Madagascar

The New Guard
Nigeria, Madagascar, South Africa

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

NigeriaNathan Nwachuku, the Abuja drone-maker

MadagascarOcéane Ranjeva, a Gen Z lynchpin

South AfricaWesley Hayes, voice of the Mandelas

Foreign affairs minister attends key meetings in Paris

The Malagasy foreign minister's official visit to the French capital comes amid renewed trade relations between France and Madagascar.

Commander-in-chief over the southern Indian Ocean zone expected in Antananarivo

French General Jean de Monicault is expected to arrive in the Madagascan capital around 21 January for a series of meetings on defence cooperation between Paris and Madagascar.

MEDEF International on mission in Antananarivo

Two representatives of the French employers' federation are visiting the country to follow up on the economic round tables held in spring 2025 on the occasion of Emmanuel Macron's state visit. They also intend to establish initial contact with the new authorities.

Jirama placed under temporary military control

Israeli Ron Weiss, at the head of the national water and electricity company since 2024, is getting ready to step down from his position. He is expected to be replaced by an army general.

Businessman Serge Jovial Imbeh courted by the new regime

Colonel Michaël Randrianirina approached former presidential candidate Serge Jovial Imbeh to offer him the role of intermediary between the regime and its Western partners.

Ambassador to China asks to stay

Relieved of his duties at the end of November, Jean-Louis Robinson is seeking the assistance of Minister of Foreign Affairs Christine Razanamahasoa.

Businessman Daya Koufali rises from the shadows of the junta

Koufali, also known as "Paul Sylvestra", who is a relative of junta head Michaël Randrianirina, is the focus of much speculation due to his alleged influence and increasing exposure on the political scene.

Energy Fuels revamps Madagascar division

British agency Africa Practice will no longer be responsible for communications for the Base Toliara mining project, now rebranded Vara Mada.

Train transport company Madarail appoints new CEO

The Malagasy railway company has appointed a new interim CEO: Emeric Rakotovao quietly took up his post on 10 December.

What with regular breakdowns and flaws, ports are vulnerable to fraud

Container scanners supposed to secure Malagasy ports are operating at reduced capacity, allowing thousands of goods to pass through unchecked. This results in significant revenue losses for the state and weakens the foreign trade framework.

US firm Symbion Power loses final round in power plant dispute to Vision Madagascar

In early December, the District Court for the Southern District of New York examined a dispute between Symbion Power, Chelsea Energy and Vision Madagascar.