AGP Executive Report

Women’s Finance Push: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance programme to support 34,000 women-led businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal, Togo and Comoros, combining digital lending with financial literacy and business training. Trade & Compliance: Madagascar’s ANMCC opened a safeguard investigation on certain rice imports, setting a 30-day window for interested parties to register and 30 business days to return questionnaires, with possible public hearings. Critical Minerals & Value-Add: While not Madagascar-specific, the region’s mining push is highlighted by Tanzania’s heavy mineral sands pipeline (Dar es Salaam and Tanga) aimed at exporting processed products—an approach Madagascar can watch for lessons. Climate Risk to Children: UNICEF warns El Niño could affect 162+ million children across eastern and southern Africa, explicitly including Madagascar, with threats to nutrition, health, water, and schooling. Rare Earth Supply Chain: Energy Fuels’ acquisition of Australian Strategic Materials adds rare-earth processing capacity, underscoring the wider scramble for downstream links beyond mining. Business & Infrastructure: ICTSI signed an agreement to acquire South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG), signaling continued expansion of cargo-handling and logistics services across southern Africa.

Trade & Logistics: ICTSI plans to buy South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG), expanding its port, rail, warehousing and digital logistics footprint across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. Trade Policy: Madagascar’s ANMCC has opened a safeguard investigation on certain types of rice, with a 30-day window for interested parties to register and 30 business days to submit questionnaires. Women’s Finance: AfDB and AXIAN’s AXIAN Women’s Finance program will roll out in Madagascar (plus Tanzania, Senegal, Togo and Comoros) via Mixx and Mvola, combining digital lending with financial literacy and business support for tens of thousands of women-led SMEs. Critical Minerals & Investment: The U.S. DFC announced financing for Madagascar’s Ampasindava ionic clay rare-earth project, aiming to strengthen rare-earth supply chains for permanent magnets. Climate Risk to Children: UNICEF warns El Niño could affect children across eastern and southern Africa, naming Madagascar among 13 countries facing worsening drought, heat, flooding and disrupted learning. Health Funding Pressure: A report says Madagascar is among countries facing steep U.S. health aid cuts through 2030, tied to co-financing requirements.

Rare-Earth Finance: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved financing for Harena Rare Earths to advance Madagascar’s Ampasindava Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project, aiming to strengthen non-China supply chains for magnet metals used in EVs, defense and renewables. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns that El Niño’s intensifying droughts, heat and floods could put 162+ million children across eastern and southern Africa at risk, with Madagascar named among the most exposed countries. Education Support: A trust company Bourse-backed project funded the renovation of Antsimondrano Public Primary School in Madagascar, expanding capacity and fixing broken infrastructure. Sports & Travel: FC Rouge arrived in Zambia for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg against Red Arrows, with the match set for 5 September. Maritime Economy Angle: Coverage highlights how Madagascar sits within a wider Western Indian Ocean trade and security picture, where shipping disruptions can quickly ripple into costs and supply chains.

US-Backed Health Cuts: A new analysis says U.S. MOUs under the “America First Global Health Strategy” could slash health funding for 18 low-income countries by about $2 billion by 2030, with Madagascar flagged for a 77% reduction and steep co-financing demands that may be hard to meet. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa are in areas vulnerable to the intensifying 2026-2027 El Niño, including Madagascar, as drought, heat, flooding and disrupted services threaten nutrition, health, schooling and safe water. Rare Earth Push in Madagascar: The U.S. DFC announced financing for Harena Rare Earths to advance the Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, aiming to strengthen critical minerals supply chains for permanent magnets. Fuel Import Pressure on the State: Coverage highlights that Malagasy billionaire Hassanein Hiridjee has lost a 27-year fuel import arrangement with the state, underscoring ongoing pressure on Madagascar’s energy supply deals. Football & Travel: FC Rouge arrived in Zambia for CAF Confederation Cup action against Red Arrows, with the club targeting a positive result after a tough preparation run. Business & Trade Signals: Separate reporting notes ICTSI’s move to acquire TLG to expand cargo-handling across Southern Africa, pointing to continued investment in regional logistics.

