07:00
REINDUSTRIALIZATION
The Private Sector Development Strategy (SDSP) could enable Madagascar to achieve 30% of GDP from the industry by 2040, according to the Syndicate of Industries of Madagascar (SIM), despite the country’s low current level of industrialization. SIM highlights two essential pillars for the country to aim high and attract strategic investments to build a sustainable future, namely energy to ensure sufficient and reliable supply, as well as road infrastructure to ensure an efficient logistics network. During the National Private Sector Gathering, held on December 12, 2024, at the Radisson Blu, Hassim Amiraly, Past President of SIM, emphasized the urgency of the country’s reindustrialization. The objective of these Gatherings being the presentation of the SDSP, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector, the public sector, and the funders to implement this strategy. Reindustrialization should prioritize local industries while finding a balance with foreign investments. A favorable environment is essential to ensure the prosperity of industrialists and their contribution to the development of Madagascar, Hassim Amiraly stated. Furthermore, the agribusiness sector was highlighted during these gatherings as a key lever for development.
09:00
INTENSE TROPICAL CYCLONE CHIDO
CHIDO remains classified as an Intense Tropical Cyclone, although it has shown signs of weakening over the past six hours, according to Météo Madagascar. The average wind has decreased to 175 km/h, with gusts reaching 245 km/h near its center. At 09:00 this Friday, its center was located 159 km North-Northeast of Antsiranana I and continues moving westward at an average speed of 22 km/h. CHIDO’s trajectory remains unchanged. It is expected to pass about 70 km north of Cape Amber in the afternoon, still at the minimal threshold of an Intense Tropical Cyclone. The active rain band is expected to start affecting the districts of Antsiranana I and II in the early afternoon. The DIANA region and the district of Vohemar are still under red alert, indicating imminent danger. Similarly, the districts of Bealanana, Antsohihy, Analalava, Sambava, and Andapa remain under yellow alert, signaling a threat.
10:00
AFRICAN POLITICAL LEADER OF THE YEAR
According to the voting results on the African Leadership Magazine website, the President of the Republic of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, obtained 65.69% of the votes in the African Political Leader of the Year 2024 category as part of the African Leadership Persons of The Year 2024. He surpassed two other nominated heads of state in this category: the President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan (20.48%), and the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi (13.83%). The 14th edition of the African Leadership Persons of The Year 2024 ceremony, which will take place on February 27th and 28th, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco, will serve as a platform for opinion leaders, political decision-makers, and private sector experts to address key issues concerning the future of Africa, including governance, security, trade, and regional integration. Since its creation, the African Leadership Persons of The Year awards ceremony has brought together politicians, business leaders, civil society actors, influencers, and various stakeholders from Africa and around the world to discuss the challenges related to socio-economic growth and development of the African continent.
11:00
INDIAN OCEAN U15 FESTIVAL
The Indian Ocean U15 Festival, which will take place from December 16th to 22nd, 2024 at the Stade Elgeco Plus By Pass, aims to promote the values of unity, respect, and fair play, while supporting the development of young talents and strengthening sports and cultural ties in the region. U15 teams from Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles will compete in this tournament, organized by the Malagasy Football Federation (FMF) with the support of FIFA Forward, it is stated.
15:00
CYCLONE CHIDO
According to estimates from the Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC), the total number of people likely affected by Cyclone Chido near the northern tip of Madagascar is estimated at 19,391, including 15,290 in the Antsiranana I District. The rest are located in the Ambanja, Ambilobe, Antsiranana II, Nosy Be, Vohémar, and Analalava Districts. The center of the Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido was positioned 110 km north-northwest of Antsiranana I at 3:00 PM local time, according to Météo Madagascar. The average wind speed is increasing again and is estimated at 185 km/h with gusts of 260 km/h near its center. It continues on its west-southwest trajectory at an average speed of 22 km/h. Chido was passing approximately 62 km north of Cap d’Ambre at 1:00 PM local time. It will now continue its path in the Mozambique Channel and is expected to reach Mozambique by Sunday. Accompanied by the circulation of this system, rain showers or thunderstorms are forecasted for Sava and Diana until tomorrow morning. The alert level remains unchanged. Please note that the weather conditions at sea along the northeast and northwest coasts will remain gloomy with storm surges and cyclonic swells ranging from 4 to 8 meters, which may result in marine submersions. Maritime users between Cap St André and Cap d’Ambre, as well as between Cap d’Ambre and Cap Est, should not venture out to sea until all dangers are cleared.
16:00
KICK BOXING
A great harvest for Madagascar at the African Kick Boxing Championships held from December 9th to 12th in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Malagasy team returned with 15 medals, including 10 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. Notably, Audrey Nyo Razafindramanitra had an exceptional performance, winning gold medals in kick light and light contact in the -46kg category. For the men, Manirisoa Gouar Brown also stood out by winning a gold medal in kick light and a silver medal in light contact in the -37kg category. The other gold medalists are Julio Flavien (in Full Contact -51kg), Birinod Lahamahavonjy (in Low Kick -67kg), Rosalde Razafinomenjanahary (in Low Kick -57kg), José Emile “Cassis” (in Low Kick -81kg), Mostepha Nambininjanahary (in K1 -63.5kg), and Zafy Mariamo (in K1 -57kg). The two silver medals were won by Nalidah Randrianarivelo and Duco Randriamasiniaina in Low Kick in the -60kg category. Finally, Jean De Dieu Fidèle Arson, also known as Vazah, (-51kg) and Lucas Andrianomentsoa (-47kg) each won a bronze medal in Low Kick. This success is the result of the collective efforts of our team, supported by WAKO Africa and WAKO Mauritius, as well as our valuable partners, stated the Malagasy Federation of Kick Boxing and Associated Disciplines.
