AGP Executive Report

Food Safety in Antananarivo: Madagascar’s health ministry says 67 people were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning, with early findings pointing to cooking oil; shops involved were temporarily closed and samples sent for lab testing. El Niño Risk for Agriculture: FAO analysis warns a new El Niño phase could start soon, with drought risk highest across the Sahel, Southern Africa, parts of Asia and the Caribbean—raising the odds of failed harvests and livestock losses. Anticipatory Aid for Hunger Hotspots: FAO and WFP launched a US$202m anticipatory action appeal to protect nearly 9 million people in 22 high-risk countries, as acute food insecurity could worsen through June–November. Marine Conservation: Madagascar and Zanzibar announced expanded shark and ray protections at Mombasa’s Our Ocean Conference, with full protection for 14 species in Madagascar and 34 in Zanzibar. Weather Forecasting Upgrade: China donated meteorological and information tech equipment to Madagascar to improve data processing, early warning and disaster risk management. Road Costs and Supply Shocks: With bitumen imports shifting toward Europe, Madagascar road projects faced delays and costs reportedly up 40–50%. Renewables Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a $60m financing package to expand renewable projects across Africa.

Biodiversity & Tech: Kew’s 2026 “State of the World’s Plants and Fungi” report says AI and mass digitisation are speeding up extinction assessments, while also tracking climate-driven shifts in flowering times. Public Health: In Antananarivo, 67 people were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning, with authorities temporarily closing implicated shops and testing cooking oil samples. Marine Conservation: Madagascar and Zanzibar announced expanded protections for sharks and rays, granting full protection to 14 species in Madagascar and 34 in Zanzibar’s coastal waters. Weather & Disaster Readiness: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to improve forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning for natural disasters. Food Security Risk: UN agencies warn acute hunger could worsen between June and November, listing Madagascar among “hunger hotspots” as El Niño and conflict strain food systems. Infrastructure Costs: A bitumen supply shock is hitting road projects as Madagascar shifts toward longer European shipments, pushing costs up 40–50% and delaying work. Diplomacy & Investment: Madagascar’s foreign minister confirmed President Randrianirina will attend Russia–Africa Summit in October, with economic and investment cooperation flagged as a key theme.

Ocean Conservation: Madagascar and Zanzibar announced expanded protections for sharks and rays at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, with WCS saying 14 shark and ray species in Madagascar will get full protection under the Wild Fauna Decree and Zanzibar will extend full protection to 34 coastal-water species. Climate & Food Security: The UN FAO and WFP launched a US$202m Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal to protect about 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries from looming El Niño impacts, with Madagascar listed among the African hotspots. Meteorology & Disaster Readiness: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to strengthen weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems for natural disasters. Infrastructure Costs: A report on Madagascar’s road-building sector highlights a supply shock in bitumen imports, with European shipments taking longer and pushing bitumen prices up 40–50%, delaying projects and affecting financing. Fisheries Transparency: Global Fishing Watch said it is boosting fisheries transparency and vessel tracking, including a new partnership with Madagascar and plans to publicly share vessel tracking data. Renewables Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a $60m financing package via Mauritius Commercial Bank to expand renewable energy projects across Africa.

Road Infrastructure Costs: Madagascar’s road builders are feeling the squeeze as imported bitumen supply shifts from Gulf sources to Europe, adding 45–60 days to shipments and pushing prices up 40–50%, delaying projects and straining contractors’ finances. Climate & Food Security: The UN FAO and WFP have launched a $202m anticipatory appeal to protect about 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries from a looming El Niño, with Madagascar listed among the most exposed; the plan includes cash support, climate-resilient seeds, and flood and livestock protection. Hunger Hotspots Warning: A separate UN warning says acute hunger could worsen between June and November 2026 across 13 hotspots, adding Madagascar to the list as conflict, funding cuts, and El Niño impacts bite. Meteorology Upgrade: China has donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to improve data processing, bulletin production, communications, and early warning for disasters. Renewables Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a $60m financing facility with Mauritius Commercial Bank to expand renewable projects across Africa, adding flexibility for new developments. Trade & Governance at Sea: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, African nations pushed for faster fisheries transparency reforms, including moves toward publicly sharing vessel tracking data, with Madagascar mentioned in new partnership announcements. Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov met Madagascar’s foreign minister in Moscow and highlighted President Randrianirina’s participation in the October Russia–Africa Summit, with talks aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, economy, and multilateral coordination.

