Harold Tavares, administrator representing Africa Group II on the World Bank's Board of Directors, will visit Madagascar on July 29-30. Strengthening the partnership between Madagascar and the World Bank Group will be at the heart of the official visit by Harold Tavares, administrator representing Africa Group II on the institution's Board of Directors. During his visit to the island on July 29-30, 2026, Harold Tavares will meet with the country's top authorities and visit several projects supported by the World Bank. According to available information, this mission will allow him to better understand Madagascar's development priorities, ongoing reforms, and the main challenges facing the country. The information gathered can be brought to the World Bank Group's Board of Directors, where the institution's major strategic directions and financing operations for member countries are examined. During his stay, the administrator will meet with several high-ranking Malagasy officials. Meetings are notably planned with Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison, several government members, including the Minister of Economy and Finance, Dr Ramiarison Herinjatovo Aimé, and the Governor of Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara. Harold Tavares will also exchange with the World Bank Group team based in Madagascar.
Field visits
The visit will also include several field trips. These will allow the administrator to see concrete results from projects financed or supported by the World Bank Group in sectors essential to the country's development. Water, energy, and urban development will notably be among the areas covered. These visits should also help identify persistent needs, opportunities to improve interventions, and prospects for strengthening World Bank support for Malagasy public policies. The Africa Group II office represents 23 African countries on the World Bank's Board of Directors, including Madagascar, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritius, Comoros, Mali, Niger, and Chad. As administrator, Harold Tavares participates in the institution's strategic decisions and defends the interests of countries in this constituency. For the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this visit reflects progress made over recent months to consolidate mutual trust between Madagascar and its international partners. It also represents a new opportunity to deepen cooperation with the World Bank Group, in favor of financing national priorities and sustainable improvement of the population's living conditions.