Three Malagasy startups were awarded at the grand finale of the Mizunami Africa program, organized by NextA in partnership with the Mizunami Africa Foundation. Among the six finalists, the three winners will each receive funding of 30 million ariary and six months of support from NextA to accelerate their project development.
The first prize was awarded to ECOCOCO, led by Ambinintsoa Ratsitoarison. The project focuses on transforming coconut waste into eco-friendly fuel to replace charcoal. For the winner, state support is crucial, particularly through measures related to imports and tax exemptions.
Second place went to Agrikola, led by James Michael Stuart Rakotomalala. The startup develops biological solutions through the production of bio-fertilizers for the agricultural sector. However, the founder highlighted the challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly regarding taxation and electricity costs.
The third prize was awarded to Sakafo Madagascar, led by Herilaza Nandrianina Rakotonirina. The project focuses on processing fruits and vegetables to create products with higher added value. It works with farmers to reduce production losses, which are estimated at nearly 40%.
Created in 2022 in Tokyo, Japan, by entrepreneur Satoru Mizunami, the Mizunami Africa Foundation is a non-profit organization aiming to build a bridge between Japan and African countries. Since its inception, it has supported young Malagasy startups and innovative entrepreneurial initiatives.
Through the Mizunami Africa program, the foundation and NextA reaffirm their commitment to innovative entrepreneurship in Madagascar. The goal is to identify, support, and accelerate high-potential projects to contribute to the development of the Malagasy entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-31 05:53:58 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/grande-finale-mizunami-linnovation.html
