AGP Executive Report

Madagascar in the spotlight (film): Chris Rock says he wants a fourth Madagascar movie, joking he “doesn’t have Madagascar money” after his divorce and calling it “time” to bring Marty the zebra back. Madagascar in education & culture: Russian language classes have started at the Russian House in Madagascar, with students learning Russian culture and options for further study. Madagascar in sport (CAF): Zambian champions Red Arrows opened their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, taking a strong first-leg lead. Madagascar in football (AFCON build-up): Nigeria’s Super Eagles face injury worries as Victor Osimhen is ruled out with a groin strain and Paul Onuachu’s fitness is also in doubt ahead of qualifiers that include a match vs Madagascar. Madagascar in global arts/entertainment: DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island lands in theatres Sept. 25, with Jollibee launching a North America tie-in featuring themed meals, collectibles, and streetwear.

Madagascar Football & CAF: Zambian champions Red Arrows opened their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round with a 2-0 win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, thanks to Eliya Mandanji and Alassane Diarra—giving them a strong first-leg cushion. Super Eagles AFCON 2027: Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying plans take another hit as Victor Osimhen is ruled out (groin/adductor strain) and Paul Onuachu’s fitness is also in doubt after an injury during Trabzonspor’s 5-0 win—both could affect key matches involving Madagascar. CAF Champions League: Madagascar’s CFFA grabbed a 2-0 advantage over Lesotho’s Lijabatho in the first preliminary round, while other African heavyweights like Al Hilal and Mangasport posted big wins. Arts & Culture (Film): Jollibee is partnering with DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island,” launching themed food, collectibles, and streetwear ahead of the Sept. 25 release. Sports (Motorsport): Karting Africa’s 2027 cup gets a boost with an Angola showrun featuring drivers from across the continent, including Madagascar. Climate & Community Knowledge: A Nature study highlights gaps between climate services and what people in places like Madagascar say they actually need.

Film & Food Partnership: Jollibee teams up with DreamWorks Animation for Forgotten Island, launching themed meals, collectible bracelet charms, retro ’90s streetwear, store takeovers, and a Philippines sweepstakes ahead of the Sept. 25, 2026 theatrical release. Madagascar in Sports (CAF): Zambian champions Red Arrows open their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, taking a strong first-leg lead. Madagascar in Football (CAF Champions League): CFFA (Madagascar) beat Lijabatho 2-0 in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg, setting up a favorable return. Local Arts & Culture (Global spotlight): A new Phoenix Species Project backed by major conservation partners aims to recover 100 critically endangered species worldwide, including work that resonates with Madagascar’s biodiversity story. Regional Arts/Entertainment (Sports media): Coverage also highlights how African football qualifiers and major tournaments are shaping TV viewing and celebrity sports attention across the region.

Super Eagles AFCON 2027: Nigeria’s qualifying plans take another hit as Paul Onuachu is forced off after scoring twice for Trabzonspor in a 5-0 win, with the club downplaying the issue but further checks needed; the timing is especially worrying with matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau looming. Super Eagles AFCON 2027: Victor Osimhen’s own groin/adductor strain remains a concern after Galatasaray confirmed treatment and MRI scans, leaving his availability for upcoming fixtures uncertain. CAF Champions League: Madagascar’s CFFA start strong in the first leg, beating Lesotho’s Lijabatho 2-0, while other ties set up tight return matches across the continent. CAF Confederation Cup: Zambian side Red Arrows begin their campaign with a 2-0 win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, giving them a valuable first-leg advantage. Madagascar politics: A court sentences former Senate President Richard Ravalomanana’s key security figure, Richard Ravalomanana, to 10 years of hard labour over the 2025 crackdown on Gen Z protests, with an appeal expected. Arts & culture (global): TIFF returns to Toronto with major celebrity spotting spots, while HBO’s “Monsters of God” director Eric Goode discusses the finale’s big reveal. Sports (UAE): UAE skateboarders compete at the BRICS Skate Cup in Ryazan, highlighting Madagascar’s presence among participating countries.

CAF Champions League: CFFA (Madagascar) grabbed a 2-0 home win over Lijabatho FC in the first preliminary round (first leg), while other key ties included Al Hilal’s 2-0 away win over Aigle Noir and Mangasport’s 3-1 home victory over African Stars. Super Eagles/AFCON 2027: Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying plans take another hit as Victor Osimhen faces a groin/adductor injury scare and Paul Onuachu is also sidelined after a muscle problem—raising fresh doubts ahead of matches involving Madagascar. TIFF celebrity trail: Toronto International Film Festival returns Sept. 10–20, with star-spotting buzz around venues like the Campari Cinema Center and 1 Hotel Toronto’s Green Room. Madagascar politics: A court sentenced former Senate President Richard Ravalomanana’s top security figure, Richard Ravalomanana, to 10 years of hard labour over the 2025 crackdown on Gen Z protests, with an appeal expected. Arts & culture (global): Chaumet unveils “A Journey Through Nature” high jewellery, while conservation news highlights the Phoenix Species Project aiming to help recover 100 threatened species.

