Madagascar

The New Guard
Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Burundi

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

Burkina FasoKassoum Traoré, running the online strategy of his older brother… the president

MadagascarReboza Mahefa, an architect with an international agenda

Burundi Willy Eloge Kaneza, journalist and long-term advocate for press rights

William Bourdon continues to plead "Lôla" case

French lawyer Wiliam Bourdon has sent a letter to Emmanuel Macron concerning his client, Franco-Malagasy journalist Rolland Hubert Rasoamaharo, also known as ‘Lôla’, who is being held in Antanimora prison.

EDF joins Volobe dam shareholders' agreement

The French energy group's place in the consortium operating the Volobe dam has almost been finalised. The project is estimated at €600m.

Former ambassador Le Roy to accompany Macron to Antananarivo

The 72-year-old diplomat is part of the delegation that will be travelling with the French President to Antananarivo from April 22 to 24. He was ambassador to Madagascar between 2005 and 2007.

Japan's Sumitomo appoints new CFO for Ambatovy

Japanese nickel and cobalt mining and industrial complex Ambatovy has appointed a new CFO, Kentaro Kanayama.

Paul Ryberg, Antananarivo's trump card in Washington

US attorney Ryberg is one of the Antananarivo emissaries sent to the States to extend the African Growth Opportunity Act and reduce the new customs tariffs.

Antananarivo arranges cover for its absent ambassador in France

Pending a replacement for the ailing Olivier Hugues Rija Rajohnson, Lionel Ratsirimpady has been appointed chargé d'affaires.

French firm seeks IMF help in recovering debts owed by Antananarivo since 1984

Touzet International has written directly to the head of the IMF requesting her intervention.

Freemasons order Droit Humain organises its first continental symposium

Madagascan freemasons are aiming to merge into a new federation with an international vocation that will be launched at a June event in Johannesburg.

Sahofika hydroelectric dam project takes shape

Several major groups have positioned themselves to win the tender for the dam on the Onive river. The participation of Madagascar's sovereign wealth fund means that the venture will begin soon.

Base Toliara company speeds up revision of mining investment legislation

Large-scale mining investment legislation could be updated this year, thanks in part to the lobbying of the mines minister by Base Toliara's management.

Macron visit prompts Entretiens de Royaumont think tank to hold forum in Antananarivo

The liberal discussion forum set up by ex-French MP Jérôme Chartier will hold an event in Antananarivo to coincide with the French president's visit. It is being organised in partnership with businessman Hassanein Hiridjee's Fondation Axian.

Rajoelina's education minister creates her own party

Madagascar's Education Minister Marie-Michelle Sahondrarimalala has launched her political movement in the Hauts-Plateaux region, where she was elected.

Medef International delegation expected in Antananarivo during Macron's trip

As part of the French president's visit to Madagascar on 23 April, a meeting will be held between Medef and the Groupement des Entreprises de Madagascar, the country's main employers' association.

Rio Tinto withholds payment due to sovereign wealth fund dysfunction

The payment by QIT Minerals Madagascar of $12m in dividends for 2023, which should have been lodged with the Fonds Souverain Malagasy last August, will be delayed a little longer as the firm does not deem the sovereign fund to be functional.

Japanese firm Sumitomo orders audit of Ambatovy

Ambatovy, the mining and industrial complex, which has been hit hard by the fall in nickel prices, is to be audited by the Japanese company, its main shareholder.

Rio Tinto subsidiary QMM recruits high-profile anti-graft campaigner

The lawyer Sahondra Rabenarivo, a well-known face on the anti-corruption scene, is going into the private sector. She has been appointed as corporate and external relations director at Qit Mineral Madagascar, the local subsidiary of Rio Tinto.