Being Malagasy today points to numerous paradoxes: People struggling each day to find food, others buying newly released all-terrain vehicles, an extremely rich country and a GDP per capita that is among the lowest in the world… What does it mean to be Malagasy today? What would a Malagasy say if asked to present their people and country?

Living in the 4th Poorest Country in the World

An economy in constant decline

Madagascar is the only country in the world to have continued impoverishing itself since achieving independence (1960). In nearly 60 years, the Malagasy economy remains in decline and the population faces mounting hardship, despite the country having experienced neither war nor major natural disaster. The research center Development, Institutions and Globalization (DIAL) attributes this situation to the predatory role of elites, the taboo against violence, and the weakness of civil society. In 2018, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranked Madagascar 4th among the world's poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of $424.

Governance that only impoverishes the nation

The immensely wealthy elites rarely help the most destitute build better lives. Those in power devote their energy to accumulating more wealth and influence. Development programs and aid of all kinds are almost exclusively financed by foreign donors (IMF, European Union, governments, etc.), while no budgetary constraints are ever imposed on the Malagasy State. Malagasy financial law is merely a means of maximizing exploitation of State coffers. Public money is spent haphazardly, and salaries and allowances in certain state entities are absurd.

A people who endure

Because of the sacred character of the State, the taboo against violence, fear, and countless other reasons, Malagasy people rarely dare express disagreement. All coups d'état carried out thus far have been orchestrated by a handful of men, with or without military support, which has never needed to intervene directly. When strikes occur, repression grows increasingly severe. The people merely debate among themselves and vent their anger on the wrong targets. Some rely on ancestors, religious leaders, and God to improve their situation—and many religious leaders profit from this!

Cancers to cure

According to Transparency International, the country ranks 155th in corruption, yet reality may be far worse, as all sectors and institutions are touched by this cancer eating away at the nation: Law enforcement, Tax authorities, Customs, public services, education, mining and forestry sectors, the judiciary, etc.

Poverty also afflicts the mindset of the Malagasy people:

• One does not wish success upon one's neighbor, despite the fihavanana
• Mutual aid is insufficient
• Law and order are not respected
• People think small instead of thinking big

Living in an Extraordinarily Rich Country

Rich and incredible natural resources

Madagascar is the 5th largest island in the world (587,295 km²), blessed with 4,828 km of coastline, stunning beaches, paradisiacal islands, and extraordinary marine wealth. The interior lands are vast and arable, dotted with numerous lakes and rivers, ideally suited for agriculture, livestock, and fishing. Forests and natural wonders continue to astound and captivate scientists worldwide, particularly due to the endemic nature of the fauna and flora. The tourism potential is exceptional, especially given the welcoming nature of the people. Beyond all this, the country possesses incredible mineral and petroleum riches.

An economy that provides more than enough

Father Pedro Opeka, a major figure in the country and the only humanitarian most Malagasy know, spoke out passionately on French television in 2017, recounting his struggle against poverty in Madagascar for nearly 50 years. He used strong language like "rise up," clearly weary from his powerlessness in the face of such magnitude. He denounced, among other things, the lack—or outright absence of mutual aid among Malagasy people. If Malagasy helped one another and the wealthy financed projects of the less fortunate, nothing would be impossible! If the State economized on spending, the financial gains would be unimaginable!

A strong sense of national identity

One of Madagascar's greatest advantages over other African nations is that its people are bound by the same values, united by one official language (Malagasy) and a national identity. The majority identify as Malagasy, equal with all their compatriots, regardless of origins: from north, south, west, east, or center. The country is full of paradoxes and puzzles, but only the Malagasy hold the answers and solutions.

The revolution of young Malagasy

Today, we witness the rise of actions by young Malagasy determined to finally see real change. In politics, young people are increasingly active in media: radio, television, press, and Facebook. Entrepreneurs are also already making a difference with innovative and promising projects:

• Ecology Bag (paper bags)
• Fiombonana (dairy products)
• Flore Aroma (organic products based on essential oils)
• Sayna (training in Internet professions)

These under-30 entrepreneurs have been distinguished by awards, including Best African Startup, Best "Development-Growth" Enterprise in the Indian Ocean… Change is underway…