AGP Executive Report

Energy Security: Madagascar has reinstated a nationwide state of energy emergency, citing renewed Middle East tensions that are shaking global oil markets and threatening fuel supply and prices. Food Crisis: Save the Children warns hunger will worsen fast, projecting about 502,000 under-5s and 21,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women facing acute malnutrition from May 2026 to April 2027, with crisis hunger rising to 3.72 million people by late 2026/early 2027. Health & Diplomacy: Two Malagasy citizens hurt during protests in 2025 have returned home after surgery and rehabilitation in Russia, with officials highlighting continued cooperation between the two countries. Training & Energy Skills: Energy Transition Africa says it has lined up training for 15 Pan-African fellows selected from 231 applicants across eight countries to tackle the continent’s energy crisis. Mining Update: Total Graphite has paused production at its Vatomina mine in Madagascar to complete optimisation work, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December 2026.

El Niño Warning for Madagascar: Action Against Hunger says 2026 forecasts point to very strong El Niño, with southern Madagascar facing drought and the east facing higher cyclone risk, threatening already fragile food and nutrition conditions. Graphite Update (Vatomina): Total Graphite has paused production at its Vatomina mine in Madagascar to complete optimisation work, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December 2026. Regional Security (SADC): SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi, to review peace and security, with eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance on the agenda. Cybercrime Law in Madagascar: Madagascar approved a bill to modernise its cybercrime laws. Diplomatic Milestone in Antananarivo: Madagascar hosted a reception marking the 25th anniversary of the China–Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, with Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison among attendees. Visa Rules Roundup (India e-Visa): India published its 2026 e-Visa list for 32 African countries, including Madagascar, enabling online applications without visiting an embassy.

Mining Update: Total Graphite has paused production at its Vatomina graphite mine in Madagascar to complete drilling and operational optimisation, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December 2026. Diplomacy: Madagascar hosted a reception marking the 25th anniversary of the Russia–China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, with Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison among more than 200 guests. Regional Security: SADC ministers met in Malawi to review peace and security, with eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime on the agenda. Public Health Opportunity: WHO opened its Global Internship Programme to citizens of all 194 member states, including eligible African countries. Travel Rules: India published a 2026 e-Visa list that includes Madagascar, while DR Congo released its 2026 eVisa eligibility list for 44 African countries. Culture & Sports: Mikahely shared Malagasy rhythms abroad, and Madagascar’s Billie Jean King Cup campaign faced a tough moment as Nigeria took an early lead over Madagascar.

Regional Security Talks: SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi to tackle eastern DRC violence, terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance, warning that peace can’t be taken for granted. Education Connectivity: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF support, building on 3,296 schools already connected and zero-rating 64 digital learning platforms. Madagascar in the Spotlight: India’s 2026 e-Visa list includes Madagascar, and South Africa’s visa-exemption policy also lists Madagascar for short stays—useful for travellers planning ahead. Climate Pressure on the Region: UN funding up to $100m is being readied for El Niño impacts, with Kenya and other countries including Madagascar flagged as high risk. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: IUCN lists deep-sea mining as the biggest threat to a critically endangered snail found near the Madagascar Basin, warning that mining could smother vent life. Sports: Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-0 in Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III, with Oyinlomo Quadre sealing the singles win.

Visa & travel access: India published a 2026 e-Visa list covering 32 African countries, including Madagascar, easing online entry for tourism, business and medical travel. Regional security: SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi, to tackle eastern DRC violence, terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance. Education connectivity: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF support, building on thousands of schools already linked. Climate risk: UN forecasts warn El Niño could hit Kenya hard, with Madagascar listed among African countries facing high climate-shock risk. Madagascar heritage: France handed back the skull of King Toera and three Sakalava-linked remains to Madagascar, with burial planned for 31 August. Sports: Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III qualifier, keeping promotion hopes on track.

Madagascar Repatriation: France has handed back the skull of King Toera and three other Sakalava-linked remains to Madagascar, with burial planned for August 31—an emotional win after colonial-era trophies were kept in Paris. Cybercrime Law Update: Madagascar approved a bill to modernise cybercrime laws, aiming to strengthen how the country handles online crime. Digital Connectivity Push: Airtel Madagascar tested direct-to-mobile satellite technology with the ICT ministry, showing WhatsApp calls, messaging, and access to platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Education Access: Airtel Africa, with UNICEF, plans to connect 5,000 schools to the internet by 2027; in Malawi, 36 schools are already connected. Regional Travel Rules: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda all published 2026 visa-free/online-visa lists that include Madagascar, easing travel across Southern Africa. Sports (Billie Jean King Cup): Nigeria advanced with a perfect group record, beating Burundi, Namibia, and Madagascar; Namibia also played Madagascar in the qualifiers. Environment & Mining: IUCN flagged deep-sea mining as the biggest threat to a critically endangered deep-sea snail found near Madagascar. Russia-Africa Links: A sanctions-evasion network tied to Russia’s A7 is expanding in Africa, with reported links reaching Madagascar through Russian cooperation.