Rare Earth Push: The U.S. DFC announced new financing for Harena Rare Earths to advance Madagascar’s Ampasindava Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project, aiming to build a stronger supply chain for magnet metals used in EVs, renewables and defense. Fuel Market Shake-up: Madagascar’s state has started importing fuel directly for JIRAMA, ending decades of tender coordination by private distributors linked to the Groupement Pétrolier de Madagascar, with the first cargo arriving Aug. 12 at Toamasina. Regional Peace Agenda: AU leaders, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, met in Luanda to strengthen Africa’s conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms, citing crises affecting the continent including Madagascar. Maritime Security Watch: Coverage highlights how small, unregistered vessels enable sea crimes and trafficking across East Africa’s shipping lanes, underscoring risks for regional trade routes. Health Policy Angle: WHO marked African Traditional Medicine Day with calls for more investment in research, regulation and innovation to help traditional care support universal health coverage.

Fuel Import Overhaul: Madagascar has moved fuel importing for JIRAMA away from four private distributors after Law No. 021/2026, with the first cargo under the new system arriving Aug. 12 via the Sunda 1 diesel shipment—67 million litres—negotiated with Nigeria’s Sahara Group, covering about six months of JIRAMA needs. Energy & Trade: Energy Fuels says it has completed its acquisition of Australian Strategic Materials, adding rare-earth metals and alloy capacity via ASM’s Korean Metals Plant in Ochang, supporting a mine-to-magnet supply chain. Regional Shipping & Security: A report highlights how small, unregistered vessels enable sea crimes, while another details the growing use of false-flag shipping and the scale of maritime fraud. Health Policy: WHO marks African Traditional Medicine Day (Aug. 31) urging more investment in research, regulation and innovation to help traditional medicine contribute to universal health coverage. Governance & Peace: AU leaders in Luanda called for urgent reforms to Africa’s peace and security architecture, citing hotspots including Madagascar. Poverty Snapshot: World Bank figures put Madagascar at 69.2% of people living below the $3-a-day extreme poverty line.

Fuel Import Shake-up: Madagascar has started buying fuel for JIRAMA directly under Law No. 021/2026, ending the long-running role of four private distributors under the Groupement Pétrolier de Madagascar; the first cargo (Sunda 1) delivered 67 million litres of diesel to Toamasina, covering about six months. Rare-Earth Supply Chain Push: Energy Fuels says it has completed its acquisition of Australian Strategic Materials, adding a South Korea rare-earth metals and alloy plant (including NdFeB alloy) to build a mine-to-magnet chain. Port & Logistics Expansion: ICTSI signed an agreement to acquire TLG (bulk and agricultural cargo handling) across South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia, expanding beyond container terminals. Health Policy Angle: WHO marked African Traditional Medicine Day with calls for more investment in research, regulation and innovation to help traditional medicine support universal health coverage. AU Peace Agenda: AU leaders in Luanda discussed reforms to Africa’s peace and security architecture, including stronger conflict prevention and early warning, with Madagascar cited among instability hotspots.

Fuel Market Shake-up: Madagascar ended decades of fuel imports via private distributors, with the state procurement agency now buying for JIRAMA after Law No. 021/2026; the first new-system cargo (67 million litres of diesel) arrived Aug. 12 at Toamasina, negotiated with Nigeria’s Sahara Group. Billionaire Fallout: The same reform effectively breaks a long-running 27-year fuel import arrangement tied to Malagasy billionaire Hassanein Hiridjee’s Axian-linked Jovena, after the Constitutional Court upheld the change. Mining & Industry: Ambatovy’s nickel operations near Moramanga highlight how process measurement and industrial tech are being adapted to Madagascar’s cyclones and humidity swings. Trade & Ports: ICTSI signed to acquire 100% of TLG Acquisition Holdings, expanding port and cargo handling across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa—an Africa trade corridor signal for regional logistics. Health Funding Pressure: A report on US global health MOUs flags potential underspending that could cut funding to Madagascar by about 77% by 2030, raising risks for care access. AU Peace Agenda: AU leaders in Luanda pushed reforms to Africa’s conflict prevention and early-warning systems, citing crises including Madagascar alongside Sudan, DRC and Somalia. Poverty Snapshot: New World Bank figures place Madagascar at 69.2% of people below the $3-a-day extreme poverty line.

