AGP Executive Report

Starlink Mobile in Africa: Airtel and SpaceX’s Starlink launched Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, letting compatible LTE Android phones connect directly to satellites for SMS and limited light-data apps like WhatsApp—no dish needed, with Apple support later. Biodiversity Funding: A $200m Phoenix Species Project backed by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Re:wild and Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Earth Fund will target recovery of 100 critically endangered species across 30 countries, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka. New Madagascar Species: Researchers described seven new “diamond frog” species (Rhombophryne) from Madagascar after 12 years of work, but most are already at risk, raising the stakes for forest protection. Conservation Science in Madagascar: A study identified a new Malagasy baobab species (Adansonia bozy) using genetic analysis, refining conservation priorities for endangered trees. Ocean Minerals Policy: Madagascar joined a growing African bloc backing a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining at the ISA, arguing for stronger science and governance before extraction. Digital Commerce in Africa: Jumia raised $50m equity co-led by IFC and Axian to scale logistics, digital payments, and e-commerce infrastructure—aiming for break-even by late 2026. Regional Tech & Industry: SADC leaders stressed self-reliance and stronger regional integration, highlighting progress in energy and digital connectivity as the region prepares for its Durban summit.

Conservation Funding: Leonardo DiCaprio’s Re:wild and Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Earth Fund launched the Phoenix Species Project with $200m to recover 100 critically endangered species across 30 countries, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka. Biodiversity Research: A new study identified a distinct Malagasy baobab species (Adansonia bozy) using genetic work, sharpening conservation priorities for endangered trees. Madagascar Wildlife Science: After 12 years of field and museum research, scientists described seven new “diamond frog” species (Rhombophryne) in Madagascar, but most are already at risk. Local Conservation Spotlight: Madagascar’s Loky-Manambato region is highlighted as the golden-crowned sifaka is selected for recovery under the Phoenix Species Project. Energy & Policy (Regional): SADC leaders met in Durban ahead of the bloc’s summit, pushing for more self-reliance, stronger integration, and progress in energy and digital connectivity. Ocean Resources Debate: Mauritius, Mozambique, and the Republic of the Congo joined a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, bringing support from six African countries including Madagascar. Tech & Business (Africa): Jumia raised $50m in equity co-led by IFC and Axian to expand logistics, digital payments, and e-commerce infrastructure.

Biodiversity Breakthrough (Madagascar): Researchers have identified a new endangered baobab species, Adansonia bozy, unique to Madagascar, using genetic analysis to refine how northern baobab populations are classified—an update that could sharpen conservation planning. Amphibian Discovery (Madagascar): After a 12-year search, scientists described seven new “diamond frog” species (Rhombophryne) in Madagascar, but warned most are already at risk, making accurate naming and mapping urgent for protection. Species Recovery Funding: Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka has been selected for recovery under the Phoenix Species Project, a $200m initiative backed by Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund, with local NGOs set to reconnect fragmented forests. Conservation Policy (Ocean Minerals): Madagascar joined a growing African bloc backing a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining at the International Seabed Authority, arguing that governance gaps and limited science should come first. Business & Tech (Madagascar region): A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together companies across ICT, AI, renewables, mining, logistics and start-ups to push cross-border partnerships. E-commerce Investment (Africa): Jumia raised $50m in equity co-led by IFC and Axian to expand last-mile delivery, upgrade automated warehouses, and deepen JumiaPay as it targets profitability.

Madagascar Biodiversity Breakthrough: University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers report a new baobab species, Adansonia bozy, found only in Madagascar, using genetic work to refine conservation priorities for endangered trees. New Species, Urgent Protection: A long Madagascar study also unveiled seven new “diamond frog” species (Rhombophryne), but warns most are already at risk—species ID and mapping are now key for forest protection. Global Conservation Funding: Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka was named among 100 species selected for recovery under the Phoenix Species Project, a $200m initiative that will back local forest reconnection efforts. Regional Tech & Trade: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together companies from sectors including ICT, AI, digital solutions, and renewable energy. Ocean Minerals Policy: Mauritius, Mozambique and the Republic of the Congo joined a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, adding to the growing African bloc that includes Madagascar. E-commerce Investment: Jumia raised $50m in equity co-led by IFC and Axian to expand logistics, last-mile delivery, and digital payments across Africa.

