AGP Executive Report

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.

Mining & Water Safety: Over 6,500 people in Madagascar have filed a claim in London’s High Court against Rio Tinto’s QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM), alleging acidic wastewater discharged into lakes and waterways exposed them to dangerous lead and uranium levels; the law firm says more than 2,000 claimants are children, while Rio Tinto says it has extensive monitoring and that its 2025 water report found regulated metals below detection limits. Public Health: The WHO reports cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025 to 7,870—the highest annual toll since 1999—even as reported cases fell; Africa carried most of the burden, with seven countries accounting for about 90% of cases and deaths, underscoring the need for safe water, sanitation, hygiene, vaccination, and faster access to care. Finance & Digital Payments: Airtel Money’s planned London IPO has attracted International Finance Corporation as an anchor investor, with IFC proposing up to $90m, signaling momentum for African capital markets and large-scale exits. Agribusiness & Supply Chains: A new report highlights Madagascar’s role in global vanilla supply and how climate volatility is threatening production, pushing industry players to invest in farmer support and resilience. Travel & Services: Bunnik Tours promotes small-group Africa itineraries that include Madagascar, emphasizing more time with people and places beyond wildlife drives.

Public Health: WHO says cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025 to 7,870, the highest since 1999, with Nigeria and six other countries accounting for about 90% of reported cases and deaths—highlighting urgent needs for safe water, sanitation, hygiene, vaccination, and faster access to care. Madagascar Society & Rights: A report on people with albinism in Madagascar describes ongoing terror and attacks, including a case in Toliara where an 18-month-old child was targeted during a violent assault. Youth & Governance: Madagascar’s Gen Z activists say they feel “betrayed” after last year’s protests, alleging the new government has repeated crackdown tactics and slowed reforms. Industry & Agribusiness: In Antananarivo, Enduma’s gony bag production is running at full capacity, supplying harvest-season demand and industrial buyers across agri-food, mining, and construction materials. Trade & Supply Chains: A shipment of 222 marine fossils attributed to Madagascar was found in Chile after being declared as household ornaments, raising questions about how heritage goods move through trade. Health Systems: “Future Health” convened global leaders at UNGA81, including Madagascar, pushing prevention-focused health systems built on early risk data, financing, delivery capacity, and inclusive service delivery.

Madagascar’s Gen Z protests: A year after the military takeover, young activists say they feel “betrayed” by the new government, alleging crackdowns and slow reform after earlier hopes tied to the Capsat unit. Industrial jobs under court control: Workers at MSA Andakana in Antananarivo met a court-appointed official about pay and benefits after Sodiat group owner Mamy Ravatomanga was arrested in Mauritius, with the company now run by Serge Imbeh Jovial. Food supply and climate risk: A report highlights how Madagascar’s vanilla—often cited as a dominant share of global natural vanilla—faces mounting threats from cyclones and drought, pushing the need for more resilient farming and supply chains. Agribusiness production: Antananarivo’s Enduma/Trimeta group keeps looms running to make gony bags used across Madagascar’s rice harvest and wider agri-food, mining, and construction-linked industries. Human rights and safety: A Toliara-area case describes an attack targeting a family with a child with albinism, underscoring ongoing terror and protection needs for people with albinism. Regional trade and policy: EU trade agreements are credited with boosting agri-food exports and reducing barriers, a backdrop for Madagascar exporters watching market access.

Madagascar Manufacturing & Agri-Industry: Enduma, based near Antananarivo, is running looms around the clock to produce Madagascar’s ubiquitous gony bags, with most turnover tied to peak agricultural seasons and demand from agri-food, mining, and materials industries. Food & Climate Risk: IFF says most of the world’s natural vanilla comes from Madagascar and warns that cyclones and drought are destabilizing supply, pushing the need for value-chain support for farmers. Trade & Supply Chains: Pure Trade, a “fabless” beauty-sector group founded in Paris, says it manages end-to-end product development with partner factories across Europe, China, Southeast Asia and India. EU Trade Policy: The EU reports that its trade agreements are boosting export growth and resilience, including gains in agri-food and machinery sectors. Climate Finance Pressure: New analysis highlights that climate aid is often delivered via loans, adding billions to poorest countries’ public debt each year. Energy Costs for Transport: Diesel price moves in East Africa are being tracked as a direct lever on freight and business operating costs. Governance & Social Stability: Madagascar’s Gen Z activists say they feel “betrayed” after a year of protests, alleging the new government repeats old tactics. Business Continuity: Workers at Sodiat in Antananarivo are seeking clarity on pay after the group’s owner was arrested abroad and a court-appointed administrator took over.

