Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island.
The Republic of Madagascar
MadagascarEastern Africa-1:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Malagasy, French
National CurrencyMalagasy Ariary (MGA)
National Day(s)26 June (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalAntananarivo
Economic CapitalAntananarivo
Cultural CapitalAntananarivo
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 7.5 – 9 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportIvato International Airport (TNR)
Primary PortPort of Toamasina
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline4,828 km
Highest PointMaromokotro (2,876 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverLake Alaotra (the largest lake in Madagascar)
ClimateTropical along the coast, temperate inland, arid in the south
Border Countries
None (island country)
0Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Madagascar separated from mainland Africa around 165 million years ago and from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago. This long isolation allowed its unique biodiversity to evolve.
About 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, including its famous lemurs.
The Avenue of the Baobabs is one of Madagascar’s most notable natural landmarks.
Romazava is considered Madagascar’s national dish.
Antananarivo, the capital, is known for its historic royal palaces and hilltop architecture.
Madagascar is one of the world’s largest producers of vanilla, supplying a major share of global demand.
Famadihana is one of Madagascar’s most distinctive cultural traditions.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its sharp limestone formations.
Madagascar’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining and fishing.
The fossa, Madagascar’s largest predator, is found nowhere else on Earth.
Zebu cattle play an important role in Malagasy culture and ceremonies.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | MadagascarUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.E. Colonel Michael Randrianirina
Since October 2025
H.E. Mamitiana Rajaonarison
Since March 2026
H.E. Alice N’Diaye
Since March 2026
H.E. Dr. Herinjatovo Aime Ramiarison
Since October 2025
H.E. Haingotiana Michela Angele Andriamadison
Since October 2025
H.E. Lieutenant General Maminirina Ely Razafitombo
Since October 2025
Political Summary
Political System
Semi-Presidential Republic under a military-led transitional authority
Ruling Party
Not applicable (military-led transition since October 2025)
Main Opposition Force(s)
IRMAR / Young Malagasies Determined (TGV)
Next Presidential Election
Expected in 2027
Next Legislative Election
2029
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
45Organizations
32Member
0Founding Member
1Partner, Observer or Participant
12Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Madagascar | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations22 Sep 201610 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Dr. Salem Ibrahim Al NaqbiUAE Ambassador to Madagascar · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
No Accredited AmbassadorLast Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo0
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Madagascar Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Madagascar | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | Discussions Initiated. |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | - | - |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | - | - |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | - |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Madagascar | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Humaid Mohamed bin SalemSecretary-General of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and IndustryJul2024
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Andry RajoelinaPresident of MadagascarMay2025
- H.E. Rakotoarimanana HerilalaMinister of Public Security and Inspector General of Police of MadagascarMay2025
- H.E. Andry RajoelinaPresident of MadagascarFeb2025
- H.E. Andry RajoelinaPresident of MadagascarFeb2024
- H.E. Augustin AndriamananoroMinister of Communication and Culture of MadagascarFeb2024
- H.E. Andry RajoelinaPresident of MadagascarMay2022
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)-
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)6.3USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Malagasy Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Madagascar
DP World-
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research