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  • World Music and Tourism Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Development.

    World Music and Tourism Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Development.

    World Music and Tourism Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Development.

    The inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, promises to be a groundbreaking event. Here are some additional highlights:
    – Cultural Significance: The festival will showcase Congolese Rumba, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, and its impact on identity, tourism, and community development.
    – Diverse Programming: The event will feature a range of activities, including performances, roundtable discussions, workshops, and cultural exhibitions.
    – Global Partnerships: The festival has brought together partners from around the world, including UNESCO, ARIPO, Sony Music Entertainment, and Sound Diplomacy.
    – Keynote Speakers: Renowned experts and thought leaders will share insights on topics such as musical diplomacy, cultural tourism, and creative economy.
    – Networking Opportunities: The festival provides a platform for stakeholders from governments, organizations, and the music industry to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities.
    – Economic Impact: The event is expected to contribute to the local economy and promote sustainable tourism development in the region.
    – Cultural Exchange: The festival will celebrate the diversity of cultures and promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange.
    By celebrating music and tourism as drivers of dialogue and development, the World Music and Tourism Festival aims to make a lasting impact on the cultural and economic landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond.

  • Nigeria: Violence and widespread displacement leave Benue facing a humanitarian disaster

    Nigeria: Violence and widespread displacement leave Benue facing a humanitarian disaster

    Nigeria: Violence and widespread displacement leave Benue facing a humanitarian disaster

    As of 31 December 2024, an estimated 500,182 people had fled to IDPs camps in Benue state to escape years of attacks by gunmen

    • At least 510,182 internally displaced people (IDPs) across Benue state
    • Dire conditions in IDP camps
    • Children and pregnant women amongst most vulnerable

    The Nigerian authorities must take urgent steps to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the central state of Benue where attacks by gunmen have displaced at least 500,000 people, many of whom are languishing in squalid camps without access to sufficient water, poor sanitation, food and healthcare, Amnesty International said today.

    In the most recent attack on 14 June, gunmen raided the town of Yelewata, killing more than 100 people and forcing over 3,941 more to flee their homes. The smell of decomposing bodies hung in the air during a visit to the affected community by Amnesty International in the aftermath of the attacks. Signs of the recent violence were unmistakable with bullet shells littering the ground, and mass graves that had been newly dug to bury the dead.

    Survivors were seen carrying bags of grain, bundles of firewood and other household items as they sought safety and shelter in camps for internally displaced persons (IDP). According to interviews with IDPs in Gwer West, Agatu, Ukum, Kwande, Logo, Guma and Makurdi IDP camps, as well as a makeshift IDP camp at Makurdi Modern Market, communities who come under attack are often left to fend for themselves with security forces only arriving long after the gunmen had left.

    “The Nigerian authorities have failed the people of Benue state again and again. Rampant attacks by gunmen have deprived thousands of people of their rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, freedom of movement and access to livelihoods. Survivors of these harrowing attacks face the fresh torment of being displaced in overcrowded, unhygienic camps where disease runs rampant and essentials such as  food and clean water are scarce,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

    “The situation risks creating a humanitarian disaster, which the authorities must urgently address by ensuring that people’s essential needs are met by providing desperately needed aid.”

    Besides interviews with IDPs, Amnesty International also spoke to camps officials, medical workers and non-governmental organizations in the affected areas. It found that communities across Benue state, including Gwer West, Gwer-East, Agatu, Apa, Ukum, Kwande, Logo,and Guma, continue to face a brutal pattern of violence.

    This is typically unleashed at night, although daytime attacks also occur, with gunmen systematically overrunning villages, using firearms to carry out indiscriminate or targeted killings from a distance. This is accompanied by brutal close-range violence with machetes and knives used to inflict grievous injuries, including hand amputations.

    Misery of the IDP camps

    As of 31 December 2024, an estimated 500,182 people had fled to IDPs camps in Benue state to escape years of attacks by gunmen. More than 10,000 additional people have been displaced since the start of 2025 following attacks on communities in Gwer West, Agatu, Ukum (Gbagir), Kwande (Anwase), Logo, and Guma (Yelewata, Agan, and Gbajimba), among others.

    Amnesty International’s visits to IDP camps reveal wholly inadequate shelter, exposing IDPs to harsh weather, overcrowding, and heightened risks of disease, as well as gender-based violence, including rape and domestic violence.

