AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety: A fire broke out on the Madagascar-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex off Oman with 24 Indian seafarers on board amid renewed Israel-Iran tensions; Indian authorities say all crew are safe and the Indian Navy carried out the rescue. Aviation Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will start a direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis route from 12 July 2026, flying three times a week, cutting travel time and boosting tourism and trade across the Indian Ocean. Mining & Jobs: Sumitomo is financing the sale of its 54% stake in Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel project to new owners, aiming to restart operations after cyclone damage and a suspension since February. Graphite Strategy: Total Graphite has launched a portfolio optimisation programme for its Madagascar graphite operations, weighing partners, joint ventures, partial sales or asset sales to accelerate value. Environment & Trade Controls: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches in NSW, including thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that banned species could threaten native ecosystems. Sports (Madagascar in the spotlight): Serbia’s 3x3 team beat Madagascar in group play en route to winning bronze at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw.

Amnesty Report on Scams: Amnesty International says Cambodia’s “crackdown” on online scamming compounds is largely failing, with police-gang collusion helping sites dodge raids and survivors reporting abuse with little support. Morocco vs Norway Warm-up: Morocco drew Norway 1-1 in a World Cup tune-up in New Jersey, after beating Madagascar 4-0, as the Atlas Lions prepare to open Group C against Brazil. African Banking Oversight: Central African and wider African banking supervisors met in Yaounde to push stronger supervision against systemic, digital fraud, cyber and climate risks. Madagascar in the Spotlight Abroad: Australia seized 100,000 illegal cockroaches in NSW, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the trade could threaten biodiversity and agriculture. Energy and Forest Pressure: New studies warn Africa’s charcoal and firewood dependence is driving forest loss and uneven governance is undermining climate and biodiversity goals, with Madagascar highlighted. Regional Air Links: Ethiopian Airlines announced a new direct route to Port Louis from July 12, improving connectivity via its African network including Antananarivo.

World Cup Build-Up: Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said centre-back Nayef Aguerd’s groin recovery is still uncertain, with no risks taken ahead of Sunday’s friendly vs Norway and the Atlas Lions’ June 13 opener vs Brazil. International Friendlies: Norway returns to the World Cup after an 8-for-8 qualifying run and faces Morocco in Harrison, New Jersey, in a final tune-up. Madagascar in the Spotlight: Morocco’s 4-0 win over Madagascar in their latest warm-up was part of their unbeaten run heading into the Norway match. Biosecurity Alert: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the trade could harm native wildlife and agriculture. Regional Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines announced a new direct three-times-weekly route to Port Louis, Mauritius, starting July 12, with Antananarivo listed among prior hubs. Digital Services: Oman’s e-attestation rollout will expand to Madagascar on July 20, easing document attestation without in-person visits.

Drinking Water Safety: A new Environmental Performance Index review warns that unsafe drinking water remains a major health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa still struggling with weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal live cockroaches from a breeder in Bathurst, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the trade can spread disease and harm native wildlife; officials say the insects will be destroyed. Madagascar in Sports: Morocco’s World Cup build-up included a 4-0 warm-up win over Madagascar, while Uganda’s Cranes coach Paul Put said two friendlies in Morocco were cancelled for sanitary and public health reasons. Digital & Culture: Madagascar’s music industry is grappling with AI-generated content and copyright concerns, as creators push for stronger protections. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure over President Lai’s Eswatini trip, with Madagascar among countries reportedly affected by flight-clearance withdrawals.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, worth about $142,000. Officials say the species can’t be legally imported, kept, bred or sold, warning they could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture; the insects will be euthanized. Madagascar Culture & Rights: Madagascar’s music industry is pushing back as AI-generated songs, cloned voices and altered recordings spread without proper authorization, raising copyright and cultural protection concerns. The Malagasy Copyright Office urges artists and broadcasters to use legal protections and report infringements. Environment & Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners, with University of Antananarivo experts, are running the biggest butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe forests, aiming for the first official butterfly ID guide. Sports (Regional): Uganda’s Cranes friendlies in Morocco were cancelled over sanitary and public health concerns, disrupting preparations ahead of AFCON qualifiers. Regional Diplomacy: South Africa is seeking sponsorships and partnerships for the 2026 SADC Summit, with Madagascar previously stepping down from the interim chair role.

