03:00
ALEXANDRE RAMALINGOM
Madagascan international Alexandre Ramalingom is joining a new league. He has signed with the Israeli club, Bnei Sakhnin FC, who finished 6th in the Israeli Premier League last season. He will therefore be playing this season under the leadership of Serbian coach Slobodan Drapic. This is the 31-year-old player’s 9th club, having previously played in France, Belgium, and Azerbaijan. After two years at CS Sedan, Alexandre Ramalingom arrived in Azerbaijan in July 2023, where he had his best statistical season with Sabail FC. He scored 15 goals in 35 games played, his highest goal tally in a season since the start of his professional career. He has played a total of 200 games, scoring 78 goals.
05:00
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
The Ministry of Transportation and Meteorology will soon release a memorandum to require motor tricycle drivers “Bajaj” working in Itaosy to comply with the traffic regulations. This is one of the resolutions made after a meeting between the Ministry, represented by the Director General of Transportation, UCTS, and UCTS FA recently. Several traffic violations by Bajaj drivers have been identified by the Ministry, which prompted the convening of this meeting with stakeholders in urban transportation. Bus and Bajaj drivers will have 15 days to comply with the instructions in this memorandum, under penalty of sanctions, including 10 days in impoundment, according to reports.
06:00
INDUSTRY
According to the Malagasy Industries Union (SIM), industry is a key sector for the development of Madagascar, employing 10% of the active population and contributing 21.7% of the GDP. It diversifies the economy, reduces dependence on agriculture, and is a major source of employment and income, particularly for rural areas. The number of registered businesses has increased from 1,602 in 2020 to 1,929 in 2022, reflecting entrepreneurial dynamism. The Malagasy industry includes SMEs specialized in the transformation of agricultural products, which enhance natural resources and strengthen supply chains. However, Madagascar faces challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, limited access to financing, energy supply, and tax burdens. The SIM emphasizes that the government must adopt incentive policies to support local actors and encourage the creation, innovation, and competitiveness of businesses.
07:00
EFF
The first review of the Extended Credit Facility (EFF), scheduled between September 30 and October 11, 2024, was one of the topics discussed during a meeting between Eklou Kodjovi, the new Permanent Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Madagascar, and Rindra Hasimbelo Rabarinirinarison, Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), yesterday. This will also be an opportunity for the international institution to present the “Article IV” to Madagascar, which is a letter addressing various subjects every two years. This year, the IMF highlighted four points: electricity (Jirama, renewable energy), rice cultivation, education in economic development, and the impact of climate change on the national economy. It should be noted that Madagascar has been chosen as a Pilot Country within the framework of cooperation between the IMF and the World Bank, and the two entities will meet on October 14, 2024, in this context.
08:00
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Transparency International – Initiative Madagascar (TI-MG) is expecting a firm commitment to integrity and unwavering determination in the fight against corruption from the newly elected members of parliament. In a statement released yesterday, this civil society organization encouraged the elected members of the Lower House to defend the interests of Malagasy citizens, use resources wisely and transparently, refrain from abusing parliamentary immunity, and fulfill their electoral promises. It also hopes that accountability to citizens will be crucial, with regular reports on the activities of the National Assembly, as well as open dialogue with civil society. TI-MG nevertheless applauds the creation of a Commission on Good Governance, Transparency, Accountability, and Anti-Corruption within the National Assembly, an initiative it deems important for strengthening transparency and good governance in Madagascar. It is crucial for the National Assembly to become a true forum for debate and play an active and central role in the development and discussion of laws, as well as in monitoring government actions, it said.
09:24
PUBLIC WORKS
In addition to road repair works carried out by the Ministry of Public Works (MTP) in the Atsinanana Region, maintaining ferries in the region is also among the tasks that this department must accomplish. The Menagisy Ferry on the RNT23 connecting Mahanoro and Marolambo is part of it. The other three are in Salehy, Andranotsara, and Masomeloka on the RNT11 connecting Mahanoro and Nosy-Varika. According to the Ministry, the most important works involve the replacement of the engines of the Menagisy and Salehy ferries. The works are being carried out by the company EGC Tiana and funded by the Road Fund, according to reports.
