Energy Access & Electrification: A World Bank-backed “Mission 300” update says Africa has connected over 50 million people to electricity, led by Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria, while eight countries still report zero new connections—an industrialisation bottleneck for places like Madagascar. Renewables Finance: IFC secured a $10m equity investment in CrossBoundary Access to scale mini-grids and battery-as-a-service, with Madagascar’s ANKA among supported partners. Agribusiness & Climate Risk: DialogueNEXT in Nairobi brought together African agriculture leaders, including Madagascar’s livestock minister, to push farmer-centred innovation and value-chain reforms as El Niño threats grow. Food Security Funding: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal to protect nearly 8.8m people from El Niño impacts, listing Madagascar among priority countries. Madagascar Supply Chains (Ingredients): Prova marked its 80th anniversary, highlighting long-running sourcing links including vanilla from Madagascar—timely as cocoa and coffee volatility keeps supply-chain security in focus. Industry & Trade Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional operations director, covering Madagascar and other key markets, signaling continued focus on regional trade and project finance. Science for Disaster Response: NTU and Waseda researchers advanced “diving suit” cyborg cockroaches that can operate underwater for up to three hours—an innovation theme that could matter for future rescue and infrastructure inspection work. Governance & External Ties: Madagascar’s prime minister attended a Russian Defence Ministry concert in Antananarivo and flagged upcoming Russian support for healthcare kits and road construction equipment.