In Madagascar, there’s a saying: education is the best legacy. But what happens when that legacy is trapped in outdated systems, chalkboards worn thin, and students left behind by the digital age? For Lova Mahanina Andriananantenaina, this proverb isn’t just a cultural truth, it’s a call to action.
Raised across the varied landscapes of Madagascar and seasoned by setbacks and second chances, Lova’s journey is anything but linear. From law to aviation, from Sorbonne lecture halls to a pandemic-triggered return home, he pieced together a path that led to one defining purpose: transforming education in his homeland.
Through Dabilio, an edtech company whose name evokes the humble school bench, Lova is not only modernizing classrooms, he’s reshaping what legacy means in the 21st century. His work speaks to something deeper than technology: the belief that when young minds are equipped with the right tools, they can rebuild a nation.
A Journey Across Madagascar and Beyond
“I’m originally from Ambatofinandrahana,” he begins, “but I was born in Antananarivo. I grew up in the southwest of Madagascar and went to high school as my parents moved from Miandrivazo to Morondava for work.” Like many young people in Madagascar, he was drawn toward a traditional path, hoping to serve his country through public administration. “I followed a classic university path with a master’s degree in public law. But having failed several times in the various administrative entrance exams, I landed in the aviation sector for nearly four years.”
That pivot led him abroad. “In 2019, this career path enabled me to move between Bulgaria and France, and to return to university by joining the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne for a Master’s degree in international economics, with a specialization in international transportation.” But then the pandemic struck. “The COVID crisis had a major impact on my professional goals. I decided to return to Madagascar in 2022 and reinvent myself in my professional aspirations.”
The Birth of Dabilio
This return was the start of something transformative. “My entrepreneurial adventure began in the edtech sector with Dabilio,” he says. “‘Dabilio’ is a Malagasy word that refers to the school bench. My path toward entrepreneurship wasn’t necessarily an obvious one, it was marked by many questions before I really found my way.”
And what a way he’s found. Based in Antananarivo, Dabilio is a fast-growing edtech company with a clear and determined mission: to modernize and digitize Madagascar’s education system. “I decided to make my modest contribution to the development of Madagascar’s education sector,” Lova explains. “Inspired by a deep-seated desire to create value for my country, I quickly became aware of the many paradoxes and challenges facing our education system, the foundation of human capital development.”
One of the most glaring issues was the technological gap. “There’s a huge disconnect between our current education system and the rapid evolution of educational technology, leaving us lagging behind.” Dabilio was born to bridge that divide. “We propose innovative solutions to modernize and improve the Malagasy education system. Today, we’re a young and dynamic team of eight people committed to this mission.”
Innovation in education isn’t without hurdles. “The adoption of new technologies has accelerated in various industries in Madagascar,” he observes, “but it remains moderate in education, given the various challenges associated with its adoption. But today, more and more entrepreneurs are embracing innovation to meet local educational challenges.”
Dabilio’s strength lies in its vision and strategy. “We don’t just limit ourselves to marketing our solutions. We aim to make Dabilio the reference educational ecosystem supporting various stakeholders in Madagascar. To maintain this lead, we rely on this clear vision and a network of key players to pool resources and knowledge. We also remain attentive to market needs and constantly adapt our solutions.”
Resilience in the Face of Setbacks
But it hasn’t all been smooth. “My entrepreneurial journey has been littered with setbacks and doubts, sometimes hard, often frustrating, but each of them has been a learning experience,” he says. “One of my greatest challenges has been to maintain and pass on this long-term vision to industry players, despite day-to-day uncertainties and limited resources.”
Through it all, Lova has leaned on a few essential traits: perseverance, discipline, and emotional intelligence. “Perseverance always pays off in the end. Discipline helped me stay focused, even when results were slow in coming. And emotional intelligence transformed the dynamic within my team. A fulfilled, emotionally aligned team is far more effective and resilient in the face of challenges.”
Milestones That Matter
Among the milestones he cherishes most is securing a $15,000 seed fund. “We were able to create and structure Dabilio around an ambitious vision and win the trust of our partners. It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve built that trust little by little through commitment.”
He’s also proud of taking the company to the AfricaTech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa. “It was a great opportunity to showcase our company on a continental and international scale.”
Yet, the impact he values most is deeply personal. “What touches me deeply is knowing that my modest career path can now inspire younger people, particularly in Madagascar. Becoming a model for the new generation is a human and symbolic achievement that I cherish just as much as my professional accomplishments.”
Civic Engagement and Leadership
Lova’s impact extends beyond Dabilio. He’s also the founder and president of ISIKA, a nonprofit promoting civic-tech and citizen participation. “We support a digital platform for citizen involvement in public and social life, promoting dialogue, co-construction, and empowerment. It’s a way for me to contribute to building a fairer, more inclusive, and more self-aware society.”
Additionally, he serves as President of the YALI South Africa and Senegal alumni network, helping reshape Madagascar’s multi-sectoral landscape.
Words of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice he would offer aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with limited resources, his response is powerful: “Don’t be afraid to fail, that’s when you learn a lot. Don’t be afraid to take action with what you’ve got. Waiting for the perfect conditions can become an excuse for never getting started.”
He emphasizes progress over perfection. “Every little step counts. Every mistake becomes a lesson. Every challenge overcome strengthens your legitimacy. With clarity of vision, perseverance, and adaptability, you can do a lot with very little. Surround yourself with the right people. Stay humble. Learn continuously. And never forget why you started.”
A Smarter Future
As for the future, Lova and his team are embracing artificial intelligence and expanding Dabilio’s educational ecosystem. “Our school management system is already operational and has been adopted by schools in Madagascar. We’re reaching out to schools and educational decision-makers in Africa who want cutting-edge school management. This is a major step forward—not only for Madagascar, but for the continent.”
Dabilio isn’t slowing down. “We’re also working on two projects to make our ecosystem more inclusive and tailored to our customers’ needs.” “The future of education in Africa is being built today, and we’d be delighted to contribute to it alongside you.”
A Final Reflection
Reflecting on everything, Lova offers a final thought:
“Falling down is normal. Getting back up is strategic. Every failure has taught me, every doubt has forged me. Perseverance hurts, but it pays off. Discipline is built in the shadows. Emotional intelligence increases a team’s power tenfold. Today, I don’t just run a company. I lead a vision, with heart, clarity, and courage.”
