Trade Finance Boost: AfDB approved a $20m Madagascar trade finance guarantee facility aimed at accelerating industrialisation and helping local firms import production inputs. Mining Dealmaking: Reuters reports Sumitomo is financing the buyers of its 54% Ambatovy nickel stake to smooth its exit, with production suspended since February and due to resume by end-June. Graphite Strategy: Total Graphite says it has started a Madagascar graphite portfolio optimisation programme, weighing partners, joint ventures, divestments or asset sales to unlock value. Shipping & Sanctions Risk: A fire on the Madagascar-flagged tanker MT Marivex off Oman involved 24 Indian seafarers; India says all were safe, while US forces later disabled a Palau-flagged sanctioned vessel linked to blockade-violation attempts. Bilateral Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Tinubu met Madagascar President Michael Randrianirina in Abuja for talks expected to cover trade, agriculture, security and climate resilience. Energy Costs Pressure (India): India’s OMCs are still losing about Rs 600–700 crore daily despite fuel price hikes, highlighting how global oil shocks ripple into supply chains. Madagascar Ingredient Spotlight: Lautier 1795 (Symrise) says it’s relaunching natural raw materials trading and will commercialise Madagascar-linked fragrance inputs like Longoza Oil Madagascar and Bay Oil Madagascar by year-end. Biosecurity (Madagascar Species): Australia seized 100,000+ illegal cockroaches including Madagascar hissing species in a record raid, warning of penalties for breeders and pet sellers.