AGP Executive Report

Cocoa Reformulation Watch: Madagascar-linked cocoa supply pressures are still reshaping food manufacturing, with reformulation proving far more than swapping ingredients because cocoa drives flavour, colour, texture and viscosity—and can trigger new labelling rules across markets. Tax Revenue & Trust: WATAF is pushing for bigger investment in taxpayer education to boost voluntary compliance and domestic revenue, arguing enforcement alone can’t build the trust needed for sustainable tax systems. Trade & Diplomacy: Madagascar’s newly appointed ambassador to Russia presented credentials in Moscow, with both sides highlighting plans to deepen trade, economic and investment cooperation ahead of the Russia–Africa Summit in October. Regional Politics: SADC leaders extended Joyce Banda’s mediation mandate for Madagascar and backed a two-year transition aimed at restoring constitutional order and elections, including a proposed liaison office. Marine Livelihoods: In south-west Madagascar, communities like the Vezo say commercial fishing and climate stress are pushing marine life—including octopuses—away from traditional harvesting grounds. Gem Markets: Coloured gemstone prices reportedly rose about 20% year-on-year, with some stones sourced from Africa including Madagascar, as demand for jewellery grows.

World Bank Climate Funding: The World Bank let its five-year climate lending target lapse, removing the 45% goal after pressure from major shareholders; Africa-focused climate fears are rising as the bank shifts from spending targets to “results” reporting. SADC Mediation in Madagascar: Southern African leaders extended Joyce Banda’s peace mandate and backed a two-year transition toward constitutional order and elections, including an inclusive dialogue and a proposed SADC liaison office in Madagascar. Diplomacy with Russia: Madagascar’s new ambassador to Moscow, Ny Hasina Andriamanjato, presented credentials to Russia’s deputy foreign minister and discussed trade, investment, humanitarian cooperation, and preparations for the Russia–Africa Summit in October. Agriculture & Trade Policy: Kenya’s agriculture minister urged African countries to fight tariff escalation that blocks value-added exports, a theme echoed as DialogueNEXT in Africa gathered regional officials including Madagascar’s livestock minister to push resilient food systems and agri-investment. Energy Access Investment: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10m equity investment from IFC to expand mini-grids and battery-as-a-service, including projects in Madagascar. Marine Livelihoods: A report from Andavadoaka highlights how commercial fishing and climate stress are pushing octopus stocks down, threatening Vezo and other coastal fishing livelihoods.

SADC Mediation Update: Southern African leaders extended Joyce Banda’s peace mandate for Madagascar and backed a two-year push toward constitutional order and free, fair elections, with a new SADC liaison office planned to support reforms. French Influence Scrutiny: Analysts say France is trying to regain influence in Madagascar through “soft power,” including development cooperation and political moves that face criticism. Electricity & Investment: A World Bank-linked “Mission 300” progress report highlights Africa’s huge electricity access gap, with Madagascar among countries still needing faster connections to support jobs and business. Climate Risk & Food Security: UN agencies launched an anticipatory action appeal to protect millions across countries including Madagascar from expected El Niño impacts, aiming to fund early cash and resilient farming support. Agribusiness & Trade Policy: Kenya’s agriculture minister urged African countries to fight tariff escalation that keeps producers exporting raw commodities while paying more for processed imports—an argument relevant to Madagascar’s value-add ambitions. Renewables Finance: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10m equity investment from IFC to expand mini-grids and battery-as-a-service projects, including an Madagascar partner. Marine Livelihoods: Reporting from Andavadoaka highlights how commercial fishing and climate stress are pushing octopuses and other marine life away, threatening Vezo and other fishing-dependent communities.

