The fourth edition of the Mizunami Innovation Contest concluded yesterday at AXIAN University Amphitheatre with recognition for three Malagasy startups. The ceremony brought together key players from the economic and institutional ecosystem, including the Japanese Embassy in Madagascar, the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications, JICA, EDBM, and the Madagascar-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Organized by the Mizunami Africa Foundation and the NextA incubator, the contest aims to support innovative projects and foster the emergence of high-potential young enterprises. This 2026 edition received 96 applications. Following rigorous selection and a support program focused on project structuring, business models, and pitch preparation, six startups competed in the grand final before a jury.
30 Million Ariary
Following deliberations, ECOCOCO, led by Niriana Ambinitsoa Ratsitorarison Rakotodrasoa, won first prize. Agrikola, led by James Michael Stuart Rakotomalala, placed second, while SakaFo Madagascar, led by Herilaza Nandrianina Rakotonirina, completed the podium. Each of the three winners receives an award of 30 million ariary plus six months of support from NextA. For the organizers, this initiative reflects a commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable jobs in Madagascar. The Mizunami Africa Foundation, meaning "water wave," aims to strengthen ties between Japan and Africa by supporting innovative projects.