As a finalist in the 2024 First Global Challenge, Madagascar’s robotics team has won the gold medal. This achievement showcases their ability to compete with the best teams globally, despite limited resources.
Major international robotics competition
The First Global Challenge aims to engage young people in contemporary global issues through science and technology. The 2024 edition, held from September 26 to 29 in Athens, centered around the theme « Feeding the Future ». This international competition, open to participants under 18, brought together around 190 teams from across the world in a highly competitive atmosphere.
The 2024 challenge highlighted the critical issues of sustainable food production. Participants were tasked with developing robotic solutions to optimize food production and ensure fair, eco-friendly distribution. Teams operated robots in a simulated environment, demonstrating the intricate interdependence between water, energy, and food systems. The participants had to carefully manage global resources while maintaining a balance to promote a sustainable food system.
Madagascar’s team shines
The Malagasy team’s robot, designed to enhance agricultural efficiency and improve food resource management, captivated the judges. Led by their manager, Hanitrarivo Rasoanaivo, and technical coach, Zosahaza Marline Ramarosandy, the team consisted of :
- Tojo Emrick Rajomarison
- Sahaza Andrinirariny
- Ainafinaritra Manandraibe
- Maharisoa Grace Raoloson
- Alinoro Maria Ramamonjisoa
Notably, Madagascar formed a strategic alliance with China, Moldova, and the Cook Islands, which propelled them to the finals and secured their victory. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering they competed against countries with advanced technological infrastructure like South Korea. Additionally, this alliance placed second in the tournament with a score of 634 points. Throughout the competition, the Malagasy team earned a total of 168 points for food security, ranking them 22nd overall.
Growing importance of STEM education in Madagascar
This victory highlights Madagascar’s commitment to developing skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Robotics remains underdeveloped across much of Africa. However, local initiatives like the « STEM For Good » association encourage young people to pursue technical careers.
The association seeks to democratize science and technology by integrating robotics and coding into school curricula. Progress in STEM education is essential for Madagascar’s socio-economic development.
Despite this remarkable success, participating in the First Global Challenge remains a challenge for young Malagasy talents. A lack of financial and logistical support complicates each edition. These young participants often demonstrate immense determination and resilience to overcome these obstacles.
