AGP Executive Report

Madagascar-Russia Defence Ties: Madagascar’s Armed Forces minister says the country is expanding military cooperation with Russia, focusing on training and continued access to Russian weapons, with 127 servicemen recently completing an eight-week course. Fuel Security Deal: Madagascar’s Prime Minister confirmed an agreement with Russia to build fuel storage facilities on the island to secure supplies at better prices and reduce risks from Gulf tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Rugby Africa Cup Shock: Kenya Lionesses crushed Madagascar Women 57-0 in Nairobi, setting up a title clash with South Africa. Karate in Nairobi: Madagascar arrived early for the UFAK Region East Karate Championships, warning hosts Kenya they’re ready to fight for gold across categories. Conservation Spotlight: Fota Wildlife Park announced two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins born on 21 April to Romy and Iray, and is inviting the public to name them. Vanilla Infrastructure: A World Bank-backed upgrade is improving the Manambery Bridge in northeast Madagascar, supporting vanilla-linked jobs for tens of thousands of farmers.

Karate in Nairobi: Madagascar’s national team says it’s ready for the East African championship, with coach Ricko Rakotonanana insisting the squad won’t be intimidated by hosts Kenya as the event kicks off in Nyayo Stadium Indoor Arena. Madagascar–vanilla infrastructure: A World Bank-backed upgrade to the Manambery Bridge in far northeast Madagascar aims to keep vanilla farmers and markets connected year-round as climate shocks threaten roads and bridges. Maternal health push: UNFPA and the African Development Bank signed a partnership to strengthen maternal health and demographic resilience, including digital training for health workers and climate-resilient health infrastructure. Tourism access: Emirates expanded its “Travel Rehearsal” programme to Madagascar, holding the first autism-friendly session at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. Vanilla innovation at origin: IFF is setting up a Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar, adding lab analysis, extraction capabilities, and greenhouse research to boost quality and new product development. Sports (Madagascar women): Kenya Lionesses host Madagascar in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup after a big opening win, while Madagascar looks to bounce back from a heavy defeat.

Unity Cup Buzz: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in London, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice to book Saturday’s final. World Cup Prep: Morocco also flexed ahead of 2026, crushing Burundi 5-0 in a friendly as coach Mohamed Ouahbi fine-tunes his 26-man squad. Madagascar in Focus: A World Bank-backed upgrade is improving the Manambery Bridge in far northeast Madagascar—small on the map, big for vanilla farmers and market access. Health Partnership: UNFPA and the AfDB signed a deal to strengthen maternal health and economic growth across Africa, including digital training for health workers. Conservation Note: Two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies were born at Fota Wildlife Park, and the public is invited to help name them. Business & Trade: IFF is setting up a Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar to boost testing, extraction, and new flavour development at origin.

Hybrid rice diplomacy: China’s Yuan Longping legacy is landing in West Africa—Guinea received a bag of hybrid rice marked with both flags, after a push that helped Guinea set up Africa’s biggest hybrid rice demonstration park and lift yields to about six tonnes per hectare. Infrastructure momentum: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development says road work is progressing fast in Togo, Madagascar and Nigeria, with completion rates reported up to 92% on one project. Shipping and sanctions loopholes: A new look at Russia’s oil trade argues that “flag of convenience” practices helped a shadow fleet route through weak maritime registries across parts of Africa. Madagascar travel signal: After unrest, the U.S. advisory for Madagascar reportedly eased to Level 2, with experts pointing to steadier routes and airports. Wildlife wins: Two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies were born at Fota Wildlife Park, while other parks also reported new lemur triplets. Rugby Africa: Kenya Lionesses aim for a second win against Madagascar after a big opener over Uganda. Business and health: UNFPA and AfDB signed a deal to boost maternal health and women’s economic opportunities across Africa.

AFCON Focus: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is warning Nigeria not to treat any opponent as “small” after the AFCON 2027 qualifying draw put Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in Group L—he points to Tanzania’s strength even after qualifying, Madagascar’s past win over Nigeria, and insists Guinea-Bissau can’t be underestimated. Unity Cup Build-Up: Chelle has also pulled eight NPFL players into the 2026 Unity Cup squad for the camp in Charlton ahead of the Zimbabwe match. Madagascar Watch: The Russian Orthodox Church says it has finally received state registration in Madagascar after years of delays, with plans to build a church in Antananarivo. Travel & Climate: Emirates cut 16% of June flights from Dubai, while VFS Global pledges to plant 1,200 flame trees in Dubai as part of a wider greening push. Sports Elsewhere: At Roland Garros, Stan Wawrinka’s final appearance ended in defeat, while Iga Swiatek advanced as day two continued.

