AGP Executive Report

Digital Identity Rollout: Madagascar says it has enrolled 2.6 million people into its national digital ID system in just two months, beating a World Bank-backed target under the PRODIGY project. Identity & Finance Tech: A UK-backed push for a reusable “digital company ID” aims to cut Know Your Business onboarding costs for banks by up to £1.7B, by sharing verified business data across institutions. AI Governance & Biometrics: Firms are racing to build identity “control” for AI agents and private AI infrastructure for sensitive biometric data, reflecting growing demand for data sovereignty. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar among 13 countries. Critical Minerals Jobs Angle: UNCTAD highlights how Madagascar can create jobs by moving beyond raw mineral exports and expanding value addition. Illegal Trade Watch (Biosecurity): Australia seized 100,000+ live exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing species, warning of risks to ecosystems and agriculture.

Biosecurity & Trade: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, valued at up to A$200,000, warning that keeping, breeding or selling unapproved species is illegal and the insects will be euthanised. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Taiwan’s legislature passed a resolution condemning China’s alleged pressure that led to the cancellation of President Lai’s Eswatini trip, citing flight-clearance withdrawals by Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar. Minerals & Industrial Policy: Mozambique signed a law requiring 15% state ownership in all mining ventures and local processing, a move that underscores how battery-material demand is reshaping African resource deals. Madagascar–Asia Business Links: Indonesia and Madagascar agreed to deepen cooperation via a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and visa exemptions, with minerals and energy flagged as priority areas. Regional Economic Risk: S&P warned Middle East conflict disruptions could hit African fuel and food systems, with Madagascar among the highest-risk countries for credit deterioration.

Mining Policy: Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo signed a law requiring 15% state ownership in all mining ventures and local processing of minerals, aiming to capture more value from battery-critical graphite as demand rises. Regional Minerals & Processing: The same push is echoed across Africa’s critical minerals race, with countries tightening control over raw exports and moving toward domestic value-add. Madagascar in the Spotlight (Maritime Sanctions): France intercepted the Russian-linked “shadow fleet” tanker Tagor, reportedly flying the Madagascan flag and bound for Cameroon, triggering debate over sanctions enforcement and Madagascar’s position. Bilateral Trade & Mobility: Indonesia and Madagascar agreed to set up a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and expand visa exemptions to boost investment, including in mining, energy, and finance. Trade Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank pledged $1 billion to support trade finance across Africa, targeting letters of credit and guarantees to help close the continent’s trade-finance gap. Connectivity Push: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-powered broadband for remote regions, blending satellite with fibre and 4G. SADC Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of its regional fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, keeping Madagascar’s Rijasoa Fanazava on the board as the bloc targets illegal fishing.

Critical Minerals & Investment: Evion says its India graphite processing JV (Panthera Graphite Technologies) generated US$530k EBITDA in its first year of commercial production, even while running at under 25% capacity, and is now ramping toward targeted annual EBITDA of US$5.8m. Diplomacy & Trade Facilitation: Indonesia and Madagascar signed an MoU to set up a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and agreed visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders, with talks to extend travel facilitation to business communities. Energy/Geopolitics & Risk: S&P warns the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions could drive fuel and fertilizer shocks across Africa, with Madagascar flagged as among the highest-risk import-dependent economies for food and credit stress. Shipping & Sanctions: France intercepted the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, with reporting that it switched maritime identifiers mid-voyage and was tracked under a Madagascar flag. Connectivity & Digital Economy: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-powered broadband to remote regions, aiming to blend satellite, fibre and 4G for more resilient internet access. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre board, keeping momentum on tackling illegal fishing and rolling out a regional register of fishing vessels. Food Supply Chain: United Cargo is moving hundreds of tons of vanilla from Madagascar and Mauritius to global markets via Paris and US flights, supporting temperature-sensitive logistics.

