A seasoned bookseller and publisher, Voahirana Ramalanjaona has dedicated her life to the transmission of knowledge for over three decades. A portrait of a cultural entrepreneur convinced that the future of Madagascar lies in reading.

A journey guided by action and transmission

Mother, grandmother, and woman of action, Voahirana Ramalanjaona cannot conceive of existence without movement. Her immersion in the literary world began with publishing, a formative experience that allowed her to master the workings of creation before moving into distribution as a bookseller.

From the "Gazette Mathilde" to the Millefeuille bookstore

The entrepreneurial spark arose from a lack: upon her return from France, she noted the poverty of the literary offering for Malagasy youth.

1. The first step: She launches the Gazette Mathilde , a bilingual magazine for 5-10 year olds.
2. The opportunity: This project opens doors for him at an international press import company.
3. The realization: Ten years ago, she bought this structure to transform her dream into reality: to create Millefeuille , a hybrid space between bookstore and café, combining her passion for books and that of pastry.

Entrepreneurship in culture: an act of resistance

The cultural sector in Madagascar is a demanding field. Voahirana points to two major obstacles:

1. Lack of resources: Culture is rarely a budgetary priority, requiring unwavering endurance and passion from those involved in the sector.
2. The status of women: Although attitudes are progressing, entrepreneurship as a woman remains a daily challenge of credibility and perseverance.

A plea for sustainable knowledge

For Voahirana, the difference between digital information and a book is fundamental:

"The internet offers immediacy, but books offer depth."

His message to Malagasy youth is clear: reading is not just a pastime, it is a tool for massive development. By cultivating lasting knowledge, young people equip themselves with the skills necessary to transform their country.