Mandresy Randriamiharisoa, the new managing director of Nutri’zaza, tells us about his background, his projects and his deep attachment to social entrepreneurship in the fight against malnutrition in Madagascar.
Why did you join the Nutri’zaza adventure?
We often ask children what they would like to be when they grow up. Some say they want to become pilots, some say doctors, and some say they want to help other people. I fall into the latter category. Since I was a child, I have always wanted to contribute as much as possible to the development and well-being of others.
I have a varied educational background, particularly in business and marketing, and this is what drew me to Nutri’zaza when the company was created. The first time I heard about Nutri’zaza, I was immediately convinced by the concept and the commitment. I have been present since the start and throughout its evolution, contributing as a volunteer via what I know best: business.
How does Nutri’zaza respond sustainably to the problem of malnutrition in Madagascar?
We all know that Nutri’zaza fights malnutrition. But what makes its model different is its social aspect. Its objective is to produce fortified foods and make them available to vulnerable people to combat malnutrition, while maintaining a business approach. These products are not free, they are sold at a low price; this is what Nutri’zaza’s image is based on. If a person is convinced by the quality of the product, Koba Aina for example, he/she will pay the 300 Ariary (0.06 euro cents).
In addition, Nutri’zaza also works in the area of food education, in order to ensure a better future for Malagasy children and vulnerable people. The company fights hard against malnutrition; it undertakes this combat for vulnerable people and for the entire country. It is important that social businesses, the State and NGOs join forces to eradicate this scourge.
What new challenges will Nutri’zaza face in 2021?
Since it was created, Nutri’zaza has distributed more than 64 million fortified meals; my objective is to develop distribution and reach 200 million meals over the next five years. Given the number of vulnerable Malagasy children and the annual birth rate, demand on the market is high and it is our duty to respond in order to meet this demand.
In my view, the biggest challenge for Nutri’zaza is to ensure all stakeholders realise that we are not just a business, we also have a strong focus on the social component. In the fight against malnutrition, why not envisage covering the whole of Madagascar and, as the model is working, other African countries?
