Marine Conservation: A humpback whale carcass washed up near 9 Mile Beach in South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife says it will be left to decompose naturally so nutrients return to the ecosystem. Biodiversity & AI: Kew’s State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2026 warns that the plant and fungal crisis is still poorly mapped, but highlights how AI and digitising herbarium collections are speeding up species identification and conservation—Madagascar is mentioned for digitising thousands of specimens. Food Systems: A new outlook projects global rice production growth through 2035, with Africa’s role rising as consumption increases. Connectivity: Ookla reports Starlink is now faster than most terrestrial broadband providers across many Sub-Saharan markets, with Madagascar standing out as the only country where domestic providers beat Starlink in the latest comparison. Digital Infrastructure Finance: AXIAN Telecom secured a €170M EBRD loan to expand 4G/5G and fibre in Senegal and Kenya. Education & Water: Mary’s Meals marks the Day of the African Child, linking water, sanitation and hygiene to whether children can attend school, with Madagascar included in its partner work. Energy Access (Madagascar): Women solar technicians supported by Barefoot College are expanding rural electricity access in Madagascar, improving study time and household life. Mining Recovery (Madagascar): Ambatovy has resumed nickel and cobalt production after Cyclone Gezani damage, restarting key sulfuric acid and HPAL operations.