Biodiversity & Conservation: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka has been named among 100 critically endangered species chosen for recovery under the Phoenix Species Project, with $200m pledged to reconnect fragmented forests in the Loky-Manambato region. Wildlife Research: A 12-year study also described seven new “diamond frog” species (Rhombophryne) in Madagascar, using museum work and DNA to sharpen conservation planning for frogs already at risk. Regional Tech & Policy: SADC leaders say the bloc must become more self-reliant and deepen integration amid global uncertainty, pointing to progress in energy and digital connectivity. Energy Access: A new analysis warns that mini-grids may not be the full answer for universal electrification, as technology and funding shifts change the outlook. E-commerce & Digital Payments: Jumia raised $50m equity co-led by IFC and Axian to expand logistics, last-mile delivery, and JumiaPay across Africa. Ocean Governance: Mauritius, Mozambique, and the Republic of the Congo joined Madagascar and Kenya in supporting a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. Critical Minerals: The US DFC announced funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Madagascar rare-earth project, targeting magnet-ready materials for defense and advanced manufacturing.

SADC Regional Push: South Africa will host the 46th SADC summit in Durban on Aug. 17, with a theme focused on resilient, sustainable industrialisation via infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals—plus a push for deeper regional integration as global uncertainty bites. Biodiversity & Conservation: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka has been named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting community-led protection in the Loky-Manambato dry forests. New Species Discovery: After 12 years of work, scientists described seven new “diamond frog” species from Madagascar, using museum collections and DNA to map hidden diversity and guide conservation. Ocean Governance: Three more African countries backed a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, bringing support to six, including Madagascar—citing gaps in science and governance. Rare Earths for Defense: The US DFC is set to fund Harena Rare Earths’ Madagascar Ampasindava ionic clay project, targeting neodymium and other materials used in high-performance magnets. Trade & Digital Growth: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, while Jumia secured $50M from IFC and Axian to expand logistics, digital payments and e-commerce infrastructure across Africa. Energy Access Debate: New reporting argues mini-grids aren’t a universal fix for electrification, as technology and funding shifts change the outlook for Africa’s energy access.

Biodiversity Recovery: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli) was named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato and community-led protection in the face of deforestation and poaching. Marine Policy: Mauritius, Mozambique and the Republic of the Congo joined Madagascar and Kenya in backing a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, bringing African support to six countries while governance and science gaps remain. Health & Biotech: Chinese researchers engineered brewer’s yeast to massively boost production of vinblastine’s precursor catharanthine, reporting nearly 1,000x higher output—an effort aimed at easing supply pressure for a key cancer drug. Rare Earths & Mining Finance: The US DFC announced project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, targeting neodymium and dysprosium for high-performance magnets. E-commerce Investment: Jumia raised $50M equity co-led by IFC and Axian to expand logistics, last-mile delivery, and JumiaPay across Africa. New Species Research: A 12-year study added seven newly described “diamond frog” species in Madagascar, while warning most are already at risk.

Biodiversity Breakthrough: After 12 years of work, scientists have named seven new “diamond frog” species in Madagascar, using museum specimens, field surveys, and DNA analysis—while warning that much of the group is already at risk, making correct identification crucial for conservation. Education & Church Tech: SECAM’s first-ever education conference ended with a plan to strengthen Catholic education across Africa and Madagascar, including a push for digital transformation and responsible use of AI in teaching and research. Critical Minerals for Defense: The US is moving to secure rare earths and other strategic inputs, with a new DFC project-development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava mine in Madagascar—aimed at advancing studies and a proof-of-concept pilot plant. Energy Access Debate: A new analysis challenges the idea that mini-grids alone can deliver universal electrification by 2030, arguing for faster, more cost-effective alternatives alongside better funding and tech choices. E-commerce Funding: Jumia raised $50M co-led by IFC and Axian to expand logistics, digital payments, and e-commerce infrastructure across Africa.

