AGP Executive Report

SADC Mediation on Madagascar Crisis: Malawi has delegated Second Vice-President Enock Chihana to represent President Peter Mutharika at an extraordinary SADC Heads of State summit on June 29, where leaders will review the political and security situation in Madagascar, guided by a report from the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security. Energy Access Push: A World Bank-backed “Mission 300” update says Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria are leading electrification gains, with 50 million people connected so far, while eight countries still report no new connections under the programme. Power for More Communities: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10 million equity investment from the IFC to expand mini-grids across Sub-Saharan Africa, including projects with partners in Nigeria and Madagascar. Heritage and Climate Action: ICCROM and ALIPH launched ASILI, a 30-month initiative to scale heritage-based climate action at four African sites, linking local knowledge to disaster risk reduction and resilient livelihoods. Science and Madagascar Links: Researchers say cyborg cockroaches—built using Madagascar hissing cockroaches—can now breathe underwater in 3D-printed diving suits, aiming at future search-and-rescue missions.

SADC Crisis Talks: SADC will hold an extraordinary virtual summit on Madagascar’s political and security situation, chaired by South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, with Malawi sending Second Vice-President Enock Chihana as its representative. Electricity Push: A World Bank-backed “Mission 300” update says Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria led electrification, with 50 million people connected, while eight countries still report zero new connections under the programme. Energy Investment: IFC secured a $10m equity investment for CrossBoundary Access to expand mini-grids and battery services, including projects in Madagascar. El Niño Funding: Malawi is set to benefit from a $202m UN El Niño anticipatory action appeal aimed at protecting 8.8 million people across multiple countries, including Madagascar. Madagascar in the Spotlight: UNESCO is supporting media outlets in Madagascar’s recovery after Cyclone Gezani, including restoring radio broadcasting capacity and training journalists. Local Science & Conservation: A new report highlights Madagascar’s role in a cyborg cockroach underwater project, while Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies.

SADC Madagascar Crisis: SADC will hold an extraordinary virtual summit on June 29 to discuss the political and security situation in Madagascar, guided by a report from the bloc’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security and chaired by South Africa’s President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. Malawi Representation: Malawi President Peter Mutharika has delegated his Second Vice President Enock Chihana to represent him at the summit, after Chihana also chaired a key SADC Organ Troika meeting focused on peace and security. Media Recovery in Madagascar: UNESCO is supporting radio stations in Madagascar’s cyclone-affected areas, helping restore basic broadcasting capacity with equipment and training, including disaster risk management and fact-based reporting. Clean Water Gap: A new global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing that more than 2 billion people worldwide lack safely managed drinking water services. Conservation Spotlight: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies, calling on the public to help name them and using the moment to raise awareness of Madagascar’s biodiversity threats.

SADC Madagascar Crisis: SADC will hold an extraordinary virtual summit on Monday, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to review renewed political tension in Madagascar, including governance and security disputes. UNESCO Media Recovery: UNESCO is backing Madagascar radio stations rebuilding after Cyclone Gezani, funding equipment replacement and training journalists in disaster risk management and fact-based reporting. Independence Celebrations: Madagascar marked its 66th independence anniversary in Antananarivo with a major ceremony at Barea Stadium, featuring a military parade and performances, with regional leaders in attendance. Biodiversity Spotlight: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies and is asking the public to help name them, highlighting Madagascar’s biodiversity threats. Conservation in Captivity: All Things Wild in Madagascar-linked coverage reports ring-tailed lemur pups thriving, adding to ongoing conservation efforts. Regional Governance Reform: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms in Lilongwe, including stronger independence for anti-corruption bodies and faster shift to electronic procurement to cut corruption risks.