El Niño & Food Security: The UN’s FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for US$202m to protect about 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries, including Madagascar, warning hunger could worsen between June and November as droughts and floods intensify. Meteorology & Resilience: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to boost weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early-warning systems for disasters. Ocean Governance: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, African nations pushed for faster fisheries transparency reforms, backing efforts to make vessel activity visible to curb illegal fishing. Energy Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a $60m financing package with Mauritius Commercial Bank to expand renewable projects across Africa, supporting solar development in multiple markets. Russia–Madagascar Ties: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov met Madagascar’s foreign minister in Moscow, with President Randrianirina confirmed for the Russia–Africa Summit in October and talks focused on trade and economic cooperation. Cocoa Sustainability: Lindt & Sprüngli says its cocoa sourcing is now covered by 100% Rainforest Alliance certification, with Madagascar mentioned as part of its broader farming and livelihood efforts. Peace Index: Madagascar ranked among Africa’s safer countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index, scoring 1.849.

Food Security Watch: UN FAO/WFP warn acute hunger will worsen between June and November 2026, with 13 hotspots at higher famine risk; Madagascar is named among the “very high concern” countries as conflict, funding cuts and El Niño-linked shocks bite. Climate Preparedness: FAO and WFP also launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for $202m to protect about 8.8m people across 22 high-risk countries, including Madagascar, using early cash support, climate-resilient seeds and flood control. Renewable Energy Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a $60m financing facility with Mauritius Commercial Bank to expand renewable projects across Africa, adding flexibility via a $40m revolving credit line plus $20m in non-funded instruments. Weather Forecasting Upgrade: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to strengthen data processing, bulletin production and early warning for disasters. Trade & Sustainability: Lindt & Sprüngli says its cocoa sourcing is now 100% Rainforest Alliance certified, with packaging rollouts and farmer-support programs—timed as EU deforestation rules loom. Ocean Governance: Global Fishing Watch highlights new fisheries transparency momentum, including a partnership with Madagascar to publicly share vessel tracking data. Diplomacy & Investment Signals: Russia’s Lavrov met Madagascar’s foreign minister, with talk focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation ahead of the Russia–Africa Summit in October.

Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for $202m to protect about 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries, including Madagascar, warning El Niño could bring droughts, floods and storms that disrupt planting and harvests. Ocean Governance: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, African nations pushed for faster implementation of the High Seas Treaty and stronger fisheries transparency, with Global Fishing Watch highlighting moves toward vessel tracking and accountability, including a partnership involving Madagascar. Weather Services Upgrade: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to strengthen forecasting, climate monitoring and early warning systems for disaster risk management. Energy Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a $60m financing facility with Mauritius Commercial Bank to expand renewable projects across Africa, supporting growth in clean energy infrastructure. Cocoa Sustainability: Lindt & Sprüngli confirmed its cocoa sourcing is now covered by 100% Rainforest Alliance certification, with Madagascar-linked farmer support and agroforestry plans under its Farming Program. Diplomacy & Trade: Russia’s Lavrov met Madagascar’s foreign minister in Moscow and said the president will participate in the October Russia–Africa Summit, with talks aimed at deepening cooperation across trade, economy and multilateral coordination.

Ocean Governance & Fisheries Transparency: The 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa urged African governments to speed up fisheries transparency reforms to fight illegal fishing, with Global Fishing Watch highlighting the push for vessel tracking and data sharing, including a new Madagascar government partnership. Food Security & Climate Risk: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for $202m to protect about 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries from an intensifying El Niño, with Madagascar named among the most exposed. Diplomacy & Trade: Russia’s Lavrov met Madagascar’s foreign minister Alice N’Diaye in Moscow, signaling plans to deepen cooperation across trade, the economy, and multilateral coordination. Renewable Energy Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a $60m financing package from Mauritius Commercial Bank to expand solar projects across Africa, adding momentum for clean power investment. Cocoa Supply Chains: Lindt & Sprüngli says it has reached 100% cocoa certification under its Rainforest Alliance farming programme as EUDR deforestation rules loom. Energy & Markets Watch: A report on Africa’s weakest currencies lists several countries with sharp depreciation pressures, underscoring import-cost risks for regional economies.

