AGP Executive Report

Mauritius AI Push: Mauritius launched a Business AI Adoption and Governance Survey with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Outsourcing and Telecommunications Association, and the Qualifications Authority to track how firms are actually using AI and whether governance and skills are keeping up. Digital Economy Benchmark: A new study flags South Africa as Africa’s most future-ready digital economy, with Mauritius close behind on human capital, while Egypt tops AI readiness. Maritime & Energy Logistics: CBL International says it has regained Nasdaq compliance after meeting the minimum bid price requirement, keeping its marine fuel logistics listing on track. Food Industry & Health Litigation: A global investigation highlights how big food companies are suing governments to block or weaken health rules aimed at reducing unhealthy products on shelves. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: UN seabed talks are weighing responses to the US moving ahead unilaterally on deep-sea mining, with member states pushing for longer processes and accountability. Local Business & Finance: Ocorian research finds family offices plan to raise risk and expand into private capital and private equity, citing transparency and tech-driven returns. Trade & Payments: UPI keeps expanding internationally, with Mauritius listed among countries where the system is available.

AI for Business in Mauritius: Mauritius launched an AI Adoption, Readiness and Governance Survey with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Outsourcing and Telecommunications Association, and the Mauritius Qualifications Authority to measure how firms are actually using AI and whether governance and skills are keeping up. Port & Maritime Security Training: IRClass Academy delivered a three-day Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) training in Mauritius for port and maritime professionals, with hands-on exercises aimed at strengthening port security preparedness. Finance Hub Policy Talk: A Mauritius-focused commentary argues the country should focus on structural reforms rather than panic over possible foreign rating moves, stressing long-term resilience for investors. Cross-border Payments Momentum: UPI keeps expanding—UPI is now available in Mauritius and other markets, while the Maldives launched a real-time Favara–UPI corridor with India, boosting remittance speed for families. Industry & Trade Signals: A report on Chagos highlights sovereignty and strategic asset concerns in the Indian Ocean, a theme that matters for regional shipping and logistics planning. Regional Business Context: Eswatini is projected to grow faster than most Southern African peers, supported by improved agriculture and macro stabilisation.

Maritime & Ports: IRClass Academy (Indian Register of Shipping) ran a three-day Port Facility Security Officer training in Mauritius for port and maritime professionals, with hands-on drills aimed at strengthening port security readiness. Shipping & Offshore Energy: India’s GRSE won a ₹1,032 crore ONGC contract to build four Platform Supply Vessels, boosting offshore logistics capacity and shipbuilding capability. Finance & Cross-border Payments: UPI keeps expanding—UPI merchant payments are now active in Mauritius and other markets, while the Maldives launched a real-time Favara–UPI corridor with India. Investment & IFSC: Artha Bharat discussed plans to grow global investment business via GIFT City, including expansion into Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Mauritius. Corporate Governance: Zee Entertainment’s promoter warrant fundraise faces regulatory uncertainty after Sebi restrictions, even as shareholders approved the preferential issue. Policy & Migration: Finland confirmed visa-free entry for Mauritius citizens (and Seychelles) under Schengen rules, while U.S. routine visa processing for Nigerians shifts to Lagos from Aug 1. Industry Commentary: A renewed call in Mauritius to act on the Titmuss Report’s socio-economic recommendations.

Maritime & Offshore Energy: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) secured a Rs 1,032-crore contract from ONGC to build four Platform Supply Vessels, boosting shipbuilding capacity and offshore logistics support. Port & Security Training: IRClass Academy delivered a three-day Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) training in Mauritius for port and maritime professionals, strengthening local security preparedness. Digital Payments & Remittances: UPI keeps expanding beyond India—UPI is now operational in Mauritius and a real-time Favara–UPI corridor launched between the Maldives and India, enabling instant transfers to UPI-enabled Indian accounts. Corporate & Finance (Mauritius-linked): Capital Group bought about a 1.5% stake in IIFL Finance via Mauritius-linked holdings, highlighting continued cross-border investment flows. Policy & Business Environment: A proposal in India’s corporate law talks about allowing “inward re-domiciliation” (reverse flips) while retaining legal identity—potentially easing moves for India-origin firms. Labour Mobility: Finland confirmed visa-free entry for citizens of Mauritius (and Seychelles) under Schengen rules, supporting travel and skills movement.

