AGP Executive Report

SADC Summit in Durban: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa arrived for the 46th SADC Heads of State meeting, where the bloc’s theme ties industrialisation to infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals transformation. SADC Chair Transition: South Africa is set to formally assume the SADC chairmanship, pushing regional integration, intra-SADC trade, and local beneficiation of minerals. Migration Pressure Test: South Africa is urging members to ratify the stalled free movement of people protocol, but migration is contested as a main-summit agenda item. Security and Protests: Durban is on high alert around the ICC ahead of an anti-immigrant march targeting leaders over migration policy. Madagascar Energy Supply: A major diesel shipment from Nigeria arrived at Toamasina to keep JIRAMA power plants running and help end private fuel import monopoly. Minerals Governance: Madagascar joined other African states backing a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining at the ISA. Business and Trade: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing firms across agro-industry, construction, energy, mining, logistics, and textiles.

SADC Summit Watch: South Africa’s chair push for regional industrialisation, trade and critical minerals is colliding with a politically sensitive migration agenda as Pretoria presses members to ratify the stalled Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, while some states resist elevating migration to leaders’ talks. Energy Security for Madagascar: A major diesel shipment for JIRAMA—67 million litres—has arrived at Toamasina on the Sunda 1 tanker, aimed at keeping power plants running and ending the long-standing private import monopoly. Regional Performance Pressure: A new SADC assessment rates the bloc’s overall progress at 5.06/10, citing weak growth and youth unemployment despite gains in security, agriculture and mobility—setting the tone for Durban. Ocean Minerals Backlash: Madagascar is among six African countries supporting a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining at the ISA, arguing for stronger science and governance before critical-mineral extraction accelerates. Agro-Industry Inputs: Experts warn agroecology momentum is outpacing public research, finance and extension capacity—an issue that matters for farm productivity and food supply chains. Connectivity Tech: Airtel and Starlink launched Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, extending basic messaging and light data where mobile coverage is thin. Business Linkages: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo with firms spanning agriculture, construction, energy, mining, logistics and textiles.

Energy Security: Madagascar received its first major state diesel shipment under a Madagascar–Nigeria cooperation deal: the Sunda 1 tanker delivered about 67 million litres to Toamasina to keep JIRAMA power plants running and help end private import monopoly practices. Regional Industry & Trade: Ahead of the SADC summit in Durban, SADC’s own assessment says the bloc is improving on security, agriculture and regional mobility, but still falls short on growth and jobs, with youth unemployment and incomplete integration commitments dragging results. SADC Migration Push: South Africa is pressing SADC members to sign and ratify a long-stalled free-movement migration protocol, but some countries resist elevating migration to a stand-alone summit agenda item. Business & Investment Links: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo with 50+ firms across sectors from agro-industry and construction to energy, mining, logistics, textiles and digital solutions. Critical Minerals Policy: Madagascar joined other African states backing a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining at the ISA, arguing for stronger science and governance before any expansion. Supply Chain & Retail Tech: Jumia secured $50m in fresh equity (IFC and Axian) to expand delivery and digital payments, aiming for profitability by 2027—relevant for Madagascar’s e-commerce and logistics ecosystem. Biodiversity & Land Use: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato conservation work amid deforestation pressures from agriculture, mining, timber and charcoal.

Energy Security: Madagascar received its first major state diesel shipment under a Madagascar–Nigeria cooperation deal, with the Sunda 1 tanker delivering about 67 million litres to keep JIRAMA power plants running. E-Commerce & Logistics: Jumia secured $50m in fresh equity (IFC and Axian), aiming to expand delivery and digital payments while pushing toward profitability in 2026/27. Critical Minerals Policy: Six African countries now back a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, including Madagascar, as governance and science gaps remain a sticking point at the ISA. Regional Industry Push (SADC): SADC leaders met in Durban ahead of the summit, with officials stressing self-reliance, industrialisation, energy and digital connectivity—while acknowledging weak growth and high youth unemployment. Agroecology Scaling: Experts warn agroecology demand is outpacing public research, finance and extension systems needed to scale sustainable farming. Biodiversity & Land Use: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was selected for recovery under the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato conservation amid deforestation pressures. Trade & Investment: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together firms across agriculture, construction, energy, mining, logistics and textiles.