Regional Mediation: SADC leaders extended Joyce Banda’s peace mandate for Madagascar and backed a two-year transition toward constitutional order and free elections, including plans for a SADC liaison office to support an inclusive national dialogue. French Influence Scrutiny: France’s push to regain influence in Madagascar is drawing criticism as analysts point to “soft power” efforts tied to cooperation and development channels. Climate & Fisheries Livelihoods: In Andavadoaka, Vezo fishers say commercial fishing and climate stress are driving marine decline, with octopuses now largely disappearing—raising pressure on a community where most rely on fishing. Agriculture & Trade Policy: Kenya’s CS Kagwe urged African governments to fight tariff escalation that penalizes processed exports, arguing it blocks value-add and keeps farmers stuck selling raw commodities. Energy Access Finance: IFC backed CrossBoundary Access with a $10m equity investment to expand mini-grids, including projects in Madagascar, as Africa still faces a massive electricity access gap. Water Safety Gap: A World Bank review highlights that lead testing is largely missing from drinking-water projects, despite lead contamination risks in low- and middle-income countries. Business & Partnerships: DialogueNEXT in Nairobi convened African agriculture leaders, with Madagascar’s livestock minister among officials discussing regulatory barriers, smallholder productivity, and value-chain investment.

SADC Mediation Update: Southern African leaders extended Joyce Banda’s peace mandate for Madagascar, backing an inclusive national dialogue and a proposed two-year transition toward constitutional order and free elections, while also calling for tighter follow-up on shuttle diplomacy work and a SADC liaison office in Antananarivo. Energy & Finance: IFC backed CrossBoundary Access with a $10m equity investment to expand mini-grids and battery-as-a-service, including projects in Madagascar, as electrification momentum continues but gaps remain across the continent. Agriculture & Climate Risk: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for El Niño impacts, listing Madagascar among countries needing early financing to protect millions from drought and flood shocks. Business & Trade Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar, as the bank continues scaling trade and project finance across the region. Water Security Scrutiny: A World Bank “Water Forward” review flagged missing lead testing in drinking-water projects, raising concerns for water safety outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

Climate & Food Security: El Niño is forming in the Pacific and could intensify into a “super El Niño,” with East Africa facing heavier-than-normal rainfall risks, while UN agencies also launched a first-ever anticipatory action appeal for countries including Madagascar to protect millions ahead of expected climate impacts. Agribusiness & Policy: Madagascar’s livestock minister joined global agricultural leaders in Nairobi for DialogueNEXT in Africa, focused on regulatory reforms, smallholder productivity, resilient food systems, and value-chain investment. Power & Investment: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10m equity investment from IFC to expand mini-grids across Sub-Saharan Africa, including projects in Madagascar. Water Infrastructure Scrutiny: A World Bank “Water Forward” review found lead testing is largely missing from active water projects, raising concerns about drinking-water safety. Trade & Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar among other markets. Biodiversity: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies, adding momentum to Madagascar-linked conservation awareness.

SADC Politics: At an Extraordinary SADC Heads of State virtual summit, Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa and other leaders reviewed how earlier SADC decisions on Madagascar’s 2025 political and security situation are being implemented, urging tighter follow-up as reforms progress. Energy & Investment: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10m equity investment from IFC to expand mini-grid and battery projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, including work with ANKA in Madagascar. Agriculture & Food Security: DialogueNEXT in Nairobi brought together African agribusiness leaders and included Madagascar’s livestock minister, focusing on agri-tech, smallholder value chains, and removing regulatory barriers to investment. Water Infrastructure Scrutiny: A World Bank “Water Forward” review highlights a gap in drinking-water lead testing across $3bn of active projects, raising concerns for health outcomes. Electrification Progress: A World Bank Mission 300 update says Africa has connected over 50m people, but major disparities remain, with some countries still recording zero new connections.

Energy Finance: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10m equity investment from the IFC to expand mini-grids and battery-as-a-service projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, including support for partners in Nigeria and Madagascar. Electrification Gap: A World Bank “Mission 300” update says nearly 600m Africans still lack electricity, with Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria leading new connections while several countries record none. Climate & Food Security: UN agencies launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for El Niño impacts, with Malawi among the hardest-hit and Madagascar listed among affected countries. Trade & Finance Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar among 13 countries. Business & Industry: IFF launched DANISCO GRINDSTED DuoGel to help plant-based gummy makers in EMEA match gelatin-like texture. Local Accountability: FANDROMBO’s platform in Anosy says Rio Tinto/QMM has delivered too few visible, structural benefits and calls for enforcement, transparency and monitoring. Culture & Heritage: ICCROM and ALIPH launched ASILI to scale heritage-based climate action across four African sites.

