AGP Executive Report

Entrepreneurship & Finance: Africa’s Business Heroes (Jack Ma Foundation/Alibaba Philanthropy) named its 2026 Top 100 entrepreneurs from 24,000+ applications across 54 countries, with women making up the biggest share of applicants and Madagascar among the emerging markets represented; sectors range from AI and fintech to agriculture and climate innovation. Energy Access: Women solar technicians in Madagascar are expanding rural electricity access through the Barefoot College National Programme (with WWF support), helping bring power to 165 of 210 households in one village and enabling longer study hours for children. Media & Trade: New World TV struck an Orange deal to distribute sports content via the Max it super-app across nine African markets including Madagascar, boosting commercial value of broadcast rights as mobile viewing grows. EU-Madagascar Business Ties: The EU concluded an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement with Madagascar and other ESA states, aiming for more predictable rules for services, investment, digital trade and sustainable development. Mining & Supply Chains: A new push to build “ex-China” critical minerals supply chains spotlights Madagascar’s role in graphite and fluorspar strategies, with Western offtake and funding channels in focus. Conservation & Jobs: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Mangabe, aiming for a first official Madagascar butterfly ID guide and stronger protection for fragile species.

EU-ESA Trade Deal: The EU and Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules and more services and digitalisation opportunities for businesses on both sides. Digital Economy: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Madagascar included in the broader rollout list—another push to make AI search more accessible across the region. Food & Inflation Watch: S&P Global warns food prices could become the main driver of inflation in emerging markets as fertiliser costs rise and transport pressures feed through—an issue likely to hit African economies hardest. Madagascar Business & Finance: AfDB approved a $20m Madagascar trade finance guarantee, supporting trade flows and helping firms manage financing needs. Energy & Industry: A report on nickel market conditions flags Madagascar’s Ambatovy suspension after cyclone damage, adding pressure to supply expectations. Conservation & Livelihoods: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners kick off the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Mangabe, building a first official ID guide to strengthen protection of fragile species. Regional Policy & Agriculture: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, with Madagascar among the countries represented.

EU-Eastern & Southern Africa Trade: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for more predictable rules, more services and digital trade, and deeper regional integration. Madagascar-Russia Security & Industry: Bloomberg reports Madagascar is set to receive a second shipment of Russian military engineering hardware, including vehicles and mobile power plants, as the country shifts further toward expanded bilateral cooperation. Critical Minerals Strategy: A new push to build “ex-China” supply chains spotlights graphite and fluorspar, with Madagascar named as part of a wider strategy to secure Western processing and offtake channels. Inflation Watch: S&P Global warns food prices could become a bigger inflation driver across emerging markets, with African economies likely hit hardest as fertiliser and transport costs rise. Digital Economy: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Madagascar and other African markets, adding more AI access for everyday information search. Conservation & Rural Livelihoods: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners kick off the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Mangabe, while separate research highlights how biodiversity value chains could strengthen rural incomes. Labour Mobility: Kuwait tightens domestic-worker recruitment, restricting hiring to a limited set of countries and banning many African sources, with knock-on effects for remittances. Health & Aid: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed two babies linked to a church-run orphanage in Bunia as cases spread into a new health zone. Biosecurity: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal cockroaches, including Madagascar hissing species, in a record bug-breeder bust valued around $140,000.

EU-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles have concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules and more trade opportunities, including services and digitalisation. Critical Minerals & Investment: Evion is pushing an “ex-China” critical minerals strategy, positioning graphite and fluorspar with plans spanning India, Madagascar and the US, while Sumitomo is reported to finance the Ambatovy stake sale as part of an exit move. Mining Policy Watch: Mozambique tightens mining with a 15% state stake and local processing requirements, a sign more African governments are moving to capture more value from battery minerals. Agriculture & Food Security: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly calls for women smallholder farmers to be central to food and climate policy, highlighting their role in resilient food systems. Conservation & Livelihoods: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners kick off Madagascar’s biggest butterfly survey in Mangabe, while researchers say biodiversity value chains could strengthen rural incomes. Energy/Trade Finance: AfDB has approved a $20m Madagascar trade finance guarantee, supporting commerce and business activity. Security & Military Links: Reports say Russia is sending a second shipment of military hardware to Madagascar for its engineering corps, deepening defence cooperation.

Madagascar’s Nickel Shockwaves: A cyclone-linked suspension at Ambatovy is hitting the nickel supply chain, while a broader nickel surplus is building in global warehouses—raising questions on timing for any market recovery. Conservation & Rural Jobs: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners are launching the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Mangabe, aiming for a first official species ID guide and stronger protection for fragile forest life. Biodiversity Value Chains: Researchers say forest-based enterprises—from honey to raffia and medicinal plants—could boost rural incomes if investments strengthen biodiversity value chains, especially for women and youth. EU Trade Deal: The EU and ESA4 partners, including Madagascar, concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, with new questions and answers on what it means for trade. Digital Economy: Madagascar reportedly completed 2.6M digital ID enrollments in two months, a push that could reshape access to services and business onboarding. Bilateral Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Tinubu met Madagascar’s President Randrianirina in Abuja for high-level talks to deepen ties.