Madagascar Independence Day: Madagascar marked its 66th anniversary with an official ceremony at Barea Stadium in Antananarivo, featuring a military parade and performances, with foreign leaders including Kenya’s William Ruto and Comoros’ Azali Assoumani in attendance. Regional Diplomacy: Ruto used the celebrations to reaffirm Kenya–Madagascar ties, pointing to shared history, sovereignty, and plans to deepen cooperation in areas like trade and maritime links. Business & Accountability in Anosy: Local communities in Anosy, through the FANDROMBO platform, renewed criticism of QMM/Rio Tinto, saying promises have not turned into visible, structural benefits, and calling for enforcement, transparency, and monitoring of social responsibility. Science & Education (Africa-wide): AIMS Ghana graduated a record 130 master’s students from 24 African countries, underscoring growing demand for science training across the continent. Energy Access Warning: A new IEA report says nearly 970 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean cooking fuels, with the gap expected to worsen by 2027.

Madagascar Independence Day: Madagascar marked its 66th anniversary with an official ceremony at Barea Stadium in Antananarivo, featuring a military parade and performances, with foreign leaders including Kenya’s William Ruto and Comoros’ Azali Assoumani in attendance. Regional Diplomacy: Ruto used the celebrations to reaffirm Kenya–Madagascar ties and said talks will focus on agriculture, ICT, trade and aviation, with a business forum expected to follow. International Presence: Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Song and Dance Ensemble performed at the independence events, while a Russian Armed Forces parade unit is also set to take part in Seychelles’ 50th independence anniversary parade. Energy & Health Warning: A new IEA report warns that sub-Saharan Africa’s lack of clean cooking fuel could push the number of people without access past 1 billion by 2027, with major health and environmental fallout. Business Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar among 13 countries.

Madagascar Independence Celebrations: Madagascar marked its 66th anniversary with an official ceremony at Barea Stadium in Antananarivo, featuring a military parade and performances, with leaders including Kenya’s William Ruto and Comoros’ Azali Assoumani in attendance. Regional Diplomacy: Ruto used the occasion to reaffirm Kenya–Madagascar ties and push cooperation in areas like agriculture, ICT, trade and aviation, while Russia also sent congratulations to President Michael Randrianirina. Mining Accountability: In Anosy, community voices from the FANDROMBO platform renewed criticism of Rio Tinto/QMM, saying promises have not turned into visible, structural benefits for local people. Health & Connectivity (Africa-wide): Nigeria approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office to modernize healthcare through digital systems—an example of how regional governments are betting on tech for service delivery. Climate Risk for the Region: Southern Africa faces renewed drought worries as El Niño conditions are likely to develop, with Madagascar flagged among hotspots for crop and water stress. Independence Day Culture: A Russian Black Sea Fleet Song and Dance Ensemble performed at the independence events, drawing strong audience response.

Independence Day Diplomacy: Kenya’s President William Ruto joined thousands of Malagasy citizens at Antananarivo’s Barea Stadium for Madagascar’s 66th Independence Day, stressing shared resistance to colonial rule and pledging deeper cooperation in agriculture, ICT, trade and maritime partnership. Climate Risk Watch: Zimbabwe is bracing for another El Niño-linked drought, with an 80% chance El Niño develops June–August 2026 and a 90% chance it lasts through November, raising fears of crop failures and food insecurity across southern Africa including Madagascar. Regional Ties Beyond Borders: Russia’s Putin sent congratulations to Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina, pointing to continued Russia–Africa cooperation ahead of the Russia–Africa summit, while multiple world leaders also sent messages for the 26 June anniversary. Health Access in Remote Areas: A report highlights how Madagascar’s fragile network of planes and volunteer medics can be overwhelmed, leaving patients unable to reach care in time—sometimes with fatal outcomes. Sports Spotlight: Madagascar’s national team is ranked in FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers coverage, with attention on their next decisive qualifying window starting July 2.