Energy & Trade: Madagascar’s state power utility JIRAMA is set for steadier operations after the Sunda 1 tanker delivered 67 million litres of diesel from Nigeria to Toamasina, ending a long-running private import monopoly and targeting uninterrupted generation. Regional Industry & Jobs: A new SADC performance assessment says the bloc is improving on security, agriculture and mobility, but still falls short on growth, youth unemployment and unfinished integration—coming as leaders prepare for the Durban summit. SADC Industrialisation Agenda: SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi urged member states to become more self-reliant and deepen regional integration, highlighting progress in added electricity capacity while noting access targets remain unmet. Critical Minerals Policy: Six African countries—including Madagascar—back a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining at the ISA, arguing science and governance gaps still leave too much at stake for ocean-dependent development. Business & Investment: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together 50+ firms across agro-industry, construction, energy, mining, transport and logistics to push cross-border deals. Rare Biodiversity for Industry Supply Chains: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato conservation work tied to pressures from agriculture, mining and charcoal. Agri-Transformation: Experts warn agroecology demand is outpacing public research, finance and extension systems, calling for stronger funding and scaling beyond donor projects. E-commerce & Logistics Finance: Jumia secured $50m in equity funding co-led by IFC and Axian to expand delivery and digital payments, aiming for profitability by 2027—relevant for regional retail and logistics competitiveness.

Fuel Monopoly Breakthrough: Madagascar’s government says the first state diesel shipment for JIRAMA will arrive in Toamasina on 12 August, aiming to end private firms’ monopoly on fuel imports and stabilize power-plant supply during low hydropower periods. Regional Energy & Integration: SADC leaders and ministers are pushing for more self-reliance and stronger regional integration, even as a new assessment flags weak growth, high youth unemployment, and incomplete integration progress. Agroecology Scaling Gap: Experts warn agroecology demand across Africa is outpacing public research, finance, training and extension systems needed to scale beyond donor projects. Biodiversity & Land Pressure: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka has been selected for recovery under the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato conservation amid deforestation from agriculture, mining, timber and charcoal. Trade & Industry Linkages: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum in Antananarivo brings together 50+ firms across agro-industry, construction, energy, mining, logistics, textiles and digital solutions. E-commerce Funding: Jumia secured $50m from IFC and Axian to expand delivery and digital payments as it targets profitability by 2027.

Fuel Market Reform: Madagascar is ending the private monopoly on petroleum imports as the first state diesel shipment for JIRAMA is due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August, covering months of power-plant consumption and strengthening energy security. SADC Summit Watch: Durban is tightening security ahead of the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, with the agenda centered on resilient, sustainable industrialisation via infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals. Regional Industry Push: SADC leaders are calling for more self-reliance and deeper integration as conflicts and weaker aid strain development, while energy capacity additions continue but electrification gaps remain. Conservation & Land Pressure: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka has been selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato and the deforestation pressures tied to agriculture, mining, timber and charcoal. Trade & Logistics Link: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together firms across agro-industry, construction, energy, mining, transport and logistics, plus ICT and textiles. E-Commerce Funding: Jumia secured $50m in fresh equity (IFC and Axian), aiming to expand delivery routes and digital payments while targeting profitability by 2027.

