AGP Executive Report

Madagascar Telecom Push: Lawmakers in Madagascar are urging faster rollout of mobile and digital networks for regions still cut off, after ICT minister Mahefa Andriamampiadana said coverage has reached 146 fokontany and deputies filed 562 requests for further expansion. Lemur Conservation Spotlight: A new baby lemur has been named “Soleil” at Tennessee Aquarium, with the French-themed name reflecting Madagascar’s ties, while elsewhere a rescue center in Texas is preparing to open after taking in 80+ endangered lemurs. Science for Tough Terrain: Researchers report miniature “diving suits” for cyborg cockroaches, letting them survive underwater for up to three hours—an approach aimed at search-and-rescue in flooded or hazardous areas. Sports (Regional): Ghana’s women’s tennis team, the Diamond Rackets, has departed for Botswana for the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III, with Madagascar among the competing nations. Local Interest (Travel): A guide highlights top places to visit in Madagascar, including the Mantadia area around Analamazaotra for indri lemur sightings.

Telecom Push in Madagascar: Lawmakers urged the government to speed up rural telecom roll-out in areas still cut off from mobile and digital networks, after an ICT minister said coverage expansion requests are piling up and connectivity has reached 146 fokontany so far. Urban Resilience Funding: The World Bank approved $225m for PRODUIRE2 to strengthen climate resilience and jobs in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina, targeting flood protection, drainage, waste management, neighborhood upgrading and land administration after cyclone damage. Lemur Conservation Spotlight: A new rescue center in McGregor, Texas is taking in more than 80 endangered lemurs, aiming to open to the public after USDA certification, with education programs planned. Sports (Madagascar in focus): Ghana’s women’s tennis “Diamond Rackets” departed for Botswana for the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III, where Madagascar is among the 11 competing nations. Science & Madagascar Links: Researchers developed miniature diving suits for cyborg cockroaches based on Madagascar hissing cockroaches, designed to help search-and-rescue in flooded or oxygen-poor conditions.

Urban Resilience Push: The World Bank approved $225m for PRODUIRE2 to cut flooding and upgrade services in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina, aiming by 2032 to reach 1.5 million people with climate-resilient infrastructure, rebuild 20,000 homes, and improve land documentation. Climate Risk for Madagascar: UN agencies warned El Niño could hit Madagascar among other high-risk African countries, with calls for $200m+ to protect 8.8 million people through cash support, resilient seeds, livestock measures, and flood-control. Mining at Sea, Security on Land: A new policy push says deep-sea mining is becoming a maritime security issue; Malawi, Kenya and Madagascar backed a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining in international waters. Digital Networks Investment: Airtel Africa secured a $150m IFC loan to modernize and expand mobile networks across several African markets where Airtel operates, supporting digital inclusion and jobs. Madagascar in Science Spotlight: Researchers in Singapore say they’ve built tiny diving suits for cyborg Madagascar hissing cockroaches, letting them survive underwater for up to three hours—meant for disaster search-and-rescue.

Urban Resilience Funding: The World Bank approved US$225m for PRODUIRE2 to cut flood risk, upgrade drainage and waste systems, and rebuild resilient housing in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina after cyclones Fytia and Gezani. Regional Air Links: Comoros and Madagascar will resume direct flights after nearly four years, reopening travel and trade ties following renewed agreements and the return of seized gold. Climate Pressure on Food Security: UN agencies warn El Niño could hit Madagascar among other high-risk countries, with calls for over $200m to protect 8.8m people via cash support, resilient seeds, and flood-control measures. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new push for an African precautionary pause on deep-sea mining is framed as both an environmental and maritime security issue, with Madagascar among the countries taking a stand. Power Access Push: WeLight plans a $650m expansion to scale solar mini-grids, including further investment in Madagascar, aiming to multiply connections across countries with major electricity gaps. Visa Rules Update: Namibia’s visa-on-arrival list includes Madagascar, alongside 27 other African countries, while some others still require visas in advance.

