Agriculture remains the backbone of Madagascar’s economy, contributing 25% of GDP and 40% of export revenues, and anchoring livelihoods across the island. Today, the country is undergoing a profound transformation designed to shift from traditional subsistence systems toward modern, competitive, and export-driven agriculture. This national strategy prioritizes rural development, professionalised family farming, and the expansion of agribusiness, laying the foundation for Madagascar to become the breadbasket of the Indian Ocean.
Rice production, a national priority, is being strengthened through the rehabilitation of 100,000 hectares of irrigated land, widespread distribution of certified seeds, and a new generation of locally produced fertilizers developed in partnership with Emirati investors. Training caravans and farmer cooperatives are equipping producers with skills, inputs, and market access, while model agribusiness zones integrate value chains for crops such as rice, maize, soy, cotton, sugarcane, and bananas.
Madagascar also stands as the world’s leading vanilla producer, supplying 80% of global demand in 2022, a symbol of the country’s agricultural heritage and global relevance.
Innovation is equally driven by the private sector. As Rivo Andriamanalina of Arbiochem notes, “Madagascar is emerging as a green innovation hub, where young talent, rich biodiversity, and responsible entrepreneurship converge.” This spirit is echoed in pioneering ventures such as Rova Caviar, which demonstrates the island’s capacity to produce world-class luxury products while generating rural development and sustainable impact.
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