AGP Executive Report

UPI Goes Cross-Border: NPCI International has enabled Indian travellers to make instant merchant payments in Uzbekistan by scanning the country’s UZQR code, after an agreement with HUMO approved by the RBI and Uzbekistan’s central bank—another boost to India’s digital payments reach, with Mauritius listed among earlier adopters. Mauritius-Travel Upgrade: Emirates will add Premium Economy on two Mauritius–Dubai flights from 1 September 2026, using A380 and retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft to expand comfort options for travellers. Mauritius-India Cooperation: Mauritius Minister Luchmanen Pethia met Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu to discuss public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging tech, and skills training; Telangana also pledged support to promote Telugu language and culture in Mauritius. Sports Streaming for the Region: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (from 2026/27), bringing all 380 matches per season to fans via live and on-demand viewing. Energy Cost Pressure: Nigeria’s power sector report says N1.36trn electricity was lost and unpaid for in 2025, highlighting billing and collection inefficiencies.

Air Travel: Emirates will add Premium Economy on two Mauritius–Dubai flights from 1 September 2026 (A380 EK703/704 and retrofitted Boeing 777 EK709/710), expanding comfort options for travellers connecting via Dubai. Digital Payments: India’s UPI is set to roll out in Uzbekistan, with Indian UPI apps able to scan Uzbekistan’s national QR for merchant payments—another step in UPI’s global expansion. Public Service Cooperation: Mauritius Minister Luchmanen Pethia met Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu in Hyderabad to discuss stronger ties in public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging tech, and skills training. Culture & Heritage: Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister said the state will support promotion of Telugu language, culture and heritage in Mauritius, including backing the Ram Bhajanam programme. Sports Media: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), bringing all 380 matches per season to fans in the region. Heritage Education: UNESCO support for Mauritius highlights the need to move beyond “tourist spots” and invest in better history teaching, teacher training, and heritage skills.

Aviation & Tourism: Emirates will add Premium Economy on two of its three daily Mauritius–Dubai flights from 1 September 2026 (EK703/704 on the A380 and EK709/710 on a retrofitted Boeing 777), giving travellers more comfort and choice on the route. Public Service & Skills: Mauritius Minister for Public Service and Administrative Reforms Lutchmanen 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 training. Culture & Language: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said his state will support promotion of Telugu language, culture and heritage in Mauritius, including backing the Ram Bhajanam programme. Sports Media: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS broadcasting rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), starting this weekend, with matches available live and on-demand. Heritage & Education: UNESCO-linked reporting highlights the need for stronger history education in Mauritius so World Heritage sites become learning spaces, not just tourist stops. Global Context: A report says geopolitical volatility is driving “rapid substitution” in travel plans, with people changing destinations, routes and timing rather than cancelling outright.

Mauritius–India Cooperation: Mauritius Minister for Public Service and Administrative Reforms Luchmanen Pethia met Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu in Hyderabad, discussing public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging technologies, skills and education. Telugu Cultural Links: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the state will support promotion of Telugu language, culture and heritage in Mauritius, including backing the Ram Bhajanam programme. Travel & Tourism: Emirates will add Premium Economy on flights between Mauritius and Dubai from 1 September 2026, with extra cabin options on A380 and Boeing 777 services. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga rights for Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), bringing all 380 matches per season to fans across 48 markets, including Mauritius. Health (Africa): Africa’s health ministers adopted three 10-year strategies in Ethiopia, while an Ebola update noted the Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC passed 100 days.

Mauritius–Telugu ties: Telangana will extend support to Mauritius to promote Telugu language, culture and heritage, including backing the Ram Bhajanam programme, after a meeting between Mauritius Public Service Minister Lutchmanah Raj Pentiah and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. Public service cooperation: The same Mauritius minister met Telangana officials to explore wider collaboration in public administration, tourism, IT/ITeS, emerging technologies, skills and education, with an invite to the Telangana Rising Global Summit. Tech for students: Google is offering a free one-year Google AI Plus subscription to students in 27 African countries, including Mauritius, with access to Gemini tools and cloud storage. Energy and travel: Emirates will add Premium Economy on flights between Mauritius and Dubai from 1 September, giving more comfort options on A380 and Boeing 777 services. Heritage and learning: A UNESCO-focused report highlights the need for stronger history education in Mauritius so World Heritage sites translate into real understanding, especially for young people. Sports: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons starting this weekend.