French Open 2026: Elena Rybakina kept rolling, while Elina Svitolina survived a scare against Anna Bondar to reach the next stage, as day-two action also saw Stan Wawrinka bow out and other seeds advance. Religion & State: Madagascar has officially registered the Russian Orthodox Church, clearing the way for plans to build a new church in Antananarivo. Travel & Trade: Emirates cut about 16% of its June flights from Dubai, while Emirates also launched an autism-friendly “Travel Rehearsal” programme at Ivato Airport to help families navigate flying with less stress. Infrastructure Watch: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development says road projects in Togo, Madagascar and Nigeria are progressing, with completion rates reported at 92%, 80% and 45% respectively. Africa Day Politics: Groups marking May 25 renewed calls for the withdrawal of foreign military bases, with the theme “Africa is not a backyard to any foreign powers.”

FIBA 3x3 World Cup Groups Announced: The 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup is set for June 1–7 in Warsaw, and the draw is already shaping the story—Mongolia’s men and women have both landed in Group B, alongside the USA, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Poland. Rugby Spotlight: In Nairobi, South Africa’s Springbok Women opened their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign with a 64–5 win over Madagascar, while Kenya Lionesses started fast by beating Uganda 43–10 in an East African derby. Road Progress: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development says it is monitoring major African road projects, with completion rates at 92% in Togo, 80% in Madagascar and 45% in Nigeria. Madagascar in Focus: Emirates launched its “Travel Rehearsal” programme in Madagascar to help autistic travellers practice airport and onboard steps before flying. Food Security Warning: Southern Africa’s hunger emergency is being framed as more than drought—24+ million people face crisis food insecurity, tied to deeper climate and economic resilience gaps.

Regional Diplomacy: Southern African foreign ministers meeting at Kruger National Park pledged stronger cooperation, tighter policy coordination, and a more unified voice on global issues—while warning climate shocks and conflict are pushing up food and fuel prices and raising food/energy insecurity. Climate Risk: A new study flags rising extreme-rainfall risk across Southern Africa and parts of Southeast Asia, with some cities seeing risk double since 1981. Madagascar in Focus: Emirates launched its “Travel Rehearsal” programme at Ivato International Airport for autism-friendly, step-by-step flight practice; and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development says Madagascar’s road project is at 80% completion. Rugby Spotlight: Springbok Women beat Madagascar 64-5 in Nairobi, but coaches say discipline must improve; Kenya Lionesses also opened with a big win over Uganda. AFCON 2027 Build-Up: Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Group L rivals Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau—players and analysts are urging no complacency as qualifiers begin.

Conservation Breakthrough: A critically endangered red ruffed lemur has given birth to rare triplets at a Georgia zoo—Red, Marjorie and Taylor—another sign that Madagascar’s threatened rainforest species can still rebound when breeding and protection work together. Rugby Spotlight: South Africa’s Springbok Women kicked off the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi with a dominant 64–5 win over Madagascar, with Logan Welman starring as the tournament’s new faces step up. AFCON Roadmap: The 2027 AFCON qualifiers fixtures are out, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau—already prompting calls to avoid complacency. Travel Update: With the US pausing immigrant visa processing for many countries including Egypt, a wave of interest is shifting to visa-free and visa-on-arrival options—about 65 destinations are highlighted for Egyptians. Local Angle (Madagascar): A reminder that Madagascar’s biodiversity is still under pressure, even as new research methods keep uncovering fresh insights.

Rugby Spotlight: Springbok Women kicked off their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title defence in style, beating Madagascar 64–5 in Nairobi, with Logan Welman starring on debut and South Africa’s depth turning the match after half-time. AFCON 2027 Roadmap: CAF has released the qualifiers’ fixture schedule, with match windows set for September–October and November, and Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana all now staring at their paths to the finals. Visa Shock: The US pause on immigrant visa processing has pushed Egyptians to look for visa-free or visa-on-arrival alternatives—about 65 countries are now in focus. Madagascar in the Mix: Madagascar remains central to multiple stories, from rugby and biodiversity research to its role in global vanilla supply. Economy & Energy: A $400m push for Africa’s mini-grids highlights the shift toward faster, decentralised power—aimed at reaching communities the grid can’t yet serve.

AFCON 2027 Focus: Nigeria’s Super Eagles are being warned not to treat Group L as a walkover after former defender Ifeanyi Udeze urged full seriousness against Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau—echoing fears from Nigeria’s rocky 2026 World Cup qualifying run. Football Fixtures: The group is now set: Nigeria open at home to Madagascar on Sept 23 in Uyo, with the wider campaign running June 19–July 17, 2027. Science Buzz: A new study says T. rex’s tiny arms may have evolved as its massive skull and jaws took over hunting. Regional Diplomacy: The African Union’s Sudan dilemma continues—balancing anti-coup “zero tolerance” with step-by-step talks to manage the crisis. Energy & Business: Mozambique graphite hopes get a boost as Syrah targets higher output at Balama, while Africa’s mini-grid push continues with a reported $400m power raise. Public Safety: Police in Virginia investigate reports of a Pink Panther-style costume following children.

