Colombian Vice President on official visit to Madagascar

Antananarivo hosted the Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Francia Elena Márquez Mina, on August 29 and 30, 2025.

She was received by Prime Minister Ntsay Christian, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rasata Rafaravavitafika, and Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts Viviane Dewa, on behalf of the Malagasy government.

The discussions focused on several strategic sectors: trade, sustainable agriculture, energy transition, natural resource management, education, and tourism. Both countries expressed their commitment to transforming these priorities into concrete projects to meet the needs of their populations.

In a global context seeking inclusive partnerships, Madagascar and Colombia emerge as complementary allies. Madagascar’s presidency of SADC and Colombia’s presidency of CELAC open a bridge between Africa and Latin America.

During her visit, the Colombian Vice President visited the Rova of Madagascar, a historical and cultural symbol illustrating the role of culture as a universal language and a tool for bringing nations together.

The highlight of the trip was the Colombia-Madagascar Business Forum, organized by the EDBM at the Antaninarenina Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Entrepreneurs and decision-makers identified untapped economic potential. Current trade between the two countries amounts to approximately USD 300,000 per year, mainly in spices and pharmaceutical products, a modest amount compared to the USD 500 million in Colombian exports to Africa.

“Many opportunities are waiting to be seized,” said Luis Felipe Quintero, Colombian Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasizing the importance of air links to facilitate trade.

For her part, Minister Viviane Dewa recalled the island’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean and the importance of tourism and crafts in bilateral cooperation. She also proposed sending a Malagasy economic mission to Colombia to strengthen the momentum.