Madagascar in the spotlight: An international friendly in Rabat has Morocco hosting Madagascar at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Morocco treating it as a final tune-up before the 2026 World Cup and Madagascar using the match to test itself against a top North African side. Healthcare at sea: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy begins a new Madagascar field service, with 69-year-old Delphine the first patient to board for cataract surgery—an early step for hundreds waiting to regain independence. Industry & partnerships: Madagascar’s transitional Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison signed a bilateral co-operation agreement in St Petersburg with the SEZ “St. Petersburg” management, including visits to a pharmaceutical facility and plans linked to healthcare, education, tourism, and medical equipment support. Culture & media training: Madagascar’s communications and culture minister says the country is open to co-operation with Russian media and backs a proposed Malagasy journalism school offering online training for 30–40 participants nationwide. Sports in the region: FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 kicks off in Warsaw on June 1, with Madagascar listed in the men’s Pool A. Child labour focus: ILO and the Responsible Minerals Initiative formalized a partnership to tackle child labour in mineral supply chains.