Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation located off the south-east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. The capital is Antananarivo. With a population of about 30-million, it is the fourth-largest island in the world by area, covering roughly 587 000 km². The economy is predominantly agricultural, with key exports including vanilla, cloves, coffee, cocoa and seafood, alongside emerging mining and textile sectors. The currency is the Malagasy ariary. Madagascar is rich in biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species, which also supports ecotourism as a growing industry. The country is a member of the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Agriculture employs the majority of the workforce, with rice as the staple crop and a significant focus of domestic production and trade policy. Madagascar has faced challenges including political instability, poverty and vulnerability to cyclones and droughts, which periodically disrupt economic activity. The island gained independence from France in 1960 and has since experienced periods of both democratic governance and political upheaval.
Madagascar Updates
100-million African children are not in school. What’s driving the trend and how to reverse it
14th May 2026 Many countries across Africa have embraced universal basic education policies in recent decades. But recent data has revealed that more than... →
Taiwan president arrives in Eswatini after blaming China for cancellation of prior trip
By: Reuters 4th May 2026 Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reached Eswatini on Saturday, two weeks after he was forced to postpone a trip to a diplomatic ally because Indian... →
Madagascar detains French former serviceman over alleged mutiny plot
By: Reuters 29th April 2026 Madagascar has detained a former French serviceman accused of taking part in a plot to destabilise the Indian Ocean island, including by inciting... →
US criticizes China's pressure on African countries to block Taiwan president's trip
By: Reuters 23rd April 2026 The United States is concerned that several African countries revoked overflight clearances for Taiwan's president at China's behest, the State... →
China praises nations that denied overflight rights for Taiwan president
By: Reuters 22nd April 2026 China heaped praise on Wednesday on three African countries that refused to let Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's aircraft fly over their... →
Daily Podcast – April 21, 2026
By: Halima Frost 21st April 2026 Making headlines: DA demands immediate suspension of SAPS Commissioner; DA unveils W Cape mayoral candidates; And, Xi says China is willing to work... →
Taiwan president cancels Africa trip blaming Chinese pressure
By: Reuters 21st April 2026 Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday he had cancelled his trip to Eswatini this week, after his government accused China of pressing three... →
Africa is losing health workers when it can least afford to – a pattern rooted in colonial history
13th April 2026 Africa has a challenge to retain the health workers it needs. The World Health Organization estimates a global shortfall of 11-million health... →
The Madagascar upheaval – coup, revolution or ‘coupvolution’?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 23rd March 2026 Coups in the Sahel set a discouraging precedent for whether Madagascar's military leader will leave office in two years. The Southern African... →
African ship registries: a safe harbour for shadow fleets?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 17th March 2026 The number of high-risk vessels flying African flags has surged, increasing risks to legitimate shipping interests and foreign investment. Sweden... →
