1. Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates have had diplomatic relations for several years. How would you characterize the current state of these bilateral relations?
Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations in 2016. Since then, these relations have strengthened significantly. We can confidently say that they are more than just good, they are excellent. There have been several high-level visits, including the participation of Madagascar in multiple economic events in the UAE. Additionally, the visits of the President of Madagascar, His Excellency Andry Rajoelina, have further solidified these relations. Today, we are moving toward a deeper partnership with the UAE, particularly in key sectors such as industry, renewable energy, and agriculture, which are priority areas for Madagascar.
From the outset, I would like to inform you about the key pillars of Madagascar’s state policy, which have been elevated to national goals for the development of our country. These priorities include agricultural transformation, energy transition, and industrialization. It is precisely for these economic transformation goals that we have chosen the UAE as a key partner.
2. Are there any specific investments planned in these sectors?
There are several agreements currently under negotiation, and some are already prepared to be signed. These include investments in tourism, agriculture, and agro-business, such as the establishment of factories for the production of organic fertilizers. There are also plans for renewable energy projects, specifically the establishment of photovoltaic solar power plants. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about setting up an industrial and tourist zone with a special regulatory regime that we are negotiating with the UAE. This is expected to be a model of successful partnership.
3. What is your perspective on the current state of Madagascar’s economy, and what are the growth prospects for the next few years?
Madagascar has implemented several reforms to improve the business climate, aiming to make our country more competitive within the regional market and with global players. A few weeks ago, we hosted the fifth summit of the Indian Ocean Commission in Madagascar, where we reaffirmed our development priorities, especially food security and nutrition. Madagascar is a large country, a near-continent, with 587,000 km², 5,500 km of coastline, and 5% of the world’s biodiversity. It is truly a bridge between Asia and Africa.
We are on track to become the main economic hub in this region, having already started the expansion of the country's main port, the Port of Toamasina, with completion expected by the end of 2026. Madagascar is positioning itself as a major player in the South-West Indian Ocean region. We also have 36 million hectares of arable land, which gives us a promising future in the agribusiness sector.
Madagascar is the third-largest producer of rice in Africa, behind Nigeria and Egypt. Our goal is to become the number one producer, as rice is a staple food for our population. We also have exceptional products such as vanilla, known worldwide for its high vanillin content, Madagascar’s vanilla has a vanillin level of 2.1, compared to 1.4 from other countries like Indonesia.
We also produce cloves, black pepper, green pepper, and the unique pink peppercorn from Madagascar. Our local specialty, voatsiperifery, is exclusive to our country. Madagascar is also the only African country producing caviar, and we have excellent seafood, including the famous Malagasy shrimp served at the Élysée Palace. Our cocoa has won the Golden Bean Award. These are just a few examples of the incredible products we have to offer, and we aim to promote them globally.
4. What mechanisms have your government put in place to attract Gulf investors and ensure a stable and secure business environment?
We have put in place several initiatives. First, we introduced a new mining code. Madagascar is rich in minerals, including strategic resources like precious and semi-precious stones. Our mining sector offers significant opportunities for international players.
Secondly, we have reformed our investment laws to provide security for investors, ensuring their capital is protected. We are keen to attract investors with integrated projects that include studies, operations, and local recruitment. We also prioritize sustainable investments that benefit the local population.
In terms of financing, we recognize the global scarcity of available funds, and we are eager to attract investors who bring significant capital. Madagascar is ready to offer all the guarantees that investors need for long-term, sustainable projects that will benefit our people.
5. Given Madagascar's strategic position in the Indian Ocean, how does the country position itself as a gateway to markets in Central and Eastern Africa for Gulf investors?
Madagascar has reached an important milestone by ratifying the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. This positions Madagascar as a key partner in the African market. We are also members of regional economic communities like COMESA and SADC, which open up further opportunities for economic cooperation.
Moreover, Madagascar has a skilled labor force, and many companies are outsourcing services, including IT services, to Madagascar. We have a pool of talent fluent in both French and English, which meets the needs of international markets, including Europe. Additionally, with nine airlines servicing Madagascar, we are well connected to the world, making it easier to move goods and people.
6. You mentioned air connectivity. Emirates currently operates six flights per week to Antananarivo. Are there plans to further strengthen these connections?
Madagascar is attracting tourists from countries that are even geographically distant. We are seeing increasing tourism from far-flung places, including Bulgaria. What we aim to do is open our airspace to more airlines to support our vision of an open Madagascar. Our diplomacy is entirely focused on economic development, and we are committed to becoming a modern, prosperous country that is well integrated into the global economy.
7. What new initiatives or opportunities can Gulf investors expect in Madagascar, particularly in special economic zones, public-private partnerships, or regional integration?
We have a legal framework that supports public-private partnerships (PPPs), and we are opening up the country to investment in special economic zones. One interesting initiative is the establishment of tourist land reserves, where we have identified key tourist sites, such as the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. We reserve land close to these sites for tourism investments, offering high returns on capital.
We are also creating integrated zones, such as Textile City, a zone dedicated to the textile industry in collaboration with Mauritius. These zones are designed to foster holistic development, creating ecosystems around industrial parks, with facilities like schools and hospitals to support the local communities.
8. Finally, do you have any message for the readers of Khaleej Times who are considering Madagascar as a destination for business or travel?
Madagascar is not just the new Eldorado for tourism and investment, it is truly the best choice for investors who want to make a difference in their entrepreneurial journey. Madagascar is a country with a soul. By investing here, investors have the opportunity to unlock natural wealth that has long been underexploited. And beyond that, they will experience the exceptional hospitality of the Malagasy people, supported by a favorable legal framework for their success.
Choosing Madagascar is not only about economic profits, it’s also about making a positive impact on both the economy and the local communities.
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