Mining & Accountability: Over 6,500 people in Madagascar have filed a claim in London’s High Court against Rio Tinto’s QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM), alleging contaminated wastewater from the mineral sands operation exposed communities to dangerous lead and uranium levels, with more than 2,000 claimants children; Rio Tinto says it has extensive monitoring and says regulated metals were mostly below detection limits in its 2025 water report. Energy & Industry Continuity: Bell Bay Aluminium in northern Tasmania—wholly owned by Rio Tinto—has secured government-backed support to keep operating until at least 31 Dec 2031, with Hydro Tasmania continuing electricity supply, highlighting how power access underpins heavy industry competitiveness. Digital Finance & Capital Markets: Airtel Money (Airtel Africa) has brought International Finance Corporation in as an anchor investor ahead of a planned London Stock Exchange IPO, a signal for fintech funding pathways across Africa. Public Health: WHO reports cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025 to 7,870, the highest since 1999, even as reported cases fell, with Africa carrying most of the burden—relevant for Madagascar’s water, sanitation, and healthcare planning. Agribusiness & Trade Links: A China-Africa media tour in Jiangsu showcased cooperation in digital innovation, intelligent manufacturing, and modern agriculture, including visits tied to textile and farm machinery—useful context for Madagascar’s export and supply-chain partners.