AGP Executive Report

Madagascar Protests Recognition: Spanish AFP photographer Luis Tato won the Visa d’Or News top prize for his coverage of Madagascar’s 2025 Gen Z protests, highlighting youth anger over failing services, corruption and economic hardship. CAF Confederation Cup (Madagascar vs Zambia): Zambian side Red Arrows opened their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary tie with a 2-0 win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, with Eliya Mandanji and Alassane Diarra scoring; coach Chisi Mbewe says they must be more clinical as the return leg looms. Digital Finance for Women: AXIAN and the African Development Bank launched a programme from Antananarivo to support 34,000 women-led businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania and Senegal via mobile money platforms, plus training for 25,000 women. National Digital ID Trust: Madagascar is strengthening its “trust architecture” for national digital identity, aiming to improve confidence in digital services. US Green Card Lottery (DV-2026): The US released DV-2026 selection figures, with about 129,516 prospective applicants registered worldwide; applicants must complete processes by Sept. 30, 2026. Sports Injury Watch (AFCON qualifiers): Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen is ruled doubtful for September AFCON qualifiers after a groin injury confirmed by Galatasaray, with Madagascar among Nigeria’s opponents.

Photojournalism Spotlight: AFP photographer Luis Tato won the Visa d’Or News top prize for his coverage of Madagascar’s 2025 Gen Z protests, adding to his World Press Photo 2026 win and highlighting youth demands over public services, corruption and hardship. 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 via mobile money (MVola/Mixx), with digital lending, credit assessment and training. FAO Fisheries Summit: The FAO hosted a 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, stressing that small-scale fishing supports food security and livelihoods for hundreds of millions, including Madagascar’s role in ministerial discussions. Madagascar Football in CAF: Zambian side Red Arrows opened their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, with coach Chisi Mbewe saying they must be more clinical ahead of the return leg. US Green Card Lottery: The US State Department released DV-2026 figures, with about 129,516 prospective applicants registered and a full country list including multiple African nations.

CAF Confederation Cup (Madagascar focus): Zambian side Red Arrows beat Madagascar’s FC Rouge 2-0 in the first leg, with Eliya Mandanji scoring in the 39th minute and Alassane Diarra doubling the lead early in the second half. Coach Chisi Mbewe called it a “good result” but said his team must be more clinical and better protect the 2-0 advantage ahead of the return leg. Madagascar in global spotlight: AFP photographer Luis Tato won the top Visa Pour l’Image prize for his coverage of Madagascar’s Generation Z protests, praising the young people who pushed for their story to be told. Digital ID push: Madagascar is strengthening its national digital identity programme, with new cybercrime bills sent to parliament to build a safer legal and institutional base as enrollment expands. Women’s finance: AXIAN and the AfDB launched a digital finance programme for 34,000 women-led businesses, including support and training in Madagascar. Sports concern beyond borders: Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen injury news is also in the spotlight as Super Eagles prepare to face Madagascar in AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

CAF Confederation Cup: Zambian side Red Arrows kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, thanks to Eliya Mandanji (39’) and Alassane Diarra (57’), giving them a strong first-leg advantage before the return. Madagascar Digital ID: Madagascar is pushing ahead with its national digital identity drive, strengthening the legal and technical base with new cybercrime bills and plans for a Digital Protection and Investigation Unit, as enrollment expands. Local Football Focus: With AFCON 2027 qualifiers looming, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen limped off injured after scoring for Galatasaray, raising fresh fitness worries ahead of matches including against Madagascar. Sports Prep for Qualifiers: Nigeria also got a boost as Frank Onyeka returned to contention for Coventry, while Femi Azeez remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. Wildlife & Conservation: A major rescue effort in the US saw more than 800 box turtles rehabilitated after being seized from traffickers at New York-area airports. Travel & Nature: A new Seabourn 138-day world cruise will stop at Antsiranana in Madagascar, alongside other major island and UNESCO sites.

