Mining & Critical Minerals: Evion Group secured mining permits for its Maniry graphite project in southern Madagascar, converting remaining exploration licences into mining tenure and clearing the path toward financing, offtake talks, a Final Investment Decision and development. Investment Diplomacy: Madagascar President Colonel Michael Randrianirina met Oman Investment Authority (OIA) chairman Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi to discuss expanding economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. Regional Trade & Business: PACCI elected Tanzania’s TNCC president Vincent Minja as Vice President for the East African region (2026–2028), with Madagascar included among the 14 represented countries. Energy & Infrastructure: A major offshore wind installation vessel, Maersk Viridis, docked in Curaçao on a transatlantic route that includes a stop via Madagascar, underscoring the region’s role in global energy supply chains. Security & Trade Risks: East Africa’s coast faces a growing threat from unregistered small vessels used for organised crime and smuggling, with authorities reporting large drug seizures and highlighting risks to coastal livelihoods. Digital Connectivity: Amazon and Starlink are pushing satellite internet competition into Africa, raising questions about how African nations should engage with the new space economy.