04:47
CYCLONE WEATHER
Chido reached the stage of an intense tropical cyclone last night, according to the bulletin published by Météo France (Réunion) at 3 am. The forecast indicates that Chido is expected to pass about 100 km north of the northern tip of Madagascar on Friday evening. In the northern part of Madagascar, deteriorating weather conditions are expected from Friday morning, accompanied by heavy rains, strong winds, and dangerous seas, particularly in the northern region. According to reports, conditions are expected to improve by Saturday evening. Join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/3Ua8fMQ
06:00
PROGRES
The Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Economic Integration Support Program for Rural Youths (PROGRES) was officially launched on December 10, 2024 in Antananarivo. This program has a budget of 120 million dollars, including a contribution of 83.5 million dollars from IFAD. Its aim is to transform the living conditions of rural Malagasy youths sustainably. PROGRES targets 130,000 poor rural households, approximately 650,000 people, with particular attention to women (40%) and youths (60%). Among its key objectives, we can mention, among others, the creation of 50,000 jobs for youths, improvement of food security for 110,500 households, training of 75,000 youths in rural entrepreneurship, development of 1,842 hectares with hydraulic infrastructure, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of 68 infrastructure for marketing and storage.
09:00
SEIZURE OF GOLD BARS
Three gold bars, with a total weight of 13 kg 865 grams, were discovered by Customs agents in the hand luggage of a Malagasy passenger at Ivato International Airport during the preparations for flight ET 852 on December 11, 2024, bound for Addis Ababa. The passenger, who was able to pass through security checks without any problems, immediately went to the restroom once arriving in the boarding area. He was followed by another person, which drew the attention of the Customs agents. As a result of these suspicious behaviors, both individuals were taken to the search room for inspection. The two suspects were arrested. Furthermore, an investigation has been opened to identify any possible accomplices.
15:00
ELECTION OBSERVATION
The verification of voters’ identification documents was carried out systematically in the polling stations during the December 11th election, according to the SAFIDY observatory. 96.4% of the polling stations also verified the voters’ thumbprints. The registration of voters on the electoral roll was checked in all polling stations; however, in 1% of the stations, voters were allowed to vote even though they were not registered or did not have a mandate or mission order. Moreover, acts of violence were reported in 1.7% of the polling stations in the country. The SAFIDY Observatory reveals significant participation of women (45.9%) and youth (49%) as members of the electoral offices. However, the participation of disabled individuals remains low, at a rate of 1%. SAFIDY has also received 105 reports concerning various irregularities, such as pre-marked ballots and cases of ballot stuffing, mainly in the regions of Analamanga, Alaotra Mangoro, SAVA, and Androy. It should be noted that the Observatory plans to publish its initial analysis on the progress of the election on Saturday, December 14th.
15:01
AFRITAC SOUTH
Revenue mobilization and budgetary risk management, support for Monetary Policy, climate resilience and digital transformation, as well as the strengthening of national statistical systems. These are the main areas of work discussed today by the member countries of AFRITAC South, during the mid-term virtual meeting of the Orientation Committee (OC) of the International Monetary Fund’s Regional Technical Assistance Center for Southern Africa (AFRITAC South). The meeting was chaired by Madagascar, represented by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Rindra Hasimbelo Rabarinirinarison. AFRITAC South is a joint initiative of 13 countries in southern Africa with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and several development partners. Its objective is to provide technical assistance, training, and learning opportunities in key areas such as public financial management, tax and customs administration, banking supervision and regulation, monetary policy and foreign exchange operations, financial market infrastructure and fintech, and the fight against corruption. During the meeting, Rindra Hasimbelo Rabarinirinarison praised the resilience demonstrated by AFRITAC South’s member countries in the face of persistent macroeconomic imbalances, exacerbated by debt vulnerabilities, climate impacts, and urgent needs for public investments in key sectors. “The program we have designed through AFRITAC South is ambitious, but it reflects our common aspirations to overcome current challenges. (…) Each dollar invested in our programs is a lever for sustainable transformation,” explained the Grand Treasurer. Rindra Hasimbelo Rabarinirinarison also emphasized the importance of supporting member states through targeted development programs. “In this way, we contribute to building the foundations of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth,” she explained. Furthermore, Madagascar will be the host country for the next physical meeting of the Orientation Committee. It will take place in June 2025. Join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/3Ua8fMQ
16:00
ACCESSION TO EGMONT GROUP
The Illicit Assets Recovery Agency (ARAI) hosted a delegation from the Angolan Financial Intelligence Unit on December 10, 2024, to assess Madagascar’s progress in meeting the criteria for its accession to the Egmont Group. This group brings together financial intelligence units from around the world to combat money laundering, international terrorism financing, and related offenses, explains ARAI. It should be noted that Angola, already a member of the Egmont Group, is one of Madagascar’s three sponsor countries. In addition to Madagascar’s accession to the Egmont Group, this meeting also aimed to strengthen cooperation between ARAI and the Financial Intelligence Unit SAMIFIN in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other related offenses, it is mentioned.
