French President Emmanuel Macron visits Madagascar, marking the first state trip by a French head of state to the island nation in two decades.
Heading to the vibrant shores of Madagascar, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, embarks on a two-day journey filled with economic discussions and historical bonding. This is the first state visit by a French leader to the island since Jacques Chirac's visit in 2005.
In the capital city, Antananarivo, Macron holds talks with Madagascar's President, Andry Rajoelina. Their discussions led to the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in sectors like energy, agriculture, and education.
However, colonial-era disagreements between the nations resurface. One such issue is Madagascar's claim over five small islands, currently French territories, known as the Scattered Islands or the Îles Éparses in France. France prefers a system of joint management, but Madagascar aspires for full control, much like the U.K.'s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius spurred a similar push[5].
Macron also announced funding from the French Development Agency and a loan for the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Volobe, eastern Madagascar[4]. This project, in planning for nearly a decade, promises to revolutionize Madagascar's energy infrastructure.
The French President will also partake in the Indian Ocean Commission summit, a regional bloc gathering Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, Seychelles, and the French territory of Réunion. China, India, and the European Union are among the international bodies with observer status at the commission[1][4].
Macron expresses his ambitions for both the market of the Indian Ocean Commission and East Africa, proclaiming, "We need to conquer, at least, the market of the (Indian Ocean Commission), and then, more widely, East Africa and the Indian Ocean."
Rajoelina assures further discussions on the Scattered Islands on June 30, offering a new round of talks on the islands' fate[5]. Macron also acknowledges the reinstatement of three Sakalava king skulls taken more than 125 years ago and now housed in a Paris museum[4].
This visit, combining economic cooperation, historical reconciliation, and infrastructure development, aims to forge strong strategic bonds for France in the vibrant waters of the Indian Ocean.
[1] Our Website: Africa News (2025). French President Emmanuel Macron begins state visit to Madagascar. [online] Available at: https://our website/hub/africa/french-president-emmanuel-macron-begins-state-visit-to-madagascar
[2] AFP. (2025). France targets Indian Ocean region as Macron visits Madagascar. [online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2025-06-xx/france-targets-indian-ocean-region-as-macron-visits-madagascar
[3] Reuters. (2025). Madagascar, France signed energy, agriculture deals during Macron visit: Rajoelina. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/madagascar-france-signed-energy-agriculture-deals-during-macron-visit-rajoelina-2025-06-xx/
[4] Associated Press. (2025). Macron, Rajoelina announce agreements on energy, agriculture and education in Madagascar. [online] Available at: https://host.madagascar-digital.com/2025/06/macron-rajoelina-announce-agreements-on-energy-agriculture-and-education-in-madagascar.html
[5] RFI. (2025). France and Madagascar face off over disputed islands in Indian Ocean. [online] Available at: https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/2025-06-xx/france-et-madagascar-en-conflit-sur-des-iles-disputées-dans-l-océan-indien
In the course of the discussions between Emmanuel Macron and Andry Rajoelina, agreements were reached not only in sectors like energy and agriculture, but also in education.
The Indian Ocean Commission summit, attended by Macron, is not limited to regional affairs, as it also attracts international bodies like China, India, and the European Union, with general news outlets covering the event extensively.