World Bank Funding for Cities: The World Bank approved US$225m for Madagascar’s PRODUIRE2 to cut flood risk, upgrade drainage and waste systems, and rebuild resilient housing in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina after cyclones Fytia and Gezani. El Niño Warning for Madagascar: UN agencies are appealing for over $200m to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries, including Madagascar, as El Niño returns with drought and flooding risks. Deep-sea Mining Debate: A new push led by African states including Madagascar calls for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining in international waters, warning it could become a maritime security and environmental battleground. Comoros–Madagascar Flights Restart: Direct flights between the Comoros and Madagascar are set to resume after nearly four years, following talks and renewed air links. Electricity Access Push: WeLight plans a $650m expansion, including funding for Madagascar, to scale solar mini-grids and bring power to millions more. Research Spotlight: Scientists say Madagascar hissing cockroaches can be fitted with tiny diving suits to survive underwater for disaster search-and-rescue.

Direct Air Links: Comoros and Madagascar will resume direct flights after nearly four years, following talks between leaders and plans to restart this month—good news for travel, trade and tourism in the Indian Ocean. Digital Identity Push: Madagascar says it has closed more of the digital ID inclusion gap through last-mile civil registration under PRODIGY, with 3.25 million people enrolled so far using community-driven, mobile enrollment. Climate Risk Alert: FAO and WFP are appealing for $200m+ to protect 8.8 million people across high-risk countries as El Niño returns, with Madagascar listed among the most exposed. Power Access Investment: WeLight, already operating in Madagascar, is planning a $650m expansion to reach 10 times more customers, including major new spending in Nigeria and the DRC. Sports (Madagascar in focus): Côte d’Ivoire beat Madagascar 118-102 in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, while Senegal’s big wins included a 101-59 victory over Madagascar.

Democracy & Governance: Ghana’s President Mahama, speaking via his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, urged African leaders to tackle the root causes that erode trust—corruption, exclusion, abuse of power, electoral mistrust, insecurity and poor daily services—at an AU forum on unconstitutional changes of government. Madagascar Digital ID: Madagascar says it is closing the digital ID inclusion gap through last-mile civil registration under PRODIGY, with more than 3.25 million people enrolled for digital ID using a community-driven, mobile enrollment approach. El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP have appealed for over $200 million to protect 8.8 million people in high-risk countries, including Madagascar, as El Niño returns with threats ranging from drought to flooding. Sports (Madagascar): In FIBA World Cup qualifiers, Côte d’Ivoire beat Madagascar 118-102 in a high-scoring Group B clash, while Senegal also posted a 101-59 win over Madagascar. Energy Access: WeLight says it will expand solar mini-grids, investing $200 million to strengthen operations including in Madagascar, aiming for far more connections by 2030.

El Niño Preparedness: The UN FAO and WFP have launched an appeal for over $200 million to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries, including Madagascar, as the World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño could bring harsher extremes like droughts and floods. Madagascar in Sports: Côte d’Ivoire beat Madagascar 118-102 in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Africa Qualifiers, while Senegal also crushed Madagascar 101-59, with Madagascar still heading home winless after the window. Energy Expansion: Solar mini-grid operator WeLight says it will invest $450 million to expand in Nigeria and the DRC, and add $200 million to strengthen operations including Madagascar—aiming for one million connections by 2030. Security Training: Russian “Africa Corps” instructors have completed a six-week training program for Madagascar’s special services personnel, with certificates awarded at Mahazoarivo Palace. Wildlife & Culture: A new “Lemurs of Madagascar” walkthrough habitat is set to open July 18 at Hertfordshire Zoo, supporting SEED Madagascar conservation efforts.

