Madagascar Film Festival: The Institute of Malagasy Cinema and Animation (ISSM) kicked off the Madagascar Film Festival in Antananarivo on 20 August, with screenings and workshops running across 24 regions and six provinces, ending in a gala and awards on 23 August. Russian Cultural Day in Madagascar: Antananarivo hosted a student concert on 22 August at La Cité des Cultures to mark Russian National Flag Day, featuring Russian music and literature from university and secondary-school participants. Youth, jobs and gender: A new report warns that 1.2 billion young people will enter the global labour force in the next decade, and says connecting young women to education and jobs is key to avoiding social instability. Digital rights for children: Amnesty highlights that “online safety” debates are sidelining children’s voices, even as governments and tech firms roll out new pledges and rules. Southern Africa gender progress: The expanded Southern Africa Gender and Development Index gives the region an overall 58%, noting gains alongside rising political and financial pressure on rights. Health milestone: WHO says polio transmission has been interrupted in five African countries, including Uganda, after independent assessments. Culture & lifestyle travel: A safari-focused US travel advisory flags terrorism risks in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, while a separate travel roundup lists 10 of Africa’s safer holiday destinations for 2026.