AGP Executive Report

Child Safety Crisis: Madagascar’s capital is reeling after a surge in unresolved disappearances and killings of children and adolescents, with police reporting 172 cases since Jan 1, 2026 (164 still missing, 8 found dead), 119 concentrated in Analamanga, as authorities deploy joint day-and-night forces. President Meets Investors: President Andry Rajoelina received Oman Investment Authority chairman Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi to discuss expanding economic and investment cooperation. Rare Earths Funding: Harena Rare Earths signed a project development funding agreement with the US International Development Finance Corporation for up to $4.84m toward its Ampasindava ionic clay rare earths project, including permitting and pilot-plant work. Health & Science: UNB researchers report a major step toward more efficient vinblastine production using a protein found in Madagascar periwinkle, potentially boosting future industrial biosynthesis. Regional Politics: SADC announced an electoral observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election.

Child Safety Crisis: Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo is on edge after police recorded 172 reports of missing children and adolescents since Jan 1, 2026, with 119 cases in Analamanga and eight children found dead; authorities say joint police-gendarmerie-military patrols are now operating day and night as vigilante violence grows. Investment Diplomacy: President Colonel Michael Randrianirina met Oman Investment Authority chairman Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi to discuss expanding economic and investment cooperation. Rare Earths Push: Harena Rare Earths signed a project development funding agreement with the US International Development Finance Corporation for up to $4.84m toward its Ampasindava ionic clay rare earths project, including permitting and environmental studies. Critical Minerals Update: Evion Group secured mining permits for its Maniry graphite project, a key step toward financing and development under Madagascar’s new mining code. Health Access via Solar: Beyond2020 (Zayed Sustainability Prize) announced six solar-powered health centres in Karnataka, India, serving 200,000+ people—an example of how clean energy can expand care where power is scarce.

Energy & Security: Madagascar has reinstated a nationwide energy emergency, citing renewed Middle East tensions and the risk of higher fuel prices, as the country relies heavily on imported refined petroleum. Food Security: Save the Children warns hunger could sharply worsen, with crisis-level food insecurity projected to rise by 75% later this year, affecting hundreds of thousands of under-5s and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Public Safety: A surge in disappearances is alarming residents, with police recording 172 reports this year (including 91 children) and authorities stepping up patrols in Antananarivo amid fears of deeper institutional failings. Mining & Investment: Evion Group secured mining permits for its Maniry graphite project, a major step toward financing, a final investment decision, and development under Madagascar’s new mining code. Regional Diplomacy: A SADC ministerial meeting in Malawi reaffirmed peace and security as the base for regional integration, with Madagascar’s foreign affairs minister meeting counterparts on the sidelines.

Madagascar–Oman Investment Talks: President Andry Rajoelina met Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority, to discuss expanding economic and investment cooperation across sectors. Maritime Security Crackdown: East Africa’s coast is facing a growing threat from unregistered vessels, after authorities uncovered 769 packets of crystal drugs weighing about 1,024 kg in a major high-seas operation linked to organised smuggling networks. SADC Peace Focus: SADC ministers reaffirmed that peace and security are the foundation for regional integration, with member states also pushing governance, migration management, and the fight against corruption and organised crime. Regional Trade Leadership: Tanzania’s Vincent Minja was elected PACCI Vice President for the East African region, representing countries including Madagascar, with a mandate to boost intra-African trade and investment. Madagascar Mining Push: Evion secured mining permits for its Maniry graphite project in Madagascar, a key step toward financing and development under the country’s newer mining code. Wildlife Conservation Note: A pair of critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins—born in April—joined Central Park Zoo’s troop, highlighting the species’ eastern Madagascar decline driven by habitat loss and poaching.

Madagascar Visa & Mobility: Panama has published a visa-free list for African travellers, including Madagascar, allowing eligible citizens to enter and stay for up to three months without a visa. Mining & Jobs: Evion Group says it has secured mining permits for its Maniry graphite project in southern Madagascar, a major step toward financing, a final investment decision, and development under the country’s newer mining code. Public Safety: A new report says Malagasy police recorded 172 disappearance reports this year, including 91 children, with numbers rising sharply since late June and eight bodies recovered. Regional Security: The SADC ministerial committee reaffirmed that peace and security are the “bedrock” of regional integration, with member states also focusing on migration management and the fight against corruption and organised crime. Health Access (Africa link): The UAE’s Beyond2020 initiative announced six solar-powered health centres in India serving 200,000+ people, highlighting how off-grid power can expand care in remote communities. Business Leadership: Tanzania’s Vincent Minja was elected PACCI vice president for East Africa, representing Madagascar among 14 countries.

