Rare Earths Investment: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation has committed up to $4.84m to Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava project in northern Madagascar, backing pilot-plant work, lab testing and environmental programs for a roughly $150m mine aimed at producing magnet-grade rare earth oxides. Trade & Diplomacy: Egypt and Madagascar leaders met in Cairo/El Alamein, signing cooperation deals and reporting 2025 trade of $122.8m, with Egypt’s exports led by milling products and petroleum derivatives. Industrial Policy Support: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant for Madagascar and four other countries to strengthen industrial and trade policy frameworks and improve AfCFTA implementation through studies, training and technical assistance. Energy Access Finance: A wider Africa-focused report highlights how pay-as-you-go solar financing works—and why affordability and repayment design still limit uptake, a reminder for Madagascar’s off-grid energy push. Skills & Construction Workforce: Germany’s construction training center model shows how structured vocational training and skilled-migrant pathways can feed labor demand—relevant for Madagascar’s infrastructure pipeline. Marine Environment Risk: Underwater noise from rising shipping traffic is flagged as a growing threat to Western Indian Ocean marine life, including waters around Madagascar.