Fashion, Film & Song Awards: Merck Foundation, with Africa’s First Ladies, named winners of the 2025 Fashion, Song and Film Awards, spotlighting themes like ending child marriage, FGM and GBV, plus diabetes and hypertension prevention across 15 African countries. Visa Policy Update: The US clarified that routine visa services at 25 African posts—including Antananarivo—will be consolidated into regional hubs from Aug. 1, aiming to calm confusion while embassies keep other consular functions. Arbaeen in Antananarivo: Madagascar’s capital hosted a major Arbaeen walk for Imam Hussein (PBUH), with devotion, mourning gatherings, community distribution of materials, and prayers at the end of the procession. Cultural Tourism Push: Madagascar is positioning itself for cultural tourism with artist Joël Andrianomearisoa’s Venice Biennale work and the growth of his Antananarivo arts center, Hakanto Contemporary. Local Transport Controversy: Antananarivo’s cable car system—promoted as a traffic solution—has reportedly been left unused, raising questions about the cost and planning behind the project. SADC Trade Simplification: SADC moved to make border trade easier for small-scale traders, including Madagascar, by simplifying customs steps and easing rules-of-origin requirements. Conservation Spotlight: DiCaprio and Bezos launched the Phoenix Species Project with $200M to recover 100 threatened species, including targets linked to Madagascar’s broader biodiversity story. Youth & Health Focus: Burundi’s breastfeeding success is being highlighted as a model for maternal health investment, with WHO/UNICEF urging stronger counselling, maternity services and workplace protections.