AGP Executive Report

Wave Energy in Europe: Seaturns has deployed its first full-scale offshore wave energy demonstrator (S1) off France, with trials monitored by ESB and data gathered to support commercialization. AI in the Browser: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, expanding built-in AI search and help across 55 African locales. Mauritius Connectivity Boost: Airlink will launch twice-weekly non-stop Cape Town–Mauritius flights from 2 Oct 2026, using Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and opening bookings now. Cross-border Payments Tech: Nepal’s payments link with India’s UPI goes live via NCHL, enabling 24/7 remittances using VPAs and real-time confirmations. AI Governance Debate: A Mauritius-focused policy piece revisits the island’s 2018 national AI strategy and argues Africa should avoid copying the EU model without local fit. Crypto Case Watch: Libertas GH denies Ponzi-scheme claims as investors question where funds went during business rescue scrutiny. Trade & Digital Services Deal: The EU and ESA states (including Mauritius) conclude negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at services, digitalisation and predictable rules.

Business Climate Watch: Morocco has topped the African business climate ranking in CIAN’s 2026 barometer (score 3.9/5), edging ahead of Mauritius (3.4) as reforms push for better regulation, transparency and digital readiness. AI in the Region: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African users. Mauritius-Linked Diplomacy: India’s MEA named Rudra Gaurav Shresth as its next Ambassador to Türkiye; his career includes postings in Mauritius and regional policy roles. Cross-border Payments: Nepal’s National Payment Interface is now directly linked with India’s UPI via NCHL, enabling real-time remittances using VPAs. Local Tech & Heritage: A Port Louis workshop is helping map and document Durban’s indentured labour landmarks, aiming for wider Indian Ocean heritage recognition. Energy Tech: Seaturns deployed a full-scale wave energy demonstrator in France, a step toward commercial marine renewables. Governance & AI Policy: A Mauritius-focused discussion revisits how African states are drafting AI rules, including the debate over copying EU-style regulation.

AI in Browsers: Google rolled out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, expanding built-in AI search and help across 55 African locales. Mauritius Heritage & Research: A Port Louis workshop is boosting international recognition of Durban’s indentured labour landmarks, with a roadmap to identify and document sites tied to Indian arrivals in Natal (1860–1911). EU–Africa Trade (Mauritius in focus): The EU and ESA states (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles) concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for more predictable rules and support for services and digitalisation. AI Governance Debate: A new analysis argues Africa needs AI regulation, but warns against simply copying the EU model—calling for risk-focused, workable governance. Wave Energy Progress: Seaturns deployed its full-scale wave energy demonstrator off France’s Atlantic coast, with a pathway toward a Mauritius pilot project. Cross-border Payments: Nepal’s payment system linked to India’s UPI via NCHL, enabling real-time remittances using VPAs. Tech & Markets (Mauritius-linked): IUX said it surpassed $1.5T monthly trading volume in 2026, driven largely by commodities, and published a guide on ETF risks during volatile markets.

Ebola Response & Travel Rules: The EU pledged €11.5m to Africa CDC for Ebola work in eastern DRC, including €6.5m for pathogen genomics and €5m in diagnostics and lab kits, as the outbreak hit 101 deaths and 550 confirmed cases. Public Health at Home: Mauritius also moved to restrict entry linked to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, affecting regional events like the Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens. AI Governance in Africa: A new analysis argues Mauritius’ 2018 national AI strategy helped set the pace, but warns that copying the EU model may not fit African realities—calling for risk-based AI rules and practical oversight. Digital Payments Link-Up: Nepal’s National Payment Interface is now connected to India’s UPI via VPAs, enabling real-time cross-border remittances with defined transaction limits. Marine Energy for Mauritius: France’s Seaturns deployed its full-scale wave energy demonstrator off the Atlantic coast, with plans to feed certification and a future 2MW pilot in Mauritius. Trade & Digital Services Deal: The EU and ESA states (including Mauritius) concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to boost services, digitalisation and predictable trade rules. Enterprise AI Workforces: Atomicwork launched an AI Workforce platform to let firms deploy and govern “AI Coworkers” for IT and service operations end-to-end. Mining & Forest Loss: A Sheffield-led study finds mining drives deforestation at 34 hectares per hectare of active mine site across Africa, with satellite-based comparisons published in Nature.

