A dish that does not look so sexy but is yummy! This perfectly describes one of the most appreciated Malagasy traditional dish.

The `Ravitoto sy Henakisoa` – literally translated `cassava leaves and pork` – is a famous Malagasy culinary specialty that you will need to taste at least once in your life. The stewed preparation is served with rice and tomato rougail as main course. The combination is a reminder of the colors of the Malagasy national flag: white, red and green.

You can find it almost everywhere in town and countryside where it is sometimes accompanied with coconut milk. It is very common for Malagasy diaspora to order the ingredients from their relatives in Madagascar and cook homemade `ravitoto sy henakisoa` to maintain the culinary connection with the homeland.

Today we share the recipe with you. Below are the necessary ingredients, preparation and cooking. Note that the recipe may vary from one cook to another.

Ingredients for about four (4) people:

• 750 g of pork meat (lean rib type)
• 500 g of plundered cassava leaves
• 1 tomato
• 1 clove of garlic
• Oil
• Salt
• Sugar (optional)
• Water

Preparation :

• Cut the pork into large pieces. Chop the garlic.
• Sauté the meat pieces in a casserole for about 20 minutes. Add the tomato.
• Add a little bit of water, salt and simmer until the meat is tender.
• Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped garlic and pour in the cassava leaves.
• Add approximately 500 cl of water.
• Cook over low heat for about 1 hour until the mixture is out of water.
• If desired, you can add a little amount of sugar 10 minutes before the end of cooking to soften the taste.
• Serve with rice and tomato rougail.

The meal should be served hot. Watch out before going out, the leaves may leave some embarrassing souvenirs on your teeth.

A brief summary of Madagascar’s international commercial exchanges from 2015 to 2019

It is common knowledge that disruptive parameters of the world’s poorest countries are political instability, weak institutions and poor governance. These barriers, coupled with 2020 most significant external factor, the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted Madagascar’s economic activity too, which yet had been reinvigorated until 2019. The IMF reported a GDP growth of 4.8 percent that year.
It seemed important to get back to data that already exist. Thus, an update on the status of imports and exports to 2019 will provide a “Pre-pandemic” scheme for later comparison purpose. The official ITC trade map data was collected for this article.
Below is a short summary of the evolution of foreign trade with Madagascar. It can be noted that throughout the years imports remained significantly higher than exports. The trade balances therefore were and are in deficit. Despite that situation, it can be noted that exports have gradually increased since 2017.

Figure 1: Development of foreign trade in Madagascar from 2015 to 2019

Imports
Among the most imported products to Madagascar are energy products (fuels and oils), which each year account for more than 15 percent of imports. In 2019, their value reached circa USD 685 million or 18 percent of the country’s total imports. Coming after crude or processed fuel oil, the various machines and vehicles also account for about 15 percent of the total Malagasy imports per year. Cereals, including rice in particular, represent about 4 percent of imports in last year.

Figure 2 :Most imported products to Madagascar (USD million)

All in all, the imported products come from China, United Arab Emirates, India, France, South Africa, Pakistan or Egypt (non-exhaustive list).

Exports

It is not surprising to count among the most exported products of the island raw materials. Indeed, Madagascar is lagging behind in terms of industrialization. Thus, products such as coffee, tea or spices easily represent 26 to 30 percent of the total exports each year. In addition, thanks to the establishment of mining industries such as Ambatovy, nickel and articles thereof in 2019 reached 18 percent of the value of Madagascar’s total exports or in other words circa 451 USD million. Clothing and textile products are the third highest exported value reported with 18% in 2019, while precious metals, seafood products and essential oils also significantly contribute in value to Malagasy exports.
Figure 3 :Most exported products from Madagascar (USD millions)

It is important to note that France, our historical partner, the United States of America, China, Japan, Germany, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa or India (non-exhaustive list) remain the most popular destinations for our operators.

