Studio Sifaka

Studio Sifaka, launched in 2019 by Fondation Hirondelle with the support of the United Nations, is a radio and web production studio aimed at Malagasy youth. In July 2021, it became an independent NGO. Studio Sifaka continues its commitment to improving access to information and amplifying the voices and concerns of young Malagasy people. Since then, Fondation Hirondelle and the Studio have maintained a close partnership through technical, editorial and financial support.

Studio Sifaka’s mission is to provide reliable, accessible and useful information to young Malagasy women and men on issues such as employment, education and training, health, the environment, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation driven by the private sector and civil society.

To this end, a daily two-hour programme, broadcast in Malagasy and French, offers national and regional news bulletins, thematic magazines, debates and cultural content. It represents a unique offering in Madagascar, relayed by a network of 60 partner radio stations across the entire island.

Context

In 2025, Madagascar experienced a period of political instability marked by nationwide protests linked to deteriorating living conditions, water and electricity outages, and political tensions. These mobilisations led to the fall of President Andry Rajoelina in October and the establishment of a military transition led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina.

The protest movement, particularly in the capital, was largely driven by an urban and connected youth, mobilised to demand greater transparency, increased citizen participation, and better living conditions. In this context, the spread of misinformation and rumours on social media intensified, reinforcing the need for reliable and accessible information.

Promoting the voice of youth for an inclusive and democratic society

In 2026, Studio Sifaka aims to strengthen its role as a provider of information and dialogue for Malagasy youth, in a still uncertain political and institutional context. The transition initiated following the events of October 2025 opens a period of political reconfiguration, in which access to reliable and independent information remains essential to enable citizens—particularly young people—to understand the issues at stake and participate in public debate.

The studio will continue the daily production of its programmes, while seeking to further develop its formats and content, both on the radio and on digital platforms, in order to reach more connected audiences.

Building on the experiences gained in 2025, it will strengthen its editorial presence online and the dissemination of verified information. In response to the spread of rumours and misinformation, it will maintain its fact-checking activities and efforts to raise awareness about disinformation.

The studio will continue its engagement in the field of health through the programme “Informing for Better Health”, supported by FEDEVACO and private foundations. It is notably based on the Santé Naka programme, as well as on training sessions and exchanges between journalists, health professionals and civil society organisations. These activities contribute to improving coverage of health issues, both within Studio Sifaka and among trained partner radio stations, and to strengthening dialogue between media, local stakeholders and health authorities.

Finally, Studio Sifaka aims to strengthen its role as a platform for dialogue between young people, transitional authorities and civil society organisations. Youth mobilisation, particularly among urban and connected generations, played a central role in the protests that led to the change in power. However, some of these young people now feel excluded from the political process led by the authorities. In this context, the studio will seek to develop public debates and participatory initiatives in different regions of the country, enabling young people to voice their concerns and contribute to discussions on the country’s future.