AGP Executive Report

Mining Policy: Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo signed a law requiring 15% state ownership in all mining ventures and local processing of minerals, aiming to tighten control over battery-critical resources like graphite. Diplomacy & Trade: Indonesia and Madagascar moved to deepen ties by signing a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and agreeing visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders, with minerals and energy flagged as priority areas. Sports (World Cup build-up): Morocco’s World Cup preparations continue as defender Zakaria El Ouahdi reportedly misses the trip due to a US visa issue, while Madagascar’s friendly with Morocco earlier ended with Morocco winning 2-0. Football (Regional prep disrupted): Uganda Cranes’ friendlies in Morocco—against Tanzania and Madagascar—were cancelled over sanitary and public health concerns, a setback for squad testing ahead of AFCON qualifiers. Energy & Food Risks: S&P warns Middle East conflict could strain fuel and food systems across Africa, with Madagascar among the highest-risk countries. Conservation: A rare red-ruffed lemur “quadruplets” birth was celebrated in Europe, with the species found only in northeast Madagascar.

Madagascar-Indonesia Diplomacy: Indonesia’s foreign minister called Madagascar a “gateway to Africa” and backed deeper ties after talks with Alice N’Diaye, including a new Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders. World Cup Build-Up: Morocco’s Atlas Lions left for their World Cup base with Zakaria El Ouahdi reportedly sidelined by a US visa issue, while Madagascar faced a tough friendly in Rabat, going down 2-0 at halftime and 4-0 overall. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping Madagascar’s Rijasoa Fanazava on the team as the bloc pushes tougher action against illegal fishing. Food Security Warning: S&P warns the Middle East conflict could hit African fuel and fertilizer flows via the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of credit deterioration, with Madagascar flagged as among the most exposed. Humanitarian Health in Madagascar: Mercy Ships began a new field service as the Africa Mercy welcomed its first surgical patient, marking fresh care for hundreds awaiting treatment.

Indonesia–Madagascar Diplomacy: Foreign ministers Alice N’Diaye and Sugiono signed a deal to set up a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and agreed visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders, with talks to ease travel for business communities. Minerals & Investment: Indonesia also pitched Madagascar as a “gateway” to Africa’s mineral wealth, while Abu Dhabi-based MITHRA Metals said it is advancing a nickel laterite initiative in Ethiopia along the same East African Nickel Belt corridor that runs through Madagascar. Energy & Food Risk: S&P warns the Iran war is straining fuel and fertilizer flows to Africa, with Madagascar flagged as among the highest risk for food-price pressure and possible credit deterioration. Health on the Ground: Mercy Ships began a new Madagascar field service, with cataract patient Delphine the first to board for surgery. Connectivity: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-powered internet for remote regions. Sports: Morocco beat Madagascar 4-0 in a Rabat friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Climate & Courts: A landmark case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking what duties African governments have to protect people from the climate crisis and shift away from harmful economies. Southern Africa Fisheries: SADC has reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair its regional fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance board, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing and improve vessel registers. Madagascar in World Football: Morocco hosted Madagascar in a friendly in Rabat, winning 2-0 at halftime and 4-0 overall, with Ismael Saibari scoring twice and Morocco adding a late penalty and a fourth goal. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will launch thrice-weekly direct flights from Addis Ababa to Port Louis on July 12, replacing indirect routes that previously linked via hubs including Antananarivo. Health on the Water: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy began its third Madagascar field service, with 69-year-old Delphine the first patient to board for surgery after cataracts left her blind. Digital Access: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-powered internet to reach remote regions.

Connectivity Boost: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-powered internet to reach remote areas, pairing new LEO links with fibre and 4G to cut the digital divide. Health on the Water: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy began a new Madagascar field service, with 69-year-old Delphine the first patient to board for cataract surgery and restore sight. Wildlife Moment: A UK conservation programme linked to Madagascar’s red-ruffed lemurs reports rare quadruplets born on May 4, supporting breeding and field protection via the Lemur Conservation Association. Trade & Diplomacy: A new U.S. Africa trade push keeps AGOA in focus, with leaders facing a “modernisation” deadline after tariff shocks exposed how exposed African economies are to Washington’s shifts. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead a fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing across member states including Madagascar. Maritime Security: France seized the sanctioned tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, with the vessel reportedly linked to Madagascar’s flag, as Europe targets Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

Maritime Security: France seized the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, ordering it toward France after a boarding operation with UK support; France says the ship used irregular flags, while Russia called the action “international piracy.” Madagascar in the Spotlight: Tagor is reported as registered under Madagascar’s flag, raising fresh questions about how Malagasy-linked shipping is being used in sanctions-evasion networks. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance centre in Maputo, as ministers pushed for stronger action against illegal fishing and outstanding member contributions. Business & Investment: Evion Group named former Australian US ambassador Arthur Sinodinos as strategic advisor to accelerate its US critical minerals push, following its Nevada fluorspar acquisition. Sports: Serbia beat Madagascar 21-14 in Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw, while Shujaa’s sevens campaign remains in the top-eight race heading to Bordeaux.