Source of data: ITC Trademap

Events echoes: 2020 Tropics Business Summit

In the spirit of promoting entrepreneurship in Africa, events have been set up in the largest capitals of the continent to encourage foreign and local investment. One of the most popular summits was held virtually for its 4th edition from 14 to 17 October 2020 in Johannesburg, South Africa: the 2020 Tropics Business Summit under the theme: “Towards Sustainable Economy: Innovation and Inter-connectivity for Social Development.”
Over the past three years, the Tropics Business Summit has become the not-to-be-missed annual event for entrepreneurs and investors in Africa. On the one hand, 10 countries were put in the spotlight this year namely Angola, Cameroon, Haiti, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa; countries from Africa that have demonstrated visible economic growth. On the other, 10 external countries, known for their well thought financial investments, were invited Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United States of America and Qatar.

Madagascar’s participation
Madagascar had the opportunity to participate in the event in various forms. On the third day (16 October 2020), the “Doing Business with Madagascar” round included representatives from institutions, businesses, SMEs and startups from the ecosystem.
The interventions from the great Island were opened by Mbolatiana Razakatsara, Invest Manager of the Economic Development Board of Madagascar. She emphasized the promotion and enhancement of entrepreneurship in Madagascar and Africa given its proven positive impact on economic growth and social development despite the basic challenges of sustainable development such as poverty, food insecurity.
It was followed by several rounds, live and interviews with Malagasy entrepreneurs of all kinds and sectors: fashion (Samira MihajaMoumini | 3 Ladies Pirates), agribusiness/agritech (Stannie Rameliarison | NyManjary), Olivia Rakotondrasoa | Moringala and Salohy Ramangason | “Ecris-moi un Biscuit”), Women leadership (Audrey Randriamandrato | KATRO &COWaste management), Waste management (Gaetan Rajaofera | Greentsika), Film industry (Geoffrey Gaspard | Geoffrey Gaspard Films), Tourism (Anita Volatsara | Marodia), New Tech (Mino Gaelle Randrianasolo | VOAHARY and Luana Karen Andriamamonjy), and Art and Architecture (Mat Li). They were given the opportunity to share about their current experiences and challenges towards the COVID-19 pandemic, local and international clichés, need for investments, or towards clients satisfaction.
Among other things, a list of the most influential personalities of the summit – the Tropics Powerlist – was established among which stood out four (4) young Malagasy entrepreneurs:
• Gaetan Rajaofetra, co-founder ofGreentsika
• Sophie Andrianisa, CEO of So You Company
• Hoby Olive Rakotosoa, CEO of Dago’s Corporation
• Samira Mihaja Moumini, CEO of 3 Ladies Pirates
The summit takes place every year for 4 days in two languages (French and English) and with a maximum of participation. Hoping that the global health situation will improve by 2021, a maximum of opportunities are expected by stakeholders from the business world in Africa.

2021 Africa Cup of Nations: Madagascar counts on its Barea.

Who would forget the epic buzz of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations? We can say that for Madagascar, soccer brought people together last year, and this year as well. The ‘Barea’ or our national zebus have gathered Malagasy communities from all over the world.

Who would forget Faneva Ima’s leadership, the success of players like Anicet, Bolida, Voavy Paulin, Marco and many others; the enthusiasm of young supporters for Melvin; and in particular the unexpected progression of the national team to the quarter-finals?

That was indeed epic!

Thus, for non-experts, what is the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) exactly? How has it evolved throughout the years? Who have been the biggest teams so far? How is the competition going?

The African Cup of Nations, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is Africa’s largest nation-to-nation soccer competition. It was established in 1957 and takes place every two years.

It all began in June 1956 when the Egyptian, Abdelaziz Abdellah Salem, first-ever president of the CAF advocated for Africa before FIFA in Lisbon. Only four countries on the continent were represented at that time, and Salem questioned the reasons why Africa is present in such an unequal setting. Salem’s objection immediately led to the creation of the continental competition then called the Africa Cup.

Thus, the first edition took place in Sudan with the four teams of the founding nations: South Africa, Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt. Egypt won the first cup called “Abdelaziz Salem Trophy”.

