The 12th MEVA Fair opened on July 30, 2026, at Place Foch in Antsiranana. Over four days, northern Madagascar's capital lived up to its role as a regional economic crossroads, bringing together local exhibitors, regional investors and delegations from Réunion and Mayotte.
A High-Level Opening
Minister of Commerce Michela Andriamadison presided over the opening ceremony alongside the president of Antsiranana's Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Crafts, Laou-po Wilfrid. The attendance of representatives from the Réunion and Mayotte chambers of commerce underlines the cross-border ambition of this event, which spans agriculture, fisheries, agri-food, handicrafts, tourism, banking and telecommunications.
25,000 Ariary a Day: Accessibility as Philosophy
The MEVA Fair sets itself apart with a deliberately affordable entry fee of 25,000 ariary per day. This policy allows micro-enterprises and young entrepreneurs to participate on equal footing, without being priced out by prohibitive exhibition costs. Financial institutions on site helped some exhibitors secure funding and credit directly at the fair.
A Chinese Energy Investor Takes Root
This 12th edition saw a Chinese energy company decide to establish operations in the region following contacts made at the fair — a concrete illustration of the event's capacity to generate productive investment and employment well beyond its four-day lifespan.
Why It Matters
Against a backdrop of weak budget execution in the first half of 2026, the MEVA Fair is a reminder that private initiative and commercial meeting platforms remain essential drivers of development. Antsiranana is consolidating its role as northern Madagascar's economic hub, with real potential to attract capital in tourism, fisheries and renewable energy.