A central figure in the historical ties between Madagascar and France, Jean Laborde was an important man in Madagascar’s development. His full name was Jean François Labore, and he was a man of many talents, leaving traces of his work throughout the island of Madagascar in the form of dams, aqueducts, forges, stills, tanneries, blast furnaces and palaces. He was France’s first consul in Madagascar and a pioneer in introducing technology, animal breeds and plant varieties to Madagascar.

Having trained at his father’s forge and subsequently joined the army, where he rose to the rank of sergeant, he was a productive and epic figure. In addition to his other activities, he had several roles: diplomat, entrepreneur, chief engineer. He was heavily involved in administration during his stay in Madagascar. In this article, we take a look back at this adventurer, politician, industrialist and, ultimately, this man, a historical figure in Madagascar.

A man with divided affections

Jean Laborde was married to Émile Roux when he arrived in Madagascar. She was a woman of mixed race, and her marriage to Laborde provided him with a convenient opportunity to learn the Malagasy language. His wife was responsible for administering the Lohasaha estate. Already the mother of two children, she was repudiated for adultery in 1856. Laborde, for his part, had a working relationship and a passionate affair with Queen Ranavalona I. The romance lasted until the queen’s death. He remarried another Malagasy woman, Radofina.

The man of action was a lover with whom the queen, known for her mistrust and authority, was affable and kind. But even more than that, his attention to women led him to name his home ‘naked and open woman’. He was faithful to his emotions and was not known to be a man with many women.

An adventurer who stood out from the crowd

Tough and ingenious in business, Jean Laborde was already an experienced adventurer by the time he reached adulthood. Before arriving in Madagascar, he set foot in India, where he arrived with scarves. Once there, he used his blacksmithing skills to produce trumpets. His business was successful, and he was in contact with the highest levels of the Indian state, supplying the Maharaja’s guard.

In Madagascar, his skills also earned him the trust of the ruling monarchy. He was sought after for his technical abilities and his human touch. He was a committed and articulate individual who involved himself and those around him in his work.

A pioneer for Madagascar

Jean Laborde was a pioneer in many fields in Madagascar. He was responsible for introducing Normandy and Breton cattle, Merino sheep, silkworms and antelopes to the island. In terms of plants, he cultivated vines for the first time on the island and planted numerous European fruit trees.

On a technical level, his contributions were enormous: he manufactured sulphuric acid, nitric acid, caustic potash, black powder, alum, iron sulphate, Prussian blue, earthenware, glass, steel, bronze, cement, paint, soap, and more.

Beyond his contributions to chemistry, the Frenchman was also behind the creation of industrial sites (distilleries, forges, blast furnaces, tanneries, etc.) and public infrastructure (reservoir dams, canals, aqueducts, roads, bridges, mines, quarries, palaces, lightning rods, etc.).

He even oversaw the construction of the first naval establishment ever built in Madagascar.

Jean Laborde played a key role in the technological advancement of the island. He transferred a considerable amount of knowledge there.

A skilled politician

Jean Laborde was the lover of Queen Ranavalona I and wielded considerable influence over her. Although she was a tyrannical queen, he advised her on industrialisation and diplomacy. He became an unofficial minister in Ranavalona I’s government. He was awarded Madagascar’s highest distinction, known as the ‘16 honours’, by the queen.

A unifier of men

It was Napoleon de Lastelle who settled Laborde in Madagascar, quickly introducing him to the queen. During his stay between 1831 and 1878, he came into contact with many Europeans, including Joseph Lambert, Henri Lambert, Julien Gaultier de Rontaunay and Albert Campan. In 1837, to support him in the advancement of his work, he sent his brother to Madagascar.

Jean Laborde was a key intermediary for Europeans arriving in Madagascar, and was in particular in contact with the English London Missionary Society.

A valuable representative of France, an asset

Jean Laborde held an important position in Madagascar. He was close to the royal circle, where he participated in the education of the heir apparent Rakotondradama, who would later become King Radama II. He was the first person consulted regarding the industrial development of the large island. He extended France’s influence within the island, first turning it into a very France-friendly entity and later, in 1897, a French protectorate and colony.