Battery Materials Investment: NextSource Materials signed a binding deal for a US$30m strategic investment with Japan’s Hanwa and JOGMEC, taking 15% equity in its Abu Dhabi battery anode facility via a new vehicle—an industrial push tied to global EV supply chains. Food & Packaging Industry: A look inside Enduma’s Antananarivo operations shows gony bag production running at full capacity, supplying agri-food, mining and construction inputs while boosting seasonal farmer demand. Business Continuity & Labor: Madagascar’s Sodiat group workers met a court-appointed administrator after owner Mamy Ravatomanga was arrested abroad; the key question is whether salaries, benefits and staffing will be protected. Health Systems at UNGA: “Future Health” convened ministers and leaders including Madagascar to push prevention-focused health systems, calling for population data, prevention financing, delivery capacity and inclusive service delivery. Governance & Sports: Separate coverage highlights renewed calls for good governance and athlete welfare in sports administration. Energy & Climate Context: Multiple UNGA-linked climate pieces underscore the urgency of climate finance and resilience for vulnerable economies, with Madagascar among participating countries.

Textile & Packaging Industry: In Antananarivo, Enduma’s looms run round the clock, turning plastic pellets into Madagascar’s ubiquitous gony bags (like the “Miaka-bokatra”), supplying agri-food, mining and other industrial demand while peaking during harvest seasons. Labour & Corporate Risk: At MSA Andakana, workers asked a court-appointed official whether they’ll still be paid after Sodiat group owner Mamy Ravatomanga was arrested abroad and assets were frozen; the court-appointed manager outlined pay, possible technical unemployment, and benefits depending on available funds. Health Systems Policy: Abu Dhabi’s Future Health convened ministers and global leaders at UNGA 81, pushing for prevention-focused health systems built on population risk data, prevention financing, delivery capacity, and inclusive service delivery. Ocean & Climate Monitoring: The OceanEye International Alliance launched at UN headquarters with major pledges (including Canada’s C$82m and EU support) to strengthen global ocean observing for weather, climate, maritime safety and coastal resilience. Energy & Infrastructure Design: Réunion’s new airport arrivals terminal avoids air conditioning, using natural ventilation and large ceiling fans to cut emissions—an engineering lesson relevant to island infrastructure planning. Governance & Youth Unrest: Madagascar’s Gen Z activists marked a year since the military takeover, saying promised reforms stalled and crackdowns returned.

Global Health Policy: Abu Dhabi’s “Future Health” brought Madagascar and other ministers to UNGA 81 to push health systems from reactive care toward prediction, prevention, and early intervention, stressing population risk data, prevention financing, delivery capacity, and trusted services. Energy & Infrastructure: A Réunion airport terminal near Madagascar is drawing attention for cooling without air conditioning, using natural ventilation design—an approach that could inspire lower-carbon airport upgrades in the region. Business & Jobs: In Antananarivo, workers at Sodiat (MSA Andakana) questioned a court-appointed official about whether salaries and benefits will be paid after owner Mamy Ravatomanga was jailed in Mauritius, highlighting legal risk spilling into payroll and operations. Governance & Youth: Madagascar’s Gen Z activists marked a year since the military takeover, saying promised reforms stalled and crackdowns returned, with activists jailed again for alleged security threats. Security & External Ties: A report says Russia has deepened military and political links with Madagascar since the 2025 coup, including training and involvement of Russian military intelligence.

Workplace Stability in Antananarivo: Malagasy workers at Sodiat (MSA Andakana) pressed a court-appointed official over whether salaries and benefits will continue while owner Mamy Ravatomanga remains jailed in Mauritius, with legal uncertainty shaping pay and staffing decisions. Energy & Health Policy: Future Health convened ministers and leaders at UNGA 81, including Madagascar, focusing on shifting health systems toward prevention—risk data, prevention financing, delivery capacity, and trusted services. Ocean Monitoring Funding: EU and Canada helped launch OceanEye, pledging about €211m plus €92m from the EU to expand global ocean observing—supporting weather, climate forecasts, maritime safety, and coastal resilience. Critical Minerals Push: UN-backed mechanisms to turn critical minerals into jobs were highlighted, with Madagascar named among countries seeking more value from mineral wealth. Climate & Food Security Lens: New analysis flags how climate change is worsening food insecurity across South West Indian Ocean islands, with Madagascar among the vulnerable states facing import dependence and underinvestment. Local Industry Opportunity: Total Graphite reported higher-grade results at its Vatomina project in Madagascar, pointing to potential upgrades to feedstock quality and longer mine life. Governance & Security: A report says Russia has deepened military and political ties with Madagascar since the 2025 coup, including training and involvement by Russian military intelligence.