Disappearances in Madagascar: RFI reports 172 disappearance cases this year (91 children), with fear rising in Antananarivo despite a heavy police and military patrol push, pointing to deeper institutional failings during the post-October 2025 transition. Energy Crisis: Madagascar reimposed a nationwide state of energy emergency to secure fuel supplies and protect essential services amid renewed Middle East-driven oil market uncertainty. Food Security: Save the Children warns hunger will worsen sharply: about 502,000 under-5s and 21,000 pregnant/breastfeeding women face acute malnutrition, with crisis-level hunger projected to rise by 75% later this year. Regional Security (SADC): SADC ministers in Salima reaffirm peace and security as the base for integration, with bilateral talks including Madagascar’s foreign affairs counterpart. Humanitarian Outlook: OCHA flags Mozambique as the main Southern Africa exception for conflict-driven humanitarian needs, underscoring how insecurity keeps displacement and service disruption high. Economy/Industry: Total Graphite temporarily halts operations at its Vatomina mine in Madagascar for optimisation work, targeting a restart from December. Weather & Climate Services: A UN-backed SOFF push highlights missing observation data across many least-developed states, including Madagascar, as forecasts and early warnings depend on better monitoring.

Energy & Fuel Policy: Madagascar has reinstated a nationwide state of energy emergency to secure fuel supplies and protect essential services amid renewed Middle East-driven oil market uncertainty. Food Security: Save the Children warns hunger could sharply worsen later this year, with hundreds of thousands of under-5s and pregnant/breastfeeding women facing acute malnutrition, and crisis hunger rising to millions. Public Safety: A surge in disappearances is raising fear in Antananarivo, with police recording 172 disappearance reports this year (including 91 children) and eight bodies recovered, amid a tense political transition. Humanitarian Outlook: OCHA says Mozambique is the only Southern Africa country still facing continuous conflict-driven humanitarian needs in Q2, highlighting how insecurity and displacement keep assistance demands high. Economy/Industry: Total Graphite has paused production at its Vatomina mine to complete optimisation work, targeting a restart of over 1,000 tonnes per month from December. Diplomacy/Regional Ties: Madagascar marked the 25th anniversary of the China–Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness with a reception in Antananarivo.

Energy Crisis: Madagascar has reinstated a nationwide state of energy emergency, citing renewed Middle East tensions and uncertainty in global oil markets, with the goal of securing fuel supplies and protecting essential services. Food Security: Save the Children warns hunger will worsen, projecting about 502,000 under-5s and 21,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women facing acute malnutrition from May 2026 to April 2027, with crisis-level hunger potentially rising to 3.72 million people. Russia-Madagascar Medical Returns: Two Malagasy citizens injured in 2025 protests have returned home after surgery and rehabilitation in Russia, with Madagascar’s health and trade officials meeting them on arrival. Mining Update: Total Graphite has paused production at the Vatomina graphite mine to complete drilling and optimisation work, targeting a restart of over 1,000 tonnes per month from December 2026. Diplomacy: Antananarivo hosted a reception marking the 25th anniversary of the China–Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, attended by Madagascar’s Prime Minister and defence officials.

Energy Crisis Watch: Madagascar has reinstated a nationwide state of energy emergency, citing renewed Middle East tensions and oil-market uncertainty, to protect fuel supplies and keep essential services running. Nutrition Alarm: Save the Children warns that about 502,000 Malagasy children under five and 21,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women face acute malnutrition risks from May 2026 to April 2027, with hunger levels expected to worsen later this year. Regional Diplomacy: SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi, to review regional peace and security, with eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime on the agenda. Mining Update: Total Graphite has paused production at its Vatomina graphite mine to complete optimisation work, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December. Health & Mobility: Two Malagasy citizens injured in 2025 protests have returned home after surgical treatment and rehabilitation in Russia. Climate Risk: Action Against Hunger flags El Niño as a looming driver of drought in southern Madagascar and higher cyclone risk on the east coast.

Energy Security: Madagascar has reinstated a nationwide energy emergency, citing renewed Middle East tensions that are unsettling global oil markets and threatening fuel supply and prices. Food & Nutrition: Save the Children warns hunger will worsen fast: about 502,000 under-5s and 21,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women face acute malnutrition, with crisis-level food insecurity expected to rise by 75% later this year. Health & Diplomacy: Two Malagasy citizens injured in 2025 protests have returned home after surgery, diagnostics and rehabilitation in Russia, with officials highlighting continued medical and diplomatic ties. Mining & Jobs: Total Graphite has paused production at its Vatomina mine to complete optimisation work, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December. Regional Cooperation: SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi, to tackle regional peace and security, including the DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime. International Mobility: India’s e-Visa list for 2026 includes Madagascar, and DR Congo has published its 2026 eVisa eligibility list for African applicants.

