Rare Earth Race: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation backed Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava rare earths project in Madagascar with up to $4.48m for pilot plant work, lab tests and environmental programmes, as Washington tries to reduce reliance on China’s critical-minerals supply chain. Mining & Industrial Scale-Up: NextSource Materials’ updated feasibility study for the Molo graphite mine in southern Madagascar points to higher costs and lower returns under weaker graphite prices, but extends mine life to 37 years and supports staged expansion for EV-battery demand. Telecom Upgrade: Yas Madagascar successfully tested advanced 5G (5.5G) ahead of commercial deployment, building on its 2020 5G launch and pushing next-generation mobile services. Regional Business & Trade: SADC leadership will shift from Madagascar to South Africa at the Durban summit on 17 August, with continuity on industrialisation, value addition and critical minerals. Public Finance & Health: Global HIV funding fell 25% in 2025, driven largely by reduced U.S. support, putting treatment and prevention progress at risk—an issue with knock-on effects for health budgets across Africa. Visa Processing Shift: The U.S. will stop routine visa processing at 25 African diplomatic posts from 1 August, including Antananarivo, redirecting applicants to regional hubs.