Ocean & Blue Economy Funding: The EU and Canada helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at UNGA81, with pledges of at least €211m (plus €92m from the EU and C$82m from Canada) to keep ocean data flowing for weather, climate, safety and coastal resilience—Madagascar is listed among participating countries. Critical Minerals & Industrial Jobs: A UN mechanism to help resource-rich developing nations build mineral value chains was announced, with Madagascar included among the first group, aiming to turn extraction into processing, industrial capacity and jobs. Rural Agriculture & Energy Access: Japan and WFP inaugurated solar-powered agricultural hubs and learning/nutrition centres in Betioky district under the Rapid Rural Transformation initiative, backing drought-affected communities with JPY 300m. Mining Exploration in Madagascar: Total Graphite reported higher-grade graphite results at its Vatomina project (up to 18.6% carbon), suggesting potential upgrades to feedstock quality and mine life. Governance & Youth Protests: Madagascar’s Gen Z activists marked a year since the military takeover, saying promised reforms stalled and crackdowns resumed.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Football & National Team): Madagascar coach Corentin Martins said his side’s 2-1 loss to Nigeria came from Nigeria’s higher quality and a second-half energy drop, despite Madagascar starting brightly and creating chances to go further. Ocean Monitoring (Blue Economy): The EU and Canada helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, with Canada pledging C$82m over five years and the EU adding €92m, aiming to strengthen weather, climate, maritime safety and coastal protection—Madagascar is among the participating members. Critical Minerals Value Chains (Mining & Industrial Policy): The UN unveiled a Country Support Mechanism on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, naming Madagascar among the first six countries to get help building domestic processing, jobs and governance around minerals used for the energy transition. Agriculture & Resilience (Food Systems): Japan and WFP inaugurated solar-powered agricultural hubs and learning/nutrition centres in Betioky district to support drought-affected communities and improve nutrition and climate resilience. Energy Transition & Climate Finance (Policy): UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged countries to set credible, time-bound plans to move beyond fossil fuels and scale climate finance—an issue echoed by regional calls for climate justice. Youth & Governance (Civic Space): Madagascar’s Gen Z activists say they feel “betrayed” after a year of protests, alleging the new authorities used similar crackdown tactics.

Critical Minerals Push: The UN launched a Country Support Mechanism on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, naming Madagascar among the first six beneficiaries (with Nigeria, Guinea, Indonesia, Zambia and Zimbabwe) to help turn mineral wealth into local jobs and value chains. Ocean Economy Funding: The EU and Canada backed the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at UNGA, adding major finance to improve ocean data for navigation, weather and coastal resilience, with Madagascar listed among participating members. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Japan and WFP inaugurated solar-powered agricultural hubs and learning/nutrition centres in Betioky district under Rapid Rural Transformation, targeting drought-hit communities. Energy Transition Politics: UN chief António Guterres urged countries to set credible, timed roadmaps to move beyond fossil fuels, while pushing climate finance to reach $1.3tn annually by 2035. Madagascar Governance & Youth: Madagascar’s Gen Z activists say they feel “betrayed” after a year of protests and a new crackdown, accusing the post-coup authorities of repeating old tactics. Industry & Mining Spotlight: Total Graphite reported higher-grade results at its Vatomina graphite project in Madagascar, pointing to potential upgrades to feedstock and mine life. Security & External Ties: A report says Russia has expanded military and political links with Madagascar, including training and visits tied to Russian intelligence and the Africa Corps. Sports (Business-Adjacent): Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers begin against Madagascar in Uyo, with local football stakeholders urging a strong start—an event that can boost matchday commerce and visibility.