Safety Alert: Fredericksburg, Virginia police are hunting a person in a Pink Panther-style costume after reports they were seen following children near a bus stop; authorities have circulated flyers across neighbourhoods and businesses while a viral video helped spark the search. AFCON Focus: Nigeria’s Super Eagles face a tough Group L in the 2027 qualifiers—Austin Eguavoen and football experts are urging the team to prove they’re “Super Eagles” by taking each match seriously against Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Rugby Women: Kenya’s Lionesses open the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi with a high-stakes derby against Uganda Lady Cranes, aiming to build on last year’s second-place finish. Health Crisis: An Ebola treatment centre in Congo was set alight, adding pressure to an already fragile response. Democracy Debate: A new Ghana-focused whitepaper argues that a strong, responsible opposition can strengthen democratic resilience, using Ghana’s 2025/2026 parliamentary record as a case study. Everyday Science: A guide explains how to test suspected meteorites—mostly by checking density, magnetism, surface pits and fusion crust.

Solar Power Push: A new report says Africa’s electricity gap is still huge—under 20% access overall and under 5% in rural areas—but solar remains the most abundant option, with installed renewables rising since 2013 and sunlight averaging 325 intense days a year. Digital Identity & Local Control: At ID4Africa, governments and partners backed open-source identity systems like MOSIP and OpenCRVS with a clear focus on local ownership and early capacity building. Logistics Expansion: Kaleido Logistics is growing its African reach by integrating IFS South Africa into its network, strengthening corridor operations across Southern Africa. Mobile Crypto for the Unconnected: Sorted Wallet secured Sh570 million to expand a feature-phone-friendly crypto wallet across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Football—AFCON 2027 Talk: Nigeria’s Eric Eguavoen and others insist Group L isn’t “easy,” pointing to tough tests from Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau as Chelle prepares squads for the Unity Cup and Europe friendlies.

AFCON 2027 Focus: Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen is pushing back hard on talk of an “easy group” after the draw put them in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, insisting the team must take it “one game at a time” and not underrate any opponent. Unity Cup Build-Up: Head coach Eric Chelle has also named squads for the Unity Cup in London and friendlies in Europe, with Wilfred Ndidi leading a mix of established stars and fresh call-ups, and Nigeria set to face Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley. Rugby Africa Women’s Cup: Kenya’s Lionesses are gearing up in Nairobi with new debutants and senior leaders like Sheila Chajira, as they open against Uganda, then meet Madagascar, with South Africa a possible decider. Madagascar-Morocco Diplomacy: Madagascar reaffirmed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the autonomy plan for the Sahara, backing UN-led efforts toward a political settlement. Kenya Youth Olympics Role Model: Rugby star Sheila Chajira was named a 2026 Youth Olympics role model ahead of Dakar.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Buzz: CAF has released the full 2027 AFCON qualifiers fixtures, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set for a tough Group L run with Madagascar, co-host Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau—while William Troost-Ekong insists the “minnows” label won’t fool them. Super Eagles Build-Up: Coach Éric Chelle has named squads for the Unity Cup in London and Europe friendlies, with Wilfred Ndidi captaining and Victor Osimhen plus Ademola Lookman leading the Poland and Portugal tests. Madagascar in the Spotlight: Madagascar also reaffirmed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and UN-led efforts on the Sahara, backing “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.” Sports Beyond Football: FIBA U18 AfroBasket qualifiers schedules are out, with zones set to host in Tunisia and Burkina Faso. Food Security Moves: Zambia and Madagascar are on a Korea study tour to strengthen home-grown school meals. Wildlife & Culture: A Sussex zoo welcomed ring-tailed lemur twins, and a new FIBA U18 schedule adds more youth basketball momentum.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn into Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, setting up a familiar-but-tough run for the ticket to the 2027 finals co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Unity Cup & Friendlies: Coach Eric Chelle named strong squads for Nigeria’s Unity Cup and European tests, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the charge against Poland and Portugal, while Arthur Okonkwo earns a maiden Super Eagles call-up. Madagascar-Morocco Diplomacy: Madagascar reiterated support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and UN-led efforts on the Sahara, with Guinea-Bissau also backing Morocco’s position. Education & Nutrition: Zambia and Madagascar officials are in Korea on a study tour to strengthen home-grown school meals, linking better nutrition to learning and local farming. Sports Rugby: Kenya Lionesses named Janet Okello and Sheila Chajira in their Rugby Africa Cup squad as preparations intensify. Travel: Atlas Ocean Voyages unveiled inaugural season itineraries for its new ship, Atlas Adventurer, with stops including Madagascar and Kenya.