France and Madagascar Forge New Economic Partnership During Macron Visit
French President Emmanuel Macron is on a trip to Madagascar, the first official visit by a French president to the Indian Ocean country in 20 years, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations. The visit aims to bolster economic cooperation between the two countries, with plans to ink key agreements on energy, infrastructure, digital technology, and tourism. Notably, a major hydroelectric dam project in Volobe, situated to the country’s east, is set to receive funding from the French Development Agency (AFD) and a loan from the French treasury. Amid growing geopolitical tensions, including France’s territorial disputes in the Indian Ocean, the visit focuses on strengthening France’s presence in the region. Nevertheless, issues of colonial legacy and territorial claims remain sensitive topics.