Digital Identity Push: Madagascar has enrolled 2.6 million people into its national digital ID system in just two months, beating its April–June target of 2 million as the PRODIGY project scales with biometric kits and fast registration. Music & AI Rights: Madagascar’s music industry is raising alarms over AI-generated songs, voice cloning, and altered recordings being used without permission, with the Copyright Office urging artists and broadcasters to use legal protections and report infringements. Biodiversity Survey: Chester Zoo and Malagasy conservationists, with University of Antananarivo experts, are running the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected area, aiming for the country’s first official butterfly ID guide. World Cup Build-Up: Morocco and Madagascar continue their World Cup warm-up storylines, with Morocco beating Madagascar 4-0 in a friendly and Ouahbi’s side drawing lessons ahead of the tournament. Wildlife & Enforcement: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal cockroaches from a breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning of biosecurity risks if non-native insects are released.

Digital Identity Push: Madagascar says it enrolled 2.6 million people into its national digital ID system in just two months, beating a two-million target as the PRODIGY project scales with biometric kits and scanners. Youth, Governance & Rights: Gen Z Madagascar says it is drafting a citizenship charter and pushing a constitution-building platform (“Konstitution’Nakà”), seeking support from the EU and UNDP while continuing activism mainly online. World Cup Focus: Morocco’s final squad talk includes a big omission—Youssef En-Nesyri—raising questions about depth if key forwards are hit by injury or suspension. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Madagascar and 12 other countries. Biosecurity Alert (Madagascar-linked): Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches in Bathurst, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning of ecosystem and disease risks and possible penalties.

Madagascar in Sports: Madagascar men stunned Australia 22-17 and then beat defending champions Spain 20-19 to reach the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 knockout phase for the first time, after a dramatic Day 4 in Warsaw. Madagascar in World Football: Morocco climbed to seventh in the latest FIFA rankings ahead of the 2026 World Cup, boosted by a 4-0 win over Madagascar in a warm-up. Regional Football Disruption: Uganda’s Cranes had friendlies in Morocco cancelled over sanitary and public health concerns, including a planned match against Madagascar. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches worth up to $200,000, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, from a breeder in Bathurst—species that can’t be legally imported, kept, bred or sold. Health & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, with Madagascar among participating countries.

World Cup 3x3 Shock: Madagascar’s men stunned Australia 22-17 and then beat defending champions Spain 20-19 to reach the knockout phase for the first time at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw. Sports Spotlight: Serbia also secured a direct quarter-final berth by beating Austria 21-11, while Madagascar’s run keeps Pool A headlines. Mining & Minerals Policy: Mozambique signed a new graphite law requiring at least 15% free, non-dilutable state ownership in mining ventures and pushing local processing of minerals—moves aimed at capturing more value from battery supply chains. Madagascar in Diplomacy: Indonesia and Madagascar agreed to deepen ties via a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and mutual visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders. Maritime Sanctions Tension: France detained the shadow-fleet tanker Tagor in the Atlantic; the ship reportedly sailed under Madagascar’s flag, raising fresh questions for Madagascar amid wider enforcement against Russian oil. Environment & Wildlife: New records confirm the “lost” blue-spotted bamboo shark in Madagascar, suggesting the species may be more common than previously thought. Local Tragedy: A landslide at an illegal gold mining site in Vatomandry killed 11 artisanal miners; authorities ordered the site closed.

FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026: Madagascar men made shockwaves on Day 3 in Warsaw with historic wins as they fought for direct knockout qualification, while Germany’s women stayed perfect in pool play. World Cup Warm-up: Morocco thrashed Madagascar 4-0 in Rabat in a dominant friendly, with Ismael Saibari scoring twice and Soufiane Rahimi adding a penalty goal as the Atlas Lions rotated heavily ahead of the 2026 tournament. Bilateral Diplomacy: Indonesia and Madagascar signed a deal to set up a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and agreed visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders, aiming to boost trade and investment. Mining Safety: In eastern Madagascar, a landslide at an illegal artisanal gold site in Vatomandry killed 11 miners; authorities ordered the site closed to prevent further incidents. Food Security Warning: S&P says Middle East conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could drive fuel and fertilizer shocks across Africa, with Madagascar flagged as among the highest-risk countries for food and credit stress. Russia Ties: Madagascar’s diplomatic mission says Russia remains a “reliable” partner, including cooperation in security and healthcare, with media links also discussed.