Maritime Security & Sanctions: France seized the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic and ordered it to sail to France, showing commandos rappelling aboard as Russia called the move “international piracy.” The 252-metre ship is reported to be registered under Madagascar’s flag, with French authorities saying inspections found irregularities in the flag and documentation while the vessel was suspected of operating as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Local Governance & Regional Cooperation: In Victoria Falls, SADC justice and fisheries ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, aimed at tackling illegal fishing across member states, including Madagascar. Madagascar–Russia Ties: Madagascar’s transitional president said the military sphere is a priority for cooperation with Russia, citing training and equipment deliveries, while Madagascar’s industry ministry also signed an industrial co-operation deal with Russia’s St Petersburg special economic zone. Regional Travel Law: SADC ministers also pushed forward plans for a Tourism UNIVISA to simplify transit and tourism travel across the bloc.

Madagascar Politics: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has dismissed an opposition MP’s bid to remove the military ruler, saying the challenge was inadmissible under the constitution. Health & Aid: In Moscow, Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison met Sberbank leadership and flagged cooperation on healthcare, education, tourism and AI, including 230 containers of medical equipment for rural areas. Environment & Tourism: A travel spotlight highlights Madagascar’s Isalo “Grand Canyon” region, with visitors seeking hidden pools and lemurs in the south. Regional Sports: Madagascar’s women’s rugby team suffered a heavy 46-12 loss to Uganda in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, sending Madagascar to the division category next season. Trade & Labor: A report on Madagascar-linked discussions notes the government denied any plan to import workers from Eswatini, stressing vocational training instead. Global Context: France intercepted a Madagascar-flagged sanctioned Russian shadow-fleet tanker in the Atlantic, underscoring tighter enforcement against sanctions evasion.

GEF-8 Environment Push: The Global Environment Facility council has approved a final $144.3m disbursement for its 8th funding round, backing 16 projects—from ocean ecosystem protection and biodiversity conservation to landscape restoration—aimed at meeting 2030 goals. Madagascar Politics: Madagascar’s top constitutional court dismissed an opposition MP’s bid to remove the military ruler, saying the challenge was inadmissible under the constitution, as the country prepares a new constitution and elections by end-2027. Prime Minister Meets Sberbank: In Moscow, Madagascar’s transitional prime minister and Sberbank agreed on cooperation in healthcare, education, tourism and AI, including 230 containers of rural medical equipment. Health & Safety: A travel-safety guide warns that in civil unrest, reliable local information and normal logistics can disappear fast—urging travelers to plan exits early. Sport (Madagascar in the spotlight): Rugby Africa Women’s Cup results included Madagascar’s relegation after a 46-12 loss to Uganda, while Madagascar’s basketball federation named Mickael Pivaud as new men’s head coach ahead of 2027 qualifiers.

Madagascar Politics: The High Constitutional Court has thrown out an opposition MP’s bid to remove military ruler Michael Randrianirina, saying the challenge was inadmissible under the constitution, as the country heads toward a 2027 roadmap for a new constitution and presidential election. Health & Development: Madagascar’s transitional prime minister met Sberbank leadership in Moscow to flag cooperation in healthcare, education, tourism and AI, including 230 containers of medical equipment for rural first aid and training support. Sports: Madagascar’s basketball federation confirmed Mickael Pivaud as the new men’s national team head coach ahead of the 2027 FIBA African qualifiers in Senegal. Travel Safety: A new guide highlights warning signs for leaving early during civil unrest, including when local information dries up, logistics fail, and outsiders face harassment or checkpoints. Regional Spotlight: Bloomberg’s Africa Startups to Watch list includes Madagascar among 13 countries, highlighting investor-backed solutions tackling infrastructure gaps.

Madagascar Constitutional Court: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has dismissed opposition MP Antoine Rajerison’s bid to remove military ruler Michael Randrianirina, saying the challenge was inadmissible under constitutional rules for removing a head of state. Politics & Reform Roadmap: Randrianirina took power after Andry Rajoelina fled following youth-led protests over water and energy shortages; the roadmap still promises a new constitution and presidential election by end-2027, amid rights groups’ claims of arrests and heavy-handed tactics. Health & Newborn Care: A new review highlights that “immediate” kangaroo mother care for premature and low-birth-weight babies may improve outcomes, but implementation varies widely across hospitals. Maternal Health Partnership: UNFPA has signed an MoU with the AfDB to put maternal health and demographic resilience at the center of Africa’s economic transformation. Sports: Madagascar named Mickael Pivaud as new head coach of the men’s national basketball team ahead of the 2027 FIBA African qualifiers in Senegal.