Over the years, only five countries won the African Cup of Nations: Egypt with 6 victories, including 3 in a row in 2006, 2008 and 2010, Ghana (4 victories), Cameroon (4 victories), Nigeria (2 victories) and Algeria (2 victories). The 2019 trophy was won by Algeria.

How is the competition going?

In its early days, it was to a certain extent easy to include the few national teams who wanted to compete. A short time later, in 1962, new nations got affiliated and forced the Confederation to set up a competition in two phases: ‘Qualifications’ followed by the ‘Finals Tournament’.

The current qualification process follows the European example. Groups are formed and each selection plays a round-trip opposition against each of its opponents. Based on their rankings in each group, the qualified national teams participate in the Finals Tournament.

The Finals Tournament consists of two steps. During the first one – the pool phase, national teams are grouped into four pools of four nations each. Each team faces each of the opponents in their pool once and is qualified on the basis of points gained: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 point for a defeat. The rest of the tournament takes place in the second round between the top eight teams for the quarter-finals, the semi-finals and the final as well as the third-place match.

Currently ranked 24th African nation in the FIFA ranking, Madagascar ranks 108th in the world. However, the Barea of Madagascar who got qualified under Nicolas Dupuis’ coaching were more than noticeable worldwide in 2019. The whole population remembers the scores obtained against Guinea (2-2), Burundi (1-0) and Nigeria (2-0) and keeps in mind its ascension to the quarter-finals. Even though Madagascar lost against Tunisia (0-3),supporters kept celebrating the incredible achievement of the national team.

In preparation for the 2021 AFCON, many elements of the 2019 team as well as new promising names including Mathyas Randriamamy, young goal keeper for French club PSG, will compose the Malagasy national team. Soccer fans or not, the Malagasy population is now looking forward to the qualifications of the Barea for the upcoming AFCON. The Barea are currently well positioned!

Discover the cultural value of Zafimaniry arts

Madagascar is commonly appreciated by tourists for its beaches, its authentic nature, or its tropical atmosphere that contrasts with its hills open to all kinds of hiking explorations. Travel TV channels will promote “the” not-to-be-missed destination to eco-enthusiasts with average budgets. Who would leave the great island without at least a small souvenir from their stay location – a baobab, a braided raffia lemur, or simply a tee with the mention “Souvenir de Madagascar”? Unfortunately, marketing brochures rarely mention the hidden artistic and cultural values behind those items.

The boundaries of the different regions on Madagascar interestingly play a crucial role. Customs, cultures and traditions vary from a region to another. The Malagasy population being a colorful mix of African (East coast) and Asian (South eastern Islands) descendants. Their diversity is brought to light in the artistic expression of each region as well.

A striking example is the Zafimaniry culture mainly found in the south of the central lands. The Zafimaniry–“zafy” in Malagasy which means descendants and “maniry” meaning ‘which grows’ or the descendants who grow– area tribe of woodcarving knowledge and art that was registered in 2008 by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Zafimaniry art is the carving of practically all wooden surfaces (walls, windows, poles, beams, stools, chests, other tools). The patterns on Zafimaniry’s constructions are the fruit of an inspiring and thorough work. As a legacy of their Austronesian ancestors, Arab influence and Scandinavian missions, their artistic identity is a pledge to their loyalty to the forest.
Today the global furniture market bets on cultural designs; the Malagasy heritage is more than ever an inspiration. Brands and brokers often explore the Zafimaniry areas hoping to find whether their new brand local partner or only to discover the local know-how. Is this good and fair for trade? This question could raise endless discussions. A point to note is, while those villages are located in remote areas, poorly or not accessible, Zafimaniry artisans rely mainly on sales to tourists.

Liquid gold, naturally sweet. A great expression to describe honey. Honey can be produced under two different methods: apiculture (when bees are raised in captivity) or bee picking (when bees are raised in the middle of the nature).
Whilst Madagascar was one of the world’s leading exporters of honey in the 30s –a volume of 30,000 tons that time – thanks to the generous existing vegetation, the loss of entire forests and lack of technical sophistication have made organic quality honey increasingly rare to find and over time, impossible to export (EU embargo from 1996 to 2011).With the intervention of NGOs and companies, the production regained in quality and quantity. In2018, according to Fidy Andriamamonjy Harijaona from Apimadagascar ,30 percent of beekeepers practiced modern beekeeping (hive with frames or bars), while 70 percent practice traditional techniques including bee picking.

