Madagascar and Congo-Brazzaville launched a joint project on March 3, 2025. This initiative aims to strengthen the protection of their forests and combat the phenomenon of deforestation, a major environmental challenge. As part of the African Environment Day, a reforestation initiative was set up by the two nations in the Ankazobe district, which is near Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. 3,000 trees were planted, symbolizing the launch of a strengthened bilateral collaboration between these two African countries.
A Bilateral Partnership in Full Development
On this significant occasion, delegates from the governments of Congo-Brazzaville and Madagascar highlighted the importance of this partnership. Patrick Rajoelina, Special Advisor on Diplomacy for the President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina, stressed that this approach went beyond a simple reforestation operation. “This collaboration between Congo and Madagascar will continue within the framework of South-South cooperation, through reciprocal investments and transfers of information, technologies and skills,” he said.
This project is part of a broader framework of improving diplomatic relations. Particularly after Madagascar’s campaign for the presidency of the African Union Commission. This approach has fostered the establishment of stronger ties with neighboring African countries. One of the outcomes of this diplomacy is the meeting last February in Brazzaville between the head of Malagasy diplomacy, Rasata Rafaravavitafika, and the Congolese head of state Denis Sassou N’Guesso.
Primary forests under threat but also opportunities
Congo-Brazzaville and Madagascar are distinguished by the presence of vast primary forests on their territory. However, Congo suffers less deforestation than Madagascar.
Indeed, the Big Island has seen half of its forests disappear over the last 60 years. In order to reverse this trend, the two nations are considering revitalizing a collaboration treaty signed in 1984.
According to Constant-Serge Bounda, the Congolese Ambassador to Madagascar, this new stage of collaboration is based on common interests. Congo has a low deforestation rate and is working to repair the damage caused by implementing afforestation and reforestation programs. Madagascar has valuable assets, particularly in the field of processing products derived from its biodiversity. Both nations wish to share their experiences so that each party can benefit.
Concerned Malagasy Civil Society
Despite these statements, many questions remain unanswered. For the time being, no quantitative targets or specific investments have been established as part of this collaboration. Furthermore, skepticism persists within Malagasy civil society. This particularly concerns the ecological initiatives of President Andry Rajoelina.
During COP29 in Baku in November 2024, more than 60 Malagasy entities had expressed their concerns about the Antananarivo-Tamatave highway project. This project is likely to endanger the country’s last primary forests. Concerns about the possible destruction of unique and vulnerable ecosystems are also raised.
A future that is both uncertain and full of promise
The agreement between Madagascar and Congo-Brazzaville for the preservation of forests is an encouraging indicator for the African environment. However, it still has to overcome practical obstacles, particularly related to financing and the management of natural resources.
The success of this partnership will depend on the implementation of tangible actions, the active participation of civil society and the openness of governments in their promises in terms of sustainable development.
