AGP Executive Report

Madagascar Biodiversity: A new global study estimates Earth has about 13.3–24.7 million insect species, far above earlier guesses, with implications for conservation planning. Wildlife & Tourism: A report highlights the fat-tailed dwarf lemur from Madagascar as the only known primate that hibernates and appears to dream during dormancy. US–Madagascar Rare Earths: The US is pushing a major critical-minerals push tied to rare earths and batteries, with Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare earth project flagged as part of the supply-chain race against China. Regional Governance: Opposition in Lesotho has petitioned SADC over alleged government defiance of court orders, as SADC leaders prepare for a summit in Durban with economic and critical-minerals transformation on the agenda. Madagascar Business/Disaster: Reports say at least 3,500 people were affected by a serious market fire in eastern Madagascar, raising questions about local safety and economic resilience.

US–Madagascar Critical Minerals: The U.S. is ramping up critical-minerals financing tied to rare earths and batteries, and Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earth project is now in the spotlight via U.S. development funding from the DFC for Harena Rare Earths’ work toward a pilot plant and feasibility studies. Energy Access Watch: A new regional snapshot highlights how far electricity access still lags across parts of Africa, underscoring the development pressure Madagascar also faces on power and infrastructure. Regional Governance & Rule of Law: Opposition figures have petitioned SADC over alleged government defiance of court orders, a reminder that legal stability and investor confidence often move together in Southern Africa. SADC Summit Logistics: Security and coordination are being tightened around the SADC Heads of State summit in Durban, with Madagascar’s role in the bloc’s rotating chairmanship referenced as the region pushes industrialisation and critical-minerals transformation. Urban Transport Cost Debate (Antananarivo): Antananarivo’s cable car system—promoted as a traffic fix—remains controversial after low uptake, with residents questioning whether the $170m project should have gone to basic services like water.

Critical Minerals & U.S.-Madagascar Link: The U.S. is rolling out billions in critical-minerals deals to cut China-linked supply chains, and Madagascar’s rare-earth push is getting a spotlight: the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is backing Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava project with project-development funding, positioning the deposit as among the largest outside China. U.S. Mining Push: President Donald Trump announced over US$2–3 billion in mining and mining-related investments plus more than US$180 million for mining education and workforce programmes, framing it as national security and economic independence. Local Business Risk Watch: A separate study warns that nature loss could sharply raise sovereign debt-servicing costs across countries, a reminder that environmental risk is also financial risk. Urban Transport Cost Lesson (Madagascar): Antananarivo’s cable car system—promoted as a traffic solution—has reportedly become a costly underused project, raising questions about planning and public spending.

Mining Education Push: US President Donald Trump announced $180m+ in grants to expand critical-minerals education, alongside $2bn+ in new mining projects, framing it as reducing reliance on “hostile” supply chains. Regional Security & Governance: South Africa tightened security for the SADC Heads of State summit in Durban, as senior officials set the agenda on security, economic priorities and implementation. Madagascar Urban Transport Cost: Antananarivo’s cable car system—promoted as a solution to traffic—has reportedly sat unused after weeks of operation, raising questions over a roughly $170m spend. Violent Crime in Antananarivo: A surge in kidnappings and disappearances has alarmed residents, with authorities estimating 200+ victims over seven months and many still missing. Conservation Funding Spotlight: The Phoenix Species Project pledged $200m to recover 100 threatened species, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka, while also triggering greenwashing debate. Critical Minerals Supply Chain: UK-backed efforts to build resilience in critical minerals supply chains were linked to Madagascar-related rare-earth investment plans.