E-commerce Funding: Jumia Technologies raised $50M (IFC + Axian each $25M) to expand logistics, digital payments, and e-commerce infrastructure across Africa, with money earmarked for last-mile delivery, automated warehouses, and deeper JumiaPay integration. Biodiversity Breakthrough: After 12 years of work, scientists described seven new “diamond frog” species in Madagascar’s Rhombophryne genus—yet warn most are already at risk, making clearer DNA-based naming and mapping urgent for conservation. Regional Trade & Connectivity: SADC is pushing for more self-reliance and deeper integration as global uncertainty bites, highlighting progress in new electricity generation while noting access gaps remain. Catholic Education Tech & AI: SECAM’s first education conference ended with a plan to strengthen Catholic education across Africa and Madagascar, including a proposal for a continental education commission and a 2026–2031 roadmap covering digital transformation and AI. Critical Minerals Watch (Madagascar angle): The US DFC is set to fund Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava project in Madagascar with project development support, as Washington ramps up critical-minerals supply-chain investments. Science Spotlight: Darwin’s carnivorous plant prediction is backed by modern lab work showing insect trapping and digestion in Saxifraga species.

Biodiversity Breakthrough: After 12 years of fieldwork and DNA work, researchers have described seven new “diamond frog” species (Rhombophryne) in Madagascar, clarifying long-muddled identities and mapping where they live—key for conservation in the island’s fast-shrinking forests. Education & AI in Africa: SECAM wrapped its first-ever conference on Catholic education, pushing a 2026–2031 continental roadmap and a proposal for an Episcopal commission to strengthen Catholic schooling across Africa and Madagascar, including responsible AI use in teaching and research. Rare Earths for Tech & Defense: The US DFC says it will fund project development for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava mine in Madagascar, supporting studies and a pilot plant for rare earths used in advanced magnets. Regional Trade Tech: SADC is moving to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, aiming to cut costs and speed up cross-border commerce for small traders—Madagascar is among the member states.

Madagascar Biodiversity Breakthrough: A 12-year international search has identified seven new “diamond frog” species in Madagascar, using museum collections, fieldwork and DNA work—while also warning that many of these secretive frogs are already in trouble as forests shrink. US–Madagascar Critical Minerals: The US International Development Finance Corporation will provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava rare-earth project in Madagascar, supporting studies, permitting and a proof-of-concept pilot plant for magnet metals used in defense and advanced manufacturing. Regional Trade Tech: SADC is pushing a Simplified Trade Regime to make border procedures easier for small-scale traders, including Madagascar, by reducing certificate-of-origin burdens and cutting non-tariff barriers. Global Science & Tech Policy: The US announced over US$2bn in critical-minerals investments to strengthen battery and magnet supply chains, while Codex Alimentarius adopted new food standards and hygiene guidance, including updates tied to water reuse and food safety. Science in Culture: Planetariums worldwide are rolling out Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Weekend” album experience, pairing music with custom dome and laser visuals.

Biodiversity Breakthrough (Madagascar): Seven elusive “diamond frog” species have been newly described from Madagascar after a 12-year search using museum collections, fieldwork and DNA analysis, giving conservation teams clearer maps of where these underground amphibians live. Conservation Funding (Global): Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos’ Re:wild and Bezos Earth Fund launched the Phoenix Species Project, a $200M push to recover 100 critically endangered species across 30 countries, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka. Critical Minerals (Madagascar/US): The US DFC is set to provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, supporting studies and a proof-of-concept pilot plant as Washington expands its rare-earth supply chain. Regional Trade Tech (SADC): SADC is moving to simplify border procedures under a Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small-scale traders, with Madagascar among the member states. Science & Society (Food standards): The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s 49th session adopted new and updated international food standards, including hygiene guidance and rules affecting allergen labeling and emergency labeling.

