AGP Executive Report

Digital Payments Boom: India’s UPI hit a new monthly high in August with 24.51 billion transactions worth Rs 29.82 lakh crore, driven largely by festive Raksha Bandhan and rising everyday peer-to-peer transfers. Local Tech & AI Policy: Mauritius’ IT minister discusses what the AI Innovation Lab and the National AI Strategy mean in practice for jobs, skills, and turning policy into real outcomes. Solar for Climate-Resilient Islands: A design challenge with RIBA invites architecture and engineering students to embed solar panels into tourism infrastructure for islands including Fiji, the Maldives and Mauritius, with submissions due 31 October. Rail & Heavy Engineering: BEML secured an additional ₹180.60 crore order for Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, and the firm also points to recent Mauritius-linked equipment business. Cybersecurity Watch: Hungry Lion says customer credentials were exposed for months, with researchers linking compromised accounts to online portals across multiple Southern African countries including Mauritius. Sustainability for SMEs: B Lab Africa opened applications for its seventh Resilient Sustainable Business programme to help African SMEs build resilience and prepare for investment. Maritime Tech & Energy: A push toward nuclear micro-reactors for vessels and floating data centres highlights new energy options for maritime operations.

Digital Payments Boom: India’s UPI hit a new monthly record in August with 24.51 billion transactions worth Rs 29.82 lakh crore, driven largely by festive Raksha Bandhan demand and rising peer-to-peer plus small merchant payments. Cross-Border Corruption Tech: Malaysia’s MACC joined the GlobE Network plenary in Vienna, highlighting faster information sharing and the growing use of AI and technology in corruption investigations. Cybersecurity Alert: Hungry Lion customer credentials were reportedly exposed for months, with researchers pointing to compromised accounts tied to online self-service portals across multiple countries including Mauritius. Maritime Crime Risk: Kenya Navy seized over a metric ton of methamphetamine from a small, unregistered vessel, underscoring how tiny boats enable drug trafficking and other sea crimes along Indian Ocean routes. AI & Policy in Mauritius: In an interview, Mauritius’ IT minister discusses how the AI Innovation Lab and the National AI Strategy should translate into real skills and economic benefits. Energy Tech at Sea: A nuclear micro-reactor concept (“Unity Nuclear Battery”) is being explored for integration into vessels, pointing to new power options for offshore operations and floating data centres.

Digital Payments Boom: India’s UPI hit a record 24.51 billion transactions in August, worth about ₹29.82 lakh crore, driven by festive demand like Raksha Bandhan and rising everyday peer-to-peer transfers. Global UPI Expansion: UPI is set to roll out in Uzbekistan via QR-based merchant payments, adding to its growing presence abroad (now reported in 11 countries including Mauritius). Mauritius-India Tech Links: Mauritius and Telangana discussed cooperation in public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging technologies, and skills training, with support for capacity building and education partnerships. AI for Mauritius: In an interview, Mauritius’ IT minister outlined how the AI Innovation Lab and the National AI Strategy aim to translate AI policy into real workforce and economic outcomes. Sky Forensics Conference: NFSU and MNLU Mumbai held a hybrid conference on “Sky Forensics,” focusing on using drones and space-based systems in investigations and the need for AI-ready forensic frameworks. Retail Tech Deal: Shoprite agreed to acquire coffee chain Vida e Caffè, strengthening its coffee/QSR push and expanding an increasingly digital ordering footprint across Africa.