High Jewellery & Fashion: Chaumet’s new “Journey Through Nature” collection turns botany into high jewellery, with 46 pieces built around sensorial ideas like freshness and vitality. Madagascar Politics: A court in Antananarivo sentenced former Senate President Richard Ravalomanana’s key security figure, gendarmerie general Richard Ravalomanana, to 10 years of hard labour over the 2025 crackdown on Gen Z protests, with UN rights officials citing deaths in the unrest. Sports (Regional Spotlight): CAF confirmed AFCON 2027 qualifier matchdays: Nigeria open against Madagascar on Sept 25, then travel to Guinea-Bissau on Sept 29—setting the tone for a tight Group L. Arts & Culture (Global, Madagascar-linked): Stony Brook’s Centre ValBio founder Patricia Wright expands her conservation leadership team, including Madagascar-focused science work tied to protecting lemurs and forests. Travel & Leisure: Seabourn announced a 138-day 2029 world cruise that includes Antsiranana, Madagascar, plus overnight port stays and UNESCO-rich itineraries.

Madagascar Politics & Justice: A court in Antananarivo sentenced former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana to 10 years of hard labour over his role in the deadly 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown, with his defence vowing to appeal. AFCON 2027 Football: CAF confirmed Nigeria’s Group L qualifier schedule, with the Super Eagles set to host Madagascar on Sept 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later—key fixtures for fans across the region. Super Eagles Injury Watch: Victor Osimhen’s groin/adductor strain after scoring for Galatasaray has left his availability in doubt, though he’s hopeful about a quick return. Arts & Culture / Sports-Adjacent: Red Arrows began their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over FC Rouge, while the club’s next continental steps keep Malagasy supporters watching. Travel & Culture: Seabourn announced a 138-day 2029 world cruise that includes Antsiranana, putting Madagascar on the itinerary for international travellers.

CAF Confederation Cup: Zambian champions Red Arrows kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, thanks to Eliya Mandanji and Alassane Diarra—giving Arrows a strong first-leg edge ahead of the return. Madagascar Politics: In Antananarivo, former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for his alleged role in the deadly 2025 “Gen Z” protest crackdown; he says he will appeal. Madagascar Sports Calendar: Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to open AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Sept. 25, with CAF also confirming matchdays 1 and 2 for the September window. Arts & Culture (Global, with Madagascar links): Conservation scientist Patricia Wright—long tied to Madagascar’s lemur and forest work through Centre ValBio—has welcomed new leadership at Stony Brook University, highlighting ongoing research and disease-ecology links.

Madagascar in the spotlight (sports): Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Madagascar in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with CAF confirming the opener on September 25 in Uyo, followed by a trip to Guinea-Bissau four days later—an important fixture for local fans watching the national team’s build-up. Madagascar in the spotlight (football): Malagasy club FC Rouge have arrived in Zambia for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash against Red Arrows, aiming to secure a strong result in the first leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on September 5. Madagascar politics & society: In Antananarivo, former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour over his alleged role in the deadly 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown, with prosecutors citing instructions for violent suppression and his defence promising an appeal. Arts & culture (global, with Madagascar links): Conservation scientist Patricia Wright and her Centre ValBio team continue expanding research and leadership at Stony Brook, keeping Madagascar’s lemur and forest work in international focus.

Madagascar Justice: Antananarivo’s court sentenced former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana to 10 years of hard labour for his alleged role in the deadly 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown, with prosecutors saying he directed security forces to use lethal violence; his defence says he will appeal. AFCON 2027 Build-Up: CAF confirmed the Super Eagles’ early qualifiers schedule, with Nigeria set to host Madagascar on Sept 25 (Uyo) and then travel to Guinea-Bissau on Sept 29—key fixtures for Group L. Club Football (Madagascar): FC Rouge arrived in Ndola, Zambia, ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first leg against Red Arrows on Sept 5, saying preparations are on track and aiming for a positive result. Sports Injuries (Nigeria): Victor Osimhen’s latest injury scare—plus other fitness worries—adds pressure on coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria prepares for the Madagascar double-header window. Arts & Culture (Global): DVF Awards in Venice honoured Gloria Steinem’s legacy, while ArtReview’s September issue spotlights art’s role in resistance and cultural redevelopment.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: CAF has confirmed Group L matchday 1&2 fixtures for the Super Eagles, with Nigeria set to host Madagascar on Sept 25, 2026 (4pm, Uyo) before travelling to Guinea-Bissau on Sept 29 (1pm), all within FIFA’s merged Sept 24–Oct 6 international window. Court & Society: In Antananarivo, former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for his alleged role in the deadly crackdown on youth-led “Gen Z” protests in Sept–Oct 2025, with his defence saying he will appeal. Football (Madagascar in Africa): FC Rouge have arrived in Zambia ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first leg against Red Arrows, aiming to secure a positive result in Ndola on Sept 5. Arts & Faith (Madagascar link): Vatican formation courses in Rome for 147 newly appointed bishops include participants from Madagascar, running Sept 2–10.