Critical Minerals & Rare Earths: The UK is pushing a £25m critical-minerals accelerator to reduce reliance on China, while the US has already backed Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earth project with over US$4m (after a US$400m grant to MP Materials), aiming to build a more localised supply chain. Urban Transport Accountability: A major Antananarivo cable-car project—promoted as a fix for gridlock—has reportedly sat unused after only weeks of operation, raising fresh questions about public spending and planning. Regional Economic Agenda (SADC): South Africa formally takes over the SADC senior officials chairmanship ahead of the 46th summit in Durban, with priorities including industrialisation, infrastructure, food security and implementation of regional decisions. Security & Governance: Reports highlight a violent kidnapping wave in Madagascar’s capital, with authorities estimating hundreds affected over months and many still missing—an issue with direct economic and social stability impacts. Conservation Funding: A new US$200m Phoenix Species Project led by Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund targets recovery of 100 threatened species, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka, while also triggering greenwashing debate.

Urban Transport & Public Spending: Antananarivo’s cable car system—sold as a fix for gridlock—has reportedly sat unused after only weeks of operation, raising fresh questions about a roughly $170m investment and the political promises made around it. Public Safety: A violent kidnapping wave in Madagascar’s capital has alarmed residents, with authorities estimating more than 200 people kidnapped or missing over seven months, including cases involving children and teenagers. Regional Trade & Integration: South Africa is set to assume the SADC chair role as leaders prepare for a Durban summit focused on industrialisation, infrastructure, food security, migration and regional peace—key themes for Madagascar’s business environment. Visa & Mobility Rules: The US has made permanent a visa bond programme for citizens of 30 African countries, while 24 are exempt—an issue that can affect travel and cross-border commerce. Conservation & Biodiversity Finance: A new $200m Phoenix Species Project led by Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund aims to recover 100 critically endangered species, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka. Maritime & Logistics: AGL Madagascar says it has completed heavy modular transport and logistics operations, signaling continued activity in the island’s infrastructure supply chain.

Transport & Public Spending: Antananarivo’s cable car plan—promoted by former President Andry Rajoelina—has reportedly run for only weeks and now sits unused above the capital, raising fresh questions about a potential $170m waste in one of the world’s poorest countries. Security & Governance: A violent kidnapping wave is spreading fear in Madagascar’s capital, with authorities estimating more than 200 people kidnapped or missing over seven months, including children and adults, and only part of the cases resolved. Regional Business & Integration: South Africa formally took over SADC’s senior officials chair ahead of the Durban summit, with leaders expected to push industrialisation, infrastructure, food security and regional integration—after developments affecting Madagascar. Visa & Mobility Costs: The US made permanent a visa bond requirement for citizens of 30 African countries, while 24 are exempt; the rule took effect 3 August 2026. Logistics & Trade: AGL Madagascar says it installed 51 oversized prefabricated modules using an integrated port-to-road logistics operation via Toamasina, with heavy-haul transport across challenging corridors. Conservation Funding: A $200m Phoenix Species Project backed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos targets recovery of 100 critically endangered species, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka.

Madagascar Security: Antananarivo is facing a violent kidnapping and disappearances wave, with authorities estimating 200+ victims over seven months and fears rising as cases cluster since 2021. Toamasina Fire: A major blaze at Bazar Kely market destroyed about 90% of the site, affecting at least 3,500 people; officials say an investigation will determine the cause. Trade & Logistics: AGL Madagascar completed an integrated heavy modular transport operation, installing 51 oversized prefabricated modules after port handling at Toamasina, customs clearance, and a complex overland haul to Antananarivo. Conservation & Economy: A new global $200m Phoenix Species Project backed by Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund targets long-term recovery of 100 threatened species, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka, with sustained funding and local-led conservation. Regional Business & Policy: South Africa’s preparations to host the 46th SADC summit in Durban highlight a push for regional trade, industrialisation, and critical minerals transformation—an agenda that could shape investment flows across the region.

Rare Earths & US-Backed Supply Chains: AGL Madagascar is showing off heavy modular logistics, installing 51 oversized prefabricated modules after end-to-end port handling, customs clearance and heavy-haul transport via Toamasina to Antananarivo. Market Resilience & Risk: A major fire at Toamasina’s Bazar Kely market affected at least 3,500 people and destroyed about 90% of the market, with authorities launching an investigation into the cause. Trade & Agribusiness Expansion: Egypt’s MO Group for Food Industries is pushing deeper into Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, naming Madagascar among targeted African markets. Conservation Funding: DiCaprio and Bezos’ Phoenix Species Project pledges $200m to recover 100 critically endangered species across 30 countries, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka lemur. US Visa Processing Shift: US visa services were moved from 25 African cities to regional hubs from Aug 1, affecting applicants including from Madagascar. Tourism & Business Links: OurAfrica.Travel announced its next virtual trade show for Feb 22–26, 2027, aiming to keep trade connections flowing for African tourism operators.

