AGP Executive Report

SADC Summit Outcomes: Southern African leaders wrapped up the 46th SADC Heads of State meeting in Durban, backing a push for industrialisation, regional integration, agricultural transformation and critical minerals value-addition, with South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa taking the chair and Zambia set to host the next summit. Trade Facilitation: Ramaphosa urged faster One-Stop Border Posts, saying trucks should not wait days at borders—an issue that directly affects cross-border costs and business activity. Regional Development Funding: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa called for the SADC Regional Development Fund to be operationalised and financed to support infrastructure, energy and water projects. Madagascar in the Security Mix: SADC leaders also discussed regional political and security challenges, including Madagascar, alongside the DRC and northern Mozambique. Madagascar Courts/Land Reform: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court reportedly approved transferring colonial-era lands still registered under foreign names to the state, a potential boost for national control of strategic assets. Business Risk Watch: Malagasy tycoon Mamy Ravatomanga sought bail in a Mauritius case tied to alleged $155m laundering, keeping financial and governance concerns in focus.

SADC Summit Outcomes: Southern African leaders wrapped up the 46th SADC Heads of State meeting in Durban with fresh commitments to speed up regional integration and industrialisation, with critical minerals and agriculture transformation, infrastructure and regional value chains at the core. SADC Chair Handover: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa took over the chairmanship for the next year, urging faster implementation and warning intra-SADC trade is still stuck at about one-fifth of total trade. Border Efficiency Push: Ramaphosa called for One-Stop Border Posts so trucks don’t “spend days waiting” at crossings, aiming to cut logistics costs and boost trade. Mineral Processing Drive: ECA officials and SADC leaders urged the region to stop exporting raw minerals and move into beneficiation and manufacturing to create jobs. Madagascar Angle: SADC leaders also discussed regional peace and security, including the situation in Madagascar, and urged dialogue. Land Decolonisation: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court reportedly approved transferring colonial-era land still registered under foreign names to the state, a potential boost for national control and future development. Telecom/Connectivity: Ncell announced a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls (effective Aug 18) and Airtel Africa launched direct-to-phone satellite service in DR Congo, underscoring the region’s push for better connectivity.

Land Reform & Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has reportedly approved transferring colonial-era land still registered under foreign names to the state, a potential boost for national control and future agriculture, infrastructure and investment. SADC Integration & Trade: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa urged faster regional integration, warning intra-SADC trade is still only about one-fifth of total trade, and called for accelerated One-Stop Border Posts so trucks don’t “spend days waiting” at borders. Industrialisation & Critical Minerals: SADC leaders backed a push to stop exporting raw critical minerals and move toward beneficiation and manufacturing, while also endorsing a SADC Tourism UNIVISA and operationalising the SADC Regional Development Fund. Migration Tensions: The summit addressed migration behind closed doors after anti-immigrant protests in South Africa; Ramaphosa said leaders expressed regret over what has befallen South Africa, as security tightened in Durban ahead of further marches. Regional Security (Piracy): Djibouti Code of Conduct members are setting up a task force to respond to renewed piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, including a fresh boarding incident off Somalia. Madagascar Business & Mining: Total Graphite reported encouraging near-surface graphite mineralisation from initial drilling at the Tarandava Block in its Vatomina licence. Telecom Innovation (DRC): Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, using compatible smartphones instead of a dish.

SADC Chair Handover: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa urged member states to operationalise and fund the SADC Regional Development Fund as South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa took over the 46th summit chair in Durban, with the bloc pushing resilient, sustainable industrialisation. Critical Minerals & Jobs: SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi told leaders to stop exporting raw critical minerals and move to beneficiation and manufacturing to create jobs and wealth. Madagascar in the Mix: SADC leaders flagged ongoing regional instability including “the Republic of Madagascar,” while the chair transition follows Madagascar’s earlier relinquishment after political turmoil. Migration Tensions: Durban security is tight ahead of planned anti-immigrant marches by South Africa’s “March and March” movement, as Pretoria presses for ratifying a stalled regional protocol on free movement of people. Madagascar Business Watch: Total Graphite reported encouraging near-surface graphite mineralisation at its Tarandava drilling in the Vatomina licence, including a peak 18.62% total graphitic carbon. Culture & Heritage: France returned Malagasy royal skulls to the Sakalava king in Menabe, a move tied to hasina and political legitimacy.

