Madagascan businessman Ylias Akbaraly is pursuing a significant contract worth $450 million to modernize Nigeria’s television and radio infrastructure. The deal involves his company Thomson Broadcast, which operates under the Redland Group, an international conglomerate with roots in manufacturing, finance, aviation, and broadcasting.
Thomson Broadcast is currently seeking final approval from Nigerian authorities to proceed with the project. The initiative, expected to include major national media organizations such as the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), stems from a memorandum of understanding signed in 2025.
Negotiations have reportedly progressed through discussions between Thomson Broadcast’s chief executive, Stéphane Bollon, and Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris. However, the contract remains unconfirmed and financial arrangements are yet to be finalized for project execution.
This prospective deal reflects a strategic expansion for Akbaraly’s business empire, which originated from his family’s detergent company in Madagascar. Akbaraly’s business lineage dates back to 1918, with the establishment of a trading business by his grandfather who immigrated from India to Madagascar. Akbaraly later expanded the family enterprise worldwide and now chairs Redland, which oversees multiple sectors and employs thousands across Africa and Europe.
Recognized as Madagascar’s richest businessman, Akbaraly has developed his conglomerate to generate hundreds of millions in revenue annually. His ventures also include major real estate projects and international media acquisitions, such as the purchase of France’s Arelis Broadcast operations and the acquisition and subsequent sale of the American broadcasting equipment manufacturer GatesAir.
The Nigerian project would mark an important extension of Thomson Broadcast’s involvement in upgrading broadcasting technologies in West Africa, following previous contracts in Guinea and Mali. For Nigeria, the modernization of television and radio infrastructure is a critical step in improving media services and expanding access to information nationwide.
Akbaraly’s business activities are complemented by his philanthropic efforts, notably through the Akbaraly Foundation, which supports healthcare and education initiatives, focusing on women’s health in Madagascar. He has also emphasized the importance of industrial investment and economic diversification across Africa to foster sustainable growth.
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