In spite of Madagascar’s unique political and economic challenges, a handful of tech startups have nonetheless managed to bring their products and services to market—these companies will play a crucial role in transforming the country’s traditional, agriculture-based markets into digitized, service-based economies.
From consumer apps to home solar solutions, these are our top picks for the best Madagascar tech startups in 2017.
7. SmartOne
SmartOne is an IT solution provider specializing in business process outsourcing, technical support, and customer relationship management. The company also has satellite offices in Montreal and France, as well as its own business incubation program.
6. Onja
Onja offers promising teenagers from economically challenged communities a chance to acquire life-changing skills and earn a salary. The program’s live-in academy consists of both english language and computer programming instruction in an intensive two-year course, followed by mentorship and job placement.
5. Aapixel
Aapixel is a software development firm specializing in building iPhone applications—the company has several titles in the App Store, including Office Interior Pro and Nail Art Plus+, among others.
4. Rural eMarket
Lack of access to markets is a significant challenge facing Madagascar producers—as well as most producers in African countries. In response to this need, Rural eMarket has developed a service platform that connects farmers/producers, buyers and service providers in rural environments.
3. Solarmad
Solarmad specializes in the electrification of remote sites using an array of green technologies: solar photovoltaic, wind power, hybrid systems, solar pumping, and more.
2. Ariary.net
Similar to PayPal or Payoneer, Ariary’s platform enables companies to pay their employees directly via mobile and businesses to accept online reservations and payments.
1. Jiro-Ve
Jiro-Ve is a social enterprise focused on making renewable energy accessible to the residents of Madagascar. It offer high quality, affordable solar products to people who would otherwise use expensive candles and kerosene—energy sources with known negative health effects.
Madagascar may be rich in natural resources, but its IT/tech talent have yet to be nurtured and harvested—this means a wealth of early stage investment opportunities for investors in the coming months and years. Be sure to keep these 7 tech startups on your radar in 2017 and beyond.