El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP say Malawi—and also Madagascar—will be hit by El Niño and will benefit from a first-ever UN Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal worth $202m (about K354bn) to protect nearly 8.8 million people with early cash and drought- or flood-resistant support. Regional Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering 13 countries including Madagascar, effective May 1, as part of leadership reshuffle across regions. Mining & Local Impact Pressure: In Anosy, the FANDROMBO platform says after more than 15 years of QMM/Rio Tinto presence, local recruitment, market access, and social responsibility results are still missing, demanding value-sharing and structural change. Conservation & Biodiversity: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies, calling on the public to help name them and highlighting Madagascar’s biodiversity pressures. Independence Day Diplomacy: Kenya’s President William Ruto attended Madagascar’s 66th Independence Day in Antananarivo, stressing shared history and pledging deeper cooperation in trade and maritime links. Business Innovation (Food Industry): IFF launched DANISCO GRINDSTED DuoGel for plant-based gummies in EMEA, aiming to solve texture barriers for fruit-based products.

Afreximbank Leadership Move: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; the Southern Africa region includes Madagascar and the bank’s regional office is in Zimbabwe. Independence Day Diplomacy: Kenya’s President William Ruto attended Madagascar’s 66th Independence Day in Antananarivo and signaled deeper cooperation tied to trade and maritime links, with talks expected to cover agriculture, ICT, aviation and investment. Mining & Community Accountability: An Anosy platform (FANDROMBO) renewed pressure on Rio Tinto/QMM, arguing that after 15+ years there are too few local jobs, weak market access for Malagasy actors, and unresolved concerns over water, health and environmental impacts. Water & Risk Context: A global data map highlights where safely managed drinking water remains out of reach—useful background as Madagascar faces broader climate and infrastructure pressures. Biodiversity Spotlight: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies, calling on the public to help name them and raising awareness of Madagascar’s conservation stakes.

Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; the Southern Africa region includes Madagascar and the bank’s regional office is in Zimbabwe. Independence & Trade Links: Kenya’s President William Ruto attended Madagascar’s 66th Independence Day in Antananarivo and flagged deeper cooperation in agriculture, ICT, trade and aviation, with a Kenya–Madagascar business forum planned. Mining & Local Impact Pressure: In Anosy, communities via FANDROMBO renewed calls for Rio Tinto/QMM to deliver concrete benefits, citing weak local recruitment, blocked market access and unresolved water, health and environmental concerns. Health Access Risk: A report highlights how Madagascar’s fragile air-and-volunteer medical network can fail remote patients, with global fuel-price shocks linked to the Iran conflict threatening operations. Conservation & Biodiversity: Madagascar’s independence-week coverage also included conservation updates, including shark and ray protections amid extinction concerns, plus new ring-tailed lemur births at a Madagascar-linked facility. Regional Climate Watch: Southern Africa, including Madagascar, is flagged as at heightened drought risk in 2026–27 as El Niño probabilities rise, threatening harvests and food security.

Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; the Southern Africa region includes Madagascar and the regional office is in Zimbabwe. Independence & Diplomacy: Kenya’s President William Ruto attended Madagascar’s 66th Independence Day in Antananarivo, signaling deeper cooperation in agriculture, ICT, trade and maritime links. Mining Accountability: FANDROMBO, representing Anosy communities, renewed criticism of QMM/Rio Tinto over weak local recruitment, blocked market access, and unmet social responsibility promises. Health & Digital Systems (Regional context): Nigeria approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, a reminder of how digital health coordination is becoming a wider regional policy trend. Business/Industry (Trade tech): IFF launched DANISCO GRINDSTED DuoGel for plant-based gummies in EMEA, targeting manufacturers facing texture barriers. Education & Skills (Africa-wide): AIMS Ghana graduated a record 130 students across 24 countries, boosting the pipeline for African math and science talent.

