AGP Executive Report

Photojournalism Spotlight: Spanish AFP photographer Luis Tato won the Visa d’Or News top prize for his coverage of Madagascar’s 2025 Generation Z protests, adding to earlier World Press Photo recognition and highlighting young people’s pushback against corruption and failing public services. Digital Finance for Women: AXIAN Group and the African Development Bank launched a programme to support 34,000 women-led businesses in Madagascar (via MVola) and other countries, combining digital lending, alternative credit checks, and training to close financing gaps. National Digital ID & Cybersecurity: Madagascar is strengthening its digital identity system with new cybercrime legislation submitted to parliament, aiming to build trust and security around the expanding national ID rollout. Small-Scale Fisheries: FAO hosted a summit in Rome where Madagascar joined discussions on sustainable small-scale fisheries, stressing food security and livelihoods. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers in Focus: Injury worries are building around Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers as Victor Osimhen faces a groin strain update, with Madagascar listed among upcoming opponents.

Digital Finance for Women: AXIAN and the African Development Bank launched a programme to reach 34,000 women-led businesses in Madagascar, Tanzania and Senegal, using mobile money (MVola/Mixx) plus digital lending, alternative credit checks, and training. National Digital ID Push: Madagascar is strengthening its digital identity system as enrollment expands, with new cybercrime bills sent to parliament and plans for a Digital Protection and Investigation Unit to protect the trust layer around the national ID. FAO Fisheries Summit: The FAO hosted a Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, with ministers including Madagascar’s, focusing on sustainable livelihoods for the hundreds of millions who depend on small-scale fishing. Madagascar Protests Spotlight: AFP photographer Luis Tato won a top prize for his coverage of Madagascar’s Gen-Z protests, highlighting how young people demanded change amid failing services and corruption. US Green Card Lottery (DV-2026): The US State Department released DV-2026 registration figures, with Kentucky Consular Center recording about 129,516 prospective applicants worldwide and African countries featuring prominently. Football Update: Victor Osimhen’s groin injury has Galatasaray facing uncertainty ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers that include matches against Madagascar.

Press Freedom & Youth Protests: AFP photographer Luis Tato won the Visa d’Or News prize at Visa Pour l’Image for his coverage of Madagascar’s Generation Z protests, spotlighting young people demanding better public services and accountability. Justice & Accountability: A Madagascar court sentenced former gendarmerie general Richard Ravalomanana to 10 years of hard labour over the 2025 crackdown on protests, with his lawyer saying they will appeal. Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: Madagascar is strengthening its national digital ID by submitting two cybercrime bills to parliament, including a plan for a Digital Protection and Investigation Unit, as enrollment expands. Women’s Economic Access: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a programme targeting 34,000 women-led businesses in Madagascar and other countries, using digital finance tools plus training. Sports (AFCON 2027): CAF confirmed match dates for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with Nigeria set to host Madagascar on Sept. 25. Conservation: The Phoenix Species Project is launching a major push to recover 100 critically endangered species, with Madagascar among the countries involved.

Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: Madagascar is strengthening its national digital ID push by submitting two cybercrime bills to parliament, aiming to modernize the legal framework, tackle online fraud and identity theft, and set up a Digital Protection and Investigation Unit (UPIN), with plans to ratify the UN Convention against Cybercrime. Conservation & Biodiversity: A new study reports seven previously unknown species of Madagascar’s diamond frogs, bringing the known total to 27 and highlighting how these elusive amphibians can hide in leaf litter and moss. Wildlife Tourism Spotlight: A travel feature spotlights Nosy Tanikely near Nosy Be, describing abundant sea turtles and endemic wildlife as a “surprising” Madagascar draw for visitors. Sports (Madagascar in the spotlight): CAF confirmed AFCON 2027 qualifier dates for Group L, where Nigeria will host Madagascar on Sept. 25 before a trip to Guinea-Bissau four days later. Justice Update: A Madagascar court sentenced former Senate President Richard Ravalomanana’s key security figure, gendarmerie general Richard Ravalomanana, to 10 years of hard labour over the 2025 crackdown on Gen Z protests, with an appeal expected.

Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: Madagascar is strengthening its national digital ID “trust architecture” as enrollment expands, with new cybercrime bills submitted to parliament to modernize the framework, enable ratification of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, and set up a Digital Protection and Investigation Unit (UPIN). Education & Community Support: A school refurbishment in Antsimondrano Public Primary School is set to boost safety and capacity for pupils, backed by the Bourse-funded Talk Walk Rise project. Governance & Justice: A Madagascar court sentenced former Senate President Richard Ravalomanana’s key security figure, gendarmerie general Richard Ravalomanana, to 10 years of hard labour over last year’s crackdown on protests, with an appeal planned. Sports (Madagascar in the spotlight): CAF confirmed AFCON 2027 qualifier matchdays, placing Madagascar in Group L, where Nigeria will host Madagascar on Sept. 25. Higher Education Links: Madagascar plans to deepen cooperation with Moscow in higher education and scientific research, including university collaboration.

Court & Justice: Madagascar’s former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for his role in the deadly 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown, with prosecutors alleging complicity in murder; he denies the charges and says he will appeal. Sports (AFCON 2027): CAF confirmed the opening AFCON 2027 qualifier fixtures for Group L, with Nigeria set to host Madagascar on Sept. 25, 2026, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later. Security & Diplomacy: Russia’s embassy in Madagascar marked the end of WWII with an online lecture and exhibition, while separate reporting says Russian specialists have trained Malagasy elite servicemen to protect the country’s leadership. Environment & Science: Researchers report seven previously unknown species of Madagascar diamond frogs, bringing the known total to 27. Education & Community: A school refurbishment project backed by donors helped expand and repair Antsimondrano Public Primary School, improving safety and capacity for pupils. Health & Food Security: Mary’s Meals’ latest impact report highlights how school feeding is helping children attend class and concentrate, with Madagascar included among countries reached.

Court Verdict in Protest Crackdown: Madagascar’s former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour in Antananarivo for his alleged role in the deadly 2025 Gen Z protests, with prosecutors saying he directed security forces to use lethal force; he denies the charges and says he will appeal. Security Cooperation with Russia: Russian specialists trained 13 Malagasy servicemen from elite units to protect the country’s top leadership, as Madagascar’s transitional leadership praised deeper military cooperation with Moscow. Higher Education Ties: Madagascar’s minister says the country wants to strengthen cooperation with Russia in higher education and scientific research, including university collaboration. Biodiversity Discovery: An international team reports seven previously unknown species of Madagascar’s diamond frogs, bringing the known total to 27 and highlighting how these tiny amphibians have been “hiding” in leaf litter and moss. Sports—AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are confirmed as AFCON 2027 hosts, with Tanzania drawn in a group that includes Madagascar. Education and Community Support: Mary’s Meals’ latest impact report highlights school feeding results, including expanded reach into Madagascar.

Madagascar-Russia Education Ties: Madagascar’s higher education minister says the country wants to deepen cooperation with Moscow on universities and scientific research, including possible inter-ministerial agreements. Court & Accountability: Antananarivo court sentences former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana to 10 years of hard labour for complicity in the deadly 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown, with prosecutors alleging he ordered lethal force; he denies charges and plans to appeal. Biodiversity Discovery: Scientists report seven new species of Madagascar’s diamond frogs, bringing known Rhombophryne species to 27 and highlighting how these leaf-litter amphibians have been “hiding” diversity. Conservation Tech in Africa: A drone-based training push for protected-area technicians across Africa includes participants from Madagascar, aiming to improve wildlife protection and reduce poaching risks. Blue Economy Cooperation (Regional): Zanzibar and the Union government in Tanzania expand Blue Economy collaboration, including marine spatial planning and support for citizens such as women in seaweed farming. Sports (Madagascar in Focus): FC Rouge arrives in Zambia ahead of its CAF Confederation Cup clash versus Red Arrows, while Madagascar’s football presence also features in wider regional AFCON qualifying schedules. Critical Minerals Finance: The U.S. DFC backs Madagascar’s Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project, pointing to rare-earth supply-chain diversification beyond China.

