A profile by Olivier Vallée and Nicolas Beau [MondAfrique]: Maminiaina Ravatomanga, “Mamy,” is a wealthy businessman and simultaneous unofficial adviser and supporter of President Andry Rajoelina. The two gravitated toward each other in 2008 as their respective companies became targets of tax investigations initiated by the entourage of then-President Marc Ravalomanana. Ravatomanga facilitated Rajoelina’s rise to power through the 2009 coup and has remained by his side ever since, supporting him through international contacts, generous financial assistance, private jets, and nationwide media outlets such as “La Vérité” and “Madagascar Matin.”
GenZ accuses Mamy Ravatomanga of plundering the country and demands he be tried, placing him in a precarious position. On October 6, during a nearly two-hour special broadcast aired on three private TV networks and recorded at his own Madagascar Security Academy (MSA) in front of employees, the entrepreneur undertook what RFI called a “risky performance,” attempting to address the accusations leveled against him and, reportedly, to distance himself from Rajoelina, who he perceives to be in deep trouble.
A meteoric rise
This billionaire’s success is no small feat. Born in Morondava, Mamy did not belong to the elite families of the capital. He had to convince elites either to align with him or relinquish leadership. His exponential enrichment truly began in 2009. This presidential intimate placed his allies in transitional government posts—such as Hery Rajaonarimampiainina, appointed finance and budget minister in 2009. Ravatomanga’s influence within the power circle has continued to grow; one of his proteges is Christian Ntsay, who aided him during privatizations and, at Ravatomanga’s urging, became Prime Minister in 2018.
Currently, the industry and commerce minister, Edgard Razafindravahy, works daily to maintain Mamy’s control over revenue-earning sectors. They meet often, spend Christmas holidays at a luxury Azura Group hotel owned by Mamy, and exchange hourly text messages. Vanilla, among other commodities, has moved under the billionaire’s control—with key Indian partners.
A prized catch for Mamy is the present Minister of Decentralization and Territorial Development, Naina Andriantsitohaina, only son of the wealthy businessman Jean-Charles Andriantsitohaina, whose family companies Naina now heads.
Many irons in the fire
This pragmatic businessman maintains excellent relationships with both Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and France’s President Emmanuel Macron. Despite various scandals tied to Mamy Ravatomanga, President Macron has never hesitated to speak with him by phone. On July 5, 2023, “Mamy” was declared cleared of all charges in France following the closure of the financial prosecutor’s preliminary inquiry into him. This inquiry concerned alleged organized money laundering, bribery of public officials, tax fraud, and trafficking in rosewood. The prosecutor dropped the case on July 25, citing “insufficiently characterized” offenses.
Globally, Mamy Ravatomanga holds several strategic positions. Serving as Serbia’s consul in Madagascar—a key link for Russia’s advance in Europe—the billionaire fosters ties with Moscow. He even met Evgeny Prigozhin, Wagner Group leader, shortly before Prigozhin’s death. On August 17, 2023, while preparing for the presidential election, the two discussed the personal security of outgoing President Rajoelina and his assets.
The meeting took place during Prigozhin’s final African tour in August 2023. After returning from Africa to Russia, Prigozhin died in a mysterious plane crash on August 23.
Perhaps as a precaution, “Mamy” has recently acquired Ivorian citizenship. You can never be too careful.
