsoft who “pledged to achieve carbon negative status by 2030.” Today Madagascar witnesses the scariest drought in the southern part of the country, as a direct result of climate change – even though other studies…

Monday, 29 November 2021 07:35

Spicing things up: USAID launches new Public-Private Partnership with chocolate and spices industry.

Written by AMCHAM

The innovative approach, known locally as the “TSIRO Alliance”, will improve incomes of more than 2,000 rural farmers and plant more than 1.5 million trees. ANTANANARIVO – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on behalf of the American people, has launched a new $5.8 million, five-year, public-private partnership to strengthen Madagascar’s chocolate and spices industry, improve farmer livelihoods, and conserve biodiversity. The partnership, called “TSIRO Alliance,” is committed to supporting more than 2,000 farmers in 30 communities and…

Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:00

What is money and what can we do with it?

Written by Haingo Heriniaina Rajaonarison

Merriam Webster defined money as something – as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper – customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value or a means of payment. Money does not think, it does not make choices; human beings can always think and make choices. Money does not have any power, but everything we can touch usually has monetary value (some of them high, others low), including trash. Did you know that trash can…

Monday, 04 October 2021 13:34

Climate policy: the U.S. sees opportunities in Africa.

Written by Kenny Raharison

On October 1st, Deputy Special Envoy for Climate at the U.S. Department of State, Dr Jonathan Pershing gave a briefing after the first part of his trip to Africa and discussed the Biden Administration’s climate policy and how the U.S. is working with African countries to address climate change. What does climate change look like today? Dr Pershing listed a few important impacts of climate change that the world is seeing today, including the significant rise in global average temperature,…

Wednesday, 22 September 2021 05:51

How Amazon became the leader of online shopping.

Written by Iangotiana Rakotovao

Amazon is undoubtedly the biggest e-commerce store in the world. You can find all sorts of items from electronics to books. From a tumble beginning as an online bookstore, the company has defied all odds to be what it is today. Founded on July 25th, 1994, by Jeff Bezos, the company has grown in leaps and bounds over its 27-year history and has become a global icon and a pacesetter in the e-commerce industry. The biggest edge of Amazon comes…

Friday, 03 September 2021 05:00

U.S. entertainment industry: e-sports market explosion-related trends and statistics.

Written by Volahanta Raharimanana

Netflix has recently released a movie highlighting e-sport games entitled “The kissing booth” – the American teen romantic comedy film starring Joe king and Jacob Elordi. Based on the 2012 novel of Welsh author Beth Reekles, the movie scenes show the boom and the influence of e-sports in young people’s lives, especially those of Americans. E-sports have astonishingly risen in popularity over years only. Commonly referred to as electronic sports, e-sports are video gaming events engaging amateurs or professional players…

Wednesday, 25 August 2021 03:51

Can Apple AirTags help find lost pets?

Written by Iangotiana Rakotovao

AirTags were marketed by Apple as the ultimate tool to prevent you from misplacing your keys, wallet, or bag. However, how about attaching it to a live animal and tracking its movements if it goes missing? There's no major reason not to use AirTags to track your pet; but it is not going to work like many people think. After all, there is no secret that AirTags work very well for tracking a static object, such as a backpack left…

Friday, 20 August 2021 04:55

How do secondhand clothes impact Africa?

Written by Iangotiana Rakotovao

When Europeans tire of their clothes or even just the same pair of jeans, rather than throwing them in the trash, many donate them to charity or put them in a recycling bin. Assuming now that they will be passed on to people who need them, but what if nobody else wants those clothes people are throwing away? Let us take a look at the secondhand clothes that are harming the environment and what is being done to mitigate the…

Monday, 16 August 2021 06:04

Running a family business: the pros and cons.

Written by Iangotiana Rakotovao

Some people dream of running a business with their family and loved ones in which key positions are held by family members and all major decisions made by the family alone. This may all sound good and promising, but once put into practice, family and business do not always get along well. While many family-owned and operated businesses are blooming, others – even some long-standing family businesses – navigate some tough times. Thus, what are the benefits of having this…

Wednesday, 11 August 2021 05:00

Five books that successful entrepreneurs read!

Written by Volahanta Raharimanana

Between March 2020 and March 2021, the number of people shifting occupations has significantly increased. More people are now seen to turn to either freelance or self-employed work due to uncertainties in the labor market. Starting one’s business has become a new trend and many aspire today to be an entrepreneur. Nevertheless, gearing towards an entrepreneurial career is always challenging. Beforehand, as a new entrepreneur, you must be willing to acquire new business skills. You also need to dig out…

Monday, 02 August 2021 22:15

Re-imagining Prosper Africa: for more trade and investment

Written by Kenny Raharison

The U.S. Department of State’s Johannesburg Media Hub hosted Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Africa at the National Security Council Dana L. Banks for a digital press briefing on how the U.S. government is working to increase U.S.-Africa trade and investment through Prosper Africa. In the meantime, the virtual U.S.- Africa Business Summit was also held in late July. Africa must address some pressing issues. Dana Banks reiterated how committed the Biden-Harris administration is to rebuilding…

Sunday, 01 August 2021 18:40

Doing business in a country with strong cultural identity can be challenging for multinational companies.

Written by Kenny Raharison

Understanding cultural differences and integrating them into strategic business operations should be taken very seriously. Cultural mistakes have been the cause of many business failures around the world. A few examples of business failures Back in 1992, Walt Disney planned to replicate the success of Disneyland in the U.S. and in Japan in Europe by launching a pilot project in Paris, France. The giant entertainment company attempted to explain its struggle as the impact of the recession in Europe in…

Tuesday, 27 July 2021 05:35

Restaurants: are pickup and delivery the new trends?

Written by Iangotiana Rakotovao

The pandemic paralyzed many industries, but restaurants faced a particularly difficult year. While dining dropped dramatically, food delivery saw tremendous growth. DoorDash and Uber Eats, the two largest delivery apps by market share, both saw their business double from the end of 2019 to the end of 2020. As of February 2021, DoorDash held by far the largest market share in the U.S.; but some cities have their own favorites, such as Uber Eats in Miami and Grubhub in New…

Thursday, 15 July 2021 18:24

Ariary in the time of Covid-19: Two or three things you may not know about the Ariary and why it does matter at all.

Written by Dimbiniaina Rakotojoelimaria

1. VOLATILITY When we analyze the exchange rate of the Ariary, we are used to discussing the long story of a non-stop depreciation that produces many devastating consequences on Malagasy lives and households. This long-run trend of depreciation is only one side of the story. There is another side of the story that depicts a short-run path of MGA/USD and MGA/EUR with high variability, and which is rarely evoked: volatility [1]. As we can notice from figure 1, the Ariary…

Page 1 of 2

An initiative by

Funding provided by

AmCham sponsors

Disclaimer:

This website was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.