AGP Executive Report

Biohybrid Rescue Tech: Researchers fitted Madagascar hissing cockroaches with a tiny oxygen “diving suit,” letting them move underwater or in low-oxygen spaces for up to three hours—aimed at search-and-rescue in flooded, blocked disaster zones. Regional Science & Skills: AIMS-Cameroon graduated 62 master’s students across climate, data, quantum science and math epidemiology, highlighting employability via industry placements. Ocean Research Spotlight: The UN-flagged MV Dr Fridtjof Nansen drew attention at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, underscoring marine and fisheries research and tech for conservation. Agri-Tech & Food Systems: DialogueNEXT in Nairobi brought together African leaders (including Madagascar’s livestock minister) to push agri-tech, value chains and resilient farming under climate pressure. Clean Water Accountability: A World Bank water-investment review found “lead” testing is largely missing from project paperwork, raising concerns about drinking-water safety. Energy Access Investment: CrossBoundary Access secured $10M equity from IFC to expand mini-grids and battery-as-a-service, including projects in Madagascar.

Bio-robotics Breakthrough: NTU Singapore and Waseda University say they’ve built a flexible “diving suit” that lets Madagascar hissing cockroaches breathe underwater and in low-oxygen conditions for up to three hours, aiming at search-and-rescue and inspections in flooded disaster zones. Education & Skills: AIMS-Cameroon graduated 62 master’s students (from 30 African countries since 2013), spanning climate science, data science, quantum science, and mathematical epidemiology, with a strong internship-to-employment focus. Agri-Tech & Policy: In Nairobi, DialogueNEXT in Africa brought together leaders including Madagascar’s livestock minister to push farmer-centred innovation and value-chain reforms as climate pressure grows. Trade Barriers: Kenya’s CS Mutahi Kagwe urged African governments to challenge tariff escalation that keeps countries exporting raw crops while paying more for processed imports. Clean Water Accountability: A World Bank review flags a gap: major water projects reportedly rarely test for lead in drinking water or plumbing, despite lead being a major health risk. Energy Access Investment: CrossBoundary Access secured $10m equity from IFC to expand mini-grids and battery-as-a-service projects, including work with partners in Madagascar.

Tariff Policy Push: Kenya’s CS Mutahi Kagwe urged African governments to fight “tariff escalation” that keeps processed goods out of rich markets, arguing it traps farmers exporting raw coffee, tea, cocoa and more while importing pricier finished products. Biohybrid Rescue Tech: Singapore and Japan researchers built a wearable oxygen “diving suit” for cyborg Madagascar hissing cockroaches, letting them move underwater or in low-oxygen spaces for up to three hours—aimed at search-and-rescue in flooded disaster zones. Clean Energy Finance: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10M equity investment from IFC to expand mini-grids and battery-as-a-service projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar. Water Safety Gap: A World Bank review found $3B in active drinking-water projects rarely test for lead in water or plumbing, despite lead being a major health risk. Climate Watch: East Africa faces rising El Niño risk, with NOAA warning of a “super El Niño” pattern that could boost rainfall and disrupt weather planning. Local Conservation Mapping: Experts redrew Madagascar’s terrestrial conservation map for the first time in 31 years, updating a key baseline for protection planning.

Biohybrid Rescue Tech: NTU Singapore and Waseda University unveiled 3D-printed “diving suits” for cyborg Madagascar hissing cockroaches, letting them breathe underwater (and in low-oxygen spaces) for up to three hours—aimed at search-and-rescue in flooded disaster zones. Climate & Food Systems: Leaders and researchers gathered in Nairobi for DialogueNEXT in Africa to push agri-tech and policy reforms as climate pressure and population growth strain food systems, with Madagascar’s livestock minister among senior participants. Water Safety Watch: A new analysis of World Bank drinking-water projects flags a surprising gap: lead testing for drinking water and plumbing parts appears largely absent across billions in active funding. Clean Energy Finance: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10M equity investment from IFC to expand distributed renewable energy (including projects with ANKA in Madagascar). Public Health Tech: Nigeria approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office to coordinate digital health modernization nationwide. Energy Access Risk: An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could lose ground on clean cooking fuel access, with numbers rising toward 1 billion by 2027.