Indonesia–Madagascar Deal: Indonesia is positioning Madagascar as a “gateway to Africa” for minerals and industry, and the two countries have signed a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) plus visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders, with talks to extend travel facilitation to business communities. Energy & Food Shock Risk: S&P warns the Iran-linked disruption to fuel and fertilizer flows could hit import-dependent African economies, flagging Madagascar as among the highest risk for food insecurity and potential credit deterioration. Maritime Sanctions Pressure: France intercepted the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, with the vessel reportedly flying Madagascar’s flag, escalating enforcement against Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Connectivity Push: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-backed broadband to reach remote regions, aiming to blend satellite, fibre and 4G for more resilient internet. Trade & Logistics: United Cargo is moving hundreds of tons of vanilla from Madagascar and Mauritius to global markets via Paris and onward flights to the US. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre, with Madagascar’s Rijasoa Fanazava on the board.

Maritime & Sanctions: France seized the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, ordering it toward mainland France; Macron said it was part of crackdowns on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” while the Kremlin called the move illegal and akin to piracy—ship tracking showed the vessel under Madagascar’s flag. Aviation & Trade Links: Ethiopian Airlines will launch thrice-weekly direct flights Addis Ababa–Port Louis from July 12, replacing prior detours via hubs including Antananarivo, with bookings now open. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre board, with priorities including the regional register of fishing vessels and reducing donor reliance. Digital Connectivity: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-backed broadband to reach remote areas, combining LEO satellite service with fibre and 4G. Business & Industry Cooperation: Madagascar’s Ministry of Industry signed a bilateral industrial co-operation deal with the St. Petersburg Special Economic Zone management, including exposure to local pharma production and broader partnership plans. Climate & Rights: A landmark case is being heard at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on states’ duties to protect people from climate harm and shift away from environmentally damaging economies.

Digital Connectivity: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-powered broadband to reach the country’s most remote areas, combining LEO satellite links with fibre and 4G for more reliable service. Maritime & Trade Compliance: France seized the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic and ordered it toward France; the ship was reportedly registered under Madagascar’s flag, while Russia called the move “international piracy,” underscoring how Madagascar-linked shipping flags can get pulled into global sanctions enforcement. Industry & Investment Links: Madagascar’s Ministry of Industry signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with the management company of the St. Petersburg Special Economic Zone, including exposure to pharmaceutical production and plans for broader partnership areas. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Fisheries Observer Agency CEO Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre, with Madagascar among the board members approved for a second term. Corporate Social Impact: Celltrion says it will send charity bazaar proceeds to Madagascar for cytopathology training and medical equipment, as part of its ESG and healthcare support push. Sports (Madagascar in spotlight): Serbia beat Madagascar 21-14 on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw.

Maritime & Trade Enforcement: France seized the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic and ordered it toward the French mainland, saying the ship was using irregular documentation and a false flag; Russia called it illegal and “international piracy,” while France framed the move as tighter action against sanctions-busting “shadow fleet” operations tied to the war in Ukraine. Critical Minerals & Investment: Evion Group named former Australian US ambassador Arthur Sinodinos as strategic advisor to accelerate its US critical minerals push, following its Nevada fluorspar acquisition—an example of how mineral supply chains are being reshaped by government and investor priorities. Resource Sector Tax Policy: A policy roundup highlights how African states are modernising tax and customs in mining and oil and gas—raising burdens, limiting incentives, and tightening compliance—while Madagascar’s Mining Code is cited for restricting tax stability to five years. Madagascar–Russia Industrial Links: Madagascar’s Ministry of Industry signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with the management company of Russia’s St. Petersburg Special Economic Zone, including visits to a pharmaceutical production site and plans for broader partnership areas. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara for a second term, backing continued efforts to curb illegal fishing across member states, including Madagascar. Tourism Integration: Justice ministers in SADC’s Victoria Falls meeting put the proposed Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa process to boost regional travel and tourism-linked business.

Maritime Sanctions Crackdown: France intercepted the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic and ordered it to head to France, with Macron saying the ship was using a false flag and that the move was done in line with maritime law; Russia called it “international piracy.” Madagascar Flag Scrutiny: Ship-tracking and French authorities linked Tagor to the Madagascar flag before the boarding team said documentation and nationality checks confirmed irregularities, underscoring how Madagascar’s flag can be used in sanctions evasion. Regional Legal Integration: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls put the spotlight on the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa to boost cross-border tourism and travel ease. Fisheries Governance: Stanley Ndara was reappointed to lead the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, as ministers urged stronger participation and payment of outstanding contributions. Madagascar-Russia Business Ties: Madagascar’s Ministry of Industry signed an industrial co-operation agreement with the St. Petersburg Special Economic Zone management company during a visit to Russia, including plans for medical equipment support. Climate & Rights in Focus: A landmark climate case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, arguing states must protect the climate system to safeguard human rights.

