The 12th edition of the Meva Fair opened in Antsiranana under the banner of investment and innovation, showcasing the economic potential of the North. Place Foch in front of City Hall has become a crossroads of commercial exchange. Since its creation, the Meva economic fair has gradually established itself as the largest economic gathering in the Diana region. Far more than a simple commercial exhibition, it has become a genuine development lever, fostering business meetings, promotion of local products, emergence of new entrepreneurs, and highlighting the economic potential of northern Madagascar.
The 12th edition of the Meva Fair opened yesterday in Antsiranana and will run for four days under the banner of investment, innovation, and openness to the Indian Ocean. From the first hours of the opening day, Place Foch's esplanade buzzed with unusual activity. The fair's aisles welcomed exhibitors, investors, visitors, and official delegations attending the opening of this event, which has become one of Madagascar's principal economic gatherings. Agriculture, fishing, livestock, agribusiness, crafts, tourism, industry, commerce, banks, telecommunications, and services presented their innovations, products, and projects.
The official opening was presided over by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Michela Andriamadison, who made the official declaration. Alongside her were regional political and administrative figures and Laou-po Wilfrid, president of the Antsiranana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIA) and event pioneer. Officials emphasized that regional economic development requires strong alliance between public authorities, territorial communities, private sector, and technical and financial partners.
One of the most visible impacts concerns strengthening capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, and individual entrepreneurs. Through business meetings organized during the fair, many operators established technical and commercial partnerships, accessed new markets, and improved production methods. Several companies diversified activities, increased production, and strengthened competitiveness.
Regular presence of banks, financial institutions, and entrepreneurship support organizations allows project holders to present initiatives directly to financial partners. Several exhibitors obtained credits, financing, or technical support enabling investment project realization. A Chinese company's establishment in the energy sector illustrates this dynamic and demonstrates the fair can generate productive investments creating jobs and added value. Participation of representatives from La Réunion and Mayotte chambers of commerce reflects growing interest in the Diana region.
From edition to edition, participation requests have increased significantly, forcing organizers to sometimes limit registrations due to capacity constraints. This strong support testifies to confidence economic actors place in the Meva Fair. The fair has also played an important role promoting "buy local." Each edition generates positive returns for hotels, restaurants, transporters, merchants, and numerous service providers.
CCIA president emphasized this dynamic relies on voluntary accessibility policy. Unlike many commercial events where stand rental costs reach millions of ariary, CCIA maintains a symbolic rate of 25,000 ariary daily. This strategic choice, made possible through technical and financial partner support and existing infrastructure use, allows micro-enterprises, artisans, young entrepreneurs, and cooperatives to participate equitably.