Digital ID Push: Madagascar is strengthening its national digital identity with new cybercrime bills sent to parliament, aiming to build trust as enrollment scales and to set up a Digital Protection and Investigation Unit. CAF Football: Zambia’s Red Arrows kick off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign at home against Madagascar’s FC Rouge, with coach Chisi Mbewe urging discipline for a positive first-leg result. AFCON Qualifiers Schedule: CAF confirmed the 2027 AFCON qualifier matchdays, with Nigeria set to host Madagascar on Sept 25 and then travel to Guinea-Bissau on Sept 29. Conservation Spotlight: The Phoenix Species Project launches a major global effort to help recover 100 critically endangered species, backed by major philanthropic funding. Local Tech Governance: Co-Develop and Caribou released a guide on multistakeholder governance for digital public infrastructure, focused on building trust and adoption. Sports Injury Watch: Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen was forced off with a suspected groin issue after scoring for Galatasaray, raising questions ahead of AFCON qualifiers.

Madagascar Court Verdict: A Malagasy court sentenced former gendarmerie general Richard Ravalomanana to 10 years of hard labour over his role in last year’s crackdown during Gen Z protests, with his lawyer saying an appeal is planned. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Madagascar in focus): CAF confirmed the opening matchdays for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Nigeria set to host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later. CAF Confederation Cup (Madagascar clubs): Zambia’s Red Arrows kick off their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at home against Madagascar’s FC Rouge, aiming to reach the group stage. Women’s finance push: AfDB and AXIAN launched a digital finance programme to support 34,000 women-led businesses, including beneficiaries in Madagascar, using mobile platforms plus training. Biodiversity update: Scientists report seven new species of Madagascar diamond frogs, bringing known Rhombophryne species to 27.

Court Ruling in Antananarivo: 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 he ordered security forces to use lethal force; he says he will appeal. Justice & Accountability: The UN had reported at least 22 deaths in the early days of the unrest, which began over chronic power and water cuts before turning into a wider anti-government movement. International Cooperation: Madagascar says it will strengthen ties with Moscow in higher education and scientific research, including plans for Russian university collaboration with Malagasy institutions. Trade & Logistics: ICTSI plans to acquire South Africa’s The Logistics Group (TLG) to expand port and cargo logistics across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. AFCON 2027 Focus: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are already qualified as hosts, while Madagascar is drawn into Tanzania’s group for the qualifiers. Sports on the Pitch: FC Rouge arrived in Ndola ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash against Red Arrows. Biodiversity Breakthrough: Scientists report seven new diamond frog species from Madagascar, bringing the known total to 27. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns El Niño could affect children across eastern and southern Africa, explicitly including Madagascar.

Court Verdict in Antananarivo: Madagascar’s former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for his role in the deadly crackdown on the 2025 Gen Z protests, with prosecutors saying he ordered security forces to use lethal force; he denies the charges and says he will appeal. Education & Science Diplomacy: Madagascar’s higher education minister says the country wants to strengthen cooperation with Moscow, including Russian university links and a planned inter-ministerial agreement, building on recent Russian language and culture activities at the University of Antananarivo. Sports on the Continent: FC Rouge arrived in Ndola, Zambia, ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash against Red Arrows, with the team saying they’re ready and aiming for a positive result. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns that El Niño impacts could affect more than 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa, naming Madagascar among the countries facing drought, extreme heat, flooding, and pressure on health and schooling. Women’s Finance Push: The AfDB and AXIAN are rolling out a digital finance program for women entrepreneurs in Madagascar and other countries, combining digital lending with training and business support. Biodiversity Spotlight: Scientists report seven new species of Madagascar diamond frogs, bringing the known total to 27 and highlighting how these tiny amphibians have been hiding in leaf litter and moss.