Presidential Security: Madagascar’s presidency says President Michael Randrianirina survived a third alleged assassination attempt after two drones were brought down while trailing his car home to Ivandry, with guards and a direct search following the incident. Regional Diplomacy & Training: Russian “Africa Corps” instructors have completed six weeks of training for Madagascar’s special services personnel at Mahazoarivo Palace, aimed at strengthening security operations and emergency protection. Sports—World Cup Qualifiers: Senegal crushed Madagascar 101-59, eliminating the island team from the next stage, while Mali extended an unbeaten run in Group D. Environment & Conservation: A new walkthrough habitat, “Lemurs of Madagascar,” is set to open in Hertfordshire Zoo on July 18, featuring three lemur species and Madagascan whistling ducks, supported by SEED Madagascar. Science & Disaster Response: Researchers in Singapore and Japan report tiny diving suits for “Madagascar hissing cockroaches,” letting remote-controlled insects operate underwater for up to three hours for search-and-rescue missions. Global Context: UN data ranks Sierra Leone among the world’s lowest life expectancy countries, underscoring ongoing health and development challenges.

Security Update: Madagascar’s presidency says President Michael Randrianirina survived a third “assassination attempt” after two drones were brought down while trailing his car home to Ivandry, with guards reportedly shooting them down and security officials searching for their possible location. Regional Politics: The statement comes amid a fragile political climate after Randrianirina took power following the ouster of Andry Rajoelina, with the administration saying it plans general elections next year. Public Safety & Defense: Russian Africa Corps instructors have completed a six-week training program for Madagascar’s special services personnel at Mahazoarivo Palace, aimed at strengthening security operations and emergency response skills. Sports: In FIBA World Cup qualifiers, Senegal crushed Madagascar 101–59, while Mali extended an unbeaten run to 5–0 and kept Uganda’s hopes alive only briefly. Science & Innovation: Researchers in Singapore and Japan report 3D-printed “diving suits” for Madagascar hissing cockroaches, letting the insects breathe underwater for up to three hours for future search-and-rescue and inspection missions.

Madagascar Security Claim: President Michael Randrianirina says he survived a third assassination attempt after two drones were shot down while trailing his car home, as political tensions remain fragile ahead of planned general elections next year. Regional Basketball Shock: Senegal thrashed Madagascar 101-59 in World Cup qualifiers, while DR Congo beat Madagascar 82-62 to secure the next round—another blow for Madagascar’s campaign. Science & Nature Spotlight: A BBC Earth clip shows a rare spider in southern Madagascar hauling an empty snail shell into a bush for protection, with viewers amazed by the first filmed behavior. Earth Science Breakthrough: An underwater volcano off Madagascar’s coast is reported to be releasing chemical traces linked to Earth’s earliest magma ocean, offering new clues for researchers. Underwater Rescue Tech: Scientists describe “cyborg” cockroaches fitted with tiny scuba suits that can breathe underwater for hours—an idea that could one day support search-and-rescue missions. Sports Note: In volleyball, Madagascar’s teams faced strong competition at Zone 7 beach volleyball (Stop 1), as Seychelles pairs extended unbeaten starts.

Madagascar Security Alert: Madagascar’s presidency says President Michael Randrianirina survived a third “assassination attempt” after guards shot down two drones trailing his car as he returned to Ivandry, with security officials searching for the drones’ possible location. Regional Politics & Rights: In Kenya, the High Court ordered the immediate release of Halima Ngache, accused over an X account allegedly tracking President William Ruto’s flight movements, after ruling her detention was unlawful. Science & Nature: A BBC Earth video highlights rare spider behavior in southern Madagascar, where a spider uses silk to lift an empty snail shell into a bush for protection. Health-Tech Research: Scientists report remote-controlled “cyborg” cockroaches using tiny oxygen-supplying suits can walk underwater for up to three hours, built using living Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Environment & Earth Science: An underwater volcano off Madagascar’s coast is said to be releasing chemical traces from Earth’s primordial magma ocean, offering new clues about the planet’s earliest history. Sports (Madagascar in focus): DR Congo beat Madagascar 82-62 in FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, keeping Congo on track while Madagascar’s campaign continues.

