This paper deals with the late Neoproterozoic - Cambrian tectonic evolution of a part of North-Central Madagascar, which is characterized by the occurrence of a mafic-ultramafic sequence (the Andriamena unit) overlying a gneissic-granitic basement. The finite strain pattern has been determined by carrying out a SPOT satellite image analysis, structural mapping of specific areas and kinematic analyses of shear zones. Structural investigations reveal the presence of two superposed finite strain patterns, D₁ and D₂. The D₁ event is related to the emplacement of the Andriamena unit on the top of the gneissic-granitic basement. The western contact between these units is a major mylonitic zone characterized by a non-coaxial strain regime consistent with a top-to-the-east displacement. We suggest that the Andriamena unit originated as a lower crustal fragment of a middle Neoproterozoic continental magmatic arc related to the closure of the Mozambique Ocean. This fragment was thrusted onto the gneissic-granitic basement after 630 Ma, i.e. the age of emplacement of characteristic stratoid granites found only in the lower unit. The D₂ event is related to east-west horizontal shortening mainly accommodated by F₂ upright folds. In-situ electron microprobe dating of monazites from the Andriamena unit constrains the age of the D₁ and D₂ events to between 530-500 Ma under amphibolite to granulite facies conditions (5-7 kbar, 650-700°C). The eastward thrust emplacement of the Andriamena unit (D₁) followed by the horizontal shortening (D₂) are ascribed to the same Cambrian tectonic regime (i. e. east-west convergence). Such D₁-D₂ bulk strain pattern has been recognized throughout Madagascar and at various structural levels of the crust: in the lower crust in Southern Madagascar and in the uppermost crustal level in the SQC unit (Central Madagascar). The D₁-D₂ event is interpreted to result from the continental convergence of the Australia - Antarctica block and the Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka block during the final amalgamation of Gondwana.