Tales From Madagascar

The promise of Artificial Intelligence often sounds like a Silicon Valley fairy tale: an "age of amazing abundance" where productivity skyrockets, costs plummet, and human labour is liberated from drudgery. In his recent interview with The Economist, Elon Musk painted a vision of a future where AI becomes an unstoppable, transformative force, potentially making most human work unnecessary and ushering in unprecedented global wealth. For those of us living in Antananarivo, however, that vision feels less like a coming revolution and more like a distant, alien broadcast.  When you spend your days navigating a city where consistent electricity is a luxury and high-speed data is priced for the elite, the "AI-driven future" doesn't feel like a solution—it feels like another barrier. If we aren't careful, AI risks becoming a "luxury good," a tool that further concentrates wealth and power in the hands of the few, while widening the chasm between the conn...

​This appeared in my feed and I was a somewhat surprised and I was spurred on to write this post.  In the face of mounting national challenges—from the persistent budget deficits and the non-payment of public servants to the recent climate of instability in Antananarivo—the response from the highest levels of authority has taken a turn toward the spiritual. Recent statements by Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, suggesting that "public authorities cannot solve the country’s challenges alone" and calling for a return to God, have sparked significant debate. While faith is a cornerstone of Malagasy society, there is a dangerous line between personal belief and state administration. When leaders frame national crises as spiritual failings rather than policy failures, they are not just expressing piety—they are engaging in a calculated deflection of accountability. The Rhetoric of Moralization By shifting the burden of reform from tangible institutional changes to abstract personal m...

For many Malagasy professionals, the dream of working abroad represents more than just a job—it is a path toward a brighter future. Scammers understand this ambition perfectly. They no longer rely on sloppy, error-ridden emails; today, they operate with sophisticated, professional-looking websites, polished interviewers, and offer letters that look indistinguishable from the real thing.  But behind this veneer of legitimacy lies a dangerous trap. When a "dream job" requires you to pay upfront fees for processing, visas, or travel, you aren't being hired—you are being targeted. The "Professional" Facade: Why Sophistication is the Trap Scammers now invest significant time in building a convincing persona. They create high-quality websites, use branding identical to well-known global corporations, conduct formal video interviews, and provide detailed offer letters. Remember: a professional interview and a formal document are not proof of a legitimate job. These are...

​ After a year of living here in Antananarivo, I have learned that the most common conversation in our neighbourhoods is not about the latest government policy or international loan. It is about the "exit." In the quiet corners of our city, parents ask me the same painful question: "How do I get my child out of here?" As a British national who has made this country my home, I have watched this desperation grow. It is a feeling born of love and a very real, gnawing fear. When you see the instability in our streets, the disappearances, and the daily struggle to make ends meet, the "exit" feels like the only rational act of protection. A plane ticket to Europe or the Gulf is viewed as a lifeline—a way to secure a future that feels increasingly impossible to build here. But I have to share a hard, uncomfortable truth I have witnessed firsthand: the "exit" is often a mirage, and the path to it is paved with predators. The Predators in the Shadows I ha...

​ Today, we stand in solidarity with the people of Madagascar as the nation observes a day of mourning. Our thoughts are with the families and communities who have suffered the loss of loved ones to recent violence. May this day of reflection bring a collective resolve toward safety, justice, and peace for all. The government of Madagascar declared this day of national mourning in response to the growing public outcry over a series of disappearances, abductions, and violent crimes that have unsettled the country.  By designating this day, the authorities are formally acknowledging the severity of the situation and the grief felt by the public. As part of this observance:      Flags are at half-mast across the country as a sign of respect.      Public festivities are suspended to reflect the somber nature of the day.      Alcohol venues are closed, emphasizing a period of sobriety and reflection. This move is also tied to the government's recent anno...

In my recent discussions about the state of Madagascar’s economy, I have frequently highlighted the systemic challenges facing our teachers and healthcare workers—those who often wait months for their modest salaries. But to understand why reform feels so elusive, we must look at the other end of the spectrum: the compensation structure for those in power. Recently, a breakdown of ministerial "perks" was shared with me, and the numbers are as telling as they are sobering. Beyond a base salary of 10 million Ariary, a minister’s monthly package includes: *   Housing Allowance: 5 million Ariary *   Fuel Allowance: 12 million Ariary *   Communication/Credit: 8 million Ariary That is 25 million Ariary in allowances alone every single month. When you add the base salary, we are looking at a guaranteed monthly income that sits in a stratosphere far removed from the average citizen—or even the average civil servant. To put this into perspective, a teacher or nurse, who is the bac...

In my recent deep dives into Madagascar’s economy, I’ve often looked at the "big numbers"—the budget deficits, the IMF loans, and the weight of our national debt. But behind those cold, hard statistics lies a human story that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: the state of our public-sector pay. When I look at the numbers, Madagascar isn't an outlier compared to other low-income countries. The wage bill, at roughly 5% of GDP, sits right where you’d expect for an economy of Madagascars size. But look under the hood, and the picture changes. When you measure that same wage bill against our tax revenue, it’s a different story—one that explains why so many of our essential workers, particularly teachers and healthcare staff, face persistent delays in payment. The Balancing Act In 2022, the government’s compensation bill reached nearly 60% of total tax revenue. When more than half of every Ariary collected in taxes goes straight to salaries, there is precious little...