Madagascar is standing on the cusp of transformation, where tradition and innovation blend to craft a new chapter in its story. Across the island, a surge of opportunities is taking root, offering not just economic growth but a chance to build a future that values sustainability, culture, and community. From the rich, fertile lands to the vibrant local markets, change is quietly unfolding—an evolution that is both exciting and essential. At the heart of this movement, one company is leading the charge: INVISO Group.
As Co-CEO of Inviso Group, Yanish Ismaël is driving this change with a clear vision for the future. His leadership is a catalyst for the company’s growth, focusing on harnessing the power of local resources while integrating modern, sustainable practices across sectors.
Yanish oversees the agrobusiness and new technology clusters within the organization. The agrobusiness sector includes a range of operations, such as the production of day-old chicks, feed mills, corn mills, rice mills, baby food, and cereals, with more products set to be introduced in the coming months. Recently, the company launched cereals that are 100% Made in Madagascar. All of Inviso’s factories adhere to international standards, including ISO and HACCP certifications. In the new technology sector, Yanish represents several international brands, including Canon, Lenovo, Hisense, and Xiaomi. Additionally, Inviso offers a variety of inclusive solutions, such as the installation of fiber optic cables, IT system maintenance, and other services.
Bridging Industries and Building Trust
Managing 13 distinct companies under the SMTP umbrella presents its challenges, but Yanish believes that effective communication is key to ensuring smooth operations and synergy across such a diverse range of industries. He emphasizes the importance of listening to collaborators, as open discussions are crucial for informed decision-making. Yanish strongly believes in harmony and teamwork, often citing the saying, “Alone you go fast, but together you go far.” He sees synergies as a natural outcome when surrounded by a strong, cohesive team. At Inviso, the focus is on prioritizing quality over quantity, ensuring that the final product delivered to clients is always of the highest standard.
Yanish attributes the success of Inviso Group in sectors like agriculture, real estate, and industrial production to their strategic investments in companies that stood “out of the bubble.” For example, when they decided to invest in the feed business, they opted to purchase top-quality machines instead of focusing solely on cost-effectiveness. This decision helped build trust with their clientele, ensuring they received high-quality products in return.
In the technology sector, Yanish chose to represent brands like Xiaomi, known for their “connected” products, as opposed to the typical products on the market. Recognizing the rapid pace of technological development, Inviso does not simply sell products; they also prioritize educating their clients on the proper use of technology. Yanish and his team focus on teaching the younger generation to use technology as a “work tool” rather than just a “social tool.” They also prioritize cost-effective products with low electricity usage. For example, Inviso was the first company in Madagascar to introduce the solar phone.
Yanish emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients as a key factor in balancing the dynamics of rural and urban markets. In his approach, Inviso Group follows a business model that prioritizes purchasing raw materials locally, which plays a significant role in overcoming challenges related to these two markets. For example, in the feed business, one of the most crucial raw materials is corn. Instead of opting to import corn, which might be more cost-effective, Yanish chooses to source it locally. This decision is rooted in his commitment to supporting the local economy.
By buying locally, Yanish not only contributes to job creation and income generation but also fosters trust among customers. He believes that nothing brings him greater satisfaction than knowing that the products sold by Inviso are 100% made in Madagascar. This focus on local sourcing not only strengthens relationships with rural suppliers but also aligns with the values of the urban market, where customers are increasingly concerned with sustainability and local impact. Yanish recently launched cereals 100% Made in Madagascar. It is produced 100% locally. He believes if the world can do it then Madagascar can do it.
A Legacy of Environmental Advocacy
Yanish highlights Inviso Group’s pioneering role in environmental sustainability, particularly through its plastics division. The company proudly stands as the first in Madagascar to recycle plastic, setting a significant example for the country’s commitment to environmental preservation. To encourage community participation, Inviso goes beyond traditional recycling methods by offering higher prices for plastic waste, making it an attractive option for local residents to dispose of their plastic responsibly.
Yanish’s dedication to environmental issues runs deep, as his father previously served as the official advisor to the Minister of Environment, further cementing their family’s legacy of environmental advocacy. To ensure Inviso’s commitment to sustainability is ingrained in the company culture, the group organizes an annual reforestation event, where all employees come together to plant trees, contributing to the restoration of Madagascar’s natural resources. Through these efforts, Inviso Group actively supports Madagascar’s environmental goals, promoting a cleaner and greener future for the nation.
Where Local Roots Fuel Tomorrow’s Innovations
Inviso Group is committed to making a tangible impact, as reflected in their slogan, “Think Impact.” Innovation is at the core of their strategy, particularly in how they approach local production and market accessibility. Yanish emphasizes that their business model focuses on buying raw materials locally, which not only supports local economies but also fosters a sustainable, innovative approach to production. This commitment to local sourcing is seen as a key part of Inviso’s innovation, as it drives efficiency and quality while ensuring that the company contributes positively to the community.
