Madagascar

Overview

The Republic of Madagascar (henceforth, Madagascar) is situated in the Indian Ocean. It is known as the world’s fifth largest island with a population of about 30.3 million [1]. The country is divided into six provinces, 22 administrative regions and 116 districts, with an estimated number of 2,200 communities [2]. The capital city of Madagascar is Antananarivo, which is the largest city and has a population of 1.3 million [3]. The island has significant natural resources and biodiversity [1]. Despite the rich biodiversity and natural resources of Madagascar, its population faces widespread poverty and malnutrition [1], [4].

Key economic sectors in Madagascar constitute agriculture, production forestry and fisheries[2], [4]. In a study conducted by The World Bank in 2022, it was found that these key sectors contribute to approximately 25% of GDP and 75% of employment. However, these sectors have also experienced limited productivity growth between 2013 and 2019 [4].

Madagascar faces persistent environmental challenges which negatively impact public health and impose substantial economic and social costs on the economy [4]. These environmental challenges arise due to an unsafe water supply and lack of sanitation, and due to indoor air pollution from burning solid fuel. Soil degradation, natural disasters and deforestation, amongst others, also contribute to the environmental challenges of Madagascar.

Research and innovation ecosystem

In Madagascar, the research and innovation ecosystem comprises of universities and training-based institutions.

Table 1 lists the respective numbers of these institutions, based on discussions with stakeholders from Madagascar, as part of the TWENex programme.

Table 1: Research and innovation ecosystem in Madagascar.

Institution Number
Public universities 6
Public higher institutions of technology 3
Centres for research 9
Private institutions 138
Paramedical institutions 109
Public doctoral schools 29
Private doctoral schools 3

The 9 centres for research which are under the umbrella of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique) are as follows:

  • Centre National de Recherches sur l’Environnement

  • Centre National de Recherches Industrielle et Technologique

  • Centre National de Recherches Océanographiques

  • Centre National d’Application de Recherches Pharmaceutiques

  • Centre d’Information et de Documentation Scientifique et Technique

  • Institut Malgache des Vaccins Vétérinaires

  • Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza

  • Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucléaires

  • Foibem-pirenena momba ny Fikarohana ampiharina amin’ny Fampandrosoana ny eny Ambanivohitra

The institutions in Madagascar which are involved in the TWENex programme are the Centre National de Recherches Industrielle et Technologique (CNRIT) and Appui aux Investissements Durables (AIDES). CNRIT focuses on developing and managing national research policies to foster sustainable industrial and technological progress. CNRIT also plays a crucial role in supporting scientific and technological education and training to ensure that future generations are well-prepared with essential skills. Additionally, CNRIT facilitates the dissemination of scientific and technological information in collaboration with the Scientific and Technical Information and Documentation Center (Centre d’Information et de Documentation Scientifique et Technique) to promote access to valuable knowledge and resources.

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