Economic and Political section
Political Affairs
In promoting human rights, the Embassy has partnered with Madagascar to combat trafficking in persons. Working together, Madagascar has become a model country in its policy to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. The Department recently placed Madagascar in “Tier I” of the annual Trafficking in Persons report in recognition of the government’s leadership in fighting modern day slavery.
The Embassy also hosts a monthly Human Rights Working Group to provide an open forum for civil society stakeholders to discuss issues. Embassy American and Malagasy staff has supported democracy in Madagascar by serving as volunteer elections observers, to help assure these votes are free, fair, and transparent.
The Ambassador’s Democracy and Human Rights Fund provides grants to non-governmental organizations to hold workshops and other activities to educate Malagasy people about their civil rights and responsibilities.
Economic and Commercial Affairs
The Embassy’s economic and commercial advocacy aims to establish a level playing field for all investors in Madagascar and in particular to facilitate existing and new American business interests. Madagascar has taken advantage of access to the United States market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to create over 50,000 jobs in the apparel sector. By certifying conservation measures, Madagascar’s shrimp industry has obtained authorization to export shrimp to the United States. The Embassy works with American and Malagasy businesspeople in many sectors to encourage two-way trade and to increase American investment in Madagascar.
Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program provides small grants to Malagasy associations to buy materials for community development projects. Our support at the grassroots level has supported schools, water and sanitation, health clinics, and agricultural improvements.