In the technology sector, Inviso continues to innovate by introducing cost-efficient products that are accessible to a broad audience. The company ensures that cutting-edge technology is not reserved for a select few but is available to all consumers by offering products at competitive prices. To make these products even more accessible, Inviso has partnered with a local bank to offer payment plans, enabling customers from diverse backgrounds to purchase the latest technology. Through these innovative practices, Inviso Group continues to stay ahead in the market, making technology and local production more inclusive and impactful.
The Harmony of Leadership
As CEO of Inviso Group, Yanish plays a crucial role in the company’s long-term vision of transforming socio-economic conditions in Madagascar. One of his key strategies for achieving this goal is the emphasis on learning from different generations. Yanish values the exchange of ideas across various age groups and perspectives within the company. He recalls how, during board meetings, each member has the opportunity to share their vision, fostering an open environment where diverse viewpoints are considered.
For Yanish, the process of decision-making is collaborative, with each voice contributing to the overall strategy. This emphasis on harmony and communication is central to the group’s success. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and continuous dialogue, Yanish ensures that all decisions are well-informed and aligned with Inviso’s broader vision of socio-economic development in Madagascar. Through this approach, Yanish’s leadership not only drives business success but also contributes to the wider goal of creating positive change in the country.
Yanish adopts a leadership style based on the “Laissez-faire method,” which emphasizes empowering his team to take initiative while providing minimal direct intervention. In meetings, he prefers to talk less and listen more, allowing space for his team to engage with each other. By stepping back, he observes how team members collaborate, analyze challenges, and arrive at different conclusions. This approach not only fosters creativity and problem-solving but also gives team members the autonomy to showcase their skills and insights.
For Yanish, this leadership style is grounded in a deep belief in continuous learning. He values the opportunity to learn from his team, regardless of age or experience, and views each day as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. By adopting this method, Yanish cultivates an environment where collaboration thrives and diverse perspectives are actively encouraged, ultimately contributing to the company’s success across multiple sectors.
Vision for Collaborative Growth
Yanish places a strong emphasis on fostering a culture of collaboration and efficiency within Inviso by embracing the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of its global team. With collaborators spanning across various countries, the company thrives on its international reach and the rich exchange of ideas and practices that come with it. Yanish believes that diversity is one of Inviso’s greatest strengths, as it creates an environment where employees can draw from different cultures and experiences to approach challenges in innovative ways.
From a young age, Yanish was determined to gain a broader worldview, which led him to pursue studies abroad. His love for engaging in exchange programs in different parts of the world allowed him to immerse himself in varied cultures and scenarios. This exposure has shaped his leadership approach, making him more adaptable and open to new ways of thinking. He believes that this cross-cultural experience helps his team see things from diverse perspectives, ultimately leading to more creative solutions and a cohesive working environment. Through these efforts, Yanish nurtures a workplace where collaboration and efficiency are seamlessly integrated, driving Inviso’s success across its various business sectors.
Expanding the Inviso Roots
Yanish believes that the greatest opportunities often arise in the most unexpected moments, a perspective that has shaped Inviso’s approach to growth and innovation. He envisions a future where the company fully completes the “chain” across its various industries, particularly within the agrobusiness sector. Currently, Inviso is focused on developing and expanding its production cycle, with innovation serving as a key catalyst for achieving this goal.
In his view, the company is on the brink of something big, always seeking that “small piece of the puzzle” that will complete the full picture of their operations. This mindset of continuous improvement drives Inviso to explore new frontiers, always looking for ways to refine their processes, integrate more technology, and stay ahead of industry trends. As they push toward creating a seamless production cycle, Yanish sees endless potential for growth—opportunities that might emerge when least expected, yet will propel the company further into new sectors and capabilities.
Stepping Stones to Succes
Yanish’s advice to young professionals aspiring to take on leadership roles in conglomerates like Inviso is rooted in self-belief and perseverance. He emphasizes the importance of having confidence in oneself and the value one can bring to the table. “Believe in yourself,” he says, “and never be afraid to express your ideas and create added value. You have more potential than you might think.”
He also encourages aspiring leaders not to underestimate themselves, stressing that faith in one’s abilities is crucial for growth and success. According to Yanish, risk is an inevitable part of leadership, but it’s important to approach it with careful calculation and an understanding that risks evolve over time. “Risk can be measured, but it can also change with time,” he notes.
One of his core beliefs is that failure is an essential part of the journey toward success. “Never be afraid to create a business, and never shy away from challenges,” he advises. “Failure isn’t the end—it’s simply a stepping stone toward ultimate success.” Through this lens, Yanish encourages young professionals to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and remain committed to their aspirations.
