AGP Executive Report

Russia-Madagascar Trade: Russia has resumed wheat supplies to Madagascar, exporting over 30,000 tonnes worth more than $7 million in the first five months of 2026, after near-zero exports in 2025. EU Trade Deal: The EU and ESA partners (including Madagascar) concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement in Mauritius, aiming for clearer rules and more opportunities for services, investment and digitalisation. Digital Services: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini” in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa—and also includes Madagascar—bringing AI search help to more African users. Food & Climate Policy: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, citing their role in resilient food systems. Security & Diplomacy: Catholic bishops in Africa and Madagascar called for an urgent investigation into the murder of Mozambique’s Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, demanding stronger protection for religious leaders. Local Economy: Madagascar also appears in a wider regional job-fair list tied to overseas employment opportunities. Sports Media Access: New World TV says it has partnered with Orange to distribute sports content via Max it across nine countries including Madagascar, covering major competitions like the 2026 World Cup.

Russia-Madagascar Food Security: Russia resumed wheat shipments to Madagascar, sending over 30,000 tonnes worth more than $7m in the first five months of 2026, after near-zero exports in 2025. EU Trade Deal: The EU and ESA partners (including Madagascar) concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement in Mauritius, aiming for more predictable rules and support for services and digitalisation. Russia-Madagascar Security: Bloomberg reports Russia sent another batch of military engineering equipment to Madagascar, including vehicles and mobile power plants, as the country deepens ties with Moscow after the 2025 coup. Tech for Daily Life: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa—and includes Madagascar—bringing built-in AI search help to more users across Africa. Environment & Livelihoods: Chester Zoo and Malagasy conservationists kick off the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Mangabe, building the first official Malagasy butterfly ID guide. Food & Climate Policy: Rural women smallholder farmers across Southern Africa, including Madagascar, urged governments to put women at the centre of food and climate policy to tackle hunger and shocks. World Cup Build-Up: Madagascar-linked football coverage continues as African teams gear up for FIFA World Cup 2026, with attention on group-stage matchups and preparations.

Madagascar-Russia Military Ties: Russia is sending an additional batch of military equipment to Madagascar to re-equip the army’s engineering corps, including vehicles and mobile power plants, as the island’s post-2025 coup leadership deepens cooperation with Moscow. EU-Eastern & Southern Africa Trade: The EU and ESA states including Madagascar concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement in Mauritius, aiming for clearer rules, more services and digital trade, and easier access for businesses and consumers. Conservation in Madagascar: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners have launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, building a first official Malagasy butterfly ID guide to strengthen protection of fragile species. Local Economy & Jobs via Forests: Researchers say biodiversity-based value chains—such as honey, raffia, and medicinal plants—could boost rural livelihoods in Madagascar if investments target market links and forest governance. Sports: Madagascar beat South Sudan 1-0 in the second leg to advance in CAF women’s Olympic qualifiers, setting up a next-round clash with South Africa. Climate Watch: New global data shows May 2026 was the second-warmest on record, with major heat in western Europe and dry conditions including parts of Madagascar.

Madagascar-Russia Military Ties: Russia delivered an additional batch of military engineering equipment to Madagascar, including mobile power plants and vehicles, as Moscow seeks to deepen influence across Africa. Conservation in Focus: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners have launched the island’s biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for the first official Malagasy butterfly ID guide and stronger protection for fragile forest species. EU Trade Deal: The EU and ESA4 partners (including Madagascar) concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, with the European Commission publishing questions and answers on the deal. Oil Shipping Watch: A Marshall Islands-flagged crude tanker heading to Rotterdam left the Gulf at the end of May and is currently off Madagascar, marking the first Europe-bound shipment since March. Labour Policy Impact: Kuwait has restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned 27 others, with Madagascar listed among the banned sources. Climate Signals: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with an unusually early and intense heatwave in western Europe and worsening global weather extremes.

Madagascar Disaster Response: Russia has transferred tracked and wheeled recovery equipment, mobile power stations and water purification units to Madagascar to help communities hit by Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, with the handover held at Ivato military base in Antananarivo. Agroecology Support: An international AERAS initiative says more than 10,000 small-scale farmers across Africa and Latin America have gained agroecology training, advisory services and new technologies, with Madagascar included among target countries. Energy and Trade Finance: AfDB approved a $20m Madagascar trade finance guarantee, aiming to ease financing for businesses and regional trade. Labour Migration Rules: Kuwait’s new circular restricts domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and bans 27 others, a policy that directly lists Madagascar among the prohibited sources. Regional Environment Gap: A webinar on forest and biodiversity governance warns that many African countries still struggle to turn environmental policies into real on-the-ground action, citing Madagascar alongside other hotspots.