    Access to healthcare is also a major challenge in the IDP camps with a lack of treatment for the most common diseases and ailments, such as malaria, typhoid, and stomach ulcers. According to a camp official, births occur almost daily in the IDP camps, with many pregnant women requiring medical attention but also contracting infections because of inadequate hygiene facilities.

    An IDP told Amnesty International: “If we don’t get drugs, we just sit and watch the sick person helplessly.”

    Many children are unable to exercise their right to an education in the camps.

    “Our children no longer go to school and there are no arrangements by the authorities to teach children in the IDP camp. The government should bring an end to insecurity in our local government area and Benue state. Before that, provide us with food and proper shelter at the IDP camps,” an IDP told Amnesty International.

    A camp official told Amnesty International that a makeshift school built in one of the camps had been shut down for over three years because camp authorities could not continue paying ad-hoc teachers their stipends.

    There are hundreds of minors who fled their homes due to attacks and now live without parental care. The children were separated from their families while fleeing attacks on their villages and communities. The authorities have been unable to provide these vulnerable children with a safe place to live and essential services. Two female IDPs told Amnesty International:

    “When we arrived, they [my children] left. I do not know where they have gone. I can’t speak with them; I don’t have a phone….I have 8 children and because we do not have enough space here in the IDP camp, many of them have left me and I do not know where they are.”

    Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate steps to provide sufficient and accessible humanitarian support to the survivors of these attacks. Authorities must take steps to domesticate and effectively implement the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons within the country’s legal system.

    “The authorities’ persistent failure to hold suspected perpetrators to account is fueling a cycle of impunity that is making everyone feel unsafe. Authorities must now end the growing culture of impunity for these attacks.”

    “We call on the authorities to ensure that all people displaced because of the attacks in Benue state are provided with adequate relief, including protection, shelter, food, clean water, sanitation and healthcare. Authorities must ensure that all people who have suffered losses from the crisis are also provided with adequate compensation,” said Isa Sanusi.

    Background

    Amnesty International Nigeria has been monitoring the escalating bandit attacks and clashes between herders and farmers in Benue state since 2016. In 2020, the organization investigated the authorities’ failure to protect rural communities from attacks, and in 2025, it investigated the mounting death toll and looming humanitarian crisis amid unchecked attacks by armed groups.

    Nigeria is state party to a number of treaties that guarantee the human rights of everybody in the country regardless of the circumstances. This includes the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which requires Nigerian authorities to ensure equal access to amongst others the rights to housing, health, food, water, sanitation and education.

  • Health leaders commit to accelerate action against severe chronic diseases in Africa

    Health leaders commit to accelerate action against severe chronic diseases in Africa

    Health leaders, policymakers and development partners across Africa have renewed commitment to accelerate the implementation of the PEN-Plus strategy to significantly expand access to care for severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).Held under the theme “Advancing Implementation of PEN-Plus for Severe NCDs in Africa: Technical Innovations, Operational Insights, and Scalable Solutions,” the second International Conference for PEN-Plus in Africa served as a crucial follow-up to the inaugural 2024 gathering in Dar es Salaam. This year’s meeting focused on reviewing country-level progress, sharing operational experiences, and strengthening the technical foundation for the strategy’s scale-up.

    Hosted by the Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) in the African region and other partners including The Leone M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the three-day event provided a platform for NCD stakeholders and policy makers to develop actionable recommendations countries can use to accelerate PEN-Plus implementation and draft country-specific strategies to sustain and expand PEN-Plus, an innovative healthcare delivery model birthed in Africa.

    “In the last couple of years, global attention has shifted to NCDs because of the morbidity and mortality from these diseases. This conference marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to combat the growing burden of NCDs in Africa,” said Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. “PEN-Plus addresses a critical gap in healthcare for the world’s poorest billion. By scaling up the model, we can ensure that lifesaving care reaches those who need it most, regardless of their location.”

    In 2022, WHO in Africa set ambitious goals to have 50% of Member States rolling out PEN-Plus services to district hospitals by the year 2025, 65% by 2028, and 70% by 2030. PEN-Plus offers a promising approach to tackle the growing burden of severe chronic diseases. The model equips district and community hospitals with a specialized team of mid-level healthcare providers, such as clinical officers and nurses, specifically trained to manage severe complex NCD conditions.

    Since its adoption by African Member States, the implementation of the model has shown promising results in Liberia, Malawi and Rwanda, with a significant increase in the number of people accessing treatment for severe noncommunicable diseases and improvements in health.

