AGP Executive Report

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.

Debt & Diplomacy: UNCTAD urged Africans to endorse the “Borrowers’ Club,” saying only a handful have joined so far, including Madagascar, as debt servicing pressures citizens. Mining & Trade: Rio Tinto’s Madagascar dispute is being used as a test case for how African governments should negotiate with global miners, with calls to stop “country-by-country” bargaining. Critical Minerals Finance: A US push for rare-earth supply is widening beyond Africa, but a recent DFC disclosure still pointed to Madagascar among funded projects—highlighting investor caution and China-linked price risk. Energy Costs: Diesel prices across Africa vary sharply; Madagascar is listed at about $1.13/litre, after an April nationwide energy emergency tied to Middle East supply disruptions. Port Security: The US Coast Guard kept Madagascar on its port-security advisory list, meaning extra security conditions may apply for ships calling at affected ports. Business Growth: Yellow raised an undisclosed Series C to expand PAYG solar and smartphone financing, including in Madagascar. Local Economy & Jobs: Madagascar’s ring-tailed lemurs welcomed at a wildlife facility is a reminder of tourism-linked livelihoods, while a Madagascar-based studio’s game “Kalanoro” launches in Asia on Sept 24. Global Context: A shipping disruption from Hormuz closure shows how trade chokepoints can quickly ripple into costs and supply.

Rare-Earth Race Funding: The US Department of War announced a $1.55bn package to secure rare-earth supply, including $750m for an offtake tied to Serra Verde’s Pela Ema project in Brazil—while earlier this week the DFC committed $62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, underscoring Washington’s push to reduce China-linked risks. Mining Bargaining Power: A Pan-African Parliament official says Africa must stop negotiating “country by country” with global mining giants, pointing to the unresolved Rio Tinto dispute linked to Madagascar as a warning for future deals. Graphite Deal in Madagascar: Evion Group signed Maniry’s first binding graphite offtake, locking in at least 10,000tpa of natural flake concentrate for five years (about 26% of Stage 1 output), after permits and EU “Strategic Project” recognition. US Port-Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept Madagascar on its port-security advisory list, meaning extra security conditions may apply for ships calling at affected ports. Poverty Rankings: Global Finance’s 2026 GDP-PPP per capita list put Madagascar in the world’s bottom group (with nine of the 10 poorest countries in Africa), highlighting ongoing pressure on living standards. Labor & Wages Context: A global minimum-wage map shows wide pay floors worldwide (Switzerland highest, US mid-ranked), while a separate report flags the risk of youth unemployment and the need to connect young women to jobs and education. Local Business Angle: A call at the SADC level argues integration should be built around small and medium-sized businesses—not just big listed conglomerates.

Madagascar’s Energy & Trade Signals: Madagascar is listed among African countries still under heightened US port-security restrictions, meaning extra security requirements for ships that previously called at affected ports could affect maritime logistics and costs. Mining & Industrial Policy: A Pan-African Parliament leader says Africa must stop negotiating “country by country” with global mining giants, pointing to Rio Tinto’s unresolved Madagascar dispute as a test case for stronger, continent-wide bargaining. Critical Minerals Deal Watch: Evion secured Maniry’s first binding graphite offtake with a German buyer—at least 10,000tpa of concentrate over five years—locking about 26% of Stage 1 output and strengthening Madagascar’s downstream credibility. Fuel Prices & Supply Risk: Diesel pricing across Africa remains highly policy-driven; Madagascar’s diesel is cited at $1.13/litre, after the country declared a nationwide energy emergency earlier this year amid supply disruptions. Global Poverty Context (Includes Madagascar): Global Finance’s 2026 GDP-PPP poverty ranking puts Madagascar in the bottom group (with nine of the 10 poorest countries in Africa), underscoring the pressure on household purchasing power. Jobs & Youth Agenda: A global report warns that absorbing a “youth bulge” into productive work—especially for young women—is key to avoiding instability, a theme that resonates for Madagascar’s labour and education priorities. Entertainment & Culture (Local angle): SEGA Publishing Korea says Madagascar-based studio Red Raketa Studio’s action-adventure “Kalanoro” launches Sept 24 across Asia, including Japan and Korea, spotlighting local creative industry potential.