Agritech in the spotlight: Leaders and researchers gathered in Nairobi for DialogueNEXT in Africa, with Madagascar’s agriculture minister joining talks on agri-tech rules, smallholder innovation, nutrition, and value chains. Water safety gap: A World Bank “Water Forward” push ($3B in active projects) is raising alarms because lead testing in drinking water and plumbing parts is largely missing from project paperwork. Clean power finance: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10M equity investment from IFC to expand mini-grids and battery services across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar partner ANKA. Bio-robotics for disaster response: Scientists built 3D-printed diving suits so cyborg Madagascar hissing cockroaches can breathe underwater for up to three hours, aiming at rescue scouting and future space exploration. Health-tech push: Nigeria approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Dr. Obi Adigwe to coordinate digital healthcare standards. Energy access warning: An IEA report says nearly 970M people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean cooking fuels, with the gap set to exceed 1B by 2027. Madagascar conservation mapping: Experts redrew Madagascar’s terrestrial conservation map for the first time in 31 years. Education for science talent: AIMS Ghana graduated 130 master’s students from 24 African countries, boosting the regional pipeline for math and tech skills.

Renewable Power Finance: CrossBoundary Access secured a $10M equity investment from IFC to scale mini-grids and battery-as-a-service, including projects with partners in Madagascar. Bio-Robotics for Disaster Response: Scientists built 3D-printed scuba suits so cyborg cockroaches can breathe underwater for up to three hours, aiming at rescue scouting and even future space exploration. Digital Health Push: Nigeria approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Dr. Obi Adigwe to coordinate digital healthcare standards nationwide. Clean Cooking Crisis: An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could lose ground on clean cooking access, with nearly 970M still without clean fuels in 2024 and over 1B projected by 2027. Heritage + Climate Action: ICCROM and ALIPH launched ASILI to scale heritage-based climate resilience across four African sites. Education & Tech Skills: AIMS Ghana graduated 130 master’s students across 24 countries, boosting Africa’s math and tech talent pipeline. Marine Conservation: New Blue Parks recognition highlights better-managed marine protected areas, stressing enforcement over just map-making. Madagascar Watch: Ruto’s visit to Madagascar spotlights cooperation in agriculture, ICT, trade, and aviation.

MH370 Search Update: Malaysia’s authorities say the last-ditch hunt for missing flight MH370 will run until June 30, 2027, with Ocean Infinity paid £50m only if wreckage is found. Bio-Robotics: Researchers at NTU Singapore have upgraded remote-controlled Madagascar hissing cockroaches with a diving suit so swarms can operate underwater—aimed at disaster-survivor searches and even future planetary exploration. Digital Health Policy: Nigeria’s President Tinubu approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Dr. Obi Adigwe to coordinate a digital push across healthcare. Clean Cooking Crisis: An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could lose ground on clean cooking access, with the number without clean fuels rising toward 1 billion by 2027. Marine Conservation: A new milestone says marine protected areas now cover 10% of the ocean, but enforcement is key to real benefits. Madagascar Science Link: A study on early volcanic eruption detection tested “Jerk” seismic signals at Piton de la Fournaise on La Réunion, using methods relevant to the region’s geohazards. Regional Tech & Training: AIMS Ghana graduated 130 master’s students across 24 African countries, boosting the math and science talent pipeline.

Madagascar Conservation: Scientists have produced Madagascar’s first full terrestrial biodiversity re-prioritization since 1995, mapping about 18 million hectares (roughly a third of the country) to guide the next decade under the 30x30 plan, including new protected areas, extensions, ecological corridors, and priority zones needing quick inventory. Ocean Protection: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, six marine protected areas were recognized as “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar (Nosy Hara National Park, Sahamalaza–Îles Radama National Park, and Nosy Tanihely/Tanikely). Digital Health Tech: Nigeria’s President Tinubu approved the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) to coordinate digital health transformation, appointing Dr. Obi Adigwe as pioneer coordinator. Training Africa’s Tech Talent: AIMS Ghana graduated 130 master’s students from 24 African countries, boosting mathematical sciences capacity across the region. Clean Cooking Access: An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could miss clean cooking targets, with nearly 970 million people still lacking access in 2024 and numbers rising toward 1 billion by 2027.