Fuel Market Shake-Up: Madagascar’s state procurement took over JIRAMA fuel imports from four private distributors after Law No. 021/2026, with the first direct cargo arriving Aug. 12 (67 million litres of diesel at Toamasina). Billionaire Business Fallout: The change ended a long-running arrangement tied to Axian’s fuel arm Jovena, after the Constitutional Court upheld the shift. AU Peace & Security: AU leaders in Luanda urged urgent reforms to Africa’s conflict prevention system, citing crises including Sudan, eastern DRC, Somalia, the Sahel, Libya, northern Mozambique and Madagascar. Extreme Poverty Snapshot: A World Bank ranking puts Madagascar at 69.2% of people living below $3/day, among the highest in the region. Mining & Industry: Ambatovy’s nickel operations highlight how precise measurement and process coordination help manage cyclone-prone conditions near Moramanga. Maritime Risks: A report explains how “false flag” vessels use AIS and fraudulent registries to evade scrutiny—an issue tied to wider trade and security pressures.

AU Peace Reform: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged urgent overhaul of the continent’s peace and security architecture, stressing conflict prevention, an early-warning system, and sustainable financing as crises stretch from eastern DRC to Somalia, the Sahel—and Madagascar. Court Case Watch: Mauritius told a bail court that Malagasy businessman Mamy Ravatomanga planned a sea escape in a $156m money-laundering case, while his lawyer disputed the claim as lacking physical proof. Trade Disruption: With Strait of Hormuz traffic down about 95% since US-Israel strikes on Iran, global shipping faces a new fragility—especially once oil buffers run thin. Business & Investment: Axian Telecom reported $980m revenue (+26.5%) but lower profit, while Energy Fuels completed its acquisition of Australian Strategic Materials to build a mine-to-magnet rare-earth chain. Debt Pressure: UNCTAD urged African countries, including Madagascar, to endorse the “Borrowers’ Club” to strengthen sovereign debt management. Madagascar Environment: Research-backed conservation progress highlighted a Madagascar rainforest protection win after long-term study and advocacy.

AU Peace & Security: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned in Luanda that terrorism, violent extremism, piracy and abuse of migrants are worsening Africa’s crises, citing Sudan, eastern DR Congo, Somalia, the Sahel, Libya, northern Mozambique—and Madagascar—while calling for stronger continental early-warning and better peace-fund financing. Migration & Governance: A new critique of South Africa’s xenophobic campaign says SADC’s reluctance to fix misgovernance in neighbouring states fuels migration and backfires diplomatically, with Ghana pushing for the issue on the AU agenda. Madagascar Trade/Regulation: Madagascar’s safeguard investigation into self-adhesive labels, packaging and certain printed items sets a 30-day window for interested parties to register and submit views ahead of a public hearing. Telecom & Finance: Axian Telecom reported $980m revenue (+26.5%) for H1, but Q2 profit fell 29% to $33.2m amid fair-value swings and losses at Wananchi. Conservation & Jobs: NIU researchers say Madagascar’s Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby protected status helped safeguard rainforest after decades of research, as poverty and rural pressure drive land clearing. Debt Politics: UNCTAD urged African countries—including Madagascar—to endorse the “Borrowers’ Club” to strengthen collective sovereign-debt management. Critical Minerals: A US push for $3bn in critical-minerals and rare-earth supply chains underscores the wider scramble affecting African projects.

Port & Logistics: ICTSI signed an agreement to buy 100% of TLG Acquisition Holdings, expanding its port and cargo handling footprint across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa, pending regulatory approvals. Broadcast Rights & Media Economy: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), bringing all 380 matches per season live and on-demand to 48 markets. Telecom & Finance: Axian Telecom reported $980m revenue for the first half (+26.5%) as profit fell to $33.2m in Q2 (-29%), citing fair value movements and losses tied to Wananchi. AI Labor & Hidden Work: Sociologist Antonio Casilli says data workers—interviewed across 30 countries including Madagascar—are “purposely hidden” but are the core labor behind AI systems. Conservation & Land Protection: Researchers say Madagascar rainforest protection advanced after government granted protected area status to Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby, helping curb deforestation pressures. Debt & Policy: UNCTAD urged more African states, including Madagascar, to endorse the “Borrowers’ Club” to strengthen collective sovereign debt management. Local Tech & Jobs: Madagascar-based Red Raketa Studio’s action-adventure game “Kalanoro” is set for release on Sept 24, 2026, with SEGA Publishing Korea co-publishing for Asia.

