IMF Support: The IMF approved Madagascar’s third and fourth reviews under its bailout, unlocking about $155 million to help the country navigate political transition, cyclones’ fallout, and higher oil import costs. Mining & Justice: More than 6,500 people in Madagascar have filed a claim in London’s High Court against Rio Tinto’s QIT Madagascar Minerals, alleging mine wastewater contaminated local water with lead and uranium, with over 2,000 claimants children; Rio Tinto says it has not yet received full details and points to its monitoring reports. Digital Finance: Airtel Money (Airtel Africa) secured IFC as an anchor investor ahead of a planned London IPO, a move that could deepen capital-market access for African fintech. Mobile Branding: Yas Group won three Transform Awards MEA 2026 for consolidating its mobile brand across Madagascar and other markets, highlighting telecom brand-building and localization. Public Health: WHO reported cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025 to the highest annual level since 1999, with Africa carrying most of the burden. Security/Crime: A global FBI crackdown on foreign scam compounds—linked in reporting to operations including Madagascar—reported major cryptocurrency seizures and arrests.