10:00
SIM
The Syndicate of Industries of Madagascar (SIM) has officially launched its new website to promote the Malagasy industrial sector. This site aims to showcase its members and their activities, providing greater visibility to businesses. It also highlights the “Malagasy ny Antsika” label, a symbol of quality for Malagasy products, and includes the POLE STAGE platform to facilitate the professional integration of young talents. The site also provides useful information about the industrial sector, regulations, and business opportunities. According to SIM, the website will serve as a window for the Malagasy industrial ecosystem, increasing the visibility of local businesses among international stakeholders.
11:00
AIRPORT SECURITY
During a meeting between all airport entities held on July 29, 2024, at Fascene International Airport in Nosy-Be, the Director General of Civil Aviation of Madagascar (ACM), Colonel Gervais Damasy, stressed that all stakeholders in this field must function as a single team and collaborate closely, as they share a common mission. This cooperation is essential not only for day-to-day operations, but also for the preparation of the security audit scheduled for 2025, the results of which will be attributed to the Malagasy state, he added. Security is everyone’s business, hence the need to involve all airport stakeholders in maintaining this security culture, it is emphasized. To strengthen this collaborative approach, a session of exchanges and sharing was also organized, followed by a visit to all entities at Nosy Be International Airport.
12:15
MAHAJANGA
Rotating power outages are back in Mahajanga since last week. The cuts last for at least three hours per day. This situation also disrupts the water supply, as pumping stations require electricity to operate. According to Jirama, its subcontractors, including Enelec and Henri Fraise, are facing technical issues and difficulties related to the transportation of heavy fuel.
13:00
ROAD WORKS
The Ministry of Public Works is currently carrying out road repair works in the capital. On the Vatobe 67 ha to Andohatapenaka axis, measuring 500 meters, the Ministry is rehabilitating the road surface and maintaining the drainage network. Other road sections are also affected by the works carried out by the Ministry of Public Works. On the section between Batpro Soanierana and the Capsat Ankadilalana intersection, a retaining wall is being constructed in addition to various rehabilitation works. On the Ambanidia – Mandroseza – Alasora roundabout axis, the road will be concreted, according to the Ministry. Repairs of potholes and pavement maintenance are also being carried out on the Ankadilalana – Tsimbazaza roundabout (Galana) axis. Moreover, emergency works are also being undertaken between Ambatoroka Ambany (Villa Berlin) and Ambanidia (Shell).
14:00
FIGHT AGAINST DOCUMENTARY FRAUD
7 newly assigned interns at the central service of the Air and Border Police (SCPAF) recently received training on the fight against documentary fraud and irregular immigration at Ivato Airport, provided by the Immigration Security Advisor attached to the Internal Security Service of the French Embassy in Madagascar. On this occasion, they were able to acquire the fundamental basics of documentary fraud, Schengen regulations, entry codes, as well as the stay of foreigners and the right of asylum specific to overseas departments and regions. In order to enable its staff to control passengers’ travel documents more effectively, the Air and Border Police has also been provided with 8 magnifying glasses and two UV flashlights by the Directorate of Security and Defense Cooperation (DCSD) of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE).
15:00
FIREMEN OF ANTANANARIVO
Between January and June 2024, 80 cases of house fires resulting in 34 deaths and 59 injuries were recorded in Antananarivo and its surroundings, according to the semi-annual report presented by the Antananarivo Fire Brigade. In addition, out of the approximately 389 interventions carried out by the firefighters of Antananarivo during this first semester, 24 were related to drowning cases and 3 were related to traffic accidents, it is reported. The Antananarivo Fire Brigade notes an increase in its interventions during the first six months of this year compared to the previous year. According to the Chief of the Fire Brigade, Commander Eric Ralaivaonoro, the main reasons for this are non-compliance with safety instructions and negligence. It should be noted that the interventions of the fire brigade are completely free of charge in Antananarivo renivohitra.