Wave Energy in Mauritius Pipeline: Seaturns has deployed its full-scale wave energy demonstrator (S1) off France’s Atlantic coast, with trials running for at least a year and results feeding certification by mid-2027—plus a stated pathway toward a first 2 MW pilot project in Mauritius and a possible 10 MW commercial build. AI Governance in Africa: A new analysis argues Africa shouldn’t just copy the EU’s AI rules; it says the continent needs AI legislation that fits local risks, rights, and data protection realities. Cross-Border Payments: Nepal’s NPI is now directly linked to India’s UPI for 24/7 remittances using VPAs, marking the first direct connection between the two fast-payment systems. Ebola Response and Travel Rules: Uganda’s Rugby Sevens team was barred from the Mauritius Sevens due to Ebola-related travel restrictions, while WHO and EU support continue to target lab capacity and surveillance in the DRC. Mauritius in the Spotlight: Mauritius ranks second in a new Africa performance index that tracks governance, influence, and innovation. Trade and Labour Links: Mauritius and Bangladesh agreed to reopen the Bangladeshi labour market via a recruitment MoU, while Mauritius also appears in regional trade and finance updates tied to India.

Mauritius–Labour Mobility: Mauritius and Bangladesh agreed to fast-track a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Bangladeshi labour market after nearly four years, with plans to recruit not just textile workers but also doctors, engineers, nurses and accountants. Ocean Energy Watch: A wave-energy push is gaining momentum as Seaturns deployed its full-scale wave demonstrator off France’s Atlantic coast, with results feeding a planned 2 MW pilot in Mauritius and a route to 10 MW. AI for Enterprise IT: Atomicwork launched a governed “AI workforce” platform for IT, HR and finance teams, aiming to let AI coworkers handle service operations end-to-end with scoped permissions. Renewables Trade Signal: Nigeria reported solar panel exports worth N85.8bn in Q1 2026 to markets including the US, Burkina Faso, India, Indonesia and Ghana—an example of regional manufacturing moving from local use to export. Regional Tech & Innovation Ranking: Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report’s 2026 performance index put South Africa first and Mauritius second, citing governance, influence and innovation indicators. Payments in Africa: Network International highlighted a shift toward AI-enabled, interoperable payments infrastructure across Africa, not just digitisation.

AI Workforce in Enterprise IT: Atomicwork says it has launched the first governed “AI workforce” platform, letting companies deploy AI coworkers with defined roles, skills, budgets and permissions for end-to-end IT service operations. Mauritius in the spotlight for energy tech: Seaturns deployed its full-scale wave energy demonstrator off France’s Atlantic coast and points to a pathway toward a 2 MW pilot project in Mauritius, aiming for certification by mid-2027. Digital payments lesson for Mauritius: A report on India’s UPI highlights how cross-border support includes Mauritius, while warning about QR phishing and other fraud risks. Labour mobility update: Mauritius and Bangladesh agreed to reopen the Bangladeshi labour market via a fast-tracked MoU, with plans to recruit skilled workers including doctors, engineers and nurses. Trade policy angle: India’s FTA benefits are reportedly underused (20–30%), with compliance costs and “inverted duty” effects making gains harder—relevant for Mauritius firms trading into India. Public health watch: WHO praised Uganda’s Ebola containment efforts as DR Congo’s outbreak figures climb, underscoring the regional importance of lab capacity and rapid response. Research Week momentum: A feature traces how University of Mauritius Research Week grew from a local idea into a national platform linking academia, industry and innovation.

Mauritius–Bangladesh Labour Mobility: Mauritius is set to reopen its labour market for Bangladeshi workers after talks in Geneva, with both sides agreeing to fast-track a memorandum of understanding for recruitment, including textile staff plus skilled roles like doctors, engineers, nurses and accountants. Chagos Islands / Diego Garcia: Reports say the US is considering buying the Chagos Islands from Mauritius to secure the Diego Garcia base, but Mauritius says it has not been approached and insists sovereignty is non-negotiable. UPI & Digital Payments: A new look at India’s UPI boom highlights how smartphone QR payments have scaled fast, while fraud risks like QR phishing and PIN scams are rising alongside transaction growth. Trade Policy Tech Angle (FTAs): India’s free-trade agreement benefits are being underused (20–30% of eligible exports) due to compliance costs and structural tariff distortions, raising questions for manufacturers. Ebola Update (DR Congo): The DRC Ebola outbreak has climbed to 550 confirmed cases and 101 deaths, with armed insecurity in Ituri still disrupting response efforts. Mauritius Research Week: University of Mauritius’ Research Week is traced from a 2007 idea to a national platform strengthening academia–industry links. AI in Finance (IUX24): IUX24 launched an AI-powered investment intelligence platform aimed at bringing elite-style market analysis to retail investors. Cancer Capacity (Merck Foundation): Merck Foundation continues expanding oncology training scholarships across Africa as part of World Cancer Day 2026 efforts. Indentured Labour Heritage: Mauritius hosted a regional workshop to strengthen preservation, documentation and promotion of indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius–Bangladesh Labour Mobility: Mauritius is set to reopen the Bangladeshi labour market after a policy-level agreement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding soon, following talks in Geneva. The MoU is expected to govern recruitment for Mauritius’ textile one-stop industry, with Bangladesh also offering skilled professionals including doctors, engineers, nurses and accountants. Crypto Meets Traditional Markets: MEXC says it is bringing real US stock ownership to a crypto-style platform via a partnership with licensed broker Vistamx (Mauritius), aiming to move beyond price-tracking products. Ebola Disrupts Major Event Planning: The 2026 U.S.-Africa Business Summit, due to be hosted in Mauritius, has been postponed due to the evolving Ebola outbreak and guidance from health authorities. AI Governance in Focus: A report highlights the need for stronger AI governance frameworks across Africa, while separate coverage notes growing national AI strategy activity on the continent. Local Tech & Infrastructure Services: Smart Hands Africa expands its footprint as an authorised Services Partner for Supermicro, offering installation, break-fix support and maintenance across multiple African territories including Mauritius. Critical Minerals & Forest Loss: G7 leaders are set to deepen efforts to secure critical minerals from Africa, even as new research warns mining is clearing forests across sub-Saharan Africa. Mauritius Research Week Legacy: A feature traces how University of Mauritius Research Week evolved from an academic event into a national platform for academia-industry links and innovation culture. Markets Watch (Mauritius-linked): Lenskart shares in India come under spotlight after a Rs 96 crore block deal involving Copthall Mauritius Investment, with Viridian Asia buying the stake.

