IITA and Madagascar sign host country agreement to transform Malagasy agriculture
IITA–CGIAR has formalized its presence in Madagascar following the signing of a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MINAE) on 27 February 2026 in the capital city. The agreement grants IITA legal status in the country and sets the stage for long-term, science-driven agricultural investment.
- Science
IITA–CGIAR has formalized its presence in Madagascar following the signing of a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MINAE) on 27 February 2026 in the capital city. The agreement grants IITA legal status in the country and sets the stage for long-term, science-driven agricultural investment.
The legal framework enables IITA-CGIAR to establish sustained scientific programs, forge institutional partnerships, and address Madagascar’s most pressing agricultural challenges, arriving at a moment of urgency for the country. Despite significant government investment, productivity gains have remained elusive for the 75% of the population that depends on farming. A recent government-convened agricultural roundtable sent a clear message that new partnerships must deliver results that reach farmers’ fields.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, IITA Director General, and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, underscored the Institute’s long-term commitment to the country. “We are not only here to execute projects,” he said, “but to contribute to the sustainable transformation of Malagasy food systems. This agreement signals our shared commitment to building resilience and prosperity through agriculture.”