Rare-Earth & Logistics Watch: AGL Madagascar says it has completed an integrated heavy modular transport operation, installing 51 oversized prefabricated modules after sea arrival at Toamasina and a 350 km inland haul to Antananarivo, with route surveys, heavy-haul vehicles, and customs clearance handled end-to-end. Local Fire & Market Resilience: A major fire at Toamasina’s Bazar Kely market on Aug. 2 affected at least 3,500 people and destroyed about 90% of the market, including roughly 3,200 stalls; authorities launched an investigation after winds hampered firefighting. Conservation Funding With Madagascar Links: The Phoenix Species Project—backed by Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund with $200m to recover 100 critically endangered species across 30 countries—includes Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka lemur among targets. Trade & Food Exports: Egypt’s MO Group for Food Industries says it is expanding exports into new markets across Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, naming Madagascar among targeted African destinations. Business & Governance Signals: NVRO Metals appointed Jonathan Gill as Technical Advisor to its board ahead of its Oct. 7 AGM.

Infrastructure & Transport: AGL Madagascar says it has completed the end-to-end move and precision installation of 51 oversized prefabricated modules, from Toamasina port handling and customs clearance to a 350-km heavy-haul convoy to Antananarivo, using route surveys and multi-axle trailers. Roads & Urban Mobility: Construction has started on a $28m interchange in Antananarivo (Anosizato), funded by BADEA, with cloverleaf ramps, bridge works, and road widening aimed at cutting key journey times. Trade & Industry: Egypt’s MO Group for Food Industries is expanding across Africa and beyond, including Madagascar, by diversifying export markets and tailoring products to local distribution and import requirements. Mining & Corporate Appointments: NVRO Metals appointed Jonathan Gill as Technical Advisor to its board, with him set to stand for election at the Oct 7 AGM. Disaster & Local Economy: A fire at Toamasina’s Bazar Kely market affected at least 3,500 people, destroying about 90% of the market and around 3,200 stalls; authorities launched an investigation. Environment & Land Use: A study on regenerating forests near Ranomafana warns that invasive black rats can block native small mammals from returning, even after decades of forest recovery. Health & Development: UNAIDS reports 1.2m new global HIV infections in 2025, noting rising acquisitions in countries including Madagascar amid a major funding shortfall. Business Travel & Compliance: US visa processing changes are redirecting some African applicants to regional hubs, with Madagascar among those affected.

Rare Earths & US-Backed Investment: The US Development Finance Corporation will commit up to $4.8m to Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earth project, aimed at producing magnet-grade material for defense and reducing reliance on China. Transport & Trade Connectivity: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with Madagascar Airlines operating the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly to boost tourism, business links and trade. Infrastructure in Antananarivo: Construction has started on a $28m road interchange in Anosizato (Analamanga), funded by BADEA, including bridge works and road widening to cut key journey times. Eastern Market Fire: A blaze at Toamasina’s Bazar Kely market affected at least 3,500 people and destroyed about 90% of the market; authorities are consulting traders and investigating the cause. Environment & Land Use: A study warns that regenerating forests in south-eastern Madagascar may struggle to recover fully because invasive black rats dominate small-mammal communities. US Visa Processing Shake-Up: The US is shifting routine visa services across Africa to regional hubs from Aug 1, 2026, with Madagascar applicants redirected to designated centres. HIV Funding Pressure: UNAIDS reports new HIV infections rising in several countries including Madagascar, alongside a major funding drop driven by reduced US disbursements.