Diplomacy Boost: Indonesia and Madagascar signed a deal in Jakarta to set up a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), plus visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders, with talks to expand visa relaxations for business. World Cup Prep: Morocco crushed Madagascar 4-0 in Rabat friendly as Ismael Saibari scored twice early, Soufiane Rahimi added a penalty, and Ayoub El Kaabi sealed it; coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the match tested tactics and squad depth. Mining Tragedy: A landslide at an illegal gold mining site in Vatomandry killed 11 artisanal miners; authorities ordered the site closed and are investigating what happened. Health at Sea: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy began a new Madagascar field service, with 69-year-old Delphine the first patient to board for cataract surgery. Regional Fisheries: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair and including Madagascar’s Rijasoa Fanazava.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: Namibia’s Stanley Ndara has been reappointed chair of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board in Maputo, with Madagascar’s Rijasoa Fanazava joining as a board member; priorities include cutting illegal fishing, strengthening sustainability, reducing donor dependence, and rolling out a regional register of fishing vessels. Direct Air Link to Mauritius: Ethiopian Airlines will start thrice-weekly direct flights Addis Ababa–Port Louis from July 12, replacing routing via hubs including Antananarivo, with service set for Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Madagascar in World Cup Warm-Up Spotlight: Morocco thrashed Madagascar 4-0 in a friendly in Rabat, with Ismael Saibari scoring twice and Soufiane Rahimi adding a penalty before Ayoub El Kaabi sealed it. Health on the Water: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy begins its third Madagascar field service, with Delphine the first patient to board for cataract surgery to restore sight. Connectivity for Remote Areas: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-backed broadband to reach the most remote regions, pairing satellite links with fibre and 4G. Sports, 3x3: Serbia beat Madagascar 21-14 in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw, then followed up with a win over Spain.

Connectivity Push: Airtel Madagascar and Eutelsat OneWeb are expanding satellite-powered internet to reach the country’s most remote areas, combining LEO satellite links with fibre and 4G for faster, more reliable service. Humanitarian Care at Sea: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy began a new field service in Madagascar, with 69-year-old Delphine becoming the first patient to board for cataract surgery to restore sight and independence. Sports Spotlight (Madagascar in focus): At the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw, Serbia beat Madagascar 21-14, while Serbia later topped Spain 16-12; Madagascar’s presence continues as teams fine-tune ahead of the tournament. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, aiming to strengthen surveillance against illegal fishing across member states, including Madagascar. International Maritime Tensions: France detained the Russia-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, with the ship reportedly registered under Madagascar’s flag, as Russia called the action “international piracy.”

Maritime Security: France seized the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, ordering it toward mainland France after a boarding operation with UK support. French officials say the ship’s paperwork and flag use were irregular, with tracking data showing a Madagascar flag at points, while Russia called the raid “illegal” and “international piracy.” Regional Governance: In Victoria Falls, SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre, aimed at tackling illegal fishing across member states. Madagascar-Russia Ties: Madagascar’s transitional prime minister signed an industrial co-operation agreement with St Petersburg’s Special Economic Zone management, including a visit to a pharmaceutical facility and plans involving medical equipment support. Sports (Madagascar-linked): Morocco play Madagascar in World Cup friendlies on June 2, as teams finalize preparations ahead of the tournament. Economy & Policy: A new look at Africa’s resources sector shows states tightening tax and customs rules, including limits on incentives, as they renegotiate mining and oil deals.

Maritime Sanctions Crackdown: France detained the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, with British support, after inspections found irregularities over its flag. The ship is linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to dodge sanctions, and Macron says the move was fully compliant with maritime law while warning such vessels also endanger safety and the environment. Regional Mobility Push: Justice ministers and attorneys general from SADC are meeting in Victoria Falls, with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA expected to top talks—aimed at creating a unified visa for transit and tourism across participating member states. Madagascar in the Spotlight: The Tagor is reported as registered under the Madagascar flag on ship-tracking services, underscoring how Malagasy-linked vessels can get pulled into wider enforcement against sanctions evasion. Sports Note: Morocco continue World Cup preparations with a friendly against Madagascar, as the Atlas Lions look to fine-tune squads ahead of their Group C opener.

Madagascar Politics: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has dismissed an opposition MP’s bid to remove the military ruler, saying the challenge was inadmissible under the constitution, as the country continues to face slow reform and recent protests. Prime Minister & Partnerships: In Moscow, Madagascar’s transitional prime minister met Sberbank leadership and flagged cooperation in healthcare, education, tourism and AI; Sberbank is set to supply 230 containers of medical equipment for rural areas. Security & Travel Safety: A travel safety report warns that in civil unrest, reliable local information and normal logistics can quickly break down, urging visitors to plan exits early. Sports (Regional): Rugby Africa Women’s Cup action saw South Africa beat Kenya in the final, while Uganda beat Madagascar 46-12 in relegation, pushing Madagascar down a division. World Cup Prep (Regional): Morocco resumed World Cup training and is set to play a friendly against Madagascar, part of its build-up before the tournament. Health & Development: New research highlights the push for immediate kangaroo mother care for premature and low-birth-weight babies, aiming to improve neonatal outcomes.