US-Madagascar Rare Earth Push: The US International Development Finance Corp pledged $62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but Reuters notes private investors still stay away, citing higher risk and China-linked pricing pressure. SADC Trade & Industrialisation: At the Durban summit, SADC leaders urged a shift away from exporting raw minerals and farm goods, warning slow regional integration is costing jobs and investment; Ramaphosa also pushed faster value-add and intra-regional trade. South Africa–Zimbabwe Deals: Presidents Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa opened the 4th South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission, signing six agreements across diplomacy, correctional services, agriculture, arts/heritage and gender equality, while Ramaphosa flagged a major trade imbalance. Madagascar Film Festival: The Madagascar Film Festival opened in Antananarivo on 20 August, with screenings across 24 regions and training on smartphone filmmaking, animation, streaming and film financing. Madagascar Governance & Reform: A report says youth-led protests toppled President Rajoelina in 2025, but worries remain that 2027 elections could slip amid expanding Russian influence and ongoing concerns about state capture. Maritime Security Watchlist: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar, after finding ports lack effective antiterrorism measures.