    Twenty countries have since increased access to services for severe chronic disease such as type 1 diabetes, sickle-cell disease and rheumatic and congenital heart diseases. In addition to training local experts on severe NCD care, the services provided through PEN-Plus are free of charge – helping to reduce the significant financial burden on families caring for children living with severe chronic diseases.

    “PEN-Plus has not only improved patient outcomes in implementing countries, but it has also strengthened health systems by providing training, mentorship, and referral pathways,” said Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “It is now time to scale up the model and bring lifesaving care to the people who need it most”

    Despite this progress, participants at the ICPPA conference noted that scaling up the model requires more investments by countries.  Previous implementing countries assessments underscored the urgency to improve the availability of critical medications like insulin and diagnostic equipment in district hospitals. Participants also stressed the “grossly inequitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care” for severe NCDs conditions, particularly in rural areas where healthcare services are severely limited.

    A key highlight of the meeting was the finalization of the African Agenda for the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on NCDs in September 2025. The agenda outlines Africa’s priorities, commitments and expectations for the global stage, with PEN-Plus positioned as a central pillar in the region’s response to severe NCDs.

    “Scaling up and investing in PEN-Plus will save and improve millions of lives and take the continent a step towards ending diseases and achieving global health goals Scaling up PEN-Plus to address NCDs burden in Africa requires adequate and sustained resources,” said James Reid, Programme Officer at the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “By working together and pledging the necessary resources, countries can drive collective action to improve health and quality of life for millions of people around the world.

    With support from Helmsley Charitable Trust, and collaboration of the NCDI Poverty Network, the WHO Regional Office for Africa has been supporting countries to provide technical expertise and guidance to countries on various aspects of the PEN-Plus programme, developing training materials, supporting assessment, conducting supervisory visits to identify challenges at implementing facilities, coordinating partners and co- organizing platforms such as the ICPPA for countries to share and learn from successful PEN-Plus models.

  • African Cities Advance Fiscal Reforms to Boost Development

    African Cities Advance Fiscal Reforms to Boost Development

    African Cities Advance Fiscal Reforms to Boost Development

    On July 8, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, six African cities—Nairobi, Lusaka, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, and Yaoundé—highlighted progress in fiscal reforms under the DA-15 project, a collaborative effort by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), UN-Habitat, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The initiative, discussed at a side event during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, aims to strengthen urban financial systems to support the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.

    Nairobi’s Deputy Governor James Muchiri reported a revenue increase of one billion shillings last year, following a similar rise the year prior. Lusaka’s Mayor Chilando Chitangala emphasized improved revenue collection and accountability systems to address longstanding leakages. The DA-15 project conducted financial assessments, identifying gaps in revenue, expenditure, and investment planning while highlighting reform opportunities.

    ECA’s Fiscal Space Performance and Monitoring Dashboard, a digital tool, enables cities to track real-time fiscal indicators like liquidity and revenue efficiency, promoting transparency and informed decision-making. Hana Morsy, ECA’s Deputy Executive Secretary, underscored its role in enhancing accountability and fiscal health.

    Both Nairobi and Lusaka stressed the importance of local capacity and political will. Muchiri aims to reduce reliance on central government transfers by building robust revenue systems, while Chitangala hopes to share Lusaka’s gains with other Zambian cities. Morsy urged governments and partners to invest in local financial systems, positioning cities as leaders rather than beneficiaries. Atkeyelsh Persson, ECA’s Chief of Urbanization and Development, emphasized scaling these capacity gains to other cities across Kenya, Zambia, and beyond.

  • Malawi Unveils Updated Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy.

    Malawi Unveils Updated Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy.

