UK-Madagascar Trade & Investment Forum

On 19th November, the Government of Madagascar came to London, for the UK-Madagascar Trade & Investment Forum: the Madagascar government’s inaugural investment outreach in the UK. Organised by DMA and the Malagasy Embassy in Paris, and led by HE Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, the Forum provided in-depth knowledge of Madagascar, one of the world’s last true frontier markets, now re-emerging as an attractive investment destination. 

Following a long period of economic and political crisis (2009-2013), marked by the country’s suspension from various international bodies and a stark decline in foreign investment, the election of HE President Rajaonarimampianina, in early 2014, appears to have ushered in a new era of relative political normalcy, accompanied by steady economic recovery. At the heart of the recovery is the government’s National Development Programme, which prioritises improved governance, the development and modernisation of national infrastructure, broadened access to social services and increased private investment in key sectors including extractives, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure. 

The Forum was Madagascar’s most significant investment outreach on the international stage to date – presenting the government’s investment agenda and providing a unique opportunity for business leaders and investors to engage with ministers and other senior government officials.

DMA would also like to thank all those who supported the Forum and helped make it such a success

PROGRAMME OF THE DAY

0800-0900: Registration & Refreshments

0900-0910: Welcome Addresses
• Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA
• HMA Tim Smart, British Ambassador to Madagascar

0910-0930: Keynote Addresses
• James Duddridge MP, UK Minister for Africa
• HE Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of the Republic of Madagascar

0930-1045: Session 1 - Economic Outlook & Financial Sector Development
Chair: Leon Isaacs, Chief Executive Officer, DMA
• Hon Herilanto Raveloharison, Minister of Economy and Planning
• Alain Rasolofondraibe, Governor of the Central Bank of Madagascar
• Eric Andriamihaja, General Manager, Economic Development Board of Madagascar
• Stephania Bonilla-Féret, Economic Affairs Officer, UNCTAD
Q&A Session

1045-1115: Refreshments Break

1115-1230: Session 2 - Investing in Energy & Extractives
Chair: Roger Martin, Director, DMA
• Hon Gatien Horace, Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons
• Hon Joeli Valerien Lalaharisaina, Minister of Mining
• Robert Estill, Chief Executive Officer, Madagascar Oil
• Ian Harebottle, Chief Executive, Gemfields
Q&A Session

1230-1345: Networking Lunch

1345-1500: Session 3 - Investing in Industry and Infrastructure
Chair: Christopher Brown, Chairman, Anglo-Malagasy Society
• Hon Narson Rafidimanana, Minister of Industry, Private-Sector Development, & Small & Medium Business
• Hon Rivo Rakotovao, Minister of State in Charge of Infrastructure & Territorial Planning
• Geoffrey Tassinari, Chairman, AMIC (Malagasy Private Equity Association)
• Franck Fohine, Chief Executive Officer, Vidzar Groupe
Q&A Session

1500-1530: Refreshments Break

1530-1700: Session 4 - Other Key Sectors
Chair: Hon Henry Bellingham MP, Former Minister for Africa
• Hon Ulrich Andriantiana, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Meteorology
• Emilie Filou, Freelance Journalist and Co-Author, Lonely Planet Guide: Madagascar
• Richard Nimmo, Managing Director, Blue Venture Expeditions
Q&A Session

1700-1730: Closing Remarks
• Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA
• HMA Tim Smart, British Ambassador to Madagascar
• HE Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of the Republic of Madagascar

1730-1900: Gala Drinks Reception - sponsored by Madagascar Oil