AI Policy & Jobs: In an interview, Mauritius IT Minister Avinash Ramtohul says the AI Innovation Lab and the National AI Strategy are meant to turn AI into measurable public value, with a focus on skills and on making inefficiency visible rather than assuming AI will simply replace jobs. Digital Payments: India’s UPI marks 10 years and expands globally: Uzbekistan is set for a UPI rollout using QR payments, while commentary questions who really pays for “free” digital services at scale. AI Education Access: Google extends its free student AI offer (Gemini tools plus cloud storage) to 27 African countries, including Mauritius, widening access beyond earlier markets. AI Governance in Africa: Tunisia ranks 10th in the African AI Governance Index 2026, with Mauritius close behind in the top tier—highlighting policy progress alongside talent risks. Mauritius–India Tech Cooperation: Telangana and Mauritius discuss collaboration in public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging technologies, and skills training. Stock-Market Rule Change: India’s SEBI faces criticism over a new derivatives closing auction session (CAS) after data showed most traders still lose money, raising concerns about whether the fix was worth it. Biosecurity Workshop: Antigua and Barbuda strengthens biological security via a UN workshop, with Mauritius-linked expertise mentioned in training for compliance. Climate Outlook: Southern Africa braces for below-normal rainfall in the Oct–Dec 2026 rainy season, with El Niño expected to strengthen.

Maritime Tech: Hornbeck Offshore is partnering with Deployable Energy to trial “Unity Nuclear Battery” micro-reactors for vessels, floating data centres and other marine power needs, with Lloyds Register Approval in Principle. Digital Payments: India’s UPI is set for Uzbekistan rollout via NPCI International Payments Ltd, expanding QR-based merchant payments and deepening India–Central Asia ties. AI Access for Students: Google expands its free Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Mauritius, with Gemini tools and cloud storage. AI Policy Watch: Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa on the inaugural African AI Governance Index, while Mauritius sits just behind the top nine—an early signal of where regulation and execution are heading. Mauritius Tech & Skills Links: Mauritius and Telangana agree to cooperate on public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging technologies and skills development, including Telugu cultural support. Local Science & Heritage: UNESCO-backed work in Mauritius focuses on improving history education tied to slavery and indentured labour memory, pushing for better teachers and heritage training. Aquaculture Spotlight: Mauritius’ marine fish farm continues producing red drum at scale, showing how the island’s “blue economy” is building practical biotech and seafood capacity. Climate Risk: Southern Africa’s rainy season outlook points to below-normal rainfall in parts of the region, with El Niño strengthening as a key driver.

Women in Business: Africa.com’s 2026 “Definitive List of Women CEOs” (built from Bloomberg data across African stock exchanges) spotlights Mary Vilakazi at the top of FirstRand, underscoring how women lead major banks, insurers, miners and retailers. Mauritius Science & Heritage: UNESCO-backed work in Mauritius is pushing better history education around slavery and indentured labour, while UNESCO also supports preservation of memory through local heritage sites. AI for Students (Mauritius included): Google expands its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Mauritius, with Gemini tools and cloud storage after verification. AI Governance (regional benchmark): Tunisia ranks 10th in Africa’s inaugural African AI Governance Index 2026, with Mauritius close behind in the top tier. Digital Payments (regional signal): India’s UPI is set for Uzbekistan via QR-based merchant payments, showing continued export of India’s real-time payments model. Ocean & Diplomacy: Monaco and Mauritius formalise diplomatic ties, aligning on ocean-focused cooperation like sustainable tourism and environmental protection. Local Tech/IT Deal: Accops teams with Lithe SD to expand secure digital workspace delivery across the Indian Ocean Commission and Rest of Africa. Health Systems: Africa’s Ebola response and Ethiopia’s adoption of three 10-year health strategies highlight workforce, financing and regulation priorities.

UPI Expansion: India’s UPI is set to roll out in Uzbekistan after a pact between NPCI International Payments Ltd and Uzbekistan’s interbank processor, using QR payments via UZQR—another step in exporting India’s real-time payments tech. UPI at 10 Years: UPI marked its tenth birthday with a surge in transaction volumes over the decade, while a debate continues over who ultimately pays for the infrastructure behind “free” payments. Mauritius–Telangana Tech Links: Mauritius ministers met Telangana officials to deepen cooperation in public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging technologies, and skills training—plus support for Telugu language and cultural programmes. Google AI for Students (Mauritius included): Google expanded its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Mauritius, with Gemini tools and cloud storage after verification. AI Governance Benchmark: Tunisia placed 10th in Africa’s AI Governance Index; Mauritius ranked among the top tier as policy and execution gaps remain. Secure Digital Workspaces: Accops teamed up with Lithe SD to push secure digital workspace solutions across the Indian Ocean Commission and Rest of Africa. Health Systems Focus: Africa CDC and WHO-backed updates highlighted Ebola response progress and new 10-year health workforce and regulation strategies across the region.

