An EITI delegation is expected in Madagascar from September 7-11 to assess the country's commitments to mining transparency and monitor recommendations from the third validation. A cooperation agreement was signed between Malagasy and Japanese representatives. Mining resource governance has returned to the center of discussions in Madagascar. From September 7-11, 2026, a delegation from the International Secretariat of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) will visit the country to assess the sector and evaluate the continuity of transparency commitments amid institutional reform. The delegation is led by Khamal Clayton, senior policy officer at the Initiative, accompanied by Solofo Rakotosehono, advisor for Francophone Africa, and Papa Alioune Badara Paye, advisor and country director for Madagascar at the International Secretariat. Their mission comes as the country faces an enhanced monitoring period decided in November 2025. Beyond administrative oversight, the issue directly affects society. In a sector mobilizing significant natural resources, access to reliable information on mining activities, permits, and revenues is a lever to strengthen accountability and public trust. Dialogue Civil society participation remains essential to voice concerns of affected communities. The delegation will notably exchange with senior government officials, including the Minister of Mines, the Initiative's champion in Madagascar. Representatives from extractive companies, civil society, and international partners, including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, will also be consulted. Monitoring recommendations from the third validation, preparing the 2024-2025 report, and resuming mining permit issuance are among the main topics examined. The goal is to preserve achievements and consolidate more transparent, inclusive mining governance beneficial to the community. Lucia Rabarijaona