SADC Summit in Durban (business & policy): Southern African leaders are meeting in Durban for the 46th Ordinary SADC Heads of State summit under “Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation” with infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals transformation at the center, while South Africa takes the SADC chair for 2026/27 and pushes practical delivery on regional integration and intra-SADC trade. Migration friction and protests: South Africa is urging members to ratify the stalled Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, but Zimbabwe and Mozambique resist making migration a standalone summit item; meanwhile, March and March plans a final-day march and picket in Durban demanding tougher immigration controls, stricter visa rules and limits on access to public services for undocumented migrants, prompting stepped-up security around the ICC. Critical minerals and beneficiation push: The chair agenda also targets local value-add and beneficiation of critical minerals, while the region faces security spillovers including DRC, Madagascar and Mozambique concerns raised by SADC officials. Madagascar angle (energy & trade): A separate Madagascar-linked item notes a diesel fuel tanker from Nigeria arriving in Madagascar, and another highlights TV Madagascar among broadcasters covering the wider regional sports/media ecosystem. Telecom connectivity (regional tech): Airtel Africa and Starlink launched a satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, a move that could reshape connectivity economics across the region where terrestrial coverage is patchy.

SADC Summit in Durban: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa arrived ahead of the 46th SADC Heads of State summit, where the bloc’s theme spotlights industrialisation, agriculture and critical minerals. South Africa is set to formally take the SADC chair, with migration, trade and mineral beneficiation high on the agenda. Migration friction: South Africa is pushing for ratification of the stalled protocol on free movement of people, but Zimbabwe and Mozambique resist making it a main summit item. Security and protests: Durban is on high alert around the summit venue amid plans for an anti-immigrant march, as authorities tighten access and surveillance. Madagascar energy supply: A major diesel shipment from Nigeria has arrived in Toamasina to keep JIRAMA power plants running, part of efforts to end private import monopoly. Fuel import dispute: Madagascar’s decree to requisition the Galana oil-storage facility has drawn warnings from oil firms that it could disrupt tanker unloading and nationwide fuel distribution. Business and investment: Jumia secured $50m from IFC and Axian to speed its push toward profitability, while a Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo to boost trade and investment.

Energy Security: Madagascar received a first major diesel shipment from Nigeria—67 million litres arriving at Toamasina to keep JIRAMA power plants running and to challenge long-standing private import monopoly. Oil Market Regulation: A new Malagasy decree requiring use of the Galana storage facility triggered warnings from oil companies that tankers may be unable to unload, threatening fuel supply and nationwide distribution. Biodiversity & Conservation: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato and community-led forest protection. Regional Politics & Trade: South Africa’s SADC chair push heads into the Durban summit with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda; Madagascar is part of the 16-member bloc. SADC Performance Watch: A new SADC assessment scores the region 5.06/10, citing weak growth and youth unemployment despite progress in security and mobility. Digital Economy: Jumia secured $50m from IFC and Axian to accelerate toward profitability by expanding delivery and digital payments. Business Diplomacy: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo with 50+ firms across sectors from agro-industry to ICT and renewable energy.

Energy & Fuel Security: Madagascar received a first major diesel shipment from Nigeria: the Sunda 1 tanker delivered about 67 million litres to Toamasina to keep JIRAMA power plants running, after a decree aimed at ending private import monopoly. Regulatory Risk for Imports: Oil companies warned that Madagascar’s requisition of the Galana storage facility could block tankers from unloading, threatening nationwide fuel distribution balance. Regional Business & Trade: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together 50+ firms across sectors from agro-industry and mining to ICT, finance and tourism. SADC Summit Politics: As South Africa hosts the 46th SADC summit in Durban, migration is emerging as a sticking point: Pretoria wants a stalled free-movement protocol pushed higher, but Zimbabwe and Mozambique resist making it a main summit agenda item. Regional Performance Watch: A new SADC assessment says the bloc is improving on security, agriculture and mobility, but growth and jobs remain weak, with youth unemployment and incomplete integration commitments still dragging results. Biodiversity & Conservation: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, highlighting community conservation in the Loky-Manambato region.