Madagascar Politics: The High Constitutional Court has rejected an opposition MP’s bid to remove military ruler President Michael Randrianirina, ruling the challenge was inadmissible under constitutional rules. The decision comes as Madagascar prepares for a new constitution and presidential elections promised by end-2027, amid rights groups’ claims of arrests and crackdowns. Health & Care: A new review highlights that starting kangaroo mother care immediately after birth for premature and low-birth-weight babies could improve outcomes, though real-world hospital adoption still varies. Sports (Madagascar on the move): Madagascar’s men’s basketball team has a new head coach, Mickael Pivaud, tasked with reviving World Cup qualifier hopes in Senegal. Regional Spotlight: Madagascar is also sending a karate delegation to Nairobi for the UFAK Region East championships, aiming for medals in both kata and kumite. Environment & Conservation: Climate change may squeeze habitat for cave-roosting long-fingered bats, with Madagascar among the remaining suitable areas.

Top Court Ruling: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has rejected an opposition MP’s bid to remove military ruler President Michael Randrianirina, saying the request was inadmissible because it didn’t meet constitutional requirements for removing a head of state. Politics & Reform Roadmap: The ruling lands as Madagascar prepares for a referendum and presidential elections by end-2027 under Randrianirina’s “Refoundation of the Republic” plan, after earlier youth-led protests and reported unrest. Sports Update: Madagascar named French coach Mickael Pivaud as head of the men’s basketball team ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers in Senegal, with the squad looking to recover after a tough start. Wildlife & Conservation: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies, and is asking the public to help name them. Regional Security: Madagascar’s armed forces minister says the country will keep expanding defence cooperation with Russia, including training and support for using Russian weapons.

Madagascar Politics: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has rejected an opposition bid to remove military ruler Colonel Michael Randrianirina, saying the challenge was inadmissible because it did not meet constitutional requirements for removing a head of state. Youth & Rights: The ruling comes as young people have staged scattered protests over slow reforms, with rights groups alleging arrests and heavy-handed tactics. Security & Defence: Madagascar’s defence minister says the country will continue military cooperation with Russia, including training and using Russian weapons, citing that most Malagasy army weapons come from Russia. Health & Development: UNFPA and the African Development Bank signed a partnership to strengthen maternal health and support Africa’s economic transformation through the demographic dividend. Environment & Conservation: Fota Wildlife Park welcomed two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies, with the public invited to help name them. Sport: Madagascar karate teams and rugby women’s sides are in action regionally, with Madagascar sending an early warning ahead of the UFAK East Karate Championships in Nairobi.

Mental Health Policy: South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi opened a WHO-backed East and Southern Africa mental health workshop in Johannesburg, with Madagascar among the countries set to produce a rapid mental health landscape analysis ahead of a Kigali summit in October. Sport & Regional Rivalry: Madagascar karate officials say they’ve arrived in Nairobi early to target medals at the 28–31 May UFAK Region East Karate Championships, with hosts Kenya expected to be the main test. Rugby Africa Women’s Cup: Kenya Lionesses crushed Madagascar 57-0 to stay on course for the title, setting up a big clash with defending champions South Africa. Defence Cooperation: Madagascar’s Armed Forces minister said the country will keep expanding defence ties with Russia, including training and continued use of Russian weapons. Environment & Conservation: Two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies were born at Fota Wildlife Park, and the public is being invited to help name them. Health & Development: UNFPA and AfDB signed a partnership to strengthen maternal health and demographic resilience across Africa, including digital training for health workers. Trade & Energy Security: Madagascar’s fuel storage deal with Russia aims to secure supplies at better prices and reduce risks from Middle East-linked disruptions.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup: Kenya Lionesses crushed Madagascar 57-0 in Nairobi, setting up a title decider as hosts chase a home crown after a 43-10 opener win over Uganda. Karate Championships: Madagascar’s teams arrived early in Nairobi ahead of the UFAK Region East Karate Championships (28–31 May), with coaches saying they’re ready to challenge Kenya and other rivals for gold. Wildlife Conservation: Fota Wildlife Park in Cork announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies to first-time mom Romy, and the public is invited to help name them. Energy Security Deal: Madagascar agreed with Russia to store fuel on the island to secure supplies at better prices and reduce exposure to Gulf-linked disruptions. Maternal Health Partnership: UNFPA and AfDB signed a deal to strengthen maternal health and economic growth across Africa, including digital training and climate-resilient health infrastructure. Tourism & Accessibility: Emirates launched its autism-friendly “Travel Rehearsal” at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. Vanilla Industry: IFF opened a Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar to boost innovation and quality at origin.