Madagascar Politics: Antananarivo’s court sentenced former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana to 10 years of hard labour for his alleged role in the deadly crackdown on youth-led “Gen Z” protests in Sept–Oct 2025, with prosecutors citing complicity in murder and his defence saying he will appeal. Sports & National Pride: Nigeria’s Super Eagles will kick off AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar on Sept 23, but coach Eric Chelle faces injury worries ahead of the campaign. Church & Culture: The Vatican is running formation courses in Rome for 147 newly appointed bishops (including participants from Madagascar) to strengthen episcopal ministry and governance. Arts & Entertainment: UK comedy fans get a major December lineup as Richard Blackwood joins US stars Cedric the Entertainer, Tiffany Haddish and Mo’Nique for arena shows. Travel & Spotlight on Madagascar: Seabourn’s 2029 world cruise itinerary includes Antsiranana, placing Madagascar on a high-profile luxury travel route.

Court Verdict: Madagascar’s former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced in Antananarivo to 10 years of hard labour for complicity in murder tied to the deadly 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown, with prosecutors saying he directed security forces to use lethal force; he denies the charges and plans to appeal. Football & CAF: FC Rouge arrived in Zambia for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first-leg against Red Arrows FC, aiming to secure a positive result after a tough build-up. AFCON 2027: Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Madagascar in AFCON 2027 qualifiers on Sept. 23, with squad injury worries adding pressure ahead of the campaign. TV & Streaming: DStv’s weekly highlights (4–10 Sept) include identity-help reality “Stolen ID” and drama “Critical But Stable,” plus new episodes across Zuba and Ten Tamanga Street. Arts & Culture: ArtReview’s September issue spotlights art’s role in resistance and institutional redevelopment, while Vatican formation courses in Rome include bishops from Madagascar among the 147 newly appointed. Beauty & Lifestyle: iHerb’s 30th anniversary sale runs until Sept. 16, featuring K-beauty and wellness deals. Travel (Madagascar on the map): Seabourn opened bookings for its 2029 world cruise itinerary that includes Antsiranana, alongside major island stops.

Courtroom Drama: Madagascar’s ex-Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced in Antananarivo to 10 years of hard labour for complicity in murder tied to the deadly 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown, with prosecutors saying he ordered security forces to use lethal force; he denies the charges and plans to appeal. Football & Continental Stage: FC Rouge arrived in Zambia for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first leg against Red Arrows FC on Saturday, with coach Fenososa Maldini saying the team is ready and aiming for a positive result. AFCON Buzz: Nigeria’s Super Eagles will open their AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar on September 23, with the return trip to Morocco for matchday two set for September 27. Faith & Culture: Vatican formation courses in Rome run for 147 newly appointed bishops, including participants from Madagascar. Travel & Lifestyle: Seabourn opened bookings for its 138-day 2029 world cruise, featuring a stop in Antsiranana, Madagascar, alongside major island and UNESCO sites.

Madagascar Court Update: Richard Ravalomanana, Madagascar’s ex-Senate chief, has been sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for his alleged role in the deadly Gen Z protest crackdown, with prosecutors saying he directed violent actions against demonstrators in 2025; he denies the charges and says he will appeal. Arts & Culture (Global, with Madagascar links): Collector and patron Hasnaine Yavarhoussen is highlighted for helping bring Madagascar’s art scene to the world, including backing the Malagasy Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and founding Fonds Yavarhoussen to support artists locally and globally. Entertainment (Madagascar tie-in): Butlin’s announced a 2027 lineup that includes DreamWorks’ Madagascar musical, bringing Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo to live stages. Sports Media: DAZN secured LaLiga EA Sports rights across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2029, expanding access for fans in the region.

Madagascar Arts Spotlight: A major boost for Malagasy art abroad: collector Hasnaine Yavarhoussen helped make Madagascar’s first Venice Biennale pavilion possible in 2019, then launched Fonds Yavarhoussen and co-founded Hakanto Contemporary to give long-term support to artists. Craft & Design: Homo Faber’s 2026 Biennial, “An Island of Light,” is bringing 500 artisans from 70 countries to Venice through Sept. 30, with sets by Es Devlin turning the message of human-made craft into an immersive experience. Music & Media: WEBTOON parent Naver Ventures is investing in Baobab Studios, backing new animation and digital storytelling projects. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, starting this weekend—big news for football fans in the region. Local Culture & Community: The Reboli Center is hosting “Works on Paper,” a paper-focused exhibition mixing Joseph Reboli studies with works by other artists. Arts & Wellness: Foot health is getting a spotlight in wellness retreats, with programs designed to strengthen feet and support healthy aging.