Critical Minerals Push: The UN launched a Country Support Mechanism on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, naming Madagascar among the first six beneficiaries (with Nigeria, Guinea, Indonesia, Zambia and Zimbabwe) to help turn raw mineral wealth into local value chains, jobs and industrial capacity. Ocean Economy Funding: The EU and Canada-backed OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System secured at least €211–€220 million in pledges, with Madagascar listed among participating countries to strengthen ocean data, sensors and coordination. Graphite Development: Total Graphite says drilling at its Vatomina graphite project in Madagascar returned grades up to 18.6% carbon, potentially improving feedstock quality for its existing plant and extending mine life. Agri Resilience: Japan and WFP inaugurated solar-powered agricultural hubs and learning/nutrition centres in Betioky district under the Rapid Rural Transformation initiative, targeting drought-affected communities. Governance & Social Tension: Madagascar’s Gen Z activists mark a year since the protests that toppled President Rajoelina, saying they feel “betrayed” by the new government’s crackdown. Energy Access Reality Check: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than 1 in 10 people in Madagascar report reliable electricity, highlighting the scale of grid and service gaps.

Agribusiness & Energy Access: Japan and the UN World Food Programme inaugurated three solar-powered agricultural hubs and six learning/nutrition centres in Betioky, funded by JPY 300 million, to help drought-hit communities boost food production and child nutrition. Critical Minerals & Industrial Policy: The UN launched a Country Support Mechanism on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, naming Madagascar among the first six countries to get help building mineral value chains, governance, and jobs beyond raw exports. Climate Transition Pressure: UN chief António Guterres urged governments to publish credible, time-bound roadmaps to move beyond fossil fuels, alongside faster climate finance for adaptation and emissions cuts. Governance & Youth Protests: A year after Gen Z protests that helped topple the Rajoelina government, activists say the “refoundation” promised by the new authorities has not delivered on basic water and power needs, with renewed crackdowns reported. Education Infrastructure: The Axian Foundation opened its 250th school in Madagascar (Ambahikily, Morombe), adding classrooms, preschool rooms, toilets and handwashing facilities, plus a teacher training centre and a multi-sport pitch initiative. Security & External Influence: Reports say Russian intelligence and the Africa Corps are expanding influence in Madagascar, including training and weapons support, raising concerns for the island’s energy and infrastructure sectors.

Critical Minerals for Industry: UN chief António Guterres says Madagascar will be among the first six countries to get support to move from raw exports to jobs and value-added processing in critical energy transition minerals, alongside Nigeria, Guinea, Indonesia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Energy Access Gap: Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans have reliable electricity, with Madagascar at just 9% reporting power that works most or all of the time—pushing many households toward alternatives like solar. Russian Influence & Security: Reports say Russian intelligence and the Africa Corps are expanding operations in Madagascar after the 2025 coup, including training and weapons deliveries, while also building ties with local elites. Education Investment: Axian Foundation opened its 250th school in Madagascar, adding classrooms, toilets and teacher training support in Atsimo-Andrefana. Climate Finance Readiness: A growing push for pre-arranged climate funding highlights how governments need money ready before floods and droughts hit—an issue directly tied to resilience planning in Madagascar. Maritime Trade Risk: East African states are backing a regional anti-piracy task force for the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean to protect shipping routes. Local Governance Reality Check: One year after the Capsat-led political shift, activists say water and electricity problems remain largely unresolved in Antananarivo.

Education & Community Investment: Axian Foundation opened its 250th school in Madagascar at Ambahikily (Morombe), adding new classrooms, preschool rooms, toilets, and handwashing facilities, while also launching a teacher training centre and laying the first stone of a multi-sport pitch. Logistics & Corporate Social Responsibility: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) marks its 3rd Solidarity Day on Sept 24 by rolling out “Schools for Prosperity,” aiming to improve school infrastructure, equipment, and girls’ access to education across its African footprint. Climate Finance: A new focus on “pre-arranged” climate finance is gaining traction across Africa, pushing for funding to be secured before disasters hit—an issue that matters for Madagascar’s disaster-prone economy. Security & Governance: One year after the Capsat-led political upheaval in Antananarivo, young activists say promised “refoundation” changes haven’t delivered on basic water and electricity needs. Biodiversity & Science: Researchers report the indri, Madagascar’s only singing lemur, uses a vocal technique similar to opera singers—opening its mouth wider as pitch rises—highlighting the island’s unique natural assets. Industry & Trade (Regional): WTM Africa 2027 buyer registration opens, with Madagascar listed among key Indian Ocean destinations for next year’s travel and tourism business push.