SADC Peace Push: SADC reaffirmed its commitment to peace and regional integration after an Extraordinary Summit focused on Madagascar and the DRC, highlighting shuttle diplomacy missions and support for dialogue and reconciliation in Madagascar. Conservation Planning: Madagascar released a landmark scientific map to guide its 30x30 Biodiversity Plan, prioritizing about 18 million hectares for near-term protection, expansion, ecological corridors, and urgent inventories. Marine Protection Wins: At Kenya’s Our Ocean conference, six sites were recognized as Blue Parks, including three in Madagascar—Nosy Hara National Park, Sahamalaza-Iles Radama National Park, and Nosy Tanihely (Tanikely) National Park. Power Access Investment: IFC backed CrossBoundary Access with $10m equity, supporting solar mini-grid and battery storage expansion, including projects in Madagascar. Electricity Expansion: WeLight secured $31m to accelerate solar mini-grid growth, with a focus on expanding into Nigeria and Congo while operating nearly 190 mini-grids in Madagascar and Mali. Sports Spotlight: FIBA’s African World Cup 2027 qualifiers smart rankings put Madagascar at #15 after a tough start, with the next decisive window set for July 2–5 in Dakar, Douala, and Luanda.

SADC Peace & Transition: SADC reaffirmed its push for peace and regional integration after an Extraordinary Summit focused on Madagascar and the DRC, backing the transitional leadership in Madagascar to drive an inclusive democratic process within 24 months and approving a regional goodwill mission for eastern DRC to support dialogue and stability. Conservation Priority for Madagascar: Madagascar released results of a landmark scientific workshop to guide its 30x30 Biodiversity Plan, producing a consensus priority map covering about 18 million hectares (around a third of the country) and identifying areas for new protected areas, extensions, ecological corridors, and zones needing quick inventory. Ocean Protection in the Region: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, six marine areas were recognized as “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar, highlighting protected sites with durable, equitable, and effective management. Electricity Access Investment: WeLight, already operating nearly 190 solar mini-grids in Madagascar, raised $31 million with IFC backing to expand into Nigeria and the DRC, aiming to bring power to underserved communities. Sports Media Buzz: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is rising across sub-Saharan Africa, with Madagascar among the markets posting growth.

Conservation Priority Map: Madagascar has produced its first full scientific re-prioritization of terrestrial biodiversity since 1995, pinpointing about 18 million hectares (roughly a third of the country) for urgent protection under the 30x30 plan, including areas for new parks, extensions, ecological corridors, and zones needing rapid inventory. Regional Peace Push: SADC reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability after an extraordinary summit focused on Madagascar and the DRC, backing inclusive dialogue in Madagascar and approving a regional goodwill mission for the DRC aimed at confidence-building and coordination. Aviation Carbon Deal: Madagascar joined a push to scale carbon credits for international aviation under CORSIA, signing the Aviation Carbon Market Compact and joining the Supporting Alliance that counts 50 participating entities. Blue Parks for Oceans: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, six marine protected areas were recognized as “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar, highlighting durable and effective protection with co-management involving local communities. Electricity Access Funding: WeLight, already operating nearly 190 solar mini-grids in Madagascar, secured $31 million in new IFC-backed investment to expand further, including into Nigeria and the DRC. Connectivity Update: Airtel Madagascar introduced a new 035 mobile prefix to support customer growth as its subscriber base nears 5 million monthly active users.

Conservation Push: Madagascar has released the first full scientific re-prioritization of terrestrial biodiversity since 1995, with 70 experts mapping about 18 million hectares (around a third of the island) under its 30x30 plan, including areas for new protected zones, extensions, ecological corridors, and freshwater attention. Regional Peace Talks: SADC reaffirmed support for Madagascar’s transition toward inclusive elections within 24 months and backed a regional goodwill mission to the DRC, as leaders met to address security and reconciliation. Energy Access Investment: WeLight secured IFC backing to expand solar mini-grids, building on its work in Madagascar that already serves hundreds of thousands of people. Connectivity Update: Airtel Madagascar introduced a new 035 mobile prefix to support customer growth as monthly active users near 5 million. Youth Football: A children’s and youth tournament in Antananarivo crowned winners across under-8, under-13, and under-15 categories, with plans for a bigger August event.

