Malagasy President Michaël Randrianirina was in Cairo on July 30, 2026 for an investment roundtable at the headquarters of GAFI (Egypt's General Authority for Investment). Around 40 Egyptian investors attended — a strong signal for a country actively seeking operational partners, not just financial backers.
A high-level delegation
Six Malagasy ministers and around ten business leaders accompanied the head of state. On the Egyptian side, Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, led the discussions. On the agenda: agriculture and agribusiness, fertilizers, crop protection products, and food processing — sectors where Madagascar holds vast untapped potential.
A concrete deal signed
The roundtable resulted in the signing of a cooperation agreement between GAFI and the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM). This framework is designed to streamline the entry process for Egyptian investors seeking to establish a presence in Madagascar, easing administrative procedures — one of the main barriers identified alongside infrastructure and logistics challenges.
President Randrianirina delivered a clear message to potential partners: "Madagascar invites you to bring your capital, expertise, and proven track record." He stressed the need for "complete, well-structured and sustainable projects" with technology transfer and joint investment with local Malagasy companies.
COMESA: a continental integration lever
Both countries are members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which provides a preferential tariff framework. The visit comes as Madagascar diversifies its economic partnerships, seeking to reduce dependence on traditional financing and attract investors ready to co-build.
Egypt's "Future of Egypt" agricultural complex — spanning thousands of hectares and generating around 360,000 jobs — was cited as a reference model of what well-directed capital can deliver at scale.
Why it matters
With Madagascar's growth projected at 6% in 2026 (IMF), attracting operationally capable African investors addresses a dual objective: diversifying the origin of capital and accessing expertise suited to continental realities. The signal sent in Cairo extends beyond bilateral relations — it positions Antananarivo as an open destination for South-South capital flows at a time when the AfCFTA is reshaping African investment circuits.
Sources: Newsmada, L'Express Madagascar, EgyptToday — August 1, 2026