Society
Young entrepreneurs take action to turn ideas into viable projects
Transforming an idea into a viable project capable of generating revenue remains a challenge for many young entrepreneurs in Madagascar. Young project leaders are strengthening their skills. The Student Entrepreneurs Club of the Entrepreneurs' Meeting (CEERE), with support from Groupe Viseo, accompanies project leaders as part of the EJE Lab 3.0 program, a four-month initiative. The support is based on guidance, practical training, and mentoring. Lectures, fieldwork, experience sharing, and storytelling are among the methods used. Participants work notably on their ideas, tools, business models, and project commercialization. The objective goes beyond revenue generation. The initiative also emphasizes the economic and social impact of entrepreneurship. For Heritiana Manantsoa, CEERE president, "the image of an entrepreneur is often associated with someone who wants to get rich." Yet entrepreneurship also requires ideas, tools, and a leadership spirit, he believes. Guidance and advice remain important needs for young people wishing to launch their ventures. The program seeks to bridge theoretical knowledge with field realities, allowing participants to test their ideas and identify necessary adjustments. Stages Among the participants is Fenosoa David Rakotomalala, who is developing a health project focused on guidance and connecting people with healthcare professionals. Previous participation in a project competition helped him identify certain gaps. "There were elements missing from my project during the competition, which prevented me from being selected. This is one of the reasons I'm participating in this training. I want a usable project that can be commercialized," he says. Over four months, young people work on different stages, from defining needs to building the business model. Exchanges and practical exercises should help them better understand their market, structure their offer, and consider implementation conditions. The goal is to evolve projects beyond the initial idea so they can meet concrete needs and create economic and social value.
Source: L'Express de Madagascar