Mauritius Public Health & Trade: Mauritius and the Corporate Council on Africa postponed the 2026 U.S.-Africa Business Summit (July 26–29) due to Ebola concerns, following WHO guidance—an immediate hit to a major commercial diplomacy pipeline. AI Governance: A new push for an Africa-wide AI governance framework highlights how countries including Mauritius are building national strategies to guide ethical use, capacity building, and investment. Local Heritage & Research: A Mauritius workshop brought UNESCO and ICOMOS partners together to strengthen preservation and documentation of indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean region, with a regional roadmap focus. Tech Services in Mauritius: Smart Hands Africa expanded its footprint as an authorised Services Partner for Supermicro, offering installation, break-fix support, maintenance, and consulting across territories including Mauritius. Finance & Markets: Lenskart shares dipped after JPMorgan’s Copthall Mauritius Investment sold a Rs 96 crore stake in a block deal—another signal of active institutional reshuffling tied to tech valuations. Nuclear & Safety Oversight: An IAEA team including Mauritius experts assessed Malta’s radiation regulatory framework in an IRRS mission, underscoring the region’s growing focus on safety standards. Wealth & Innovation Signals: Morocco topped Africa’s business climate rankings, while a wealth report points to AI-linked wealth growth—useful context for Mauritius investors watching regional tech momentum.

Mauritius & Public Health: The U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2026, planned for Mauritius (July 26–29), has been postponed after Ebola concerns and guidance from the WHO and Mauritius health authorities, with organisers citing participant safety. Mauritius & Heritage: A Mauritius workshop brought UNESCO and ICOMOS experts together with regional heritage professionals to build a roadmap for preserving and documenting indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean. AI Governance: A new push for stronger AI governance is highlighted through Africa’s growing wave of national AI strategies, with Kenya’s 2025–2030 plan used as a model for building an Africa-centric, ethical approach. Tech & Finance: IUX24 launched an AI-powered investment intelligence platform aimed at giving retail investors institutional-grade market analysis without a high paywall. Payments Interop: India’s UPI-based QR payments expanded to Cambodia, adding millions of KHQR merchant locations and further linking UPI across countries including Mauritius. Infrastructure & Services: Smart Hands Africa was appointed an authorised Services Partner for Supermicro, offering installation, break-fix support and maintenance across multiple African territories including Mauritius. Local Tech Talent: VIT Mauritius students reported paid internships, hackathon wins and research presentations, signalling growing applied tech capability on the island. Economy & Jobs: Moody’s warns that nearly 88% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s workforce is informal, weakening tax collection and limiting growth—an issue that directly affects fiscal capacity.

AI Governance & Strategy: Kenya’s National AI Strategy (2025–2030) adds to a growing list of African countries, including Mauritius, rolling out national AI plans aligned with an Africa-centric AU vision on ethics, capacity building and investment. Business Climate Watch: Morocco tops CIAN’s 2025–2026 business barometer (3.9/5), edging ahead of Mauritius (3.4), with investors citing infrastructure, workforce training and improving tax digitisation. Fintech & Payments: India expands cross-border UPI QR payments into Cambodia, letting Indian travellers pay millions of KHQR merchants, while Mauritius remains named among UPI international linkages. Mauritius Tech & Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits $1bn for trade finance across Africa, aiming to strengthen intra-African value chains under AfCFTA. Local Innovation & Skills: VIT Mauritius students report internships, hackathon wins and peer-reviewed research, including AI-enabled smart storage and “VeriFIRE” work. Data & Inclusion Warning: Moody’s flags that nearly 88% of Sub-Saharan workers are in the informal economy, weakening tax collection and limiting growth. Infrastructure for AI/Servers: Smart Hands Africa becomes an authorised Supermicro services partner across multiple African territories including Mauritius, covering deployment, break-fix and maintenance. Public Health Disruption: The U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2026 is postponed due to Ebola concerns, with Mauritius named as a host partner.

