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.