Digital Payments & Remittances: India’s UPI keeps expanding internationally, with a real-time Favara-UPI corridor now live between the Maldives and India, letting people send money from Malé to UPI-enabled Indian accounts via two local banks. Mauritius in the Mix: UPI is already operational in Mauritius among a growing list of countries, underlining how Indian payment rails are becoming a regional service for island economies. Port & Maritime Security: IRClass Academy delivered a three-day Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) training in Mauritius for port and maritime professionals, focused on practical security readiness. Consumer & Retail: Krispy Kreme signed with ER Group to bring the brand to Mauritius, targeting about 10 outlets over five years. Mining & Industry: Alphamin Resources announced a new director appointment and filed its interim financial statements, keeping attention on metals and mining activity linked to the Indian Ocean region. Trade Policy: India’s FTA monitoring committee is set to review how exporters are using existing trade pacts, including the India–Mauritius CECPA.

Digital Payments Expansion: UPI set fresh records in India, with July hitting 23.66 billion transactions worth Rs 29.88 lakh crore (+19% year-on-year), and the system now operates in about 10 countries including Mauritius. Cross-Border Corridor: The Maldives launched a real-time Favara–UPI payment corridor with India, enabling person-to-person transfers in near real time via local banks. Port & Maritime Security: IRClass Academy delivered a three-day Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) training in Mauritius for port and maritime professionals, supporting stronger port security preparedness. Retail & Consumer Growth: Krispy Kreme signed a deal to open in Mauritius, with the first shop expected later this year and around 10 locations planned over five years. Shipping/Banking Tech for Mauritius: Investec selected Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure to modernise banking operations across South Africa, the UK, Mauritius, and Channel Islands. Aviation Infrastructure Watch: Ethiopia postponed contractor selection for Bishoftu International Airport to early 2027, citing financing and bid-prep needs.

Port & Maritime Security: IRClass Academy ran a 3-day Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) training in Mauritius, boosting practical port-security readiness for local maritime professionals. Cross-border Payments: Maldives launched a real-time Favara–UPI corridor with India; Mauritius is listed among UPI merchant-payment countries, underlining the region’s push for faster digital transfers. Banking Tech for Mauritius: Investec selected Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure to modernise banking across South Africa, the UK, Mauritius and Channel Islands—migration from legacy platforms is set to improve efficiency and compliance. Food Retail Expansion: Krispy Kreme signed with ER Group to bring the brand to Mauritius, targeting about 10 outlets over five years. Mining & Value Chains: Mine Entra 2026 in Zimbabwe reported higher foreign exhibitor turnout (including Mauritius) and a focus on “value chains” for mining-led industrialisation. Trade Policy Watch: India’s FTA monitoring committee plans an August review of how exporters use existing trade agreements, including the India–Mauritius CECPA.

Cross-border Payments: The Maldives has gone live with a real-time payment corridor to India after integrating its instant system Favara with UPI, letting people transfer in Maldivian rufiyaa to UPI-enabled Indian bank accounts in seconds via mobile banking (initially through Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank). Mauritius Link: UPI merchant payments are already operating in Mauritius, and the new corridor signals more cross-Indian Ocean remittance and consumer-payment growth into the second half of 2026. Port & Maritime Security (Mauritius): IRClass Academy delivered a three-day Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) training in Mauritius for port and maritime professionals, boosting practical readiness for international security requirements. Retail Expansion (Mauritius): Krispy Kreme signed to bring its franchise model to Mauritius, targeting about 10 outlets over five years. Mining & Value Chains (region): Zimbabwe’s Mine Entra 2026 is underway with higher exhibitor numbers and a focus on mining value chains, with Mauritius listed among foreign exhibitors. Finance & Tech (Mauritius-facing): Investec selected Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure to modernise banking across South Africa, the UK, Mauritius and Channel Islands. Shipping Environment: Kenya Ports Authority warns Middle East conflict rerouting is increasing underwater ocean noise risk across the Western Indian Ocean, including Mauritius.

