U.S. Fed Group, which promotes investment and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, has picked up a $1.5M contract from Madagascar to resume development programs (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Millennium Challenge Corp.) that were suspended following a 2009 military-led coup.

The pact calls for U.S. Fed to help restore "normal trade relations" with the U.S. It is to contact policy makers in Congress, the National Security Council, State and Treasury Depts., and U.S. Agency for International Development to advocate on Madagascar's behalf.

Pitches to newspapers, magazines, online sites and TV stations are in the cards.

Madagascar wants to expand beyond its former aid programs into areas such as energy, infrastructure, housing, transportation and military assistance.

U.S. Fed's contract is with Madagascar strongman Andry Rajoelina, who took over in 2009. He has been negotiating with the Southern African Development Community over a plan to end Madagascar’s political stalemate.

SADC booted Madagascar from its ranks in '09. The European Union suspended assistance to the Indian Ocean island nation last year.