Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, head of state, flew to France yesterday before heading to Belgium. He plans to hold a series of high-level meetings, notably with Emmanuel Macron.
After conducting political consultations for electoral preparations marked by regional visits, Colonel Randrianirina departed for Europe yesterday. His trip covers France, then Belgium, with a series of high-level meetings planned.
The first stop is France, where he will attend the International Space Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris today. "We were invited and will be present. We are confident about Madagascar's development and space technology is a field we wish to develop. We have partnerships," he stated before departure. In July, an agreement protocol with two Chinese companies was signed at Iavoloha State Palace regarding a satellite project for Madagascar.
The highlight of his Paris visit should be a potential bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. If confirmed, this would be their second meeting. The first took place on February 24 at the Élysée Palace, establishing three main axes for Franco-Malagasy relations: consolidating political relations, France's support for Madagascar's population and economic development within improved governance and business climate, and continued security and defense cooperation respecting both states' sovereignty.
The Volobe Project
France reaffirmed its support for the Refoundation process and free, transparent elections. A new meeting between Randrianirina and Macron today could help normalize Madagascar-France relations, which experienced diplomatic tensions in April and May due to suspected destabilization acts involving French nationals.
According to the head of state, the Volobe project should be discussed during the meeting with Macron, if confirmed. This hydroelectric dam project on the Ivondro River in Atsinanana region has been pending for nearly ten years. The kilowatt-hour rate was the main negotiation sticking point between the former state administration and Volobe General Hydroelectricity Company (CGHV), which proposed 17 cents per kilowatt-hour against the state's 9 cents. Concession duration is also disputed.
Financial closing delays have also disrupted the project timeline. During his April 2025 visit, Macron announced that Électricité de France (EDF) joined the hydroelectric project consortium. In July, an amendment strengthening the project implementation framework was signed, extending discussions until June 2027. Financial structuring finalization, possible state capital participation, kilowatt-hour pricing, and concession duration remain pending.
After France, Randrianirina will visit Belgium for high-level meetings with Belgian authorities. He also plans to meet a senior European Union official. Energy issues will feature prominently in EU discussions, as the bloc has already committed financial support for the Volobe project.