    Malawi Unveils Updated Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy
    Malawi Launches Second Edition of Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy and Implementation Plan The Malawi Ministry of Health has launched its updated plan for implementation of its Genomic Surveillance Strategy, produced with technical support from the Africa CDC – Africa PGILILONGWE, Malawi, July 8, 2025 The Malawi Ministry of Health, launched its updated plan for the implementation of its Genomic Surveillance Strategy that was produced with technical support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI) on 3 July. As pathogen genomics provides a powerful approach towards the investigation, management, and surveillance of infectious diseases, the plan is geared to include integration of multi-pathogen genomic surveillance into existing public health systems, research and development. The second version of the plan is aligned to Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Surveillance Policy Framework and identified priority list of pathogens and use cases for genomic surveillance in Malawi and the region. The strategy has a robust, comprehensive, fully integrated, harmonized and well-coordinated mechanisms to guide monitoring of the implementation of the plan and evaluate impact. The improved plan has a National Genomics Committee comprising of a steering committee, advisory group and laboratories from public, private and academia. The first genomic strategy was launched in 2023 and runs to 2030In his opening remarks, Secretary for Health Dr. Samsom Kwazirira Mndolo emphasized the critical role of genomics in monitoring antimicrobial resistance, disease outbreak detection, response and prevention as well in precision medicine. He underscored the role of the plan as a roadmap for implementing a robust one health genomic surveillance system across the country with different multi stakeholders, ministries and partners.“We have been front runners in genomics, but we lost the opportunity to learn from others, so we decided to revisit and update the 2023 plan,” said Dr Mndolo.“This moment marks the dawn of a new era, where science, innovation, and determination converge to build a stronger, more resilient health system for all starting from Malawi by leveraging genomic sequencing power to identify and track pathogens enabling early detection, tracking and characterization of pathogens,” said Dr Lul Riek, Director for the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre. Dr Riek said by integrating pathogen genomic sequencing into its healthcare infrastructure, it aims to enhance its health security and swiftly respond to emerging and reemerging threats effectively. “This makes Malawi one step ahead of other countries in disease detection and response,” he said.“In the face of several emerging and reemerging health threats including Disease X ” a hypothetical emerging pathogen, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the resurgence of Mpox, Marburg, Cholera and other epidemics, we have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for resilient public health surveillance systems that can provide timely and actionable data,” said Dr Francis Chikuse, Senior Technical Officer for Public Health at Africa CDC.“The National Multi Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy is not just a response to these challenges but a proactive step toward building a robust system that leverages the power of molecular diagnostics and sequencing to safeguard the health of the of Malawians and beyond,” said Dr Chikuse.He said, Africa CDC in partnership with public, private and philanthropic sectors is enhancing continent-wide sample referral and data sharing strategy, systems, and governance to promote trusted, quality assured and timely data sharing as well as support the design and pilot implementation of high-impact public health priority genomic surveillance and use-cases and facilitate the utility of genomics data for policy, decision making, research and development of pandemic materials. In 2025, the World Health Assembly adopted the historic Pandemic Agreement to enhance global collaboration and to create a more equitable response to future pandemics.Africa CDC is working with 16 Member States including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Morocco, Togo, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia, to develop their national pathogen genomics strategies. Through this collaboration, Malawi becomes the second country after Zambia to launch their genomic strategy.
  • United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties.

    United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties.

    United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties

    United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties

    The Ogun Tech Hub Window on America offers a vibrant, American-themed environment where young Nigerians can explore ideas, build leadership capacity, and sharpen their entrepreneurial and tech skills through interactive programs and workshops

    LAGOS, Nigeria, July 7, 2025On Thursday, Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg joined Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to officially open the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America, the 29th American Space in Nigeria. This new center—the second in Abeokuta—was established through a partnership between the U.S. Consulate General, Ogun State Government, and GFA Technologies, a leading tech company that supports innovative startups.

    The Ogun Tech Hub Window on America offers a vibrant, American-themed environment where young Nigerians can explore ideas, build leadership capacity, and sharpen their entrepreneurial and tech skills through interactive programs and workshops. The center also provides access to high-speed internet, computers, and a wide range of digital resources to support learning, research, and professional development. Visitors can also receive guidance on studying in the United States through various educational advising programs.

    Delivering remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony attended by alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, Ogun State government officials, and members of the local academic, business, and artistic community, Acting Consul General Gorg explained that the Window on America is designed to expand the already strong bonds of friendship and deepen educational and cultural ties between the United States and Nigeria.

    “We are delighted to partner with the Ogun State Government and GFA Technologies to open the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America in Abeokuta,” Acting Consul General Gorg said. “This Window on America is a collaborative and technology-driven center dedicated to education, innovation, and partnership benefitting all residents of Ogun State and beyond.”

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America as a center for knowledge exchange, skills development, and peer-to-peer collaboration between young people in Ogun State and their counterparts in the United States. He underscored the importance of digital skills training offered at the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America in driving sustainable economic growth, generating employment, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens.

    “This is the opening of a window to endless possibilities. I urge Ogun State residents to take full ownership of groundbreaking initiatives like the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. It is not just a room—it is a realized vision, a democratized platform for global learning, connection, and opportunity,” Governor Abiodun added.

    Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer of GFA Technologies, Debo Omololu, lauded the U.S. government for the partnership that culminated in the opening of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. He expressed optimism that young people in Ogun State and its environs would benefit immensely from the resources and programs available at the center. “The Ogun Tech Hub is proud to join the global network of American Spaces. One of the core themes of our programming is to provide technological learning opportunities that drive digital transformation,” Omololu added.

    Programs offered at the Window on America will showcase the depth and breadth of American culture, values, ideals, and perspectives on a variety of themes from employability workshops to digital skills, AI, robotics, drone technology and other STEM learning opportunities. Visitors to the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America will include students, teachers, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists, civic organizations, government officials, and community leaders, among many others.

    In addition, the new center will offer access to academic and research resources via e-Library USA, a digital library with millions of publications, scholarly journals, eBooks, audio, video, and other multi-media content. Like all American Spaces around the world, programs and resources, including high speed internet access, offered at the Window on America are free of charge and open to everyone in the community.

    There are more than 700 American Spaces in 140 countries around the world hosted by universities, libraries, tech hubs, as well as U.S. embassies and consulates. The network of American Spaces in Nigeria organizes over 4,400 programs annually that reach 100,000 Nigerians. Nigeria has more American Spaces than any other African country, with 29 locations across 24 cities. Addresses of American Spaces in Nigeria can be found here.

  • How Nigeria Can Unleash its Economic Potential.

    How Nigeria Can Unleash its Economic Potential.

    How Nigeria Can Unleash its Economic Potential.

    Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, can unlock its vast economic potential by boosting revenues, improving budget management, and expanding its cash transfer system, according to a recent economic analysis. Reforms Yield Progress Amid Challenges Since 2023, Nigeria’s government has tackled longstanding economic issues through bold reforms, including liberalizing the foreign exchange market, ending central bank deficit financing, and reforming fuel subsidies. These steps have stabilized international reserves, restored access to official foreign exchange markets, and enabled Nigeria’s return to global capital markets. A new private refinery has also strengthened the country’s position in a deregulated oil market. However, high inflation (over 20%), poor infrastructure, and widespread poverty (42% in 2023) continue to hinder progress, with volatile global oil prices and high borrowing costs adding further pressure. Key Priorities for Growth To sustain progress, Nigeria should focus on three areas:

    1. Promote Inclusive Growth: Stronger, sustained economic growth is critical to reducing poverty and food insecurity. Scaling up the cash transfer system can help support vulnerable populations in the interim.
    2. Strengthen Budget Framework: Effective budgeting, with realistic assumptions and transparent expenditure management, is essential for investing in people and infrastructure while maintaining accountability. Monetary policy must also address inflation to reduce economic uncertainty.
    3. Increase Domestic Revenue: Raising revenue is vital to fund critical sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and climate adaptation. Ongoing tax reforms aim to simplify compliance and ensure fair contributions, with potential to align rates with regional neighbors once the cost-of-living crisis eases. Redirecting savings from fuel subsidy removal to priority investments is also crucial, as high interest payments currently limit funding for development.

    Looking Ahead Nigeria’s economic potential is undeniable, but sustained reforms and a robust social safety net are essential to ensure inclusive growth and support the most vulnerable.

    Explain cash transfer system
    Compare to other African economies
    More concise summary

     

  • International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board Completes the Second Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements with the Republic of Madagascar.

    International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board Completes the Second Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements with the Republic of Madagascar.

    International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board Completes the Second Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements with the Republic of Madagascar.

    The current account deficit widened to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2024, due to continued weak performance in some mining subsectors; it is expected to widen further (to 6.1 percent of GDP) this year, amidst challenging prospects in the textile industry and the vanilla sector

    • The IMF Executive Board completed the Second Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement for the Republic of Madagascar, allowing for an immediate disbursement of SDR 77.392 million (about US$107 million).
    • Madagascar’s performance under the ECF and RSF has been satisfactory. The recent adoption of a recovery plan for the public utilities company (JIRAMA) and the continued implementation of the automatic fuel price adjustment mechanism will release space for critical development needs while helping improve energy supply.
    • Recent weather-related events, reduction in official development assistance (ODA) and the U.S tariff hike risk setting Madagascar back; they constitute a wakeup call.