US Port Security: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port-security advisory list, including 10 African states—among them Madagascar—after finding ports were not maintaining effective anti-terror measures; Nigeria was removed after improvements. Poverty & Cost of Living: Global Finance’s 2026 GDP-per-capita-at-PPP ranking put Madagascar in the bottom 10 (alongside Somalia, Liberia, Mozambique and others), while Nigeria fell to 56th. Mining & Critical Minerals: Evion secured Maniry’s first binding graphite offtake deal in Madagascar—10,000tpa for five years—after permits and EU strategic recognition. Regional Business Push: In SADC debates, Ramaphosa argued industrial growth should be driven by small and medium-sized firms, not just big listed conglomerates. Trade & Policy: Ramaphosa also urged South Africa and Zimbabwe to fix a growing trade imbalance and use the AfCFTA to rebalance goods.

Mining & Investment: Pan-African Parliament’s Emmanuel LoWilla says Africa must renegotiate with global mining giants as a bloc, pointing to Rio Tinto’s unresolved Madagascar dispute and its wider projects in Guinea and Mozambique. Critical Minerals Trade: Evion Group secured Maniry’s first binding graphite offtake, locking in at least 10,000tpa for five years (about 26% of Stage 1 output), after permits and EU “Strategic Project” recognition. US Maritime Risk: The US Coast Guard kept Madagascar on its port-security advisory list, meaning extra antiterrorism conditions may apply to ships calling at affected ports. Macroeconomic Snapshot: A new GDP-PPP poverty ranking places Madagascar among the world’s 10 poorest countries, alongside Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia, Liberia, and the DRC. Regional Business & Trade: South Africa’s Ramaphosa urged Zimbabwe to address a widening trade imbalance and use the AfCFTA to rebalance goods, including through mining and energy-linked manufacturing. Culture & Economy: The Madagascar Film Festival opened in Antananarivo, with screenings across regions and a round-table on film economics and production financing.

Graphite Deal for Madagascar: Evion Group says it has signed Maniry’s first binding graphite offtake, securing at least 10,000tpa of concentrate for five years (about 26% of Stage 1 output), with the rest still open for new customers—an important step for bankability and export momentum. Maritime Sanctions Evasion: Windward reports the rise of false-flag shipping, including new fraudulent use of Syria and Myanmar flags, with the IMO listing 580 falsely flagged vessels; Madagascar is also flagged as appearing prominently in the wider registry problem. Critical Minerals Race (Amazon Warning): A new report warns Brazil’s Amazon could face radioactive tailings risks as strategic-mineral mining expands for energy-transition demand—highlighting the environmental stakes behind the global minerals push. US Port Security Watchlist: The US Coast Guard keeps 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar, meaning extra security conditions may apply to ships calling at affected ports before entering the US. Madagascar Film Festival: The Madagascar Film Festival opened in Antananarivo on 20 August, with screenings across regions and a focus on training, financing, and film economics. Governance & Democracy Signals: A Mo Ibrahim/Afrobarometer report finds demand for democracy rose in Madagascar (alongside Morocco, Uganda, and others), even as overall democratic demand fell across Africa.

Madagascar Film Festival: The Institute of Malagasy Cinema and Animation (ISSM) kicked off the Madagascar Film Festival on 20 August in Antananarivo, with screenings across 24 regions and six provinces, plus training sessions on smartphone filmmaking, animation, streaming, and film financing, ending 23 August with awards. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar, meaning extra security conditions may apply to ships calling at affected ports before entering the US. Rare Earths & US Support: The US International Development Finance Corp committed $62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but Reuters notes private investors remain cautious over risk and pricing pressure. SADC Trade & Integration: In regional diplomacy, South Africa’s Ramaphosa urged Zimbabwe to address a widening trade imbalance at the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission, while SADC leaders pushed infrastructure and industrialisation themes. Digital Governance: Cameroon’s push for national interoperability infrastructure was highlighted, with Madagascar cited as pursuing similar digital government steps.

Madagascar Film Festival: The Madagascar Film Festival opened in Antananarivo on 20 August, with screenings across 24 regions and six provinces, plus masterclasses and workshops on smartphone filmmaking, animation, streaming, and financing; it runs to 23 August with awards across 36 films. Rare-earth push and US support: The US Development Finance Corp committed $62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but Reuters notes private investors still stay away due to risk and China-linked pricing pressure. SADC trade and industrialisation drive: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders urged faster regional integration and a shift away from exporting raw minerals and agricultural goods toward local processing, warning slow implementation is costing jobs and investment. Regional security and shipping checks: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar, saying ports are not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures—potentially adding security requirements for ships before US calls. Mining livelihoods and risks: A report on artisanal mining highlights how dangerous pit work can still provide income for young workers, while underscoring the human cost of survival mining.