Mauritius–Africa Tech & Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank says it will commit $1 billion to trade finance across Africa, using tools like letters of credit and guarantees to back intra-African trade and value chains. Digital Payments: India’s NPCI International and Cambodia’s Acleda Bank launched UPI QR payments via Cambodia’s KHQR, enabling Indian travellers to pay at 4.5 million+ merchants (with a two-way expansion planned). AI & Policy: A UN-backed push under the Global Digital Compact is shaping how countries like Mauritius and others adapt existing rules for AI governance, focusing on data, privacy, and rights. Local Tech Ecosystem: Smart Hands Africa named Supermicro an authorised services partner, offering installation, break-fix, maintenance and consulting across markets including Mauritius. Science & Training: Armscor (South Africa) hosts an analytical chemistry course for scientists from 16 African countries, supporting Chemical Weapons Convention implementation. Health & Risk: The U.S.-Africa Business Summit was postponed over Ebola concerns, with Mauritius’ health ministry involved in the decision. Education & Innovation: VIT Mauritius students reported internships, hackathon wins, and research presentations, including AI-enabled storage work.

Cross-Border Payments: India’s UPI QR payments have gone live in Cambodia, letting Indian travellers pay at 4.5 million KHQR merchants via a RBI-backed linkage led by NPCI International and Acleda Bank—another step in UPI’s growing international footprint that also includes Mauritius. Public Health & Tech Diplomacy: Mauritius and the Corporate Council on Africa helped postpone the 2026 U.S.-Africa Business Summit due to Ebola concerns, showing how health risk can disrupt major business and innovation gatherings. Digital Infrastructure for AI: Smart Hands Africa signed as an authorised Supermicro services partner, expanding installation, break-fix, maintenance and consulting across multiple African territories including Mauritius—aimed at powering AI, cloud and data centres. Mauritius in Africa’s Innovation Rankings: Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report’s 2026 performance index puts Mauritius at second place, driven by institutional stability and economic diversification. Climate Finance Readiness: A report flags gaps in how climate funding is managed in Mauritius, warning that adaptation needs far exceed available capacity. Local Talent Pipeline: VIT Mauritius students secured paid internships, hackathon wins and international research presentations, reinforcing Mauritius’ growing tech education-to-industry pathway.

Mauritius in the spotlight: Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report’s 2026 Africa Performance Index puts Mauritius at #2, citing institutional stability and economic diversification, while South Africa stays #1 and Ghana jumps to #8 on governance, influence and innovation. Digital infrastructure for the island’s ecosystem: Mauritius-based ASR (with Lloyd’s and Mauritius operations) and Mauritius Telecom + State Informatics are part of the wider push to modernise services and data governance. Local tech services growth: Smart Hands Africa expands across Africa as an authorised Supermicro services partner, covering Mauritius among many territories with installation, break-fix and maintenance. Climate finance reality check: A report warns Mauritius needs stronger management of climate funds, with adaptation costs rising sharply beyond current capacity. Skills and innovation: VIT Mauritius highlights student research, hackathons and industry internships, including AI-enabled storage work. Trade finance boost: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits $1bn to trade finance across Africa, aiming to strengthen regional value chains. Research & safety training: Armscor hosts African scientists for analytical chemistry training under the OPCW.

Mauritius in the spotlight for finance and digital policy: Mauritius Commercial Bank committed $1 billion to expand trade finance across Africa, aiming to strengthen regional value chains and intra-African trade. Data governance: A UN-backed push under the Global Digital Compact is putting data governance and AI rules on the agenda, with Mauritius named among countries shaping how existing laws can guide AI. Local tech ecosystem: Mauritius Telecom and State Informatics are partnering to advance digital transformation. AI in industry: In the rum sector, West Indies producers say AI is a major theme at international technical conferences, including participation from Mauritius. Climate finance reality check: A report warns Mauritius needs stronger climate finance management, citing gaps in how adaptation funds are planned and used. Trade and payments tech: NPCI International launched cross-border UPI acceptance in Cambodia, showing how QR payment corridors can scale. Markets and capital flows: Nigeria’s capital importation jumped to $10.37b in Q1 2026, driven mainly by portfolio flows into money markets and bonds. Infrastructure for execution: IUX highlighted its 2026 framework for fast execution infrastructure across Asia, South Africa and LATAM.