    The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the Second Reviews under the 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and under the 36-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. The ECF and RSF arrangements were approved by the IMF Executive Board in June 2024 (see PR24/232). The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this review.[1]

    The completion of the reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 36.66 million (about US$50 million) under the ECF arrangement and of SDR 40.732 million (about US$56 million) under the RSF arrangement.

    Madagascar has been hit by a myriad of shocks this year, including weather-related events and the dual external shock of ODA reduction (by about 1 percent of GDP) and U.S. tariff hike (47 percent initially). These developments would take a toll on growth, considering the country’s high dependence on external financial support and the exposure of its vanilla sector and textile industry to the U.S. market. Growth in 2025 would be lower-than-previously expected at 4 percent.

    The current account deficit widened to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2024, due to continued weak performance in some mining subsectors; it is expected to widen further (to 6.1 percent of GDP) this year, amidst challenging prospects in the textile industry and the vanilla sector.

    Program performance has been satisfactory, with all end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria and three out of four indicative targets having been met. M3 growth was within the bands of the Monetary Policy Consultation Clause. All but one structural benchmark for the review period were also met. On the RSF front, a new forest carbon framework that promotes private sector participation in the reforestation was adopted and the National Contingency Fund for disaster risk management was operationalized.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “Performance improved gradually over the first half year of the program, following delays related to mayoral elections; all but one of the end-December 2024 quantitative targets were met, and notable progress was achieved in the structural reform agenda. Recent weather-related and external shocks call for spending reprioritization, deliberate contingency planning in budget execution, and letting the exchange rate act as a shock absorber.

    “The recent adoption of a recovery plan for the public utilities company (JIRAMA) is a step in the right direction. Its swift implementation will help address pervasive disruptions in the provision of electricity to households and businesses, while limiting calls on the State budget. The continued implementation of the automatic fuel pricing mechanism will also help contain fiscal risks with targeted measures to support the most vulnerable.

    “Pressing ahead with domestic revenue mobilization efforts and enhancing public financial management and the public investment process remain key to fiscal sustainability. Early preparations for the 2026 budget will allow for stronger buy-in from domestic stakeholders; the budget should be anchored in a well-articulated medium-term fiscal strategy that accounts for the implementation of JIRAMA’s recovery plan and creates space for critical development spending.

    “While inflation has receded slightly from its January peak, the central bank (BFM) should not loosen monetary policy until inflation is on a firm downward path. Further improvements in liquidity management, forecasting and communication will strengthen the implementation of the BFM’s interest-based monetary policy framework. Maintaining a flexible exchange rate will help absorb external shocks.

    “A swift implementation of the authorities’ anti-corruption strategy (2025-2030), together with a homegrown action plan for implementing key recommendations from the IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment (GDA), will improve transparency and the rule of law, support the authorities fight against corruption and protect the public purse.

    “The authorities’ continued commitment to their reform agenda under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) will support climate adaptation in Madagascar and complement the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) in fostering overall socio-economic resilience.”

  • Patrick Drahi is a Moroccan-Israeli billionaire, founder, and controlling shareholder of Altice, a European telecom group. He has significant interests in media and telecommunications, shaping the industry with his vision and investments.

    Patrick Drahi is a Moroccan-Israeli billionaire, founder, and controlling shareholder of Altice, a European telecom group. He has significant interests in media and telecommunications, shaping the industry with his vision and investments.

    PR Times Africa Leadership Spotlight, Patrick Drahi: A Business Magnate.
    Patrick Drahi is a Moroccan-Israeli billionaire, founder, and controlling shareholder of Altice, a European telecom group. He has significant interests in media and telecommunications, shaping the industry with his vision and investments.
    Patrick Drahi is a Moroccan-Israeli billionaire, founder, and controlling shareholder of Altice, a European telecom group. He has significant interests in media and telecommunications, shaping the industry with his vision and investments.
  • PR Times Africa Woman of the Week:Reni Folawiyo: Nigerian lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur, founder of Alara (West Africa’s first luxury fashion store) and owner of NOK restaurants, promoting African cuisine.

    PR Times Africa Woman of the Week:Reni Folawiyo: Nigerian lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur, founder of Alara (West Africa’s first luxury fashion store) and owner of NOK restaurants, promoting African cuisine.

    PR Times Africa Woman of the Week: Reni Folawiyo: Nigerian lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur, founder of Alara (West Africa’s first luxury fashion store) and owner of NOK restaurants, promoting African cuisine

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