Studio Sifaka

Created in 2019 by Fondation Hirondelle with the support of the United Nations, Studio Sifaka produces radio and web content aimed at young Madagascans. In July 2021, Studio Sifaka become an independent NGO pursuing its commitment to contributing to better access to information. Fondation Hirondelle continues to provide technical, editorial and financial support to the studio.

Studio Sifaka produces the only daily programme of its kind in Madagascar. It lasts two hours and is broadcast by a national network of 55 partner radio stations. It includes a national and regional news programme, as well as magazines and programmes offering advice (on health, employment, the environment), dialogue, music and Malagasy culture. The content is produced by a group of young Malagasy journalists, editors, presenters and technicians. The productions are also shared on the studio’s website and social networks.

Map of the Studio Sifaka partner radio network.

Financial volume 2024

262,558 CHF


Sources of funding

  • Switzerland (SDC Core Contribution)
  • FEDEVACO
  • Fondation Baur
  • European Union
  • Fondation d’Aide à l’Enfance et au Tiers-Monde
  • Fondation Däster Schild Stiftung
  • Fondation Madeleine

Key figures for 2024


55 radios
partners

292 media professionals
trained

16 auditor clubs with 160 members

Created with Sketch.

94,000 followers
on social media

2 broadcast languages

732 hours of broadcasting per year

Context

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 75% of the population living on less than 2 dollars a day. Young Madagascans make up the majority of the population, with 60% under the age of 25. However, 70% of illiterate people in the country are aged between 15 and 24, most of whom are from rural areas. Madagascar’s young population represents a major opportunity for the country’s development, but also a multidimensional challenge in terms of education, training, employability, health and civic engagement.

Promoting the voice of youth for an inclusive and democratic society

In 2024, Studio Sifaka strengthened its commitment to providing news and raising awareness in Madagascar. An internal evaluation led to improvements in the organisation and editorial strategy. The Santé NaKa project, funded by FEDEVACO, made it possible to produce 192 programmes on various health topics alongside workshops and media training for professionals working in the sector. Meetings between journalists and civil society actors provided opportunities to discuss subjects including mental health and the fight against HIV/AIDS. At the same time, Studio Sifaka began to work towards Journalism
Trust Initiative certification, a standard that recognises media professionalism.

Studio Sifaka unfortunately faced a decline in funding in 2024. Nevertheless, it remains committed to promoting the participation of young people in political and decisionmaking processes in Madagascar. By continuing to represent their interests and give young people a voice, the studio persists in its work to promote the development of a peaceful, inclusive, democratic and just society.

Studio Sifaka’s broadcast partner network grew in 2024 from 50 to 55 radio stations, making it possible to cover all 24 regions and reach 63% of Madagascar’s 16.8 million residents. Through a partnership with the social
enterprise Viamo, the editorial team made a portion of the station’s content accessible through a toll-free number that could be called from anywhere in the country.

Priorities


  • Inclusion of Malagasy youth
  • Participation in democratic processes


Activities


  • Daily production of 2 hours of programmes on various subjects

The Liberté d’Expression à Madagascar project set up in partnership with Internews enabled the production of programmes and debates on topics including governance and health. UNICEF Young Reporters Clubs were reated, and their productions were broadcast widely. Lastly, UNESCO’s Safety of Women Journalists programme made it possible to run training and awareness-raising sessions on preventing gender-based violence.

Studio Sifaka, with the support of Fondation Hirondelle, is working on developing its internal capacities and viability. In 2024, its training courses are targeting both journalists and technicians, as well as staff from partner community radio stations, whose level of skill in basic journalism and journalistic techniques vary. They will also deal with specific themes such as health and the environment, enabling journalists to cover these subjects more effectively.


Our impact


A study published in early 2024 revealed strong civic engagement among Studio Sifaka’s audience, with a particular focus on political and community issues. Listening to the Débat des Jeunes programme
encouraged participation in political discussions and local meetings and favoured an understanding of electoral processes. Respondents highlighted the positive influence of programmes on subjects such as
employability, training and making group decisions.

Testimonial


“Taking part in this training is a major advantage for me. Before, I didn’t have the courage to lead a debate. I’m going to use all of the knowledge I’ve acquired. Now I feel that I’m brave enough to lead this type of
debate.”


Hélène, journalist at a Studio Sifaka
training session in Fianarantsoa.

Find out more about our research on this project here