Madagascar Conservation: A new scientific map is set to guide Madagascar’s 30x30 Biodiversity Plan, prioritizing about 18 million hectares (roughly a third of the country) for faster action—new protected areas, extensions, ecological corridors, and areas needing urgent inventory. Ocean Protection: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, Marine Conservation Institute named six “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar, while the wider meeting pushed commitments on deep-sea mining, coral resilience, and illegal fishing. Health Tech Policy: Nigeria approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, aiming to modernize healthcare with digital standards and coordination under a new pioneer coordinator. Regional Anti-Corruption: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms to boost transparency and move procurement toward electronic systems. Climate Risk: Zimbabwe received a fresh El Niño warning with high odds for 2026—urging preparation to avoid another drought-hit season. Food & Energy Access: An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could miss clean cooking targets, with the number lacking clean fuels rising toward 1 billion by 2027. Science & Research: A new early-detection method for volcanic eruptions was tested at Piton de la Fournaise, using short “jerk” signals from seismic data.

Madagascar Conservation: A landmark scientific workshop is set to guide Madagascar’s next decade of protection under its 30x30 Biodiversity Plan, producing a consensus priority map covering about 18 million hectares (roughly a third of the country) and flagging where to act first—new protected areas, extensions, ecological corridors, and zones needing rapid inventory. Ocean Protection: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, six marine protected areas were recognized as “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar—Nosy Hara National Park, Sahamalaza–Îles Radama National Park, and Nosy Tanihely—highlighting management that’s durable and community-linked. Digital Health Tech (Region): Nigeria’s President Tinubu approved the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Dr. Obi Adigwe as pioneer coordinator to push digital health standards and coordination across the system. Clean Cooking Fuel (Health & Environment): An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa is still far behind on clean cooking, with nearly 970 million people lacking access in 2024 and the gap expected to worsen by 2027. Food Tech (EMEA): IFF launched DuoGel to help plant-based gummies achieve a gelatin-like chewy texture across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Clean Cooking Access Crisis: A new IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could lose clean cooking access for nearly 1 billion people by 2027, with population growth outpacing policy gains and pushing the region to 58% of the global clean-cooking access gap by 2030. Madagascar Conservation Planning: Seventy experts have produced Madagascar’s first full terrestrial conservation re-prioritization since 1995, mapping about 18 million hectares (around a third of the country) to guide the 30x30 Biodiversity Plan, including new protected areas, corridor work, and urgent inventory zones. Marine Protection Wins: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, the Marine Conservation Institute recognized six marine protected areas as Blue Parks, including three in Madagascar—Nosy Hara, Sahamalaza–Îles Radama, and Nosy Tanihely—highlighting stronger management and co-management with local communities. Volcano Monitoring Tech (Madagascar Region): Researchers tested a new early-detection approach for volcanic eruptions using “Jerk” low-frequency signals, with experiments at Piton de la Fournaise on Réunion (near Madagascar) showing alerts can be issued from nearby seismic stations. Digital Health Push (Africa): Nigeria’s President Tinubu approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Dr. Obi Adigwe to coordinate digital health standards and modernization without replacing existing health agencies.

Madagascar Conservation: A landmark scientific workshop has mapped where Madagascar should protect first under its 30x30 plan, prioritizing about 18 million hectares (roughly a third of the country) after the first full terrestrial re-prioritization since 1995, with near-term actions including new protected areas, expansions, ecological corridors, and rapid inventories—plus fresh attention to freshwater ecosystems. Ocean Policy: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, six marine protected areas were recognized as Blue Parks, including three in Madagascar, while the wider talks pushed for stronger ocean protection and commitments on issues like deep-sea mining and illegal fishing. Digital Health (Africa): Nigeria’s President Tinubu approved a National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, appointing Dr. Obi Adigwe to coordinate a digital health modernization push without replacing existing health bodies. Regional Anti-Corruption: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms to boost transparency and procurement integrity, including moving from manual procurement to electronic platforms. Tech & Industry (Madagascar region): IFF launched a new stabilizer system to help plant-based gummies achieve gelatin-like texture across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Science (Madagascar link): Researchers tested a new early-detection method for volcanic eruptions at Piton de la Fournaise on La Réunion, using “Jerk” seismic signals to improve alert timing.