Rare Earths Finance: The US DFC will provide project development funding for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, supporting studies and a pilot plant as Washington pushes to diversify critical mineral supply chains. Defence Supply Chains: Evion Group’s acceptance into the Pentagon-backed Cornerstone Consortium opens a direct line to US defence industrial base work, spotlighting its fluorspar and graphite assets. Regional Trade Tech: SADC is moving to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, aiming to cut costs and speed up cross-border commerce for small traders, including Madagascar. Biodiversity Push: Scientists report seven new elusive “diamond frog” species in Madagascar after a 12-year search, while a separate global initiative—the Phoenix Species Project—plans $200M to recover 100 threatened species across 30 countries. Conservation Science: New research confirms Darwin’s carnivorous plant prediction using modern lab methods, showing insect attraction and digestion in Saxifraga species. Energy Access Context: While not Madagascar-focused, data highlights how millions across Africa still lack electricity—useful background for regional tech and infrastructure priorities.

Madagascar Biodiversity: A 12-year deep dive into museum drawers and rainforest camps has led scientists to describe seven new “diamond frog” species (Rhombophryne) in Madagascar, while warning that many of the group are already in trouble before their ecology is fully understood. US–Africa Critical Minerals: The US is ramping up critical-minerals funding with billions in new deals, and a smaller but direct Madagascar link: DFC project development support for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava rare-earth project, including studies and a proof-of-concept pilot plant. Defense Supply Chain Tech: Evion Group says it gained a direct line into the US Department of Defense industrial base via membership in the Cornerstone Consortium, positioning its fluorspar and graphite assets for defense supply-chain work. Regional Trade Tech: SADC is pushing a Simplified Trade Regime to cut border friction for small-scale traders, including relaxed certificate-of-origin rules and simplified customs steps. Planetarium + Science Culture: “Lost Weekend” by Phoebe Bridgers is rolling out through planetarium listening experiences worldwide, pairing the album with dome or laser visuals. Conservation Funding Watch: DiCaprio and Bezos’ Phoenix Species Project pledges $200M to recover 100 threatened species across 30 countries, with scrutiny over greenwashing concerns.

Conservation Tech & Biodiversity: Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos’ Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund launched the Phoenix Species Project, a $200M push to recover 100 critically endangered species across 30 countries, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka, with sustained funding for habitat and breeding. Madagascar Science: A 12-year study identified seven new “diamond frog” species (Rhombophryne) after work in museum collections and rainforest camps, while warning many are already in trouble. Critical Minerals & Supply Chains (Madagascar link): The US announced billions in critical-minerals investments to reduce China dependence, and the DFC is backing Madagascar’s Harena Rare Earths Ampasindava project with funding for studies and a pilot plant—small now, but tied to the wider rare-earth race. Energy Access (regional context): Sierra Leone still has nearly 6M people without electricity access, highlighting the ongoing gap between grid coverage and off-grid solar options. Planetarium Tech & Culture: Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Weekend” is rolling out via planetarium experiences worldwide, pairing music with dome and laser visuals.

Biodiversity Discovery: After a 12-year search, researchers formally named seven new Madagascar “diamond frog” species in the Rhombophryne genus—while warning that many are already in trouble before their ecology is fully understood. Ancient Science: A new study links brain evolution to reproduction, suggesting species with relatively larger brains tend to produce fewer, larger offspring—offering a fresh explanation for oversized bird eggs across deep time. Critical Minerals & Tech Supply Chains: The U.S. announced over $3B in government-backed critical-minerals investments, including rare-earth-free magnet work and battery-material funding, as Washington pushes to reduce dependence on China—an effort that also puts Madagascar’s rare-earths projects in the spotlight. Local Tech & Education: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation confirmed project development support for Harena Rare Earths’ Ampasindava in Madagascar, backing studies and a proof-of-concept pilot plant. ICT & AI Safety: A national ICT project competition in Cameroon focused on protecting cyberspace from AI misuse and promoting “digital patriotism,” with hundreds of youth submissions and a cybersecurity/AI bootcamp for finalists.