Hydropower Deal: Madagascar signed an MoU with CGHV to develop the Volobe Amont hydroelectric plant on the Ivondro River (over 120 MW). The EU and partners are listed as project backers, with 60 MW earmarked for Toamasina port and the rest for the Antananarivo grid, but financing still needs to be locked before construction. IMF Support: The IMF approved a $155m payout to Madagascar, a key boost for macro stability and public finance planning. Mining & Communities: Rio Tinto faces fresh pressure as Madagascar villagers file claims over alleged mine contamination, keeping the spotlight on environmental risk and corporate accountability. Digital Infrastructure: Axian Group’s Stellarix is expanding its Senegal data center capacity to meet AI and cloud demand, reinforcing the region’s push for “digital sovereignty” and more resilient infrastructure. Water Investment Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged stronger, bankable investment in Africa’s water sector, linking funding gaps to food security and climate resilience. Trade/Finance Risk: FCID widened a probe into 17 companies over suspected foreign exchange violations tied to large overseas transfers—an example of how cross-border trade can trigger financial-crime scrutiny. Climate Threat: El Niño-driven drought risk is expected to persist in southern Africa, with Madagascar flagged among the most vulnerable countries.