05:00
MADAGASCAR-USA
The Ambassador of Madagascar to the United States, Lantosoa Rakotomalala, presented a copy of her credentials to Ethan Rosenzweig, Acting Chief of Protocol at the US Department of State. This marks a new chapter in strengthening the relationship between the two countries, with a renewed focus on trade and investment, people-to-people ties, exploring mutual understanding, and forging new paths of cooperation.
07:00
HIGHER EDUCATION
Nearly 70 applications were reviewed during the meeting of the members of the Reference Commission for Medical Training (CRFM) and the National Accreditation Commission (CNH) held in Fiadanana from December 3rd to 5th, 2024. Compliance with the standards of the Licence-Master-Doctorate (LMD) system was an essential criterion for the evaluation conducted by these two commissions, which are responsible for evaluating requests for authorization to provide training in both public and private higher education institutions. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESUPRES), the only authorized entity to approve the opening of new programs in the national territory, makes the improvement of the quality of higher education its priority.
08:00
MAKI FLY-OVER
The Loan Agreement for the financing of the Maki Fly-Over Project, at the intersection of the “Francophonie” Road and the “Europe” Boulevard, concluded on October 11th, 2023 between the Republic of Madagascar and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), as well as Law No. 2024-015 authorizing the ratification of said Agreement, are declared compliant with the Constitution. The agreement provides for financing of $31.5 million, of which $28 million is a loan from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the remaining $3.5 million is self-financing by the State. It should be noted that this development project is different from the first Anosizato Fly-Over project, the financing of which has already been ratified by the National Assembly in 2022.
12:00
VILLAGE ENGAGE FOR CHANGE
The first edition of the “Village Engage For Change” exhibition by Orange Madagascar will take place at Orange Digital Center Madagascar, Gare Soarano, on December 6th and 7th, 2024. The exhibition showcases Orange Madagascar’s actions in favor of climate, health, education, women’s empowerment, fighting corruption, inclusion, and disability. The commitment of employees through volunteering is also highlighted. Several stands are available to showcase all the initiatives undertaken by Orange Madagascar and to allow visitors to meet the actors, partners, and beneficiaries of these various initiatives. As part of women’s empowerment, women trained in the “Digital Houses for Women” supported by Orange Solidarity Madagascar will exhibit their products through a “Bazary solidaire”. Join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/3Ua8fMQ
13:00
LAND SITUATION AND CORRUPTION
The land situation in rural areas in Madagascar is alarming, characterized by deep inequalities in land access and practices of land grabbing, according to the Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (BIANCO). Furthermore, illegal exploitation of natural resources fuels corruption. To address these challenges, BIANCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Decentralization and Territorial Planning (MDAT), the Ministry of Justice, and other involved actors, is intensifying their efforts to fight against these abuses. With this in mind, an open day was organized on December 5th to inform the population about their land rights, the legal procedures to follow, and the available reporting mechanisms. The objectives of this event were to promote transparency, raise awareness among citizens about the risks associated with corruption, and encourage the denunciation of acts of land grabbing and illegal activities related to the exploitation of natural resources. This initiative is part of the awareness-raising activities for the International Anti-Corruption Day celebrated on December 9th, it is specified.
14:30
ANKIZY HIHARY BY FIHARIANA
Awakening the entrepreneurial spirit among students in grades 6 to 9 in General Education Colleges (CEG) in Madagascar. This is the ambition of the Ankizy Hihary by Fihariana project, sponsored by Mialy Rajoelina, the First Lady of the Republic of Madagascar. The project was initiated by Fihariana, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, with the aim of strengthening human capital and encouraging personal initiative among young people. Ankizy Hihary by Fihariana focuses on raising awareness about entrepreneurship, discovering local professions, and integrating practical programs, while involving entrepreneurs, teachers, and economic stakeholders to create a favorable ecosystem for entrepreneurial education. Additionally, the project aims to introduce students to various professions through company visits and considering specific sectors in each region. It also promotes equal opportunities by ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to the resources and opportunities needed to fulfill their dreams. Fihariana invites partners and stakeholders to join the project and support this essential initiative for the sustainable development of Madagascar. Join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/3Ua8fMQ
17:00
CHINA – MADAGASCAR
During the celebration of China Day on December 5th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rasata Rafaravavitafika, highlighted several projects illustrating the cooperation between China and Madagascar. These include the creation of the Associative Laboratory of the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at improving rice production in Madagascar, as well as the establishment of the Sino-Malagasy Animal Husbandry company, which works towards food security and sustainable development in the livestock sector. Additionally, the establishment of the Hunan Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, combining Chinese medical expertise and local health needs, was also mentioned. This event, part of the “One Country, One Day” initiative, facilitated exchanges between Malagasy and Chinese economic operators for sustainable commercial and industrial partnerships, it was reported. Under the theme “Discovering Hunan,” the day showcased the cultural and economic richness of the Hunan province while strengthening the strategic ties between China and Madagascar.