Dubai-Madagascar Business Forum: A Leap Towards New Opportunities
From May 27 to 29, 2023, the bustling city of Dubai became a melting pot of commerce and collaboration as the Dubai-Madagascar Business Forum unfolded. Organized in collaboration with the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM), this significant event brought together a high-caliber Malagasy delegation, led by President Andry Rajoelina, senior government ministers, and more than 60 business leaders, all eager to explore investment avenues and forge mutually beneficial partnerships with their Emirati counterparts.
In his opening remarks, President Rajoelina emphasized the importance of this forum, stating that “this forum links our two countries and will serve as a bridge between the United Arab Emirates and Madagascar.” This sentiment highlighted the potential for synergy between the two nations, as each has unique strengths that can unlock opportunities for mutual growth. Rajoelina’s vision aligns closely with Madagascar’s ambitions to evolve economically, targeting key sectors for growth and leveraging the country’s strategic location to emerge as a vibrant trade and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean.
Key Takeaways from the Summit
At the forum, President Rajoelina communicated a bold stance: Madagascar is not seeking aid but is inviting partnerships based on mutual respect and shared goals. This perspective signals Madagascar’s readiness to step onto the global stage, showcasing a “stable” and “sovereign” environment poised to contribute meaningfully to the significant transitions of the 21st century. The discussions emphasized the potential of sectors driving green and digital transitions, critical not only for Madagascar but also for the UAE as it seeks to diversify its economy post-oil.
The Malagasy delegation highlighted several sectors ripe for investment, including agriculture, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, technology, and infrastructure. These industries offer Emirati investors access to Madagascar’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, and strategic geographic location. Dubai Chambers CEO Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah reinforced this perspective, expressing eagerness for bilateral trade and investment, particularly in priority industries, and extending an invitation to Malagasy businesses to explore opportunities in Dubai.
Additionally, the recent signing of multiple economic agreements during the forum marked a significant milestone. A notable highlight was President Rajoelina’s announcement of a sizable investment from Masdar, a leading renewable energy firm based in Abu Dhabi, for a groundbreaking 150-megawatt solar power project in Madagascar. This investment not only aligns with Madagascar’s clean energy goals but also signifies a monumental step forward in the country’s pursuit of sustainable growth and widespread electrification.
On the diplomatic front, the establishment of Madagascar’s new embassy in Abu Dhabi further illustrates the administration’s commitment to aligning its diplomatic and economic objectives in the Gulf region. Over the past decade, the relationship between Madagascar and the UAE has intensified, with last year witnessing an accelerated pace of collaboration.
A Growing Win-Win Scenario
During the World Government Summit 2025, President Rajoelina pinpointed the UAE’s escalating role in Madagascar’s transformation. His announcement of plans to train over one million Malagasy youth in programming reflects a forward-thinking approach aimed at bolstering the tech industry. Furthermore, with a keen focus on ecotourism, which capitalizes on Madagascar’s rich biodiversity, the UAE emerges as a pivotal ally in these endeavors.
To bolster connectivity between the two nations, Emirates Airlines recently expanded its operations to Madagascar, increasing flights from four to six per week. Plans are underway for a daily direct service, which is poised to enhance leisure travel while stimulating discussions on potential Emirati investments in luxury accommodation options. Moreover, this expansion in air transport could invigorate bilateral trade, especially for Madagascar’s high-value commodities such as vanilla.
Beyond raw exports, Minister of Trade David Ralambofiringa has confirmed active discussions with Emirati investors concerning the establishment of local processing facilities for vanilla and sugar. This initiative aligns with Madagascar’s aim to move up the value chain, generating higher public revenue that can fuel local growth strategies. In the face of fluctuating U.S. tariffs, solidifying stronger trade ties with the UAE, recognized as a key global logistics center, becomes increasingly crucial for Madagascar’s export-focused economy.
Further emphasizing the ambition underpinning this partnership, the Abu Dhabi Annual Investment Meeting revealed a $10 billion investment initiative targeted at Madagascar. This broad plan encompasses projects in port infrastructure, agriculture, digital innovation, and a major hydroelectric facility designed to address the country’s rising energy needs, with the vision of showcasing Madagascar as a prime example of African development.
Positioning Madagascar as an Intercontinental Hub
Strategically, the enhanced ties between Madagascar and the UAE position Antananarivo to realize its potential as a bustling trade and logistics hub at the intersection of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific—the world’s fastest-growing regions. Madagascar’s advantageous geography, acting as a gateway to Africa’s emerging markets and the center of the critical Indian Ocean region, draws significant interest from the UAE.
In light of the instability in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, particularly the Mozambique Channel, has become increasingly vital for global maritime trade. Madagascar, occupying a central position in this channel, is emerging along one of the fastest-growing shipping routes globally. This unique positioning, coupled with its offshore reserves of essential minerals and hydrocarbons, transforms Madagascar into a pivotal player on the international trade stage, paving the way for collaborations that can drive its economic agenda forward.
The Dubai-Madagascar Business Forum encapsulates a transformative moment in Madagascar’s global engagement strategy. As talks evolve into tangible investments and sector-specific collaborations, the Rajoelina administration must maintain clarity of purpose and foster trust with credible investors from the UAE and beyond. By executing its strategic vision effectively, Madagascar can secure its role as a dynamic hub connecting Africa, the Gulf, and Asia.