Google AI for Students: Google expands its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Mauritius, with Gemini access plus 400GB cloud storage. AI Governance: Tunisia places 10th in Africa’s inaugural African AI Governance Index (AAGI), while Mauritius sits just behind the top nine. Digital Skills & Public Service Links: Mauritius and Telangana push cooperation in public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging technologies, and training, with support for Telugu language and culture. Secure Workspaces for the Indian Ocean: Accops teams up with Lithe SD to distribute secure digital workspace solutions across the Indian Ocean Commission and Rest of Africa. Health Systems Focus: Africa backs three 10-year health strategies (workforce, financing, regulation) after the DRC Ebola outbreak passes 100 days. Blue Economy & Aquaculture: Mauritius’ red drum marine fish farm highlights growing aquaculture capacity in the island’s blue economy. Maritime Diplomacy: Monaco and Mauritius formalise diplomatic ties, citing shared ocean-focused priorities. Climate Risk: Zimbabwe braces for a hotter, drier 2026/27 season, underscoring regional water and crop pressure.

Mauritius–India Tech Diplomacy: Mauritius’ Public Service Minister Luchmanen Pethia met Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu in Hyderabad to explore cooperation in public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging technologies, and skills training, with an invitation to Telangana’s Rising Global Summit 2026. Language & Culture Tech Links: Telangana Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka pledged support for Telugu language and heritage in Mauritius, including education, cultural research and arts, and backing for Mauritius’ Ram Bhajanam programme. Student AI Access: Google expanded its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Mauritius, with Gemini tools, higher usage limits and 400GB cloud storage after SheerID verification. Digital Payments Inspiration: India’s UPI marks 10 years with major growth in transaction volume and value, reinforcing how real-time payments can scale across borders and services. Blue Economy Spotlight: A Mauritius marine fish farm continues producing red drum at scale, showing how research partnerships and aquaculture can support the island’s “blue economy.” Cyber-Workspace Deal: Accops teamed with Lithe SD to expand secure digital workspace delivery across the Indian Ocean Commission and Rest of Africa, targeting Zero Trust and safer enterprise access. Finance & Tech Capital Flows: GP Petroleums secured four-month exclusivity for “Project Petroleum” to evaluate a potential strategic acquisition spanning India, the UAE, Mauritius and East Africa.

Mauritius Aquaculture: Mauritius’ only marine fish farm is producing about 2,500 tonnes of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) a year, after a blue-economy push that began in 2002 with partners including France’s Ifremer and stocking in 2005. Heritage & Education: UNESCO-backed work is spotlighting how Mauritius can better turn World Heritage sites into real history learning, with calls for stronger teacher training, better materials, and more heritage skills for young people. Health Research: A new global review on spinal pain highlights how low back and neck pain drive disability and strain healthcare systems across Asia-Pacific, reinforcing the need for structured rehab approaches. Digital Security & Workspaces: Accops and Lithe SD are teaming up to expand secure digital workspace delivery across the Indian Ocean Commission and Rest of Africa, targeting Zero Trust and safer access as cyber threats rise. Payments & Fintech: BluPay launched in Cameroon with a WhatsApp-based cross-border payments service using blockchain and stablecoins, and it already operates in Mauritius. Future-Ready Economies: A study ranks South Africa first and Mauritius second for “future readiness,” citing startup strength, internet access, and human capital.

