Food Security & Trade: Russia resumed wheat supplies to Madagascar, shipping over 30,000 tonnes worth more than $7m in the first five months of 2026, after near-zero exports in 2025. Agriculture Policy: A Southern Africa rural women’s group urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the center of food and climate policy, citing rising poverty, food insecurity and climate shocks across the region, including Madagascar. EU Market Access: The EU and ESA states (including Madagascar) concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement in Mauritius, aiming for more predictable rules, services and digitalisation, and deeper regional integration. Mining & Industry Strategy: Evion is pushing an “ex-China” critical minerals plan, positioning graphite and fluorspar as key pillars, with a three-pronged push across India, Madagascar and the US. Energy/Commodities Pressure: S&P Global warned that emerging-market inflation risks may shift from fuel to food as fertiliser costs feed into higher food prices, with African economies likely hit hardest. Security & Logistics: Russia reportedly sent additional military engineering hardware to Madagascar, including vehicles and mobile power plants, as bilateral defence ties deepen. Biodiversity & Livelihoods: Researchers highlighted how biodiversity value chains—such as forest-based enterprises in Madagascar—could strengthen rural jobs and incomes if investment targets governance and market links. Conservation Spotlight: A critically endangered Madagascar lemur family was welcomed at the Buffalo Zoo, underscoring habitat loss and illegal hunting pressures.