Courts & Justice: In Antananarivo, former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for complicity in murder tied to the deadly 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown, with prosecutors saying he directed security forces to use lethal force; he denies the charges and plans to appeal. Sports (CAF): Malagasy club FC Rouge arrived in Zambia for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first leg against Red Arrows FC, with preparations set in Ndola ahead of Saturday’s match. Church & Diplomacy: Vatican-linked formation courses in Rome began for 147 newly appointed bishops, including clergy from Madagascar. Education & Community: At the Russian Embassy school in Antananarivo, a new academic year ceremony marked Knowledge Day, with Russian officials and Africa Corps representatives attending. Politics (Context): A separate analysis piece questions whether Madagascar’s recent military takeover was a necessary reset or another form of authoritarian capture. Maritime Economy: A feature looks at how Madagascar’s changing maritime economy is being shaped by disruption and sea-crime risks. Global Business (Rare Earths): The U.S. DFC announced expanded rare-earth financing that includes Madagascar’s Ampasindava ionic clay project, aimed at building magnet-metal supply chains.

Rare-Earth Push for Madagascar: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) backed Harena Rare Earths to advance the Ampasindava Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project in northwestern Madagascar, aiming to strengthen rare-earth magnet supply chains beyond China. Justice in Madagascar: Richard Ravalomanana, Madagascar’s ex-Senate chief, was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour over his alleged role in the deadly Gen Z protest crackdown tied to the fall of the previous government. AFCON Qualifiers — Madagascar on the map: Nigeria’s Super Eagles will host Madagascar on Sept. 23 and then travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Sept. 27 in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Maritime Security Angle: A report highlights how small, unregistered vessels enable sea crimes, underscoring risks in the wider Indian Ocean shipping environment that Madagascar depends on. Health Policy Spotlight: African Traditional Medicine Day coverage calls for more investment in research, regulation and innovation to expand access and support universal health coverage.

Madagascar Fuel Overhaul: Madagascar’s state procurement agency has taken over fuel imports for JIRAMA, ending decades of tender control by private distributors under the Groupement Pétrolier de Madagascar; the first new-system cargo (Sunda 1) delivered 67 million litres of diesel to Toamasina, covering about six months of needs. AU Peace Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah joined African leaders in Luanda for an AU extraordinary session focused on strengthening conflict prevention and resolution, with Madagascar named among ongoing crises. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Nigeria vs Madagascar): Nigeria’s Super Eagles will host Madagascar’s Barea on Sept. 23 in Uyo, then travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Sept. 27. Health Funding Warning (Madagascar included): A report on US global health Memorandums of Understanding says Madagascar faces steep projected funding cuts and co-financing pressures that could limit access to care. Traditional Medicine Spotlight: African leaders and WHO discussed how to scale traditional medicine through research, regulation, innovation and community trust to support universal health coverage. Maritime Crime Context: A report highlights how small, unregistered vessels enable sea crimes, including drug trafficking and IUU fishing, across the Indian Ocean region.

African Traditional Medicine Day: WHO and African leaders marked the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day on Aug. 31, urging more investment in research, regulation and innovation to help traditional care support universal health coverage. Madagascar Energy & Power: Madagascar’s state utility JIRAMA has taken direct fuel importing for the first time in nearly three decades, buying 67 million litres of diesel from Nigeria’s Sahara Group via the Toamasina port—an overhaul after Law No. 021/2026 shifted procurement to a government agency. AU Peace & Security: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah joined AU leaders in Luanda to push urgent reforms to Africa’s conflict prevention and resolution system, citing hotspots including Madagascar. Rare Earth Supply Chain: Energy Fuels says it has completed its acquisition of Australian Strategic Materials, adding a South Korea rare-earth metals plant and expanding a “mine-to-magnet” push. Ports & Trade: ICTSI signed to acquire TLG, expanding cargo-handling across South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia with a focus on agricultural and mineral commodities. Madagascar Marine Tourism: Nosy Be remains highlighted as a shark-diving hotspot, including hammerhead sightings.

