Three Malagasy startups have been awarded prizes at the grand finale of the Mizunami Africa program. The winners will receive funding and support to develop their projects.

Three Malagasy startups were crowned winners at the grand finale of the Mizunami Africa program, organized by NextA in partnership with the Mizunami Africa Foundation. Among six finalist startups, the three winners will each receive 30 million ariary in funding plus six months of support from NextA to accelerate their project development.

First prize went to ECOCOCO, led by Ambinintsoa Ratsitoarison. The project transforms coconut waste into ecological fuel to replace charcoal. The winner emphasizes that state support is crucial, particularly through import measures and tax exemptions.

Second place was awarded to Agrikola, led by James Michael Stuart Rakotomalala. The startup develops biological solutions through biofertilizer production for the agricultural sector. Its founder highlights the challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly regarding taxation and electricity costs.

Third prize was given to Sakafo Madagascar, led by Herilaza Nandrianina Rakotonirina. The project focuses on transforming fruits and vegetables to create higher value-added products. It works with farmers to reduce production losses, estimated at nearly 40 percent.

Founded in 2022 in Tokyo, Japan, by entrepreneur Satoru Mizunami, the Mizunami Africa Foundation is a nonprofit organization seeking to build a bridge between Japan and African countries. Since its creation, it has supported young Malagasy startups and backed 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 developing Madagascar's entrepreneurial ecosystem.