Energy & Trade: A diesel tanker, Sunda 1, carrying about 67 million litres for state utility JIRAMA, has arrived at Toamasina under a Madagascar–Nigeria cooperation deal aimed at keeping power plants running and easing the long-standing private import monopoly. Fuel Supply Risk: At the same time, oil companies including TotalEnergies warned that a Malagasy decree requiring use of the island’s only oil-storage facility could block other tankers from unloading, threatening nationwide fuel balance. Business & Investment: Jumia secured $50m in new equity co-led by the World Bank’s IFC and Madagascar-based Axian, targeting delivery and digital payments expansion and aiming for profitability by 2027. Regional Economy: A SADC performance assessment says the bloc is progressing on security, agriculture and mobility but is still falling short on growth, youth jobs and fully delivering integration commitments ahead of the Durban summit. Bilateral Commerce: The Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together 50+ firms across sectors from agro-industry to ICT and tourism. Environment & Resources: Madagascar is among African states backing a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, citing gaps in science and governance as ocean mineral races intensify. Biodiversity: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting conservation work in the Loky-Manambato region.

Fuel Supply & Energy Security: A diesel tanker (Sunda 1) carrying about 67 million litres has arrived at Toamasina to keep JIRAMA power plants running, in the first major state-backed shipment under a Madagascar–Nigeria cooperation deal. Policy & Market Disruption: At the same time, oil traders and TotalEnergies warned that a Malagasy decree requiring use of the Galana storage facility could block other tankers from unloading, threatening fuel distribution balance. Regional Integration Watch: SADC is preparing for its Durban summit, with officials saying the bloc is improving on stability and integration but still falling short on jobs, security and growth targets. Critical Minerals & Ocean Governance: Madagascar is among six African countries backing a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining at the ISA, arguing science and governance gaps remain. Trade & Business Links: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together 50+ firms across sectors from agro-industry to logistics and digital solutions. E-commerce Funding: Jumia secured $50m in equity funding co-led by IFC and Axian, aiming to expand delivery and digital payments and push toward profitability by 2027. Biodiversity & Conservation: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato conservation efforts.

Madagascar Land Reform: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court upheld a 2026 law that clears the way for the state to take ownership of colonial-era land still registered under foreign names, using an independence-era cut-off (June 26, 1960) and excluding certain categories like diplomatic/consular land. Energy & Fuel Supply Risk: Companies including TotalEnergies warned that a Malagasy decree requiring use of the Galana oil-storage facility could block tankers from unloading diesel for Jirama, threatening nationwide distribution balance. Biodiversity & Conservation: The Golden-crowned Sifaka was named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato and community-led forest protection. Regional Trade & Investment: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo with 50+ firms across sectors from agro-industry to mining, logistics, ICT and tourism. E-Commerce Funding: Jumia secured $50m (IFC + Axian) to expand delivery and digital payments as it targets profitability by 2027—Axian is Madagascar-based. Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium: Madagascar joined a growing group of African states backing a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, citing science gaps and governance concerns.

SADC Summit Watch: Durban is tightening security ahead of the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit on Aug. 17, with venue inspections and controlled access at the Durban ICC as leaders gather to push regional resilience and integration. Regional Strategy: SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi urged member states to become more self-reliant as conflicts and weaker aid strain development, pointing to progress in energy and digital connectivity while noting electricity access gaps remain. Madagascar Land Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court upheld a 2026 law enabling the state to take ownership of colonial-era land still registered to foreigners, using a 1960 cut-off and excluding certain diplomatic properties. Oil Supply Risk: TotalEnergies and others warned Madagascar’s decree to requisition the Galana storage facility could disrupt tanker unloading and affect fuel distribution for Jirama. Business & Trade: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo with 50+ firms across sectors including mining, logistics, ICT and tourism. E-commerce Funding: Jumia secured $50m (IFC $25m, Axian and others $25m) to expand delivery and digital payments as it targets profitability in 2027. Conservation Spotlight: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, highlighting Loky-Manambato protection efforts. Deep-sea Mining Pause: Mauritius, Mozambique and Congo joined Madagascar and others supporting a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, bringing supporters to six African countries.