Madagascar Fuel Shake-Up: Madagascar’s state procurement agency took over JIRAMA fuel imports after Law No. 021/2026, ending decades of tender coordination by private distributors; the first new-system cargo arrived Aug. 12 when the tanker Sunda 1 delivered 67 million litres of diesel to Toamasina for about six months of JIRAMA needs. AU Peace & Security: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah joined AU leaders in Luanda as the AU called for urgent reforms to Africa’s conflict-prevention and early-warning systems, citing crises including Madagascar. Global Health Funding Pressure: A report by Public Citizen and Partners In Health says US MOUs for global health are cutting funding for 18 low-income countries, with Madagascar flagged among the steepest reductions, raising fears for access to care. Traditional Medicine Push: On African Traditional Medicine Day, WHO urged more investment in research, regulation and innovation to make traditional medicine safer and more effective for universal health coverage. Nosy Be Marine Tourism: Nosy Be is highlighted as a shark-diving hotspot, with divers reporting encounters with species including hammerheads. UNICEF Education Support: Pritt (Henkel) donated €100,000 to UNICEF’s Let Us Learn program, including Madagascar, supporting education for children in crises.

Fuel Politics in Madagascar: Madagascar has started importing fuel directly for JIRAMA after Law No. 021/2026 ended the long-running role of private distributors, with the first cargo (67 million litres of diesel) arriving Aug. 12 via the tanker Sunda 1 from Sahara Group. AU Peace Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah joined AU leaders in Luanda for an extraordinary AU summit focused on conflict prevention and resolution, with AU officials calling for urgent reforms to the continent’s peace and security architecture, citing crises including Madagascar. Mining Efficiency Spotlight: Ambatovy’s nickel operations near Moramanga highlight how extreme weather and humidity swings affect processing equipment, with the company stressing improved measurement and coordination for efficiency and safety. Marine Conservation & Trade: Nosy Be is promoted as a shark-diving hotspot, while separate reporting points to the wider sea cucumber smuggling boom—an issue that conservationists link to pressure on marine ecosystems. Health & Culture: African Traditional Medicine Day (Aug. 31) spotlights how traditional care and research can support universal health coverage across the region.

Madagascar Conservation & Research: NIU professor Karen Samonds says her 20 years of field work in Madagascar is uncovering new fossils and species, with a long-term goal of finding a land-dwelling mammal. Protected Forest Gains: A Madagascar rainforest was granted protected area status for Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby, with researchers Mitchell Irwin and Karen Samonds credited for decades of study and conservation support. Trade & Industry Watch: Madagascar has launched a safeguard investigation tied to self-adhesive labels, packaging and certain printed items, with interested parties required to register and submit views by mid-September. Local Environment & Livelihoods: A report highlights how traditional land use in southwest Madagascar—rotational grazing, seasonal harvesting and controlled burning—helps maintain dry-forest resilience. Regional Context: The AU is pushing urgent peace architecture reforms, pointing to instability hotspots that include Madagascar.

Migration & Governance: South Africa’s xenophobic violence against migrants—many from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi—has sparked diplomatic embarrassment, with Ghana pushing for the issue to land on the AU agenda ahead of November local elections. Climate & Food Security: Zimbabwe braces for a hotter, drier 2026/27 summer as El Niño risks intensify, threatening planting and the October-to-April rainy season. Global Health Funding: A lawsuit by Public Citizen highlights how rushed US bilateral agreements are reshaping global health support after major USAID funding cuts. Trade & Energy: The Strait of Hormuz is seeing a dramatic collapse in traffic, raising fears about what happens when oil buffers run low. Madagascar Environment: Madagascar’s ANMCC has opened a safeguard investigation on self-adhesive labels, packaging and certain printed items, with a 30-day window to register and submit views. Conservation Win: A US-based research team says Madagascar rainforest protection was granted for the Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby area, helping curb ongoing forest loss. AI & Labor: New reporting spotlights how “data workers” in places including Madagascar power AI systems while staying largely hidden.