Fuel Market Shake-up: Madagascar’s state procurement agency took over JIRAMA fuel imports after Law No. 021/2026, ending the long role of private distributors under GPM; the first new-system cargo (67 million litres of diesel) arrived at Toamasina on Aug. 12 via Sahara Group. Fuel Contract Fallout: The change also undercuts long-running arrangements tied to billionaire Hassanein Hiridjee’s Axian fuel arm, with the state buying directly for the first time in nearly three decades. Mining Efficiency Push: Ambatovy’s nickel operations near Moramanga are using process measurement and industrial solutions designed to keep performance steady despite cyclones and humidity swings. Port & Logistics Expansion: ICTSI signed to acquire 100% of TLG Acquisition Holdings, a port and cargo handler across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa—an Africa growth signal for bulk and agricultural trade. Critical Minerals Race: Energy Fuels completed its ASM acquisition to build a mine-to-magnet rare-earth chain, adding conversion capacity in South Korea and projects in Australia. Trade Security Watch: The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut for shipping, with traffic down about 95%, raising risks for global energy and goods flows. Regulatory Move: Madagascar’s ANMCC opened a safeguard investigation process for self-adhesive labels, packaging and certain printed items, with interested parties to register by mid-September.