Madagascar-Africa Business: The AfDB approved a $20m trade finance guarantee facility for BMOI in Madagascar, aiming to speed up industrialisation and back local firms with imports of production inputs. Energy & Shipping Safety: A Madagascar-flagged tanker, MT Marivex, caught fire near Oman in the Gulf of Oman; 24 Indian crew were evacuated and reported safe as investigations continue amid heightened regional tensions. Mining Deal Watch: Sumitomo is financing a move to sell its 54% stake in the Ambatovy nickel project, with sources saying it keeps some nickel offtake rights. Biosecurity Shock: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning of penalties and targeting an underground reptile-food market. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Tinubu met Madagascar President Randrianirina in Abuja as both sides discussed stronger ties.

Trade Finance Boost: AfDB approved a $20m Madagascar trade finance guarantee facility for BMOI, aiming to speed up industrialisation and back local businesses with support for imports of production inputs. Diplomacy in Focus: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu held closed-door talks with Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina in Abuja, with discussions expected to cover trade, agriculture, security and climate resilience. Maritime Safety & Sanctions: A fire broke out on the oil tanker MT Marivex near Oman in the Gulf of Oman; 24 Indian crew were evacuated and rescued by Omani authorities. Reports say the vessel was operating under a Madagascar flag but is linked to a US-sanctioned shadow fleet and had attempted to evade a US blockade. Business & Industry: Sumitomo provided financing to buyers of its 54% stake in Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel project as it exits a loss-making phase; production is set to resume by end-June after cyclone repairs. Aviation Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will launch direct Addis Ababa–Mauritius flights from 12 July, three times weekly, improving regional travel links.

Maritime Safety: A fire broke out on the Madagascar-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex off Oman with 24 Indian seafarers on board amid renewed Israel-Iran tensions; Indian authorities say all crew are safe and the Indian Navy carried out the rescue. Aviation Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will start a direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis route from 12 July 2026, flying three times a week, cutting travel time and boosting tourism and trade across the Indian Ocean. Mining & Jobs: Sumitomo is financing the sale of its 54% stake in Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel project to new owners, aiming to restart operations after cyclone damage and a suspension since February. Graphite Strategy: Total Graphite has launched a portfolio optimisation programme for its Madagascar graphite operations, weighing partners, joint ventures, partial sales or asset sales to accelerate value. Environment & Trade Controls: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches in NSW, including thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that banned species could threaten native ecosystems. Sports (Madagascar in the spotlight): Serbia’s 3x3 team beat Madagascar in group play en route to winning bronze at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw.

Amnesty Report on Scams: Amnesty International says Cambodia’s “crackdown” on online scamming compounds is largely failing, with police-gang collusion helping sites dodge raids and survivors reporting abuse with little support. Morocco vs Norway Warm-up: Morocco drew Norway 1-1 in a World Cup tune-up in New Jersey, after beating Madagascar 4-0, as the Atlas Lions prepare to open Group C against Brazil. African Banking Oversight: Central African and wider African banking supervisors met in Yaounde to push stronger supervision against systemic, digital fraud, cyber and climate risks. Madagascar in the Spotlight Abroad: Australia seized 100,000 illegal cockroaches in NSW, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the trade could threaten biodiversity and agriculture. Energy and Forest Pressure: New studies warn Africa’s charcoal and firewood dependence is driving forest loss and uneven governance is undermining climate and biodiversity goals, with Madagascar highlighted. Regional Air Links: Ethiopian Airlines announced a new direct route to Port Louis from July 12, improving connectivity via its African network including Antananarivo.

World Cup Build-Up: Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said centre-back Nayef Aguerd’s groin recovery is still uncertain, with no risks taken ahead of Sunday’s friendly vs Norway and the Atlas Lions’ June 13 opener vs Brazil. International Friendlies: Norway returns to the World Cup after an 8-for-8 qualifying run and faces Morocco in Harrison, New Jersey, in a final tune-up. Madagascar in the Spotlight: Morocco’s 4-0 win over Madagascar in their latest warm-up was part of their unbeaten run heading into the Norway match. Biosecurity Alert: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the trade could harm native wildlife and agriculture. Regional Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines announced a new direct three-times-weekly route to Port Louis, Mauritius, starting July 12, with Antananarivo listed among prior hubs. Digital Services: Oman’s e-attestation rollout will expand to Madagascar on July 20, easing document attestation without in-person visits.

