42 Antananarivo: The Making of a Local Tech Ecosystem
42 Antananarivo is one of the most recent 42 campuses to open its doors. The campus is located in the Northernmost part of the Malagasy capital, 10 minutes away from the business district and a 15-minute drive away from the city’s historical center. In a country facing significant economic challenges, it aims to create a whole new set of opportunities for locals and reinvigorate the country’s digital sector.
“You can’t overlook the social aspect of things here,” Ludwig Wourms, the freshly appointed General Manager of 42 Antananarivo, said. “Madagascar is one of the poorest countries on the planet.” It is true that with 76% of its population living below the international poverty line of $2.15 a day, and a GDP per capita ranking of 188th out of 194 according to the World Bank’s 2024 estimates, Madagascar is among the 10 poorest nations on the planet. Nevertheless, there are reasons for hope, as Madagascar’s young population (nearly two thirds of the country’s inhabitants are 25 or under) is more than willing to roll-up their sleeves and build-up their country’s economy.
It is with that in mind that Axian, a large African conglomerate (with operations in Finance, Telecommunications, Real estate and Education) and its French-Malagasy CEO, Hassanein Hiridjee, set out to open a 42 campus in Madagascar. The campus eventually opened its doors in October 2023 to a resounding local enthusiasm. Over 8,000 candidates registered and took 42’s online games. Out of those, a little less than 600 managed to secure a spot in a Piscine, the first of which took place on October 30, 2023.
“A lot of people here knew about 42, and had even considered moving abroad to train in one of the campuses. To them, the opening of a 42 campus in Antananarivo was truly a dream come true!” Ludwig Wourms, General Manager of 42 Antananarivo.
Once in the Piscine, candidates’ enthusiasm remained high and continued to grow. “Compared to what I’ve been used to in France, where people tend to be slightly reserved, the level of warmth and passion here is unparalleled. During events and announcements, people cheer you on!” Ludwig Wourms recalls. 42 Antananarivo plans a kick-off for the month of February, with the main challenge moving forward being to tie 42 Antananarivo into the local tech ecosystem and help it grow.
“We might be in the early days of the campus, but I’m working hard to make sure that our students have as many opportunities as possible once they finish 42, and so far, local companies have been very receptive to the 42 model and the idea of hiring 42 graduates in the future. Let’s hope this continues!” Ludwig Wourms, General Manager of 42 Antananarivo.
