Critical Minerals & Mining Finance: Harena Rare Earths says it has secured a US$5m project funding facility from the US DFC for its flagship rare earths project in Madagascar, positioning the country as a growing alternative source of critical minerals for EVs, renewables and advanced electronics. Telecom & Fintech Corporate Move: AXIAN Telecom has renamed itself Yas Group, unifying its mobile, infrastructure and mobile financial services under one corporate identity after reporting strong growth in mobile money and data users. Tourism Push: Emirates renewed and signed multiple tourism partnerships at ATM 2026, including a renewed deal with Madagascar’s Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts aimed at boosting visitor numbers toward a 1m target by 2028. Disaster & Conservation Resilience: Coverage of Cyclone Gezani’s aftermath highlights how Madagascar’s storms disrupt fragile ecosystems, with conservation groups like Durrell describing communication breakdowns and habitat damage. Mobile Money Inclusion Context: A World Bank-linked report notes Madagascar’s relatively low account ownership (about 20% of adults) versus regional leaders, underscoring the business opportunity and policy gap for financial inclusion. Sports (Madagascar in focus): Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Madagascar in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with Osimhen ruled out—an opening Madagascar fixture that could shape early points in Group L.