UNESCO & Heritage Education: UNESCO highlights how Mauritius’ World Heritage sites like Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne can do more than attract tourists, urging better history teaching, trained educators, and digitised, accessible research to connect young people with complex local histories. Market Tech & Trading Rules: India’s new closing auction session (CAS) aims to make stock closing prices more transparent, but early sessions still show odd liquidity and price-discovery swings that regulators are watching closely. Biomedical Innovation: South African scientist-entrepreneur Dr Judey shares how lab science can translate into better paediatric burn care, linking genetics, regenerative medicine and real hospital outcomes. Wildlife Science & Myths: Research debunks long-held beliefs about dodos, revisiting how humans and ecosystems reshaped Mauritius’ natural world. Digital Payments in the Spotlight: UPI marks 10 years with massive growth in transactions and banks, reinforcing how real-time mobile payments can spread across borders—including Mauritius—while raising the bar for secure, scalable public digital infrastructure. Secure Workspaces for the Indian Ocean: Accops partners with Lithe SD to expand secure digital workspace delivery across the Indian Ocean Commission and Rest of Africa, targeting Zero Trust and identity needs as cyber threats rise. Mauritius in the Global Tech Map: A Mauritius goodwill ambassador appointment spotlights ongoing economic, trade and tech exchange links, while Mauritius’ presence also shows up in fintech cross-border payment expansion via WhatsApp-based BluPay.

Digital Payments Milestone: India marked 10 years of UPI, with transaction volume rising from 1.78 crore (FY2016-17) to 24,162 crore (FY2025-26) and value to about ₹314 lakh crore, while the network grew to 741 live banks by July 2026. Fintech Expansion in Africa: BluPay launched in Cameroon with a WhatsApp-based cross-border payments service using blockchain and stablecoins, joining markets including Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Mauritius. Secure Workspace Deal: Accops (Reliance Jio) signed a distribution partnership with Lithe SD to scale secure digital workspace delivery across the Indian Ocean Commission and Rest of Africa. Mauritius-Linked Tech & Finance: STARTRADER added 30 new U.S. stock and ETF CFDs to MT5, including space, nuclear/energy, AI and fintech themes; meanwhile, GIFT City is pushing to bring more India-related cross-border business back onshore. Science & Environment: A new push to digitise African herbarium collections highlights urgent biodiversity data access needs across the western Indian Ocean islands, including Mauritius. Biodiversity & Biosecurity: Mauritius-linked giant African snail history is revisited as farmers battle invasive crop losses. Energy Security Tie-Up: India and Mauritius signed/advanced fuel supply and oil & gas cooperation pacts aimed at reducing price volatility and boosting energy resilience.

Secure Digital Workspaces: Accops (Reliance Jio) signs a distribution deal with Lithe Solutions Distributor to scale Zero Trust, virtual desktops and identity solutions across the Indian Ocean Commission and the rest of Africa. Heat Stress Science: A new regional look at Southern Africa’s rising temperatures flags 35°C as a physiological threshold, with Botswana and neighbouring countries facing earlier, longer heat waves. Industrialisation Watch: AfDB’s Africa Industrialisation Index 2025 (released in 2026) puts Morocco at #1, reshuffling the continent’s manufacturing and infrastructure rankings. Ocean Diplomacy: Monaco and Mauritius formalise diplomatic ties, aligning on ocean protection, sustainable tourism and education. Radio Astronomy Shift: Researchers describe how African radio astronomy is moving toward distributed, software-driven interferometric networks that demand advanced computing and networking. Digital Payments Milestone: India marks 10 years of UPI, reporting ~24,162 crore annual transactions and ~₹314 lakh crore value in FY2025-26, with 741 banks live on the system. Fintech Expansion: BluPay launches in Cameroon with WhatsApp-based cross-border payments using blockchain and stablecoins, targeting lower transfer costs. Mauritius in the Tech Ecosystem: IIT Madras Zanzibar runs a data science, AI and cybersecurity micro-training for African audit professionals, including participants from Mauritius. IPO & Markets: Lumino Industries opens its IPO on 27 Aug with a ₹78–₹82 band and anchor funding of ~₹207 crore; STARTRADER adds 30 US stock/ETF CFDs to MT5, including quantum, space and nuclear themes.