Port & Logistics: ICTSI is expanding in Africa by signing to buy 100% of TLG Acquisition Holdings, a port and cargo operator with operations across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa, pending regulatory approvals. Sports Media: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), bringing all 380 matches per season to 48 markets. Telecom Finance: Axian Telecom reported $980m revenue for H1 (+26.5%) as quarterly profit fell to $33.2m (-29%) amid fair-value losses and Wananchi impacts. AI & Labor: A new report highlights “hidden” data workers powering AI, including interviews and surveys that covered Madagascar. Conservation & Land Use: Research-backed protection for Madagascar rainforest is highlighted, alongside coverage of how traditional land practices help keep dry forests resilient. Debt & Development: UNCTAD urges African countries, including Madagascar, to endorse the Borrowers’ Platform to strengthen sovereign debt management. Critical Minerals: US pushes $3bn into critical-minerals and battery projects, with separate funding mentions tied to rare-earth supply diversification that includes Madagascar. Culture & Business: Madagascar-based Red Raketa Studio’s action-adventure game “Kalanoro” is set for release in Asia on Sept 24, 2026, using Madagascar folklore in its “Lemuria” setting.

Ports & Trade Expansion: ICTSI is set to buy 100% of TLG Acquisition Holdings, expanding its port and cargo handling footprint across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa, pending regulatory approvals. Madagascar Conservation Win: A Madagascar rainforest area (Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby) has been granted protected status after long-term research, aiming to slow deforestation driven by poverty and rural land pressure. Debt & Development Policy: UNCTAD urged African countries, including Madagascar, to endorse the “Borrowers’ Club” to strengthen collective leverage in sovereign debt management. Telecom & Finance Watch: Axian Telecom reported $980m revenue (+26.5%) for H1, while quarterly profit fell on fair value movements and losses tied to Wananchi. AI & Labor Spotlight (Madagascar link): A new discussion on “hidden” data workers says AI relies on human labor across the Global South, including interviews conducted in Madagascar. Business/Entertainment: Madagascar-based Red Raketa Studio’s action-adventure game “Kalanoro” launches in Asia on Sept. 24.

Business & Telecom: Malagasy billionaire Hassanein Hiridjee’s Axian Telecom reported $980m revenue for the first half (+26.5%), but second-quarter profit fell 29% to $33.2m amid fair-value hits on investments, while mobile financial services users rose to 19m. AI & Labor: A new wave of reporting highlights “hidden” data workers powering AI, with interviews including workers in Madagascar, raising fresh questions for local skills, jobs, and digital supply chains. Environment & Land Rights: Long-term research helped secure protected status for the Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby rainforest area, while another piece explains how traditional land use in southwest Madagascar can support dry-forest resilience. Debt & Development Finance: UNCTAD urged African countries, including Madagascar, to endorse the “Borrowers’ Club” to strengthen collective sovereign debt management. Energy Costs: A diesel-price update places Madagascar at $1.13 per litre (MGA 4,860), noting the wider regional role of subsidies and global shipping shocks. Culture & Creative Economy: Collector Hasnaine Yavarhoussen’s Fonds Yavarhoussen and Hakanto Contemporary continue pushing Malagasy art onto global stages. Games & Exports: Madagascar-based Red Raketa Studio’s action-adventure “Kalanoro” is set for a September 24 release across Asia.

AI Labor in Madagascar: A sociologist says AI depends on “purposely hidden” human data workers, with his team interviewing more than 4,000 workers across over 30 countries including Madagascar. Conservation & Jobs: A Madagascar rainforest research team says the Malagasy government granted protected area status to Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby, helping curb burning driven by poverty and rural pressure. Debt Pressure: UNCTAD urged African countries, including Madagascar, to endorse the “Borrowers’ Club” to strengthen collective sovereign debt management as debt servicing rises. Mining Bargaining Power: A Pan-African Parliament figure argues Africa must renegotiate with global mining giants differently, citing Rio Tinto’s Madagascar dispute as a warning for future projects. Energy Costs: Diesel pricing data places Madagascar among the higher end of Africa’s top-10 cheapest list at about $1.13 per litre, after the country declared an energy emergency earlier this year. Trade & Security: The US Coast Guard kept Madagascar on its port-security restriction watchlist, meaning extra antiterrorism requirements for ships calling at affected ports. Culture & Economy: Madagascar-based Red Raketa Studio’s action game “Kalanoro” is set for release in Asia on Sept 24, tying local folklore to a regional tech market.