SADC Summit Backlash: Southern African leaders wrapped up a Durban summit with big promises on infrastructure, industrialisation and regional integration, but critics say the bloc’s approach remains “high-minded emptiness,” with underfunded and chaotic security missions in places like eastern Congo and Mozambique. Trade Imbalance Push: South Africa and Zimbabwe used their Bi-National Commission meeting to flag a growing goods deficit, with Ramaphosa urging more balanced trade via the AfCFTA and more regional value-add from natural resources. US Coast Guard Security List: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar, warning ports are not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures—potentially adding extra security steps for ships calling there. Rare Earth Finance: The US Development Finance Corp committed $62.8m to rare-earth projects across Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but Reuters notes private investors still stay away due to risk and China-linked pricing pressure. Madagascar Film Festival: The Madagascar Film Festival opened in Antananarivo on 20 August, with screenings across regions and a gala awards finish on 23 August, including training on smartphone filmmaking and production financing. Madagascar Politics & Reform: A new analysis says Madagascar’s 2025 youth revolt evolved into a fight against a “captured state,” with concerns that 2027 elections could be delayed amid shifting power and expanding external influence.

Madagascar Film Festival: The Institute of Malagasy Cinema and Animation (ISSM) kicked off the Madagascar Film Festival in Antananarivo on 20 August, with screenings across 24 regions and six provinces. The programme runs through 23 August, featuring short and feature films, masterclasses, and workshops on smartphone filmmaking, animation, streaming, and film financing, ending with a gala and awards. Rare-earth finance: The US International Development Finance Corp committed $62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but Reuters notes private investors remain cautious, leaving projects not yet at production stage. SADC trade push: At the Durban summit, SADC leaders—including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa—urged faster regional integration and a shift away from exporting raw minerals toward beneficiation and industrialisation, warning slow implementation is costing jobs and investment. Maritime security: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar, meaning extra security conditions may apply to ships calling at affected ports before entering the US.

US-Madagascar Rare Earth Push: The US International Development Finance Corp pledged $62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but Reuters notes private investors still stay away, citing higher risk and China-linked pricing pressure. SADC Trade & Industrialisation: At the Durban summit, SADC leaders urged a shift away from exporting raw minerals and farm goods, warning slow regional integration is costing jobs and investment; Ramaphosa also pushed faster value-add and intra-regional trade. South Africa–Zimbabwe Deals: Presidents Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa opened the 4th South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission, signing six agreements across diplomacy, correctional services, agriculture, arts/heritage and gender equality, while Ramaphosa flagged a major trade imbalance. Madagascar Film Festival: The Madagascar Film Festival opened in Antananarivo on 20 August, with screenings across 24 regions and training on smartphone filmmaking, animation, streaming and film financing. Madagascar Governance & Reform: A report says youth-led protests toppled President Rajoelina in 2025, but worries remain that 2027 elections could slip amid expanding Russian influence and ongoing concerns about state capture. Maritime Security Watchlist: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar, after finding ports lack effective antiterrorism measures.

Rare-Earth Race: The U.S. State Department says it is backing Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earth project to diversify critical minerals supply chains away from China, with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation committing up to $4.84m for pilot plant work, lab testing and environmental programmes. Regional Integration & Jobs: At the SADC summit in Durban, leaders pushed to stop exporting raw minerals and agricultural goods and instead process them regionally, warning slow integration is costing jobs and investment. U.S. Rare-Earth Funding Gap: Reuters reports the U.S. DFC has committed $62.8m to rare-earth projects across Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but private investors remain cautious due to higher risk and pricing pressure. Madagascar Film Festival: The Madagascar Film Festival opened in Antananarivo (20 Aug), with screenings across regions and a focus on professional training, financing and international cooperation through 23 Aug. Gender Scorecard: A Southern Africa gender index puts the region at 58%, with pressure rising on rights gains amid legal, political and financial constraints.

Rare Earths & US Strategy: The US International Development Finance Corp has committed up to $62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but Reuters notes private investors still stay away due to higher risk and China-linked pricing pressure. Madagascar Project Update: A separate report says Washington is backing Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earth project, with funding aimed at pilot work, lab testing and environmental programmes. SADC Economic Push: At the Durban summit, SADC leaders renewed calls to stop exporting raw minerals and agricultural goods and instead process them regionally, with South Africa’s Ramaphosa stressing faster integration and industrialisation. Regional Security & Migration: SADC also backed a coordinated regional migration strategy as South Africa takes the chair, while reiterating demands to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe. US Port Security Watchlist: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar and Cameroon, meaning extra security requirements for ships calling at affected ports. Health Milestone: WHO says polio transmission has been interrupted in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo and Uganda, with outbreak closures confirmed. Business & Trade Signal: Cameroon’s digital governance forum highlighted the need for national interoperability infrastructure—an issue Madagascar is also pursuing.