El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal seeking US$202m to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries, including Madagascar, from droughts, floods and storms expected as El Niño strengthens in late 2026. Food Security Warning: In a separate UN report, FAO/WFP warned acute hunger will worsen across 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, adding Nigeria and Somalia to the highest-risk list and naming Madagascar among countries where famine risk could rise. Ocean Governance: African and Commonwealth nations urged swift implementation of the new High Seas Treaty, saying ocean protection still exists “on paper,” as satellite images show freshwater sources disappearing. Renewables Finance: AXIAN Energy secured a US$60m financing facility with Mauritius Commercial Bank to expand solar development across African markets. Trade & Transparency at Sea: Global Fishing Watch announced a partnership with Madagascar to support vessel tracking and publicly share data from the domestic fishing fleet. Diplomacy: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Madagascar’s foreign minister Alice N’Diaye in Moscow on 19 June, focusing on trade, economy and cooperation. Currency Watch: A roundup of Africa’s weakest currencies ranked Madagascar among the weaker performers against the US dollar.

Food Security Alarm: UN FAO and WFP say acute hunger will worsen in 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, driven by conflict, funding cuts and El Niño-linked climate shocks; Madagascar is listed among the countries at rising risk. El Niño Funding Push: FAO/WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal seeking US$202 million to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries, including Madagascar, with plans like cash transfers, climate-resilient seeds and flood control. Ocean Governance Momentum: African and Commonwealth nations at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference urged fast implementation of the High Seas Treaty, warning that ocean protection still exists “on paper” despite pledges. Maritime Transparency Deal: Global Fishing Watch announced a partnership with Madagascar’s government to publicly share vessel tracking data for the domestic fishing fleet, aiming to boost fisheries accountability. Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov will meet Madagascar’s foreign minister Alice N’Diaye in Moscow on 19 June to discuss expanding trade, economy and cooperation. Energy & Industry: RES4Africa convened energy leaders on how renewables can strengthen Africa’s energy security and industrialisation. Tech & Connectivity: Ookla reports Starlink is faster than most terrestrial broadband providers in most Sub-Saharan markets, with Madagascar the only country showing faster median speeds from domestic providers.

Food Security & Climate Risk: FAO and WFP launched a $202m Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal to protect nearly 9 million people in 22 high-risk countries from a likely strong El Niño, warning of droughts, floods and storms that could hit planting, harvests and water access through 2026-2027. Hunger Hotspots: The UN’s Hunger Hotspots report says acute hunger will worsen in 13 countries between June and November 2026, with conflict, funding cuts and climate shocks pushing some areas toward famine risk; Madagascar is listed among the hotspots. EU Climate Displacement Funding: The EU will fund a €100m, four-year regional programme to help countries including Madagascar build resilience against climate-driven displacement, with early warning and pre-positioned response plans ahead of El Niño. Digital Infrastructure Finance: AXIAN Telecom secured a €170m EBRD loan to expand 4G/5G and fibre in Senegal and Kenya, aiming to boost connectivity and digital financial inclusion. Broadband Competition: Ookla data suggests Starlink is now faster than most terrestrial providers in many Sub-Saharan markets, with Madagascar the only country in the sample showing quicker median speeds from domestic providers. Biodiversity & Conservation: A Kew report highlights how AI and digitisation can speed up plant and fungal conservation, as biodiversity loss remains poorly understood. Wildlife Enforcement: Philippines authorities took custody of 50 radiated tortoises (endemic to Madagascar) intercepted at Manila airport, with charges expected against the smuggling suspect.

Climate Risk Watch: UNICEF says almost all children worldwide face at least one climate hazard, with 1.8 billion at risk from drought and 1.2 billion from extreme heat, warning that 1.1 billion children are exposed to overlapping shocks that can overwhelm water, health and education systems. Food Security & Funding: FAO and WFP warn acute hunger will worsen in 13 “hunger hotspots” between June and November 2026, with northeast Nigeria added at highest concern and Somalia flagged for famine risk. Biodiversity & Conservation Finance: AXIAN Telecom secured a €170m EBRD loan to expand 4G/5G and fibre in Senegal and Kenya, betting on telecom infrastructure to drive growth and inclusion. Trade & Regional Policy: The EU’s upgraded trade deal with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles moves beyond goods to cover services and investment, including easier access for EU financial services. Wildlife Enforcement: Philippines authorities took custody of 50 critically endangered radiated tortoises seized at Manila airport, with charges being prepared—another reminder of high-value illegal pet trade pressures linked to Madagascar species. Water Stress Signals: Satellite reporting highlights shrinking water bodies globally, underscoring rising risks for agriculture and transport.