What are the best honeys in Madagascar and where do we find them?

This is a rather subjective question when speaking of taste. Nevertheless, Niaouli honey (a tree that also provides one of the finest essential oils), litchi honey, and pink berry honey stand out for Madagascar. The trees are found naturally in rainforests or planted in the South East side of the Island, in the Fitovinany region. The CITE Madagascar identifies the main production areas, including the highlands (Manjakandriana, south axis of Ambositra Fianarantsoa), the East coast (from Maroantsetra to Taolagnaro) and the North-West region (BefandrianaAvaratra, Antsohihy, Mahajanga, Morondava).
Honey is exported to Europe– Belgium and France getting the largest supplies. That not only has a positive impact on trade with those partners but also encourages fairtrade and social development within the producers’ communities.

Item1 :Evolution of honey exports by value (source : ITC Trade Map 2020)

                                                                                        Unit : US Dollar thousand

Item 2: Madagascar’s honey importing countries (source : ITC Trade Map 2020)

                                                                                             Unit : US Dollar thousand

Madagascar is a country where the diversity of Asian and African cultures is found almost everywhere. In ethnic contrasts, in clothing, social habits and even in traditional food and dishes.
The “MofoGasy”– or word for word translated the “Malagasy bread” – is a particular donut in the big island. While the “MofoGasy” is consumed plain in the central parts of the island, it is flavored with coconut in the North and North-West (there called “Mokary”). Over time, some cooks have developed chocolate or cheese flavors specialties.
The recipe may vary but for those of us, novices and yet lovers of exotic cuisine, below are the necessary ingredients, preparation and cooking:

Ingredients for about twenty pieces of “mofogasy”:

- 400g / 14oz rice flour
- 150g / 5.3oz or more sugar if you like sweet
- 1 sachet bakingpowder
- 500ml / 16.9fl oz of water
- Some oil

Preparation:

First of all, it is important to know that this particular donut requires very special utensils. This time, no oven or cooker is needed. A good low heat stove and a “mofogasy” mold that you will find in the local market will make your main equipment. For a first use of the latter, it is recommended to boil milk on it and then clean it.

The dough should be prepared 8 hours prior to cooking. To do so, four steps are required:

1. Dissolve yeast in the lukewarm water
2. Combine dry ingredients in a container: sugar and flour
3. Gradually pour in liquid yeast
4. Mix all together to obtain a liquid paste. The container will be covered and rested at room temperature

Cooking :
The mold will be used as a pan. Once heated, at low heat, oil each compartment of the mold with a brush. Then pour the dough into each compartment. When one side is golden, flip each doughnut to cook the other side. And that is how simple it is. It is better to eat your “mofogasy” hot.
The Malagasy donut makes a perfect breakfast. It will boost you for the busy day ahead with some tea or coffee. At the office, it is a delight to find out ready to eat “mofogasy” just near the coffee machine, or during a meeting. And children will particularly appreciate the flavored ones after winter classes with a good hot chocolate.
A not-to-be-missed specialty if you want to treat your taste buds with Malagasy food!

As the sixth fastest growing economy in the world, the African Continent is going to play a major role in the near future. With a young population that is reaching the billion and that is going to double by 2050, and its large amount of natural resources, it is not surprising that firms, companies and industries target the 11.5million square miles continent.

Who is interested in the African perspective?