Fuel & Energy Governance: Madagascar’s shift to state-led fuel procurement is moving from policy to practice, with a first Jirama diesel shipment due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August—aimed at ending private import monopoly and stabilizing power-plant supply during low hydropower periods. Port Disruption Risk: TotalEnergies and other firms warned a new decree requiring use of the Galana storage facility could block tanker unloading, threatening nationwide fuel distribution balance. Biodiversity & Conservation Finance: The Golden-crowned Sifaka (Loky-Manambato) was named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Madagascar’s dry-forest protection efforts. Blue Economy Policy: Madagascar joined a growing African push for a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, now supported by six countries. E-commerce Investment: Jumia Technologies raised $50m equity co-led by IFC and Axian to expand logistics, last-mile delivery, and digital payments across Africa. Regional Housing Cooperation: South Africa and UN-Habitat will launch a new country office in Tshwane, reinforcing housing and sustainable urban development cooperation across southern Africa.

Fuel Market Reform: Madagascar begins ending the private fuel import monopoly as the first state diesel shipment for JIRAMA is due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August, aimed at covering several months of consumption and stabilizing power generation during low hydropower periods. Land & Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court upheld Law No. 2026-007, clearing the way for the state to take ownership of certain colonial-era lands still registered in foreign names, using 26 June 1960 as the cut-off date and carving out key exemptions. Rare Earths Investment: The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will fund project development for Harena Rare Earths’ Madagascar mine, supporting the Ampasindava Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project tied to high-performance magnets for advanced manufacturing and defense. E-commerce Funding: Jumia Technologies raised $50 million in equity co-led by IFC and Axian to expand logistics, digital payments, and e-commerce infrastructure across Africa, targeting break-even by Q4 2026 and profitability in 2027. Regional Integration: SADC leaders pushed for greater self-reliance and integration amid conflict shocks and weaker development aid, with energy and digital connectivity progress but electricity access still below targets. Business & Trade Link: Netherlands’ Parlevliet & Van der Plas took full control of France’s tuna processor Thunnus Overseas Group, which runs an integrated tuna value chain including canneries in Ivory Coast and Madagascar.

Fuel Market Reform: Madagascar’s government is set to end the private fuel import monopoly by taking direct responsibility for diesel procurement for JIRAMA, with the first state shipment due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August to cover several months of power-plant consumption. Land & Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court upheld Law No. 2026-007, clearing the way for the state to automatically take ownership of certain colonial-era lands still registered under foreign names, using 26 June 1960 as the cut-off date (with exemptions for diplomatic/consular properties and some already-transferred plots). Rare Earths Investment: The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) plans project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava Ionic Clay rare earth project in Madagascar, targeting key magnet materials used in advanced and defense-linked manufacturing. Regional Trade Facilitation: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small-scale traders, including relaxed certificate-of-origin rules and steps to reduce non-tariff barriers. SADC Integration & Resilience: SADC leaders are urged to become more self-reliant amid conflict aftershocks and declining support, with emphasis on regional integration, energy and digital connectivity, and improving electricity access. Youth & Governance (Opinion): International Youth Day coverage highlights widening dissatisfaction between young people and institutions, calling for stronger, sustainable youth participation in policy. Sports (Madagascar Mention): Madagascar is listed among teams in the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Singapore 2026 field, with pool details including Madagascar in Qualifying Draw A.

Fuel Market Reform: Madagascar’s government is moving to end the private monopoly on petroleum imports for JIRAMA, with the first state diesel shipment due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August and expected to cover the power utility’s consumption for months, aimed at keeping plants running during low hydropower periods. Constitutional & Land Rights: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has validated a law enabling the state to reclaim colonial-era land still registered under foreign names as of 26 June 1960, with exemptions for diplomatic missions and certain already-transferred properties. Rare Earths Investment: The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is set to fund Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project in Madagascar, marking its first mining investment in the country and targeting magnet-relevant rare earths used in advanced manufacturing and defense. Trade Facilitation: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, including Madagascar, to cut trade costs and ease informal cross-border commerce for small-scale traders. Wildlife & Economy Link: Five ring-tailed lemurs native to Madagascar were seized in Taiwan and referred for prosecution, highlighting ongoing risks from illegal wildlife trade that can affect Madagascar’s biodiversity and related tourism value.