Global Entrepreneurship Week Madagascar 2018, hosted by NextA, was held from November 14 to 16. It is a unique event that helps structure the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The GEW was also an opportunity for many aspiring entrepreneurs to meet with professionals from different sectors.
NextA: Axian Group’s new platform
Global Entrepreneurship Week was the occasion to introduce NextA, the new platform created by the Axian Group. The latter is dedicated to supporting and accompanying entrepreneurs in Madagascar. A large gathering was held in the Galaxy area from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 November. This was an opportunity for participants to ask questions and discuss with the speakers. In order to assert its will to position itself as a platform at the service of project leaders, NextA wants to create opportunities for dialogue between actors from different sectors of activity.
“Facilitating the structuring of a supportive and collaborative Malagasy entrepreneurial ecosystem is indeed essential to enable young businesses to grow.”
Facilitating entrepreneurs’ access to digital services
This 3-day event organized by the NextA platform brought together people from all walks of life: young entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, international organizations, private sector companies and institutions around conferences and debates. One of NextA’s ambitions is to facilitate access to digital services for entrepreneurs. To do this, the Axian Group ‘s platform intends to set up digital training and coaching tools. The GEW conferences were broadcast live on NextA’s social networks. This proves the usefulness of digital devices for experience sharing.
A structure to support entrepreneurship in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean
NextA has a strong will to transform the Malagasy entrepreneurial ecosystem to make it more inclusive and supportive. It also aims to accelerate its transition to the digital world. Indeed, “facilitating the structuring of a supportive and collaborative Malagasy entrepreneurial ecosystem is indeed essential to enable young companies to develop” according to the platform. Moreover, it was noted during the GEW that young people are more interested in entrepreneurship. More and more of them are specializing in the fields of robotics and new technologies.
Five promising partnerships for NextA
As part of its activities, NextA has already announced the signing of five promising partnerships. Indeed, to pursue its commitment, the platform wants to establish collaborations with local and international organizations active in the entrepreneurial landscape. Thus, on November 16, renowned actors signed with NextA. These include BPW Business & Professional Women (focused on defending women’s rights in the professional world), Go Teach – Youth Can – SOS Village d’Enfant, EFOI Madagascar (Entreprendre au Féminin de l’Océan Indien), Hay Madagascar (support programs to improve the employability of young people) and UIEE Unité d’Incubation Entrepreneuriale et Emploi.
The signing of partnerships with dynamic and committed players allows NextA to be part of a clear dynamic. Other partnerships are planned throughout the year with other entrepreneurship actors, to work together for the development and growth of this entrepreneurial ecosystem.
800 million invested in 10 years
As a reminder, Axian has already invested $800 million over the past ten years. It also has more than 3,500 employees in the Indian Ocean and in Africa. The company attaches great importance to the choice of its partners. It also prioritizes the implementation of the highest international standards in all its activities. Since 2017, Axian has joined the largest private equity funds dedicated to Africa such as Emerging Capital Partners (ECP), ADENIA. It thus contributes to the structuring of a more inclusive growth on the African continent.