For most capital riskers, the best time to invest in Africa is now. Indeed, to only count some, firms like Google, Vodafone, Microsoft, General Electric, or Volkswagen already engaged themselves and made significant investments in Africa. Whilst high risk associated, the biggest firms find in the continent a sustainable corporate strategy that benefits from low wages, energy and a particular ease of doing business facilitated by governments and institutions. In Africa, Foreign Direct Investment return of flows can reach up to 11.4% (report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development states between 2006 and 2011) while the global figures was 7.1%

Which are the most promising sectors?
According to the last “Afrique Wealth” report, there are now about 160 000 millionaires in the continent, young entrepreneurs included. AFRIKAtech includes among the promising sectors solutions to basics needs and new developing income-generating potential. Energy, health, new tech, film industry, and agribusiness to only mention some.

Energy

It is proven that energy is a primary source of development for a country. In Africa, where more than a third of the continent does not have access to reliable electricity, it is considered the most attractive and neutral sector where to invest in. With the advent of renewable energies and abundant natural resources (sun, rivers and winds) this sector asserts itself as a key factor of development. Investments in this pillar would leverage other capital-generating sectors, including digital activities.

Health
Apart from its social character, investing in health refers to investing in a young and dynamic nation. With only 170 medical schools, the continent is unable to meet the needs for quality care. For instance, many families still use European services. Thus, investments in direct (hospitals…) and associated (medical schools…) services are also neglected to the detriment of profitability.

New Technology
After Asia, Africa is currently the second fastest-growing mobile market in the world. The lack of local production of smartphones has led to a massive and continuous import of devices. This represents a significant shortfall in local production and sales.

Film industry
The global success of Nollywood has not gone unnoticed. The latest figures show that serious investment in film production and distribution would be highly profitable for the continent. For instance, the Irokoty platform already generated sales of more than FCFA 100 million in 2020.

Agribusiness
According to the World Bank, Africa’s agri-food industry will be worth a billion dollars in 2030. African countries, depending on their location and their specialties, have demonstrated their arable potential. West Africa, for example, has more than 60% uncultivated arable land, fertile land, year-round sunshine and available labor.
Can also be included in the list property and housing market, payment solutions, telecommunication and internet, education, and fashion. As consumption is growing, a lot needs to be done in Africa.

Chinese tradition considers the fruit as a lucky charm. One can find the tree in India, Thailand, South Africa, Israel, Mexico, Australia and Madagascar the world's third largest Lychee producer after China and India.

Rich in energy, grow with water

The Lychee chinensis or commonly called Lychee is a tropical tree fruit that first appeared in South China. It is recognizable by its red rough shell. The pulp is white translucent, juicy and very sweet. In the center, the core is brown. The fruit diameter can reach 3 to 5 cm and one grown tree can produce about 100 or 150 kg per year.

Its original taste is a mix of strawberry, rose and muscat. Thanks to its high content in vitamin C and carbohydrates, the Lychee is an excellent source of energy. The minerals and micronutrients it contains also participate to well-being.

In Madagascar, the Lychee is produced in the East Coast where the climate is humid tropical. Indeed, the tree is highly sensitive to water shortage. Bloom starts in August and lasts one month whereas fruits set from September. Matured fruits are available from November to January. This year, the harvest opening date was planned November 20^th to 24^th.

A recovering sector

Those past 15 years, Lychee fruits gradually lost in size and quantity. The climate change that lowered rainfall to 50% impacted harvest which led to a decrease in production, in size and in exports as well so far.  Out of 120 000 tons harvested per year, only 70 000 tons were in 2017. Exports, annually calculated 20 000 tons, also drastically decreased to 17 000 tons the same year.

In Madagascar, the production and export of Lychee are essential to the economy. The activity supports nearly 40 000 families to mention just the East Coast of the Island.

Despite strong competition with South Africa and Zimbabwe, 90% of European Lychee comes from Madagascar .The fruit floods the stalls and fruit racks of supermarkets in December. Other markets have been added to the list lately, among others, Dubai, Russia, the Indian Ocean and South Africa.

According to Horticultural Technical Center from Toamasina, the 2018 Lychee campaign promises high results.  82% of the 1488 trees observed in the North and South zones of Toamasina are productive whereas only 35% were in 2017.

Main destinations of Madagascan Lychee | 2017

Sources: ITC Trade Map

Sources: CTHT, ITC Trade Map