EU-ESA Economic Partnership: The EU and ESA4 (including Madagascar) concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, with the Commission publishing Q&As on market size and EU trade with the bloc. Trade Finance for Industry: AfDB approved a $20m Madagascar trade finance guarantee facility for BMOI, aiming to speed up imports of production inputs and back local firms. Energy & Shipping Risk: US forces disabled the Madagascar-flagged tanker Marivex in the Gulf of Oman after it tried to sail to an Iranian port; 24 Indian crew were evacuated, underscoring volatility around Hormuz. Agroecology Support: AERAS is helping 10,000+ small farmers in Madagascar and other countries adopt agroecological practices via rural advisory services. Ambatovy Deal Financing: Sumitomo is reported to be financing the acquisition of its 54% Ambatovy stake as part of an exit move, with buyers retaining certain offtake rights. Biosecurity Watch: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal Madagascar hissing cockroaches in a record bust, a reminder of enforcement risks for Madagascar-linked wildlife trade.

Ambatovy Deal Update: Sumitomo is financing the purchase of its 54% stake in Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel project as part of an exit plan, while keeping some nickel offtake rights; the move follows a reported $418m hit and comes as production is set to resume after cyclone repairs. Trade Finance Boost: AfDB approved a $20m trade finance guarantee facility for BMOI in Madagascar, aiming to speed up imports of production inputs and support local businesses. Diplomacy & Business Links: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu hosted Madagascar President Michael Randrianirina in Abuja for talks expected to deepen economic cooperation, trade, agriculture and regional integration under AfCFTA. Maritime Risk for Shipping: A tanker incident near the Strait of Hormuz involved a vessel operating under the Madagascar flag (Marivex), highlighting how regional tensions can disrupt trade routes and raise costs for operators. Biosecurity Spotlight: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, in a record bust—an indirect reminder of the value and risks tied to Madagascar-linked wildlife trade.

AfDB Trade Finance for Madagascar: The African Development Bank approved a $20m trade finance guarantee facility for BMOI in Madagascar, aiming to speed up industrialisation and back imports of production inputs for local businesses. Mining Deal Watch: Reuters reports Sumitomo Corp is financing buyers of its 54% stake in Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel project, helping it exit a loss-making phase; some funds will go to cyclone repairs and production is expected to resume by end-June. Energy & Shipping Risk: A tanker incident near the Strait of Hormuz involved a Madagascar-flagged vessel, with 24 Indian crew evacuated after a fire; the episode underlines how regional tensions can disrupt shipping and raise costs. Bilateral Business Ties: Madagascar President Michael Randrianirina met Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu in Abuja to deepen cooperation on trade, agriculture, security, climate resilience and regional integration. Graphite Sector Update: Total Graphite says it has started a portfolio optimisation programme for its Madagascar graphite operations, weighing partners, funding options, joint ventures and possible asset sales to unlock value. Fuel Cost Pressure (Context): Separate reporting on fuel pricing shows persistent losses from global energy shocks, a reminder of how external price swings can hit regional economies.

Trade Finance Boost: AfDB approved a $20m trade finance guarantee facility for Madagascar’s BMOI, aiming to speed industrialisation and help local businesses import production inputs. Mining Deal Watch: Reuters reports Sumitomo is financing buyers of its 54% stake in Ambatovy, smoothing its exit from a loss-making nickel project; some funds will go to cyclone repairs and production is slated to resume by end-June. Corporate Strategy: Total Graphite says it has started a graphite portfolio optimisation programme for Madagascar operations, weighing funding, partners, joint ventures, partial divestments or asset sales to unlock value. Diplomacy for Business: Nigeria’s President Tinubu hosted Madagascar President Michael Randrianirina in Abuja for high-level talks expected to cover trade, agriculture, security, climate resilience and regional integration under AfCFTA. Energy & Costs: Separate reporting highlights ongoing fuel losses in other markets despite price hikes, underscoring how volatile energy costs can pressure budgets. Regional Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines announced a new direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis route from 12 July, three times weekly, improving Indian Ocean travel links.

Biosecurity & Trade: Australia seized 100,000 live exotic cockroaches in New South Wales from a commercial breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, in what officials call the country’s biggest-ever invertebrate bust (about US$142,000). Authorities say the species are banned from import, breeding, sale or keeping, warning of risks to native wildlife and agriculture. Regional Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will launch a direct three-times-weekly passenger route to Port Louis, Mauritius from July 12, improving links for tourism and trade across the region. Financial Oversight: Central African banking supervisors met in Yaounde to discuss how to strengthen regulation against emerging risks like digital fraud, cybersecurity threats, stablecoins and climate shocks. Environment & Governance: New research highlights how biomass reliance (charcoal and fuelwood) is driving forest loss across several African countries, including Madagascar, while policy frameworks on forestry and climate remain uneven in implementation. Digital Economy: Madagascar reported completing 2.6 million digital ID enrollments in two months, signaling momentum in national identity systems.

