I’m Zouzar — a father, a dreamer, and a builder. Not just of businesses, but of long-term ideas and meaningful projects that serve both people and the environment.

I’ve spent most of my life as an entrepreneur, working to develop projects that matter, both in Madagascar and abroad. In 2000, I founded Vision Madagascar, and since then, I’ve dedicated myself to imagining and shaping a modern, ambitious, and sustainable Madagascar. From restoring iconic buildings like the historic City Hall of Antananarivo to launching innovative ventures like ViMa Real Estate and Majungasaurus Mall, I’ve always believed in creating spaces that connect local impact with global vision.

Our group also works in areas I deeply care about — sustainable forestry, renewable energy, and local industry. During the COVID-19 crisis, we helped bring vital medical supplies to Madagascar by chartering a jumbo jet — something no local company had done before. Through ViMa Hybrid Energy, we powered embassies with solar energy, and with ViMa Dis, we’re helping Malagasy products reach the global market.

Climbing with my sons is an extension of that same belief — that with vision, effort, and love, you can reach remarkable places. Everest is a personal challenge, yes, but also a symbol: of transmission, of legacy, and of the boundless potential of Madagascar.

My name is Rais. I’m the older brother, 23 years old. I grew up in Madagascar and just graduated from USC in Los Angeles. I’m not a climber by nature, and that’s exactly why this ambition inspires me so much — I want to push myself, to take on something incredibly hard and unfamiliar. In a world where I have been lucky enough to be handed many opportunities and advantages, I wanted to do something that would only work the hard way.

Climbing gives me space to think. It’s a chance to reconnect with my dad and brother, and a way to reflect on where I’ve been and where I want to go. The mountain challenges me physically, but it also opens up a kind of mental clarity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

I dislocated my shoulder recently, which will make this even harder. But I’m still going — the best thing I can do is try.

While living abroad, I couldn’t have been prouder to be from Madagascar. I’ve always talked about it — maybe too much — and it’s a big part of how I see the world. I’m proud to represent Madagascar on this climb, and while I won’t literally plant the Malagasy flag on Everest, I’ll carry it with me all the way to the top.

I’m Raj-Alexandre, the youngest of the team — but I’ve always been drawn to big things. At 20, I might become the youngest African (and French) to summit Everest. But that’s not why I climb. I climb because I believe we can rewrite the narrative about Africa. I climb because I want the world to see Madagascar as a place of dreams and drive. And above all, I climb because nothing compares to standing side by side with my father and brother — on the edge of the impossible.