Madagascar–Kenya Diplomacy: President William Ruto is in Madagascar for the 66th Independence Day celebrations, with talks expected to focus on agriculture, ICT, trade and aviation, and a Kenya–Madagascar business forum featuring ministers including ICT and Trade. Indian Ocean Security: India’s PM Narendra Modi will visit Seychelles June 27–29 for Golden Jubilee National Day, with analysts framing it as a push to deepen India’s maritime security footprint in the western Indian Ocean. Ocean Conservation in Africa: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, Taiwan withdrew after delegates were blocked and detained; meanwhile, Marine Conservation Institute Blue Parks recognized six MPAs, including three in Madagascar, and the conference saw commitments on deep-sea mining, coral reefs and illegal fishing. Madagascar Biodiversity Planning: A landmark workshop mapped where Madagascar should prioritize terrestrial protection under its 30x30 plan, covering about 18 million hectares and guiding new protected areas, corridors and urgent inventories. Health Alert: Madagascar reported 67 hospitalizations in Antananarivo after suspected food poisoning, with authorities ordering shop closures and lab testing of cooking oil. Weather Forecasting Tech: China donated meteorological equipment to Madagascar to strengthen weather forecasting capabilities. Volcano Monitoring Research: Researchers tested a new early-detection method for volcanic eruptions at Piton de la Fournaise on La Réunion, using “Jerk” seismic signals detected via a station near the volcano. Aviation Carbon Markets: IATA says governments including Madagascar joined the Supporting Alliance for CORSIA eligible emissions units, aiming to scale high-quality carbon credits for aviation by 2027.

Madagascar Conservation: Seventy experts have produced Madagascar’s first full terrestrial conservation re-prioritization since 1995, mapping about 18 million hectares (roughly a third of the country) to guide the next decade of the 30x30 Biodiversity Plan. Marine Protection: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, six sites were named Blue Parks, including three in Madagascar—Nosy Hara, Sahamalaza-îles Radama, and Nosy Tanihely—highlighting the push for real, enforceable marine protection. Volcano Monitoring (Regional Science): Researchers tested a new early-detection approach using “Jerk” seismic signals at Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion), aiming to improve eruption alerts for the region. Weather Tech for Disaster Risk: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to boost forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. Public Health (Local): In Antananarivo, 67 people were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning, with investigations pointing to cooking oil used in the meals.

Conservation Mapping: Seventy experts helped redraw Madagascar’s terrestrial conservation priorities for the first time in 31 years, producing a consensus map covering about 18 million hectares (roughly a third of the country) to guide the 30x30 Biodiversity Plan. Marine Protection: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, six sites were named “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar—Nosy Hara National Park, Sahamalaza–Îles Radama National Park, and Nosy Tanihely (Tanikely) National Park—highlighting durable, equitable, effective marine protected areas. Weather Tech Boost: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to improve data processing, bulletin production, communications, and early warning for disasters. Health Alert: Madagascar’s health ministry reported 67 hospitalizations in Antananarivo after suspected food poisoning, with early findings pointing to cooking oil used in the affected meals. Carbon Markets (Aviation): IATA says Madagascar and other governments joined the Supporting Alliance for CORSIA eligible emissions unit supply, aiming to scale high-quality carbon credits for international aviation by 2027. Global Tech & Policy: Russia-Africa Summit talks will include independent payment systems, alongside energy and digital technologies like AI.

Madagascar Conservation: Seventy Malagasy and international scientists have produced the first full terrestrial conservation re-prioritization since 1995, mapping about 18 million hectares (roughly a third of the country) to guide the next decade of the 30x30 Biodiversity Plan, including new protected areas, expanded sites, ecological corridors, and zones needing rapid inventory. Ocean Governance: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, six marine protected areas were recognized as “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar, while African leaders pushed for fisheries transparency reforms and action on illegal fishing. Climate & Tech Capacity: China donated meteorological and information technology equipment to Madagascar to strengthen weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning for disasters. Health Alert: In Antananarivo, 67 people were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning, with authorities temporarily closing implicated shops and sending samples for lab testing. Digital Economy Risk: A report warns China-linked cyber scam syndicates may be shifting operations toward Africa, citing Zimbabwe’s growing digital economy as a potential target.