Court Verdict in Antananarivo: Former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for complicity in murder linked to the deadly 2025 Gen Z protests, with prosecutors saying he directed security forces to use lethal force; he denies the charges and plans to appeal. Climate Warning for Madagascar: UNICEF says more than 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa, including Madagascar, are in areas vulnerable to intensifying 2026-2027 El Niño, with risks to nutrition, health, schooling, safety, and water and sanitation. U.S. Rare Earth Financing: The U.S. DFC announced financing for Harena Rare Earths to advance Madagascar’s Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project, as Washington pushes to diversify critical mineral supply chains. Russia-Madagascar Military Cooperation: Russian specialists trained 13 Malagasy servicemen to protect the country’s top leadership, highlighting continued defence cooperation and equipment transfers. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Super Eagles will host Madagascar on September 23 and then travel to Guinea-Bissau on September 27 for AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Health & Safety—Food Recall: Madagascar-linked “Madagascar Label Rouge” prawns were recalled in New Zealand over possible listeria contamination, underscoring ongoing food safety concerns.

Court Verdict: Madagascar’s former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for complicity in murder tied to the deadly youth-led “Gen Z” protest crackdown in 2025, after prosecutors said he directed security forces to use violence; he denies the charges and says he will appeal. Climate Risk: UNICEF warns that more than 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa—including in Madagascar—are exposed to intensifying 2026-2027 El Niño impacts, with drought, extreme heat, flooding and knock-on effects on food, health, schooling and safe water. Health & Safety: ALVA issued recalls in France affecting “Crevettes Madagascar Label Rouge” prawns sold at Grand Frais due to possible listeria, and also recalled certain prepared salads at Auchan over contamination fears. Sports (CAF): FC Rouge arrived in Zambia for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first-leg against Red Arrows FC on Saturday, aiming for a positive result. International Spotlight: The U.S. DFC announced expanded rare-earth financing for Madagascar’s Ampasindava ionic clay project, as part of efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains.

Rare Earth Deal for Madagascar: The U.S. DFC says it is financing Harena Rare Earths to push the Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, part of a wider $62.8m package aimed at diversifying critical mineral supply chains. Biosecurity Alert in the Region: Madagascar ragwort, a highly toxic invasive weed, has been found in south Wairarapa near Ngawi, prompting calls for farmers and communities to watch for it to protect cattle and horses. AFCON Qualifiers—Madagascar in Nigeria’s Group: Nigeria’s Super Eagles will open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Sept. 23 in Uyo, with Guinea-Bissau following on Sept. 27. Sports Update: Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar is doubtful after a hamstring injury at Valencia, with a potential layoff of up to two months. Accountability in Passports Scandal: Belgian firm Semlex is set to face criminal trial in Brussels over alleged bribery and fraud tied to Congo biometric passports.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Nigeria–Madagascar): Nigeria’s Super Eagles will open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, hosting Madagascar, before travelling to Morocco to face Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, Sept. 27. Squad Update: Striker Umar Sadiq is reported doubtful with a suspected hamstring injury, potentially sidelining him for weeks, while defender Benjamin Fredrick returned to competitive action after 287 days out with a knee injury. Health Policy (Africa Traditional Medicine Day): WHO marked Aug. 31 with calls for more investment in research, regulation and innovation to make traditional medicine safer and more effective for universal health coverage. US Visa Rules (Madagascar included): The US Embassy network says routine visa processing has shifted to regional hubs (including Antananarivo), but diplomatic and official visas under categories A, G and C will still be handled in Abuja. Maritime Crime Warning: Authorities highlight how small, unregistered vessels are enabling drug trafficking and other sea crimes across the region.

Madagascar Fuel Shift: Madagascar’s state-owned JIRAMA has begun buying diesel directly after a new law ended fuel imports via private distributors, with the first cargo (67 million litres) delivered to Toamasina—an overhaul that could reshape costs and power supply reliability. AU Peace Reform: At an AU extraordinary session in Luanda, AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged urgent reforms to Africa’s peace and security system, stressing early warning, sustainable funding, and citing hotspots including Madagascar alongside Sudan, the Sahel, and eastern DRC. US Visa Rules for Madagascar: The US Embassy in Abuja says it will still process diplomatic and official visas (A, G, C) even as routine visa services move to regional hubs that include Antananarivo, advising applicants to contact protocol offices. African Traditional Medicine Day: WHO and partners marked African Traditional Medicine Day (Aug. 31) calling for more investment in research, regulation, and innovation so traditional care can better support universal health coverage. Sports—Super Eagles Defender: Benjamin Fredrick returned to play after 287 days out with a knee injury, starting for Brentford U-21 as Nigeria looks ahead to 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Environment & Tourism: Nosy Be continues to draw attention for shark diving, with divers reporting encounters including hammerheads.