Presidential Security Crisis: Madagascar says President Michael Randrianirina survived a third assassination attempt on Friday after two drones were brought down while trailing his car to Ivandry, with guards shooting them down and security officials searching for the drones’ location. Diplomatic Ties: Madagascar’s ambassador to Moscow, Ny Hasina Andriamanjato, presented credentials to Russia’s deputy foreign minister, with both sides stressing trade, investment, humanitarian cooperation and preparations for the Russia–Africa Summit in October. Regional Politics Pressure: SADC is pushing for the release of Madagascar political prisoners and has called for the country to stick to constitutional rule and democratic governance after the 2025 coup. Science & Nature Spotlight: A rising underwater volcano off Madagascar’s coast is reported to have spewed chemical traces linked to Earth’s primordial magma ocean, while a rare BBC Earth clip shows a spider in southern Madagascar hauling an empty snail shell into vegetation for protection. Sports & Youth Interest: Madagascar is mentioned in regional basketball qualifiers as DR Congo beat Madagascar to advance, and Madagascar is also listed among teams for the FIFAe Continental Championship in Casablanca.

Madagascar-Russia Diplomacy: Madagascar’s newly appointed ambassador to Moscow, Ny Hasina Andriamanjato, presented credentials to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko, with both sides stressing expanded cooperation in trade, investment, humanitarian work and preparations for the Russia–Africa Summit in October. Regional Politics & Rights: SADC is pushing for the release of Madagascar political prisoners and urging the government to stay committed to constitutional rule and democratic governance as pressure mounts on the junta. Science & Nature Spotlight: A new study links an underwater volcano off Madagascar to chemical traces from Earth’s primordial magma ocean, offering fresh clues about the planet’s earliest history. Wildlife in Madagascar: A rare BBC Earth clip shows a spider in southern Madagascar using an empty snail shell as a protective barrier—an unusual behavior filmed for the first time. Sports Round-Up: DR Congo beat Madagascar in the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, securing the next round, while Madagascar is also listed among teams in Window 3 rosters for the 2027 qualifiers.

Madagascar-Russia Diplomacy: Madagascar’s newly appointed ambassador to Moscow, Ny Hasina Andriamanjato, presented credentials to Russia’s deputy foreign minister Georgy Borisenko, with both sides stressing expanded trade, investment and humanitarian cooperation and discussing preparations for the Russia–Africa Summit in October. Regional Sports: DR Congo booked the next round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers after beating Madagascar 82-62, while Cameroon won the Johannesburg Judo Open with nine medals. Madagascar in Global Policy: The World Bank’s climate lending target has been dropped, raising fears for Africa as the bank shifts from spending goals to project results. Local Spotlight: A rare BBC Earth clip from southern Madagascar shows a spider carrying an empty snail shell into a bush—behavior described as filmed for the first time in the wild. Tax Trust Push: WATAF urged more investment in taxpayer education to build public trust and improve voluntary tax compliance across developing countries.

World Bank Climate Shift: The World Bank let its five-year climate lending target lapse, dropping the 45% goal after pressure from the US—sparking fresh fears for Africa even as climate work continues “without an end date.” Madagascar-Russia Diplomacy: Madagascar’s new ambassador to Moscow presented credentials to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko, with both sides stressing trade, investment, humanitarian ties and preparations for the Russia–Africa Summit in October. SADC and Madagascar Politics: Southern Africa’s bloc is pushing for the release of Madagascar political prisoners and urging the government to stick to constitutional rule after the 2025 coup. Independence Day Spotlight: Madagascar marked its 66th independence anniversary, with the Black Sea Fleet ensemble performing during celebrations. Security in the Region: Kenya’s DCI detained Halima Ngache over alleged posts tracking President William Ruto’s flight movements on X, with court ordering a three-day detention while investigations continue. Sports (Madagascar in focus): Final rosters for the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers’ Window 3 were confirmed, placing Madagascar in Group B.