Port Security Training in Mauritius: IRClass Academy (Indian Register of Shipping) ran a three-day Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) training in Mauritius, with hands-on workshops for port and maritime professionals, backed by Mauritius Freeport Development Company. Maritime & Finance Tech for the Region: Infosys Finacle selected by Investec to modernise banking across South Africa, the UK, Mauritius and Channel Islands on Microsoft Azure, while Seychelles fintech Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating system for trade businesses, with Mauritius entry planned for September. Mining Value-Chain Push: Zimbabwe’s Mine Entra 2026 opened in Bulawayo under “Unearth, Transform, Prosper,” reporting higher foreign exhibitor numbers including Mauritius, as the region pushes beneficiation and stronger supply chains. Mauritius as an African Capital-Market Hub: A new Africa-focused credit rating agency is set to launch in Mauritius on Oct. 6, aiming to add more locally rooted ratings amid concerns about global “big three” bias and reduced competition. Consumer & Retail Expansion: Krispy Kreme signed with ER Group to bring the brand to Mauritius, targeting about 10 outlets over five years. Trade Facilitation Watch: India’s FTA monitoring committee will review how exporters are using operational trade pacts, including India–Mauritius CECPA, and what blocks utilisation.

Mauritius-India finance ties: Investec is set to modernise banking operations across South Africa, the UK, Mauritius and the Channel Islands using Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure, as the bank migrates from legacy platforms to a multi-country Finacle SaaS setup. Retail expansion: Krispy Kreme has signed with ER Group to bring the doughnut chain to Mauritius, with the first shop expected to open later this year and about 10 locations planned over five years. Mining & industry links: Mine Entra 2026 in Zimbabwe is reporting higher foreign participation, including Mauritius among the foreign exhibitors, as the expo pushes mining value chains and industrial collaboration. Regional credit ratings: The African Peer Review Mechanism says a new Africa-focused credit rating agency is due to launch on Oct. 6 in Mauritius, aiming to add more locally rooted ratings perspectives. Digital payments for trade: Seychelles fintech Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating and financial system for wholesalers and distributors, with entry into Mauritius scheduled for September. Shipping & marine impact: Underwater noise from rising shipping is flagged as a growing threat to marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Mauritius waters.

Retail & Consumer Growth: Krispy Kreme has signed with ER Group to open in Mauritius later this year, aiming for about 10 outlets over five years, bringing its “Hot Light” fresh-doughnut concept to local shoppers. Banking & Digital Services: Investec will modernise operations across South Africa, the UK, Mauritius and the Channel Islands using Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure, moving off legacy platforms and rolling out deposits, lending and liquidity tools via a multi-country SaaS setup. Mining & Industry Expo: Zimbabwe’s Mine Entra 2026 is underway in Bulawayo under “Unearth, Transform, Prosper,” with organisers reporting 98% space uptake and 33 foreign exhibitors, including Mauritius, as the event pushes mining value chains and industrial linkages. Finance & Capital Markets: Mauritius is also in the spotlight for a planned Africa-focused credit rating agency, with the African Peer Review Mechanism saying it is set to start operations on Oct. 6 in Mauritius. Trade & Payments Tech: Visa is rolling out a virtual card software toolkit used by issuers across Africa including Mauritius, targeting faster digital adoption as mobile money activity grows. Shipping & Logistics Pressure: A bunker supplier warns Red Sea diversions are creating a “perfect storm” for tanker operators, tightening supply and raising costs as Mediterranean emissions rules add extra burden. Corporate Updates: Alphamin Resources appointed a new director and filed its Q2 2026 financial statements and MD&A.

Mining & Industry Expo: Zimbabwe’s Mine Entra 2026 in Bulawayo is ramping up fast, with organisers reporting 98% space uptake (8,853 m² vs 9,000 m² target) and 33 foreign exhibitors from eight countries including Mauritius, alongside 6,453 registered business visitors. Marine Environment & Shipping: Kenya’s ports say Middle East conflict-driven rerouting is boosting cargo volumes, but underwater noise from heavier shipping is threatening marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Mauritius and Seychelles. Mauritius Finance & Ratings: The African Peer Review Mechanism says a new Africa-focused credit rating agency is set to launch Oct. 6 in Mauritius, aiming to add more locally rooted ratings amid concerns about global “big three” dominance. Fintech for Trade: Seychelles’ Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating system for wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers, scheduled to enter Mauritius in September. Digital Payments: Visa is rolling out a virtual card software toolkit for banks and mobile money operators, with Mauritius listed among markets already using the approach. Energy & Logistics Costs: Airlines and bunker suppliers warn of a “new normal” as geopolitics keeps fuel volatility high, affecting routes including Johannesburg–Mauritius and tightening bunker supply.

