Building bridges between Madagascar and Germany

Africa-Dual: Building bridges between Madagascar and Germany

In spring 2025, I traveled to Madagascar to advance the Afrika-Dual project – an initiative that provides young people from Madagascar with solid preparation for vocational training in Germany. I met with representatives from vocational schools, colleges, universities, the German Embassy, and the Goethe-Zentrum in Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa. The goal was to establish concrete partnerships and pave the way for sustainable cooperation.

Antananarivo: A center for education and culture

The capital, Antananarivo, is not only the political and economic center of Madagascar, but also an important educational center. It is home to the Goethe-Zentrum Antananarivo/CGM , a non-profit organization and cooperation partner of the Goethe-Institut. The center promotes German language and culture and offers German courses at all levels, including exams.

Fianarantsoa: Education in the Highlands

Fianarantsoa, the capital of the region of the same name, is another educational center in Madagascar. The Université de Fianarantsoa , founded in 1977, offers a wide range of degree programs in science, medicine, economics, law, and engineering. The university is known for its practice-oriented education and its close ties to the local economy.

Africa-Dual: A model for the future

The Afrika-Dual project aims to optimally prepare young people from Madagascar for vocational training in Germany through targeted language and technical training. It uses Germany's dual training system as a model, combining practice-oriented learning with theoretical instruction.

Collaboration with various institutions makes it possible to build a network of educational institutions that promotes the exchange of knowledge and experiences. Through joint programs and internships, participants are encouraged not only to learn the German language but also to develop an understanding of the German working world.

Another important aspect of the project is raising awareness among German businesses about the potential of young people from Madagascar. Through information events and partnerships with German companies, the aim is to stimulate interest in cooperation. The goal is to build long-term relationships that benefit both sides.

Berufsschule in Madagaskar.

The trip to Madagascar was an important step in the implementation of the Africa-Dual project. Discussions with the various partners have shown great interest in collaboration. In the coming months, concrete programs will be developed and the conditions will be laid for classes to begin in Fianarantsoa in fall 2025. Particular emphasis will be placed on the quality of the training and the sustainability of the partnerships.

Afrika-Dual is more than just an educational project. It contributes to promoting international development cooperation and breaking down barriers to education. By combining theory and practice, language and professional skills, young people from Madagascar are offered a future perspective – and at the same time, a piece of Germany is brought to Madagascar.