Food Safety in Antananarivo: Madagascar’s health ministry says 67 people were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning in the capital, with symptoms like headaches, dizziness and diarrhea; a preliminary probe points to cooking oil used in the meals, and authorities temporarily closed the linked shops while collecting samples for lab testing. Telecom Growth: Airtel Madagascar rolled out a new 035 mobile prefix to handle a fast-rising customer base nearing 5 million monthly active users. Regional Politics (SADC): Malawi hosted an Extraordinary SADC ministerial meeting in Lilongwe, with Madagascar’s political transition and the DRC security situation on the agenda, alongside concerns about attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. Children’s Football in Antananarivo: A youth tournament in Antananarivo drew 27 clubs across under-8, under-13 and under-15 categories, with CFT Tana, Camping Katsoaka and COSMOS Ilanivato taking top honors. Climate Watch (El Niño): FAO mapping warns an El Niño phase may start soon, raising drought risks for agriculture across the Sahel, Southern Africa and other vulnerable regions. Sports Audio Boom: Spotify data shows football podcast listening surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Madagascar among the fastest-growing markets.

Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie received letters of credence from 11 newly appointed ambassadors, including Madagascar’s envoy, as both sides stressed deeper economic, political and people-to-people ties. Telecom Growth: Airtel Madagascar launched the new 035 mobile prefix to support a fast-growing customer base nearing 5 million monthly active users. Health Alert: Madagascar’s health ministry says 67 people were hospitalized in Antananarivo after suspected food poisoning, with early findings pointing to cooking oil; shops were temporarily closed and samples taken for lab tests. Regional Politics (SADC): SADC leaders, led by Enoch Chihana, backed stability efforts for the DRC and reaffirmed support for Madagascar’s National Refoundation Programme ahead of elections. Sports (Youth): A children’s and youth football tournament in Antananarivo drew 27 clubs and awarded winners across under-8, under-13 and under-15 categories. Environment: Madagascar and Zanzibar announced sweeping new protections for sharks and rays, extending full protection to dozens of threatened species.

Food Safety in Antananarivo: 67 people were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning, with early findings pointing to cooking oil; shops were temporarily closed and samples sent for lab tests. Regional Security at SADC: Malawi hosted an Extraordinary SADC ministerial meeting in Lilongwe, with Madagascar’s political transition and DRC security issues on the agenda. El Niño Agriculture Watch: FAO analysis warns drought risks could spike in parts of Southern Africa and other vulnerable regions, threatening harvests, livestock and food access. Madagascar-China Weather Boost: China donated meteorological and information tech equipment to strengthen Madagascar’s forecasting, climate monitoring and early warning systems. Marine Conservation: Madagascar and Zanzibar announced expanded protections for sharks and rays, including full protection for 14 species in Madagascar and 34 in Zanzibar. Youth Sports: A children’s and youth football tournament in Antananarivo crowned CFT Tana, Camping Katsoaka and COSMOS Ilanivato, with plans for a bigger August 2026 event.

Food Safety Alert: Madagascar’s health ministry says 67 people were hospitalized in Antananarivo after suspected food poisoning, with early findings pointing to cooking oil used in the meal; shops involved were temporarily closed and samples sent for lab testing. Marine Conservation: Madagascar and Zanzibar announced sweeping new protections for sharks and rays, with Madagascar granting full protection to 14 species under its Wild Fauna Decree and Zanzibar extending full protection to 34 coastal species, as extinction pressure remains high. Weather & Disaster Readiness: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to boost weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems, aiming for faster, more reliable public decision-making. Regional Security Diplomacy: SADC ministers began a meeting in Lilongwe to tackle peace and security challenges, including discussion of Madagascar’s political transition process and a proposed goodwill mission to the DRC after SADC troop withdrawal. Global Poverty Debate: A renewed argument over how to end poverty is making the rounds again, with one side stressing economic growth as the proven path out of deprivation.