Marine Environment: Underwater noise from rising rerouted shipping around the Western Indian Ocean is stressing whales, dolphins and other marine life, with Mauritius and Seychelles named in the affected biodiversity hotspot. Mauritius Finance & IFSC: Artha Bharat Investment Managers IFSC (GIFT City) says it’s targeting USD 1.5bn AUM in 3 years and is close to securing an Abu Dhabi licence, after shifting operations from Mauritius to GIFT City. Regional Credit Markets: Africa is moving toward a continental credit rating agency, with a planned Oct. 6 launch in Mauritius aimed at more locally grounded sovereign and corporate risk views. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Mauritius joins Mozambique in calling for a global moratorium as the International Seabed Authority meets in Kingston and opposition to deep-sea mining code grows. Digital Payments: Visa rolls out a virtual card SDK used by banks and mobile money operators, listing Mauritius among markets where issuers can embed virtual cards inside existing apps. Shipping Costs: Red Sea diversions are triggering a “perfect storm” for tanker operators, tightening bunker supply and pushing up costs—an issue for island logistics and trade.

Mauritius-Linked Policy & Trade: Mauritius is among countries backing a growing push for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining as the International Seabed Authority Assembly meets in Kingston, Jamaica, with Mozambique and Mauritius joining the call amid concerns that there isn’t enough science to ensure ocean safety. Maritime & Logistics Costs: Red Sea disruptions are feeding a “perfect storm” for global shipping, with bunker supplier Peninsula warning that diversions around the Cape of Good Hope plus tighter Mediterranean emissions rules could sharply raise fuel demand and squeeze bunker supply. Digital Infrastructure Governance: Internet number governance rules for Africa’s RIR (AFRINIC, based in Mauritius) are getting a major rewrite after 25 years, adding procedures to remove underperforming registries and aiming to prevent institutional capture. Local Industry & Infrastructure: eThekwini Municipality will spend R11.3 million to upgrade Durban ICC facilities for the 46th SADC Summit, including building management and other venue upgrades. Mauritius Business Angle: VCG Markets has secured a Seychelles licence and already holds a Mauritius licence, signaling continued expansion across emerging markets. Regional Security: Russia urged stronger security cooperation for commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Mozambique Channel at a Port Louis meeting of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The International Seabed Authority Assembly is under way in Kingston as Mozambique and Mauritius join a growing push for a global moratorium, arguing there isn’t enough science to protect oceans if mining proceeds. Trade & Farmers: India’s commerce minister Piyush Goyal told MPs there’s “no compromise” on sensitive sectors in free trade deals, amid farmer agitation over the Indo-US pact. Mauritius in the Internet Economy: A new IP address governance framework was delivered after a long drafting process, with explicit rules for removing underperforming registries—relevant for AFRINIC, based in Mauritius. Visa & Mobility: The US will stop routine visa processing at 25 African posts from Aug 1, redirecting applicants to regional hubs including Port Louis. Shipping Costs: With Red Sea risks returning, bunker supplier Peninsula warns longer diversions could tighten fuel supply and raise costs. Coral Protection: A Mauritius-Rodrigues-Seychelles coral restoration project is rebuilding reefs with local communities at the centre. Local Business & Skills: Economist Sanjay Matadeen argues Mauritius must shift toward skilled people staying and building lives, as the country faces ageing, fiscal pressure and labour shortages.

Mauritius Economy & Tax: Moody’s says Mauritius’s new corporate taxes are eroding the “low-tax gateway” appeal for banks, with effective rates for foreign-owned lenders rising sharply after June 2025 and further 2026 measures. Renewables & Storage: Qair signed a 3-year deal with PowerUp to monitor battery energy storage systems (BESS) across four Mauritius projects, supporting safer, longer-lasting operations as the country targets 60% renewables by 2030. Energy & Finance Links: Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ramful highlights a “multifaceted” India partnership, citing infrastructure financing and the Mauritius–India CECPA as trade and investment ties keep climbing. Shipping & Costs: A Red Sea escalation is pushing bunker fuel demand higher as vessels divert around the Cape, tightening supply and raising voyage economics pressures. Trade & Logistics: Hellmann says its Africa Connect network (with a Mauritius control tower) is helping firms manage cross-border logistics across Africa as intra-African trade grows. Environment & Coastal Jobs: A coral reef restoration push in Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues is rebuilding damaged reefs with coastal communities at the centre, aiming to protect fisheries and tourism. Policy & Skills: Economist Sanjay Matadeen argues Mauritius must shift toward skills, productivity and institutions to handle ageing, fiscal stress and tech change.