Maritime Security & Energy: France detained the Russia-linked sanctioned tanker TAGOR in the Atlantic; the ship was reportedly flying the Madagascar flag, and officials say the move targets sanctions evasion and false-flag practices while warning of environmental and navigation risks. Environment & Finance: The GEF Council approved a final $144.3m disbursement for GEF-8, backing ocean and biodiversity projects and aiming to mobilize $828m+ with strong co-financing toward 2030 goals. Trade & Human Capital: UNFPA signed an MoU with the AfDB to position maternal health as an investment in economic growth and to help countries harness the demographic dividend. Infrastructure Progress: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reported Madagascar road project completion at 80% (with other African roads also advancing). Madagascar Business Spotlight: Bloomberg’s Africa Startups to Watch list includes Madagascar, highlighting a shift toward African investors funding solutions built for infrastructure and system gaps. Natural Resources Watch: A new fuel-storage deal discussed by Madagascar’s PM with Russia’s Security Council chief aims to secure fuel supplies at better prices and reduce exposure to Gulf-linked disruptions. Social Impact: ILO and the Responsible Minerals Initiative formalized a partnership to tackle child labour in mineral supply chains. Tourism & Brand Angle: IFF highlighted Madagascan vanilla innovation facilities, while travel features keep spotlighting Madagascar’s landscapes and visitor safety.

GEF Funding for Madagascar’s Environment Agenda: The GEF Council approved a final $144.3m disbursement under GEF-8, backing 16 projects and aiming to accelerate progress toward 2030 goals, with plans to mobilize $828m total via strong co-financing—relevant for Madagascar’s ocean, biodiversity and landscape restoration priorities. Maternal Health as Economic Policy: UNFPA signed an MoU with the AfDB to treat maternal health as an investment in productivity and resilience, pushing countries to better use their demographic dividend—an angle that matters for Madagascar’s health spending and human capital. Road Works Progress in Madagascar: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reported 80% completion on its Madagascar road infrastructure project, highlighting continued implementation momentum for transport-linked growth. Fuel Storage Deal for Energy Security: Madagascar’s government confirmed talks with Russia to build fuel storage facilities to secure supplies at more competitive prices and reduce exposure to Gulf-linked disruptions—key for import-dependent energy planning. Trade Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs: A Malawi-focused analysis flags how harassment, limited finance, complex customs and poor border infrastructure block women’s full participation in regional trade, a reminder for Madagascar’s own cross-border business climate. Carbon Markets Push (Including Madagascar): A new Southern Africa carbon alliance includes Madagascar, aiming to help countries capture more value from global carbon markets under Paris Article 6.

Travel Risk Watch: A new safety guide highlights how quickly conditions can deteriorate in Madagascar during civil unrest—warning signs include disappearing local updates, broken logistics (transport, fuel, banking), and rising harassment or checkpoints targeting outsiders. Trade & Gender: Women cross-border traders in Malawi say simplified trade regimes help, but barriers remain—harassment at borders, limited finance, complex customs, weak border infrastructure, and digital exclusion. Energy Security Deal: Madagascar’s government confirmed talks with Russia on fuel storage facilities to secure supplies at more competitive prices and reduce exposure to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Infrastructure Progress: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reports road project momentum, including Madagascar’s road infrastructure work reaching 80% completion. Vanilla Supply Chain: A World Bank-linked upgrade of the Manambery Bridge in northeastern Madagascar is framed as a practical boost to vanilla farmers and global value chains. Startup Funding Trend: Bloomberg’s Africa Startups to Watch list notes a shift toward African investors funding local solutions, including a Madagascar entry.