Digital Payments Milestone: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) turns 10, with annual transaction volume rising from 1.78 crore (FY2016-17) to 24,162 crore (FY2025-26) and transaction value jumping to about ₹314 lakh crore—UPI now processes ~66 crore payments daily and is used by 741 banks (by July 2026). Fintech for Africa: BluPay launches in Cameroon with a WhatsApp-based cross-border payments service using blockchain and stablecoins, aiming to cut transfer fees (targeting charges from 0.5%). Mauritius-Linked Finance: GIFT City signals a shift from being purely global to bringing more India-related cross-border business back home, urging deals to be routed through its ecosystem instead of hubs like Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius. Local Tech & Markets: STARTRADER expands its MT5 CFD lineup with 30 new US stock/ETF CFDs spanning quantum, space/defence, nuclear/energy, AI, cloud and fintech themes. Biodiversity Data Push: African herbaria collections are being urged to digitise before more biodiversity is lost, including specimens from Mauritius and the western Indian Ocean. Science Capacity Building: IIT Madras Zanzibar runs a data science, AI and cybersecurity training for African audit professionals, with Mauritius among participants. Energy & Infrastructure Investment: Luxembourg’s IPC plans Rs834.8bn investment in Karnataka for digital infrastructure, renewable energy and green hydrogen.

Mauritius–India Fintech Links: Dipesh Shah says India’s GIFT City should “bring business home” by plugging product, expertise and regulation gaps, urging institutions now routed via Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius to transact through GIFT. Digital Payments Milestone: India marked UPI’s 10th anniversary, with annual transactions up from 1.78 crore (2016-17) to 24,162 crore (2025-26) and value to about ₹314 lakh crore; July 2026 hit a record 2,366 crore transactions and UPI now runs across 741 banks. Cross-Border Payments in Africa: BluPay launched in Cameroon with a WhatsApp-based blockchain and stablecoin service for cheaper international transfers, and says Mauritius is already one of its active markets. Local Tech & Markets Education: IUX Education rolled out live trader webinars (Mondays/Fridays) on market fundamentals, risk and trading psychology, streamed via Facebook and YouTube. Mauritius in Global Finance: A Mauritius-linked goodwill ambassador appointment was announced for economist Lingyun Xiang, highlighting economic, trade and cultural exchange. Energy/Policy Cooperation: Mauritius and India continued public-service and capacity-building talks, with a focus on technology-enabled delivery and training exchanges.

IPO Watch: Lumino Industries’ IPO opens Aug 27 (Rs 78–82; lot 182 shares). The fresh issue targets Rs 337 crore use for debt repayment, equipment/civil works, and general corporate needs, after anchor investors put in Rs 206.99 crore at Rs 82. Fintech & Trade Flows: India’s IFSCA-linked push at GIFT City aims to bring more India-related cross-border business back onshore by plugging product, expertise and regulation gaps. Digital Payments Milestone: UPI turns 10, with annual volume up from 1.78 crore (FY16-17) to 24,162 crore (FY25-26) and value to ~Rs 314 lakh crore; July hit 2,366 crore transactions and 741 banks are live. Mauritius-Linked Finance: SEBI rejected settlement bids from at least three Mauritius-based funds tied to Adani Group, after disputes over disclosure and settlement terms. Local Capacity Building: Mauritius and India plan deeper public-service training and technology-enabled delivery cooperation. Market Education: IUX Education launches a Monday/Friday webinar series for traders, streamed live from Ebene Cybercity. Space/Tech Trading: STARTRADER adds 30 US stock/ETF CFDs on MT5, expanding exposure to quantum, AI, space/defence, nuclear/energy and fintech themes.