Rare Earths & US Finance: The US DFC is set to fund Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava Ionic Clay rare-earth project in Madagascar, aiming to supply neodymium and dysprosium for high-performance magnets used in advanced manufacturing and defense. Energy Market Reform: Madagascar is ending the private monopoly on fuel imports: the first state diesel shipment for JIRAMA is due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August, with the government coordinating storage and distribution during the transition. Critical Minerals Geopolitics: A wider US push for critical minerals supply chains was announced alongside new financing and incentives, putting Madagascar’s rare-earths on the frontline of US-China competition. Land & Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court validated a law letting the state reclaim colonial-era land still registered under foreign names as of independence, with exemptions for diplomatic properties and already-transferred Malagasy holdings. Conservation-Linked Local Economy: The Golden-crowned Sifaka (Loky-Manambato) was named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting agriculture, mining, timber and charcoal pressures on northern dry forests. Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium: Madagascar joined other African states backing a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, citing governance gaps and insufficient science.

Fuel Market Reform: Madagascar begins ending the private fuel import monopoly as the first state diesel shipment for JIRAMA is due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August, covering months of power-plant consumption and strengthening supply during low hydropower periods. Rare Earths Push: The US DFC is set to fund Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava ionic clay project in Madagascar, targeting rare earths used in high-performance magnets for advanced manufacturing and defense. Land Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court validated a law letting the state reclaim colonial-era land still registered under foreign names as of 26 June 1960, with exemptions for diplomatic properties and certain already-transferred parcels. Agri-Industry Context: A Codex Alimentarius update at CAC49 adopted new food standards and hygiene texts, including rules affecting food additives, residues, allergens, and emergency food labelling—relevant for Madagascar’s food exporters and processors. Regional Trade Facilitation: SADC is moving to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, aiming to cut trade costs for small-scale traders, including Madagascar. Industrial Investment Signals: US critical-minerals financing announcements underscore intensifying global demand for battery and magnet inputs—raising the stakes for Madagascar’s mining pipeline. Supply Chain/Logistics Finance: Jumia secured $50M equity funding co-led by IFC and Axian to scale logistics, digital payments, and e-commerce infrastructure across Africa, a reminder of how capital is flowing into last-mile delivery systems. Madagascar in Global Value Chains: TOG’s full acquisition by Parlevliet & Van der Plas highlights integrated seafood processing with a Madagascar cannery feeding European canned-tuna markets.

Fuel Market Reform in Madagascar: Madagascar is moving to end private control of petroleum imports as the first state diesel shipment for JIRAMA is due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August, aimed at keeping power plants running during low hydropower periods. Energy Policy Shift: The government says new legislation lets it procure fuel directly, while private firms still handle parts of logistics during the transition. Rare Earths Investment: The US DFC is set to provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava Ionic Clay project in Madagascar, supporting studies and a proof-of-concept pilot plant for rare earths used in high-performance magnets for advanced manufacturing and defense. Sovereignty & Land: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court upheld a law allowing the state to reclaim colonial-era land still registered under foreign names as of 26 June 1960, with exemptions for diplomatic properties and already-transferred Malagasy holdings. Regional Trade Push (SADC): SADC is also working to simplify border procedures under a Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small-scale traders, including Madagascar.

Energy Policy Shift: Madagascar’s government is taking direct control of fuel procurement, with the first state diesel shipment for JIRAMA due to arrive in Toamasina on 12 August—aimed at ending the private import and distribution monopoly while keeping private firms involved in storage and logistics. Rare Earths Investment: The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava ionic clay project in Madagascar, supporting studies and a proof-of-concept pilot plant for rare earths used in advanced manufacturing and defense. Land & Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court validated a law enabling the state to reclaim colonial-era land still registered under foreign names as of 26 June 1960, with exemptions for diplomatic missions and certain already-transferred properties. Regional Trade Facilitation: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, including relaxed certificate-of-origin rules, to cut costs for small-scale traders—Madagascar is among the member states.