Independence Day Diplomacy: Kenya’s President William Ruto joined thousands of Madagascans in Antananarivo for the country’s 66th Independence Day, signaling deeper cooperation in agriculture, ICT, trade and maritime links. Bilateral Business Push: Ruto’s visit also includes a Kenya–Madagascar business forum, with talks expected to translate political ties into investment and logistics partnerships. Mining & Community Pressure: In Anosy, local communities and the FANDROMBO platform renewed demands for enforceable, transparent results from Rio Tinto/QMM, citing weak local recruitment, blocked market access and unresolved water, health and environmental impacts. Regional Anti-Corruption Moves: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms to strengthen independence of watchdog bodies and speed up electronic procurement to cut corruption risks. Health Access Concern: A report highlights how Madagascar’s remote medical transport network is fragile, with patients facing fatal delays when services are disrupted. Conservation Update: New lemur births and conservation breeding efforts underscore ongoing protection work for Madagascar’s threatened primates.

Independence Diplomacy: Kenya’s President William Ruto joined thousands of Malagasy at Antananarivo’s Barea Stadium for Madagascar’s 66th Independence Day, signaling deeper cooperation in agriculture, ICT, trade and aviation. Anti-Corruption Push: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms to boost the independence of watchdog bodies and speed up the shift from manual procurement to electronic systems to cut discretion and corruption. Digital Health Plan: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu approved creation of a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Dr. Obi Adigwe to coordinate digital health standards without replacing existing health agencies. Off-Grid Power Investment: IFC backed CrossBoundary Access with a $10m equity injection to expand solar mini-grids and battery storage, including projects with ANKA in Madagascar. Food & Climate Risk: El Niño warnings flagged southern Africa—including Madagascar—as a drought hotspot for the 2026-27 season, raising risks of crop failure, water stress and higher food prices. Business & Trade Context: Coverage also highlighted regional trade momentum and logistics links that could support faster intra-African commerce.

State Visit & Trade Talks: Kenya’s President William Ruto arrived in Madagascar for the island’s 66th Independence Day, bringing a cabinet delegation and signaling new cooperation in agriculture, ICT, trade and aviation. Off-grid Power Investment: IFC backed CrossBoundary Access with a $10m equity injection to expand solar mini-grids and battery storage, including projects with Madagascar’s ANKA. Electricity Access Expansion: WeLight secured $31m (IFC stake plus shareholders) to scale solar mini-grids, with operations already concentrated in Madagascar and Mali and plans to push further into Nigeria and the DRC. Climate Risk for Food Security: El Niño odds are rising, with southern Africa and Madagascar flagged as drought hotspots for the 2026-27 season, raising fears of crop losses and higher food prices. Conservation & Biodiversity Planning: Madagascar released a new scientific priority map under its 30x30 plan, identifying about 18 million hectares for first-step terrestrial protection actions. Marine Protection: Six marine protected areas were recognized as “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar, highlighting stronger management and co-management approaches. Business & Media: SADC media awards remarks by Barbara Lopi underscored journalism’s role in regional integration. Tech & Connectivity: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is climbing across sub-Saharan Africa, with Madagascar among the faster-growing markets.

Off-grid Power Investment: IFC-backed CrossBoundary Access secured a $10m equity investment to expand solar mini-grids and battery storage across sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar via ANKA and Nigeria through Ignite Energy Access and MOPO. Electricity Access Expansion: WeLight also raised $31m (IFC stake) to accelerate solar mini-grid growth, with operations already concentrated in Madagascar and Mali and a push into Nigeria. Conservation Mapping: Madagascar’s terrestrial biodiversity priorities were updated for the first time in 31 years, with scientists mapping about 18 million hectares under the 30x30 plan to guide new protected areas, corridors, and freshwater actions. Marine Protection Recognition: Six marine protected areas were named “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar, highlighting co-management and durable protection. Aviation Carbon Credits: Madagascar joined the Aviation Carbon Market Compact and CORSIA supply alliance, aiming to scale high-quality emissions units for aviation by 2027. Business & Trade Signals: TexPro data says Madagascar is among AGOA beneficiaries as Africa’s share of US apparel imports rises again, supported by shifting sourcing. Sports Media Demand: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is up in Madagascar, pointing to growing digital sports engagement.