Financial Stability: African banking supervisors met in Yaoundé to sharpen oversight for “emerging risks,” highlighting stablecoins, AI, digital fraud, cybersecurity, and climate risks as priorities for keeping the continent’s financial system resilient. Biosecurity & Trade: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, valued at about $142,000, warning the species could threaten native wildlife and agriculture if released. Forestry & Energy: New research flags how charcoal and fuelwood still dominate household energy in Madagascar and across Africa, but weak regulation and rising urban demand are accelerating forest loss and environmental harm. Forest Governance: Another study finds policy frameworks for climate, biodiversity, and desertification are in place in Madagascar and other countries, yet implementation is uneven due to coordination gaps and limited funding. Connectivity & Tourism: Ethiopian Airlines announced a new direct route to Mauritius from July 12, aiming to boost regional trade and travel links. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned alleged Beijing pressure that led Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to withdraw flight clearances for President Lai’s visit to Eswatini. Digital Identity: Madagascar reported completing 2.6M digital ID enrollments in two months, signaling momentum in national identity systems. Environment Data: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe area, aiming for an official ID guide and better biodiversity tracking.

Digital Governance: Madagascar says it has enrolled 2.6 million people into its national digital ID system in just two months, supported by biometric kits and World Bank funding under PRODIGY. Biosecurity & Trade: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in Bathurst, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the pet trade can threaten agriculture and native wildlife. Regional Business & Diplomacy: South Africa is seeking sponsors and strategic partners for the SADC Summit 2026, aiming to back regional priorities like trade, investment, infrastructure and innovation. Water & Public Health: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa. Geopolitics & Aviation: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned alleged Beijing pressure that led Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to withdraw flight clearances for President Lai’s trip to Eswatini. Conservation & Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners are running the biggest butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe forests, aiming for an official ID guide and new species data.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, in what officials call the country’s biggest exotic invertebrate bust (about AUD 200,000 / $142,000). The species are banned in Australia, and authorities say they were not risk-assessed; the insects will be euthanized. Digital Economy: Madagascar says it enrolled 2.6 million people into its digital ID system in two months, supported by World Bank funding under PRODIGY—an acceleration that could boost access to services. Regional Business: South Africa is seeking sponsors and partners for the SADC Summit 2026, pitching support for trade, investment, infrastructure and innovation across Southern Africa. Geopolitics & Air Links: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing over alleged pressure that led Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to withdraw flight clearances for President Lai’s Eswatini trip. Conservation & Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected area, aiming for a national butterfly ID guide.

Digital Identity Push: Madagascar says it enrolled 2.6 million people into its national digital ID system in just two months, beating a World Bank-backed target under PRODIGY. Wildlife & Trade Controls: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the pet trade could threaten local ecology and agriculture. Conservation & Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for an official Madagascar butterfly ID guide. Business Finance & Regional Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar among 13 countries. China-Africa Agriculture: A China-Guinea hybrid rice handover highlights growing practical agricultural cooperation that’s already taking root in African fields. Mining & Industrial Policy (Regional): Indonesia’s nickel firms are reportedly looking toward Madagascar as policy pressure reshapes investment models.

Digital Identity Rollout: Madagascar says it has enrolled 2.6 million people into its national digital ID system in just two months, beating a World Bank-backed target under the PRODIGY project. Identity & Finance Tech: A UK-backed push for a reusable “digital company ID” aims to cut Know Your Business onboarding costs for banks by up to £1.7B, by sharing verified business data across institutions. AI Governance & Biometrics: Firms are racing to build identity “control” for AI agents and private AI infrastructure for sensitive biometric data, reflecting growing demand for data sovereignty. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar among 13 countries. Critical Minerals Jobs Angle: UNCTAD highlights how Madagascar can create jobs by moving beyond raw mineral exports and expanding value addition. Illegal Trade Watch (Biosecurity): Australia seized 100,000+ live exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing species, warning of risks to ecosystems and agriculture.

Biosecurity & Trade: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, valued at up to A$200,000, warning that keeping, breeding or selling unapproved species is illegal and the insects will be euthanised. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Taiwan’s legislature passed a resolution condemning China’s alleged pressure that led to the cancellation of President Lai’s Eswatini trip, citing flight-clearance withdrawals by Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar. Minerals & Industrial Policy: Mozambique signed a law requiring 15% state ownership in all mining ventures and local processing, a move that underscores how battery-material demand is reshaping African resource deals. Madagascar–Asia Business Links: Indonesia and Madagascar agreed to deepen cooperation via a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and visa exemptions, with minerals and energy flagged as priority areas. Regional Economic Risk: S&P warned Middle East conflict disruptions could hit African fuel and food systems, with Madagascar among the highest-risk countries for credit deterioration.