Drinking Water Safety: A new Environmental Performance Index review warns that unsafe drinking water remains a major health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa still struggling with weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal live cockroaches from a breeder in Bathurst, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the trade can spread disease and harm native wildlife; officials say the insects will be destroyed. Madagascar in Sports: Morocco’s World Cup build-up included a 4-0 warm-up win over Madagascar, while Uganda’s Cranes coach Paul Put said two friendlies in Morocco were cancelled for sanitary and public health reasons. Digital & Culture: Madagascar’s music industry is grappling with AI-generated content and copyright concerns, as creators push for stronger protections. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure over President Lai’s Eswatini trip, with Madagascar among countries reportedly affected by flight-clearance withdrawals.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, worth about $142,000. Officials say the species can’t be legally imported, kept, bred or sold, warning they could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture; the insects will be euthanized. Madagascar Culture & Rights: Madagascar’s music industry is pushing back as AI-generated songs, cloned voices and altered recordings spread without proper authorization, raising copyright and cultural protection concerns. The Malagasy Copyright Office urges artists and broadcasters to use legal protections and report infringements. Environment & Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners, with University of Antananarivo experts, are running the biggest butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe forests, aiming for the first official butterfly ID guide. Sports (Regional): Uganda’s Cranes friendlies in Morocco were cancelled over sanitary and public health concerns, disrupting preparations ahead of AFCON qualifiers. Regional Diplomacy: South Africa is seeking sponsorships and partnerships for the 2026 SADC Summit, with Madagascar previously stepping down from the interim chair role.

Digital Identity Push: Madagascar has enrolled 2.6 million people into its national digital ID system in just two months, beating its April–June target of 2 million as the PRODIGY project scales with biometric kits and fast registration. Music & AI Rights: Madagascar’s music industry is raising alarms over AI-generated songs, voice cloning, and altered recordings being used without permission, with the Copyright Office urging artists and broadcasters to use legal protections and report infringements. Biodiversity Survey: Chester Zoo and Malagasy conservationists, with University of Antananarivo experts, are running the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected area, aiming for the country’s first official butterfly ID guide. World Cup Build-Up: Morocco and Madagascar continue their World Cup warm-up storylines, with Morocco beating Madagascar 4-0 in a friendly and Ouahbi’s side drawing lessons ahead of the tournament. Wildlife & Enforcement: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal cockroaches from a breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning of biosecurity risks if non-native insects are released.

Digital Identity Push: Madagascar says it enrolled 2.6 million people into its national digital ID system in just two months, beating a two-million target as the PRODIGY project scales with biometric kits and scanners. Youth, Governance & Rights: Gen Z Madagascar says it is drafting a citizenship charter and pushing a constitution-building platform (“Konstitution’Nakà”), seeking support from the EU and UNDP while continuing activism mainly online. World Cup Focus: Morocco’s final squad talk includes a big omission—Youssef En-Nesyri—raising questions about depth if key forwards are hit by injury or suspension. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar and 12 other countries. Biosecurity Alert (Madagascar-linked): Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches in Bathurst, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning of ecosystem and disease risks and possible penalties.

Madagascar in Sports: Madagascar men stunned Australia 22-17 and then beat defending champions Spain 20-19 to reach the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 knockout phase for the first time, after a dramatic Day 4 in Warsaw. Madagascar in World Football: Morocco climbed to seventh in the latest FIFA rankings ahead of the 2026 World Cup, boosted by a 4-0 win over Madagascar in a warm-up. Regional Football Disruption: Uganda’s Cranes had friendlies in Morocco cancelled over sanitary and public health concerns, including a planned match against Madagascar. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches worth up to $200,000, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, from a breeder in Bathurst—species that can’t be legally imported, kept, bred or sold. Health & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, with Madagascar among participating countries.

World Cup 3x3 Shock: Madagascar’s men stunned Australia 22-17 and then beat defending champions Spain 20-19 to reach the knockout phase for the first time at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw. Sports Spotlight: Serbia also secured a direct quarter-final berth by beating Austria 21-11, while Madagascar’s run keeps Pool A headlines. Mining & Minerals Policy: Mozambique signed a new graphite law requiring at least 15% free, non-dilutable state ownership in mining ventures and pushing local processing of minerals—moves aimed at capturing more value from battery supply chains. Madagascar in Diplomacy: Indonesia and Madagascar agreed to deepen ties via a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and mutual visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders. Maritime Sanctions Tension: France detained the shadow-fleet tanker Tagor in the Atlantic; the ship reportedly sailed under Madagascar’s flag, raising fresh questions for Madagascar amid wider enforcement against Russian oil. Environment & Wildlife: New records confirm the “lost” blue-spotted bamboo shark in Madagascar, suggesting the species may be more common than previously thought. Local Tragedy: A landslide at an illegal gold mining site in Vatomandry killed 11 artisanal miners; authorities ordered the site closed.