Tsanta Rakotoarimanga, a Finance graduate from the island of Mauritius, has launched a platform called Mapwess to simplify the process of studying abroad for African students. The platform aims to provide a one-stop solution for students looking to pursue higher education outside their home country. With Mapwess, Rakotoarimanga hopes to address the challenges he faced when trying to study abroad himself. In 2016, he struggled to find the right information and resources to make an informed decision about his education.
Rakotoarimanga's journey into entrepreneurship began with his agency, Dream Studio Agency, which he founded in 2016 after returning to Madagascar at the age of 20. The agency helped students from Madagascar, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Togo secure spots in internationally recognized institutions. With over 80 students successfully placed, Rakotoarimanga decided to leverage technology to reach a wider audience. He believes that digital solutions are particularly well-suited for Africa, as they can reduce the risk of errors and have a broader impact without geographical constraints.
The idea for Mapwess was born out of Rakotoarimanga's personal experience as an African student trying to navigate the complex process of studying abroad. He realized that there was a lack of online services designed specifically for African students, making it difficult for them to access the information they needed to make informed decisions. Mapwess aims to fill this gap by providing a platform that caters to the unique needs and concerns of African students.
Rakotoarimanga's entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. He notes that starting a business in Madagascar can be a daunting task, particularly for young people in the digital sector. Limited access to resources, networks, and funding has made it difficult for him to grow his business. However, he has received support from incubators like Zafy Tody and Orange Fab Madagascar, which have helped him overcome some of these obstacles.
In 2021, Rakotoarimanga was selected as one of the top young entrepreneurs in Africa for the prestigious Anzisha Prize in South Africa. The prize provides a three-year program that includes training, mentorship, and access to funding. Rakotoarimanga credits these programs with helping him improve his performance and connect with qualified investors.
The name "Mapwess" is derived from the Malagasy word "mapoeasa," which refers to a type of bread in the northwest of the island. Rakotoarimanga chose this name because it is memorable and catchy, much like the names of tech giants like Apple and Google. He hopes that Mapwess will become a leading brand in the education technology sector and make a significant impact on the lives of African students.
With Mapwess, Rakotoarimanga aims to become a giant in African technology, with a focus on making a positive impact on the continent. He believes that digital solutions have the potential to transform the education sector and provide more opportunities for African students. As Mapwess continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how it addresses the challenges faced by African students and helps them achieve their educational goals.
Key points
- Tsanta Rakotoarimanga's platform, Mapwess, aims to simplify the process of studying abroad for African students by providing a one-stop solution for finding and applying to universities.