Wildlife Enforcement: Madagascar’s biodiversity is again in the spotlight after reports of 50 critically endangered radiated tortoises being intercepted and placed into authorities’ custody following an airport smuggling case. Climate & Water Security: A new global look at “continental drying” highlights how freshwater is vanishing fast, while UNICEF warns that almost all children worldwide face climate hazards—drought, extreme heat, storms and overlapping risks that strain health, water and schooling. EU–Madagascar Trade & Services: An upgraded EU deal covering Madagascar and other ESA island states goes beyond goods to open services and investment, with potential knock-on effects for telecom, maritime and financial sectors. Telecom Finance: AXIAN Telecom secured a €170m EBRD loan to expand and modernise networks across Africa, with Madagascar included in its broader expansion plans. Tourism Business: Madagascar’s 12th International Tourism Fair (ITM) wrapped up in Antananarivo, drawing thousands and hundreds of exhibitors across hospitality, transport and crafts. Biodiversity Tech: Kew’s State of the World’s Plants and Fungi report points to AI and digitisation as tools to speed up plant and fungal conservation.

Wildlife Enforcement: Madagascar-linked “Radiated Tortoises” were seized abroad after a passenger’s baggage was flagged at Manila airport; 50 critically endangered specimens endemic to Madagascar were handed to authorities and a complaint is being prepared for criminal charges. Trade & Investment: The EU’s upgraded Economic Partnership Agreement with Madagascar and other Indian Ocean partners goes beyond goods to cover services and investment, with a focus on opening access for EU firms. Infrastructure & Business: China-built National Road No. 12’s first phase was officially completed in southeastern Madagascar, promising better transport conditions for communities along the Anosy corridor. Telecom Finance: AXIAN Telecom secured new development financing to expand and modernise networks across Africa, including Madagascar, as investors back the region’s digital infrastructure push. Agribusiness & Prices: The global vanilla market remains under pressure from oversupply and low prices, with Madagascar’s recent tax relief not yet translating into a recovery for growers. Human Capital & Risk: UNICEF warns climate hazards are increasingly a child-rights crisis, with overlapping drought, heat, storms and disease risks threatening education and health across Eastern and Southern Africa. Tourism: Madagascar’s International Tourism Fair in Antananarivo wrapped up with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors, spotlighting the country’s tourism, hospitality and craft sectors.

Climate & Health: UNICEF says almost all children worldwide face at least one climate hazard, with 1.8 billion at risk from droughts and 1.2 billion from extreme heat, warning that overlapping risks can overwhelm services. Biodiversity & Tech: Kew researchers argue AI and digitisation can speed plant and fungus identification and help save species before they vanish, including Madagascar-linked discoveries. Telecom Finance: AXIAN Telecom secured new EBRD financing to expand and modernise networks across Africa, with Madagascar among the markets targeted. Road & Trade Links: China Railway 18th Bureau completed the first phase of National Road No. 12 in southeastern Madagascar, a 45 km upgrade aimed at easing transport bottlenecks. Mining & Jobs: Ambatovy resumed nickel and cobalt production after Cyclone Gezani disruptions, restarting key acid and HPAL operations with a push toward stable 2026 output. Tourism Business: Madagascar’s 12th International Tourism Fair (ITM) wrapped up in Antananarivo, drawing about 500 exhibitors and 25,000+ visitors and international delegations. Culture & Diplomacy: A Russia Day friendship and solidarity run in Antananarivo highlighted ongoing Russia–Madagascar exchanges, including business links via the Russia–Madagascar Chamber of Commerce.

Tourism & Trade: The 12th International Tourism Fair Madagascar (ITM) wrapped up in Antananarivo (11–14 June), drawing about 500 exhibitors and 25,000+ visitors, with meetings across tourism, hospitality, transport, crafts and services. Infrastructure & Transport: China Railway 18th Bureau completed the first phase of National Road No. 12 in Taolagnaro (Anosy), a 45 km stretch with five bridges, aimed at easing long-standing transport bottlenecks in southeastern Madagascar. Mining & Jobs: Ambatovy restarted nickel and cobalt production after Cyclone Gezani, bringing its sulfuric acid plant and HPAL circuits back online and targeting stable run rates by end-June. Telecom Investment: AXIAN Telecom secured €170 million to expand and modernise networks across Africa, with Madagascar included in its multi-year rollout. Energy Access: Women solar technicians, trained through Barefoot College with WWF support, are expanding rural electricity access—reported gains include major household electrification in one village. Digital Sports Distribution: New World TV partnered with Orange Africa to distribute sports content via Max it across Madagascar and other countries, including rights for major competitions like the 2026 World Cup. Business Climate Risk: A new study warns countries including Madagascar could face large GDP losses from nature-related risks by 2030, with knock-on pressure on public finances and debt.