Fuel Security Deal: Madagascar’s Prime Minister says Russia will help fund fuel storage facilities on the island to secure supplies at more competitive prices and reduce exposure to Gulf-linked disruptions. Infrastructure & Trade: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reports 80% completion on a Madagascar road infrastructure project, alongside 92% in Togo and 45% in Nigeria, as it steps up monitoring to keep projects on track. Vanilla Supply Chain: A World Bank-linked upgrade to the Manambery Bridge in northeastern Madagascar targets resilience and connectivity for the vanilla “green gold” economy that supports tens of thousands of farmers. Startups & Investment: Bloomberg’s Africa Startups to Watch list includes Madagascar among 13 countries, noting a shift toward more funding from African investors. Maternal Health & Growth: UNFPA and the AfDB sign an MoU framing maternal health as an economic growth lever, tying demographic resilience to Africa’s productivity goals. Business & Markets: A review highlights the case for immediate kangaroo mother care for premature babies, with implications for hospital practice and costs.

Fuel Security Deal: Madagascar’s prime minister says Russia will help fund fuel storage facilities on the island to secure supplies at more competitive prices and reduce exposure to Middle East-linked disruptions. Infrastructure & Trade: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reports 80% completion on its Madagascar road infrastructure project, alongside near-complete progress in Togo and partial progress in Nigeria—aimed at keeping goods moving and cutting transport costs. Vanilla Supply Chain: The World Bank-backed upgrade of the Manambery Bridge in northeastern Madagascar is highlighted as a key link for the vanilla economy that supports tens of thousands of farmers and global value chains. Maternal Health Economics: UNFPA and the AfDB sign a partnership framing maternal health as an investment in productivity and human capital, tying health outcomes to Africa’s demographic dividend. Business & Markets: Bloomberg’s Africa Startups to Watch list includes Madagascar among 13 countries, noting growing African investor participation in funding. Conservation Tourism: Mandai Wildlife Group opens Rainforest Wild Adventure East in Singapore, with a park design inspired by Afro-tropical and Madagascan landscapes—another signal of how nature-linked experiences keep attracting investment.

Trade & Gender: Malawi’s simplified trade regimes are opening markets for women and youth, but harassment at borders, limited finance, language barriers, complex customs, weak border infrastructure and digital exclusion still block full participation—experts call for better awareness, digitalised border processes and one-stop border posts. Madagascar Infrastructure & Vanilla Supply Chains: The World Bank-backed upgrade of the Manambery Bridge in northeastern Madagascar is meant to keep the vanilla economy moving, supporting jobs for tens of thousands of farmers and strengthening road/bridge resilience under the Connecting Madagascar project. Vanilla Innovation: IFF is setting up a Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar with lab analysis, greenhouse research and extraction capabilities aimed at improving quality, developing new vanilla signatures and boosting value at origin. Maternal Health Finance: UNFPA and the AfDB signed an MoU to strengthen maternal health and demographic resilience across Africa, focusing on digital training for health workers, climate-resilient health infrastructure and better health information systems. Development Finance Progress: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reports implementation momentum—92% completion on Togo’s Sokodé–Bassar Road, 80% on Madagascar road works, and 45% on Nigeria’s Minna–Bida project. Energy Security Deal: Madagascar agreed with Russia to build fuel storage facilities to secure supplies at more competitive prices and reduce exposure to Gulf-linked disruptions. Tourism Advisory Update: Madagascar’s US travel advisory reportedly eased from Level 3 to Level 2, citing improved stability and more reliable routes and logistics. Startups Spotlight: Bloomberg’s Africa Startups to Watch list highlights growing African investor funding, with Madagascar included among the 25-company shortlist.

Madagascar Trade & Industry: IFF is setting up a Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar, aiming to innovate “at origin” with lab testing, molecular profiling, extraction support and application labs for dairy, bakery and confectionery—an effort that could deepen value capture for the island’s vanilla supply chain. Infrastructure & Jobs: The World Bank-backed upgrade of the Manambery Bridge in far northeast Madagascar is designed to keep the vanilla corridor connected, supporting tens of thousands of farmers and smoother access to jobs and markets year-round. Energy Security (Regional): Madagascar’s PM met Russia’s Security Council chief to agree on fuel storage facilities on the island to secure supplies at more competitive prices and reduce exposure to Gulf-linked disruptions. Human Development (Regional): UNFPA and the AfDB signed an MoU to strengthen maternal health and demographic resilience across Africa, including digital training for health workers and climate-resilient health infrastructure—an approach framed as economic transformation. Business Climate (Regional): A new African Union humanitarian coordination platform was launched in Seychelles to improve crisis response, despite a major financing gap.