Written by - Omnia Hassan:

The relationship between Egypt and Madagascar is a model of African cooperation based on common interests, as both countries are members of the African Union and a number of regional and international organizations, which has contributed to strengthening political and diplomatic coordination over the decades.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cairo and Antananarivo following Madagascar's independence in 1960, the two countries have been keen to build a partnership based on mutual respect and support for development and stability issues in the African continent.

Growing political and diplomatic cooperation

Egyptian-Madagascar relations have witnessed remarkable development in recent years, driven by Egypt's policy of fostering closer ties with African nations. Bilateral meetings have intensified on the sidelines of African and international summits, reflecting a clear convergence of views on supporting peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent.

In May 2026, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with President Michel Randrianyrina of Madagascar on the sidelines of the Africa-France Summit in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, where both sides stressed the importance of expanding areas of political and economic cooperation and strengthening coordination on regional and international issues of common interest.

Economic and development partnership

Relations between the two countries are not limited to the political aspect, but extend to economic and investment cooperation, as Egypt seeks to transfer its expertise in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, health, and water resources management, in addition to supporting human development projects and capacity building.

Egyptian companies are also involved in exploring investment opportunities within Madagascar, particularly in the construction, energy and trade sectors, as part of Cairo’s drive to strengthen its economic presence in African markets and increase the volume of trade with the countries of the continent.

Education and capacity building

Cooperation in the fields of education and training receives special attention, as Egyptian educational institutions receive a number of students and trainees from Madagascar, in addition to organizing training programs in the fields of diplomacy, administration, medicine and agriculture through the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, which enhances the transfer of Egyptian expertise to Malagasy personnel.

A promising future for bilateral relations

Relations between Egypt and Madagascar are heading towards further expansion, given the political will of the leadership of both countries to enhance cooperation in the areas of investment, food security, health, energy, and climate change, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

With Egypt's growing role in Africa, Madagascar represents an important partner in the Indian Ocean region, while Antananarivo sees Cairo as a gateway to strengthening cooperation with the Arab world and Africa, which gives bilateral relations great opportunities for growth in the coming years.