US–Madagascar Visa Update: The U.S. Embassy in Abuja says it will still process diplomatic and official visas (A, G and C categories) even as routine visa services are being redirected to regional hubs from Aug. 1, 2026—an arrangement that also affects Antananarivo. Global Health Funding Pressure on Madagascar: A new report by Public Citizen and Partners In Health warns that Trump-era health funding plans could underspend congressionally approved global health money, with Madagascar among the steepest cuts (about 77% by 2030) and co-financing requirements that may be hard to meet. AU Peace and Security Reform: AU leaders meeting in Luanda urged urgent reforms to Africa’s peace architecture, citing persistent crises across the continent, including Madagascar, and calling for stronger early warning and sustainable financing. Madagascar Fuel Market Shift: Madagascar’s state has started importing fuel directly for JIRAMA for the first time in decades, ending the old role of private distributors coordinated through GPM; the first cargo (67 million litres of diesel) arrived Aug. 12. Mining and Industry: Energy Fuels says it completed its acquisition of Australian Strategic Materials to strengthen a mine-to-magnet rare-earth supply chain, while separate coverage highlights Ambatovy’s focus on precise process measurement in Madagascar’s nickel operations. Biodiversity Watch: Researchers report seven new species of Madagascar’s diamond frogs, adding to evidence that the island’s forest floor hides far more life than previously known.

Humanitarian Logistics: WFP says its Dubai hub has shipped over 5,500 tonnes of aid this year, helping keep relief moving despite supply-chain disruptions, with floods in Madagascar among the destinations. African Union Peace Reform: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged urgent overhaul of Africa’s peace and security architecture, stressing conflict prevention, early warning and sustainable financing as crises stretch from the eastern DRC to Somalia and even Madagascar. Madagascar Justice Watch: Mauritius claims Malagasy businessman Mamy Ravatomanga planned a sea escape in a $156m money-laundering case, while his lawyer says there’s no physical proof. Biodiversity From Madagascar: Researchers identified seven new species of Madagascar’s elusive diamond frogs, using fieldwork, museum specimens and DNA to strengthen conservation planning. Environment & Nature: New research suggests humans may be active across both day and night, borrowing the “cathemeral” idea linked to Madagascar lemurs. Sports & Media: DAZN secured LaLiga rights for Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, bringing 380 matches per season to fans across the region.

Madagascar Sports & Regional Qualifiers: DR Congo beat Egypt 77-75 in Dakar to secure a much-needed win, with Jonathan Kasibabu posting 10 points and 10 rebounds; the Leopards had also beaten Madagascar earlier in the campaign. Justice & Detention in the Indian Ocean: Mauritius says Malagasy businessman Mamy Ravatomanga planned a sea escape in a $156m money-laundering case, while his lawyer argues there’s no physical proof and disputes the claim. Environment & Biodiversity: Researchers report seven new species of Madagascar’s elusive diamond frogs, showing the forest-floor world is even more diverse than thought. Conservation & Local Knowledge: A new look at how traditional land use in southwestern Madagascar helps keep dry forests resilient, with community practices tied to seasonal harvesting and rotational grazing. Climate Pressure in Southern Africa: Zimbabwe braces for a hotter, drier 2026/27 season as El Niño is forecast to intensify, threatening planting and crop-growing months. Global Trade Risk: The Hormuz shipping route has seen a dramatic drop in traffic after strikes on Iran, raising concerns about what happens when oil buffers run low.