Energy Training: Energy Transition Africa has selected 15 “Cohort Zero” Pan-African fellows from eight countries (including Madagascar’s Dieudonne Soatsara) after 231 applications, aiming to build more energy-crisis specialists across the continent. Health & Diplomacy: Two Malagasy citizens injured during protests in 2025 returned home after surgery, diagnostics and rehabilitation in Russia, with Madagascar officials and Russia’s chargé d’affaires at the airport. Climate Watch: Action Against Hunger warns that El Niño’s very strong 2026 outlook could worsen southern Madagascar drought and raise cyclone risk on the east, threatening crops and food security. Mining Update: Total Graphite has paused production at its Vatomina mine for drilling and plant optimisation, targeting a restart of over 1,000 tonnes per month from December. Regional Security: SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi, to review peace and security, with eastern DRC conflict, terrorism and organised crime on the agenda. Travel Rules: India’s 2026 e-Visa list includes Madagascar, and DR Congo published its 2026 eVisa eligibility list for 44 African countries.

El Niño Warning for Madagascar: Action Against Hunger flags NOAA forecasts for very strong El Niño in 2026, warning of drought in southern Madagascar and higher cyclone risk on the east coast, with food and nutrition impacts likely to hit already strained communities. Regional Security Talks (SADC): SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi, to review peace and security, with eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance on the agenda. Graphite Update (Madagascar): Total Graphite has paused production at its Vatomina mine to complete drilling and optimisation work, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December 2026. Cybercrime Law Move: Madagascar approved a bill to modernise cybercrime laws. Visa Access Watch: India released a 2026 e-Visa list including Madagascar, while DR Congo published its 2026 eVisa eligibility list for African travellers. Education Connectivity: Airtel Africa plans to connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF support.

SADC Security Focus: SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi to review regional peace and security, with eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance on the agenda. Energy & Water Planning: In Pretoria, SADC energy and water ministers are holding a technical meeting that could shape regional electrification and water coordination under the “Mission 300” agenda. Madagascar Heritage Restitution: Madagascar received the skull of King Toera and three Sakalava-linked remains from France, with burial planned for 31 August. Mining Update: Total Graphite paused production at the Vatomina mine in Madagascar for drilling and operational upgrades, targeting restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December 2026. Education Access: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF support, building on thousands already connected. Travel Opportunities: India’s 2026 e-Visa list includes Madagascar, while Jamaica confirms visa-free entry for 16 African countries including several Southern African states.

Blue Health & Water: A new “blue mind” explainer links time near water with calmer breathing, lower stress and a happier mood. Regional Security: SADC ministers met in Salima, Malawi, to tackle eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance. Education Connectivity: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF, building on thousands of schools already online in Zambia and beyond. Madagascar Restitution: France handed back the skull of King Toera and three Sakalava-linked remains to Madagascar, with burial planned for Aug. 31. Cybercrime Law: Madagascar approved a bill to modernise cybercrime laws. Travel Rules: India published its 2026 e-Visa list including Madagascar; Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania also updated visa-free entry lists featuring Madagascar. Sports: Nigeria took a 2-0 lead over Madagascar in the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III qualifier.

Visa Access for Malagasy Travelers: India has published its 2026 e-Visa list covering 32 African countries, including Madagascar, allowing eligible travellers to apply online for tourism, business and medical visits. Regional Travel Rules: Zimbabwe also released a 2026 visa-free list that includes Madagascar, while Zambia’s 2026 visa-free list likewise names Madagascar among eligible African countries. Climate Risk Funding: Kenya is set to receive up to $100m (Sh13bn) from a UN emergency fund ahead of El Niño, with Madagascar also flagged by UN agencies as high-risk for climate shocks. Sports: Nigeria took a 2-0 lead over Madagascar in the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III qualifier, with Oyinlomo Quadre winning her singles match in straight sets. Heritage Restitution: Madagascar received the skull of King Toera and three Sakalava-linked remains from France, with burial planned for August 31. Governance & Environment: President Mnangagwa appointed Dr Dilesh Nguwaya as Special Advisor on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability.

Cybercrime Update: Madagascar approved a bill to modernise cybercrime laws, a move aimed at strengthening how the country handles online offences. Heritage Restitution: Madagascar received the skull of King Toera and three other Sakalava-linked remains from France, with burial planned for August 31—an emotional win after colonial-era trophy taking. Environment & Waste: President Mnangagwa appointed Dr Dilesh Nguwaya as Special Advisor on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability, signaling a push for cleaner cities and better waste solutions. Regional Connectivity: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to the internet by 2027 via UNICEF, building on thousands of schools already online. International Links: An Orthodox service in Antananarivo included Russian Defence Ministry Africa Corps representatives, with medicines and first-aid supplies handed over. Science Spotlight: Researchers in Singapore tested miniature “cyborg cockroach” diving suits that could support search-and-rescue and, eventually, Mars exploration.