Rare Earths Finance: The US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, supporting studies, permitting and a proof-of-concept pilot plant as Washington pushes to diversify critical mineral supply chains. Land & Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court upheld a law enabling the state to reclaim colonial-era land still registered under foreign names as of June 26, 1960, with exemptions for diplomatic properties and certain already-transferred Malagasy holdings. Energy & Logistics: Madagascar’s state utility Jirama is set to use diesel from a tanker due to dock in Toamasina to run power plants, underlining ongoing fuel-and-generation logistics pressures. Regional Trade Facilitation: SADC’s Simplified Trade Regime is being rolled out to cut border costs and simplify procedures for small-scale traders, with Madagascar included among member states. US Critical Minerals Push (Context): Multiple reports highlight a broader US push—billions in critical minerals and battery-related investments—placing Madagascar’s rare earths on the frontline of US-China supply-chain competition.

Rare Earths Finance: The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, its first mining investment in the country, to support studies, permitting and a proof-of-concept pilot plant. Land & Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has validated a law letting the state reclaim colonial-era land still registered under foreign settlers’ names, using the June 26, 1960 independence cut-off, with exemptions for diplomatic properties and certain already-transferred Malagasy holdings. Energy Supply: Jirama will use diesel from the China-bound tanker Sunda 1 when it docks in Toamasina, as Madagascar works to keep power plants running. Regional Trade Facilitation: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, with Madagascar among member states, aiming to cut costs and ease informal cross-border commerce. Critical Minerals Geopolitics: US rare-earth and magnet supply-chain moves are putting Madagascar’s rare earths on the frontline of US-China competition, even as Washington scales up financing and partnerships elsewhere.

Rare Earths Finance: The US DFC will provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, supporting studies, permitting and a proof-of-concept pilot plant as Washington pushes critical-minerals supply-chain resilience. Energy & Infrastructure: Jirama will use diesel from the China-linked tanker “Sunda 1” arriving at Toamasina to run power plants, as Madagascar ends its private hold on oil imports. Land & Sovereignty: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court validated a law enabling the state to reclaim colonial-era land still registered under foreign settlers’ names as of June 26, 1960, with exemptions for diplomatic missions and certain already-transferred properties. Regional Trade Facilitation: SADC is moving to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, aiming to cut costs and ease informal cross-border trade for small-scale traders, including Madagascar. Mining Ecosystem Link: UK policy coverage highlights how critical-minerals accelerators and supply-chain localization efforts are looking to reduce dependence on China—referencing Madagascar’s Ampasindava as part of that broader push.

Critical Minerals Finance: The US is pushing a new wave of government-backed critical-minerals deals, including $3bn-plus in investments and $180m+ for mining education, as Washington tries to reduce dependence on China for inputs used in defence, batteries and advanced manufacturing. Madagascar Rare Earths: In that wider scramble, Madagascar’s Ampasindava rare-earth project is getting US project development support via the DFC, with funding aimed at studies, permitting and a proof-of-concept pilot plant. Defence Supply Chain Access: Evion Group says it has joined the Pentagon-linked Cornerstone Consortium, giving it a direct line to US defence industrial base priorities—an angle that matters for how critical minerals get turned into supply-chain-ready manufacturing. Regional Industrialisation Agenda: SADC’s Durban summit is set to focus on “industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation,” with South Africa taking the chair role after Madagascar’s prior hosting. Energy Access Watch: Separate data highlights how far electrification still has to go across Africa, with Sierra Leone reporting nearly 6m people without electricity access in 2025.

Rare Earth Finance for Madagascar: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava deposit, positioning the early-stage Madagascar rare-earth push inside the wider U.S.-China critical-minerals race. U.S. Mining Push Signals More Competition: President Trump announced billions in critical-minerals investments and battery-related deals, while also highlighting rare-earth-free magnet approaches—an industrial strategy that could reshape demand and partnerships for African suppliers. SADC Industrialisation Agenda in Durban: South Africa has formally taken over the SADC Standing Committee chairmanship as the bloc prepares for its 46th summit in Durban, with themes including infrastructure-led industrialisation, agricultural transformation, and critical minerals. Energy Access Gap (Regional Context): New data shows nearly 6 million people in Sierra Leone still lack electricity access, underscoring the broader infrastructure and energy challenge facing the region’s development plans.