Madagascar Repatriation: France has handed over the skull of King Toera and three other Sakalava-linked remains to Madagascar, with burial planned for August 31—an emotional win after decades of colonial-era trophy taking. Digital Connectivity: Airtel Madagascar, with the ICT ministry, tested direct satellite-to-mobile services, including WhatsApp video calls, text, voice, and access to major platforms—built on a Starlink Direct to Cell deal. Cybercrime Law Update: Madagascar approved a bill to modernise cybercrime laws, aiming to strengthen how the country handles online offences. Regional Governance Training: More than 140 SADC officials will meet in Johannesburg to learn smarter public spending methods, using cost-benefit approaches to stretch limited budgets. Orthodox Church & Russia Links: An Orthodox service in Antananarivo included Africa Corps representatives and Russian diplomats, with medicines and first-aid supplies handed over after the service. Visa Moves Across Africa: Several countries published 2026 visa-free or visa-on-arrival lists, including Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia—making travel planning easier for many African passport holders. Tech for Search & Rescue: A Singapore team reported miniature “cyborg cockroach” diving suits that could support underwater search-and-rescue and, eventually, Mars exploration.

Repatriation Milestone: Madagascar has received the skull of King Toera and three other Sakalava ancestors from France, with a burial planned for August 31—an emotional win after decades of colonial-era trophy taking. Presidential Appointments: President Mnangagwa has appointed Geo Pomona Waste Management CEO Dr Dilesh Nguwaya as Special Advisor on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability, aiming to speed up cleaner-city efforts. Regional Security Talks: SADC ministers and experts met in Salima, Malawi, to focus on stability in eastern DRC, Madagascar, and Mozambique, reviewing cooperation and peace-building measures. Health Watch: A new study on UTIs across six African countries reports high and rising antimicrobial resistance, including data from Madagascar—raising pressure for stronger monitoring and treatment policies. Travel Rules: Angola published a 2026 visa-free list for 16 African countries, including Madagascar, for short stays up to 30 days.

Cybercrime Overhaul: Madagascar’s Council of Ministers has approved a bill to modernise the country’s 2014 cybercrime law, as part of a wider cybersecurity framework update begun last December. Regional Security Talks: SADC officials are meeting in Salima, Malawi, to focus on security and stability across the region, with attention on crises affecting Madagascar, eastern DRC and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado. Drug Trafficking Crackdowns: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested a woman at Abuja airport after 5.75kg of heroin was found in luggage carried with her three-year-old son; separate reports also describe a South African man arrested in Thailand with 17.5kg of heroin hidden in coffee and tea bags. Visa Rules Watch: Ethiopia published an updated list of countries eligible for tourist visas on arrival, while Tanzania and South Africa also released 2026 visa-free lists for selected nationalities. Health Concern: A new study across six African countries, including Madagascar, warns that antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infection bacteria is high and rising.

Cybersecurity Update: Madagascar’s Council of Ministers has approved a bill to modernise the country’s 2014 cybercrime law, as part of a wider cybersecurity framework overhaul. Regional Security Talks: SADC officials met in Salima, Malawi, to focus on stability in eastern DRC, Madagascar and Mozambique, with delegates also reviewing governance and conflict-prevention steps. Drug Trafficking Crackdowns: Nigeria’s NDLEA reports multiple arrests tied to routes involving Madagascar—an okada rider allegedly excreted 100 wraps of meth after arriving from Madagascar via Addis Ababa, and a South African woman was arrested in Abuja for allegedly smuggling 5.75kg of heroin while using her three-year-old son as cover. Health Threat: A study across six African countries, including Madagascar, warns that antimicrobial resistance in UTIs is rising, with high resistance levels found in key bacteria. Climate Risk: CARE International warns that the coming “super” El Niño could hit women hardest, turning health and household burdens into a major crisis.

SADC Security Talks: Senior officials met in Salima, Malawi, to prepare for a major SADC ministerial meeting on politics, defence and security, with Madagascar’s conflict and the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC on the agenda. Cybercrime Update in Madagascar: Madagascar’s Council of Ministers approved a bill to modernise the country’s 2014 cybercrime law as part of a wider cybersecurity overhaul. Drug Trafficking Across Routes: Nigeria’s NDLEA reported multiple major busts tied to Madagascar travel routes, including a South African woman arrested in Abuja with 5.75kg of heroin hidden in suitcases while using her three-year-old son as cover, and an “okada rider” arrested in Lagos after excreting 100 wraps of methamphetamine following an attempted smuggling operation. Regional Drug Seizure Link: Thailand customs also arrested a South African man over 17.5kg of heroin concealed in coffee and tea bags, reportedly destined for Madagascar. UK Visa List: The UK updated its visitor visa national list, naming 52 African countries whose citizens need visas for short stays. Ocean Governance: A maritime researcher discussed how Africa is pushing marine protected areas in international waters under the High Seas Treaty.

Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it arrested a 38-year-old South African woman at Abuja airport after 5.75kg of heroin was found hidden in two checked suitcases, with investigators alleging she used her three-year-old son as a cover; the agency also reported a major cannabis seizure worth over ₦10.3bn at Lagos’ Apapa port and the arrest of an Okada rider arriving from Madagascar who was caught with methamphetamine wraps. Regional Smuggling Case: Thailand customs also arrested a South African man over 17.5kg of heroin concealed in coffee and green tea bags, with the shipment reportedly destined for Madagascar. Sports in the Region: Ghana’s women’s tennis team, the Diamond Rackets, arrived in Botswana for the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III, with Madagascar listed among the participating nations. Madagascar Spotlight: A flag football masterclass in Antananarivo introduced higher-education students to the non-contact sport and aims to build amateur teams toward a national side. Science & Innovation: Researchers in Singapore say they’ve developed cyborg cockroaches with miniature diving suits that can help search-and-rescue in tight, low-oxygen disaster areas.

Heroin Smuggling Crackdown: Thailand’s Customs arrested a South African man over 17.5kg of heroin hidden in coffee and green tea bags, with the drugs reportedly destined for Madagascar. Airport Interdictions in the Region: Nigeria’s NDLEA also arrested a South African woman at Abuja after 5.75kg of heroin was found in two checked suitcases, allegedly using her three-year-old son to avoid scrutiny. Sports in the Spotlight: Madagascar’s Flag Football Association ran a masterclass in Antananarivo to introduce the sport to students, with plans to build amateur teams and a national side. Climate Warning for Women: CARE International warns this year’s “super” El Niño could hit women hardest, turning it into a women’s health crisis across the region. Education Connectivity Push: Airtel Africa pledged free internet for 5,000 schools by 2027 with UNICEF support, aiming to narrow the digital learning gap. Culture on State TV: Madagascar launched RUSSAMADA TV on TVM, featuring Russian–Malagasy cultural and educational programming, including Russian lessons.

Madagascar-Russia Cultural Push: A Russian–Malagasy programme, RUSSAMADA TV, has launched on Madagascar’s state TV (TVM), with cultural and educational content plus a Russian-learning segment led by St Petersburg University teacher Nadezhda Dubinina, following a similar radio initiative earlier this year. Education Connectivity: Madagascar’s parliament is calling for faster rural telecom roll-out, as the wider region grapples with the digital education gap; Airtel Africa meanwhile pledges to connect 5,000 schools across its markets to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF support. Wildlife & Conservation: The U.S. is set to send a senior official to CITES talks in Geneva, amid scrutiny over links to commercial wildlife breeding—an issue that matters for how endangered species are protected. Science & Nature (Madagascar link): Researchers say they’ve built diving suits for cyborg cockroaches, using Madagascar hissing cockroaches as the base species, aiming for search-and-rescue uses and even future space exploration. Sports (Regional): Madagascar is among the 11 African nations competing in the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III in Botswana starting July 13.

Russian–Malagasy ties in education: A Russian–Malagasy programme, RUSSAMADA TV, launched on Madagascar’s state TV (TVM), with cultural and educational content plus Russian lessons led by St Petersburg University teacher Nadezhda Dubinina. Rural connectivity push: Madagascar’s parliament is calling for faster rural telecom roll-out as Airtel Africa expands school internet access—aiming to connect 5,000 schools to free connectivity by 2027 with UNICEF support. Flood risk across the region: Southern and West Africa are still reeling from heavy rains and flooding, with Madagascar among the affected countries as climate impacts and planning gaps worsen disasters. Sports with Madagascar on the list: Ghana’s women’s tennis team, the Diamond Rackets, is heading to Botswana for the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III, where Madagascar is also participating. Science and tech with a Madagascar link: Researchers say cyborg cockroaches—built using Madagascar hissing cockroaches—could help in search-and-rescue, with new diving-suit designs enabling underwater work.

Telecom Push in Madagascar: Lawmakers are urging faster rollout of mobile and digital networks in areas still fully cut off, after deputies raised 562 formal requests for coverage expansion; the government says connectivity has reached 146 fokontany and plans to scale up. Russian–Malagasy Media Link: A new RUSSAMADA TV programme has launched on Madagascar’s state TV (TVM), with cultural and educational content and Russian lessons, alongside a similar radio initiative started in April. Floods and Planning Warnings: A continent-wide review of 2026 floods highlights how heavy rains and weak planning have hit countries including Madagascar, with hundreds of thousands affected across Southern Africa and deadly flash floods spreading eastward. Education Connectivity Goal: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF, building on thousands of schools already linked—an approach relevant to Madagascar’s own connectivity gaps. Sports—Madagascar in the Mix: Madagascar is listed among 11 African nations competing in the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III in Botswana (July 13–18).