Rare Earths & US-Madagascar Trade: The US will back Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earths project with up to $4.8m via the Development Finance Corporation, aiming to support magnet-grade materials for defense and reduce China’s dominance. Transport & Connectivity: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year hiatus, with Madagascar Airlines operating twice weekly to boost tourism, business links and trade. Road Infrastructure in Antananarivo: Construction has started on a $28m road interchange in Antananarivo (Anosizato), funded by BADEA, including cloverleaf ramps, bridge works and road widening to cut key travel times. Health & Funding Pressure: New AIDS 2026 reporting warns global HIV funding fell sharply in 2025, with Madagascar cited among countries seeing rising new acquisitions. US Visa Processing Shift (Regional Impact): The US is moving routine visa applications to regional hubs from Aug 1, affecting multiple African missions including Antananarivo. Off-grid Solar Finance (Africa-wide): Landmark bond and securitised-debt deals by d.light and Sun King highlight growing private capital interest in pay-as-you-go solar models.

Rare Earths & US-Backed Minerals: The U.S. is backing Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earth project with up to $4.8m via the Development Finance Corporation, aiming to support magnet supply for defense and EVs and reduce China’s dominance. Infrastructure & Transport: Construction has started on a $28m road interchange in Antananarivo (Anosizato), funded by BADEA, with new bridges and road widening to cut key journey times from about an hour to 10–15 minutes. Aviation & Trade Links: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with twice-weekly services expected to boost tourism and business ties. Business & Finance: EBRD launched a $100m facility with KCB Bank Kenya to expand SME credit, with 30% earmarked for women-led firms and 30% for green investments. Visa Policy Impact: The U.S. is ending routine visa processing at many African posts and shifting applicants to regional hubs from Aug 1, with Antananarivo among affected missions. Off-Grid Solar Capital: Landmark fundraising by d.light and Sun King highlights growing investor appetite for PAYGo solar receivables, signaling a potential shift toward mainstream funding.

Rare Earths & US Support: The US Development Finance Corporation will commit up to $4.8m to Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earths project, aimed at producing magnet materials and reducing China’s dominance in critical minerals. Transport & Connectivity: Madagascar and Comoros have restored direct flights after a four-year hiatus, with Madagascar Airlines operating twice weekly between Antananarivo, Mahajanga and Moroni to boost tourism and trade. Road Infrastructure: Construction has started on a $28m Antananarivo road interchange in Anosizato, financed by BADEA, including cloverleaf ramps, bridge works and road widening to cut key journey times from about an hour to 10–15 minutes. US Visa Policy Shift: The US has ended routine visa processing in Eswatini, sending applicants to a regional hub in Johannesburg, part of a wider Africa-wide consular overhaul. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: Egypt and Madagascar agreed in Cairo to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, agriculture, healthcare, energy, water resources and tourism, with multiple agreements signed. Business Spotlight: Malagasy Vanilla is selling direct to consumers across 14 European markets via Temu’s Local Seller Program, after logistics costs fell and sales surged.

Transport & Infrastructure: Madagascar kicked off a $28m road interchange project in Antananarivo (Anosizato, Analamanga) to cut congestion, financed by BADEA, with cloverleaf ramps, bridge works, and road widening plus safer pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. Aviation & Trade Links: Madagascar and Comoros restored direct flights after a four-year pause, with Madagascar Airlines operating the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly to boost tourism and business ties. Critical Minerals & US Support: The US backed Madagascar’s rare earths push, with a Development Finance Corporation commitment of up to $4.8m for the Ampasindava project aimed at strengthening magnet supply chains and reducing China’s dominance. Bilateral Cooperation: Madagascar’s transitional president met Egypt’s leader in Cairo to expand cooperation across trade, investment, agriculture, healthcare, energy, water management, and tourism. Visa Policy Impact: The US announced major visa processing changes across Africa, shifting routine services to regional hubs from Aug 1—an update that also affects Antananarivo. Digital Commerce: Malagasy Vanilla says it moved from wholesale to direct-to-consumer sales across 14 European markets via Temu’s Local Seller Program, boosting sales after shipping costs fell.