Blue Economy & Jobs: Mauritius’ only marine fish farm is producing about 2,500 tonnes of red drum a year, with a 150-strong multicultural workforce and roots in a 2002 push to grow the “blue economy.” Heritage & Learning: UNESCO-backed work is highlighted as Mauritius’ World Heritage sites risk becoming “tourist spots” unless history education gets stronger—better teachers, materials, and more training for heritage and museum careers. Community & Culture: Devotees packed Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple on Indrakeeladri for Rakhi Purnima, with Vedic rituals and a traditional giri pradakshina procession. Travel Upgrade: Emirates will add Premium Economy on flights between Mauritius and Dubai from 1 September, using A380 and Boeing 777 configurations. Finance & Credit: The AU-backed African Peer Review Mechanism says a continent-wide credit rating agency will launch in Mauritius on 5 October.

Aviation & Tourism: Emirates will add Premium Economy on its Mauritius–Dubai route from 1 September 2026, with Premium Economy seats on flights EK703/704 (A380) and EK709/710 (Boeing 777), giving travellers a new comfort tier between Economy and Business. Local Business: I&M Group reported a 22% jump in half-year net profit to Sh10.2bn, helped by higher operating income and improved loan quality, with gross non-performing loans down 12% to Sh30.1bn. Finance & Markets: India’s new closing auction system for stock prices is drawing fresh criticism after the Sensex swung sharply during the closing auction, raising concerns about liquidity and manipulation. Diplomacy: Mauritius and Monaco have formally established diplomatic relations, agreeing to cooperate on environmental protection, sustainable tourism and education. Regional Finance: The AU-backed African Peer Review Mechanism will launch a continent-wide credit ratings agency in Mauritius on 5 October, aiming to cut borrowing costs by offering an Africa-focused alternative to major Western ratings firms. Jobs: Port Louis Marina is advertising for a Qualified Electrician to maintain and improve marina electrical systems and infrastructure.

Mauritius in the spotlight: The AU-backed African Peer Review Mechanism will launch the African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) in Mauritius on October 5, aiming to cut borrowing costs by offering local-currency ratings and reducing perceived bias from global agencies. Diplomatic ties: Monaco and Mauritius have established diplomatic relations, formalised on 25 August with shared focus on environmental protection, sustainable tourism and education. Energy and trade: Emirates will add Premium Economy on flights between Mauritius and Dubai from 1 September 2026, boosting comfort options for travellers. Finance and markets: Aye Finance saw major bulk-deal activity on August 27, with Alpha Wave India I LP selling and multiple funds buying. Travel and payments: Bank of Baroda introduced UPI Global QR Payments for international visitors, listing Mauritius among participating corridors. Business/IPO watch: NSE’s IPO is edging closer as SEBI chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey says approval of the draft prospectus is near. Local sports & tourism: Beachcomber Resorts is promoting golf and resort packages ahead of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open in December.

Credit Ratings for Africa: The African Peer Review Mechanism says a continent-wide credit ratings agency will launch in Mauritius on October 5, aiming to cut borrowing costs and offer local-currency ratings as African leaders push back against Western “big three” bias. Diplomacy & the Ocean: Monaco and Mauritius formalised diplomatic ties on 25 August, agreeing to cooperate on environmental protection, sustainable tourism and education. Energy Security: India and Mauritius move to deepen cooperation, including an IndianOil fuel supply and broader energy partnership talks. Digital Payments Link: Bank of Baroda in India rolled out UPI Global QR payments for international visitors, listing Mauritius among participating corridors. Tourism & Sports: EaseMyTrip founder Nishant Pitti backed the Stars Golf League Mauritius launch, with the event set for March 25–28, 2027. Environment & Food: Farmers face rising losses from the invasive giant African snail, traced back to two shells brought to India in the 1800s from Mauritius. Finance Watch: A Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL over IFCI’s NSE share sale and ordered Rs 5 lakh costs.

Chagos Showdown: Chagossian leader Misley Mandarin tells UK PM hopeful Andy Burnham “we will not surrender” as Mauritius ramps up pressure ahead of a UN General Assembly clash over Britain’s stalled sovereignty transfer and Diego Garcia leaseback. Credit Ratings Hub: Mauritius is set to host the launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) on October 7, with an October 5–6 conference in the run-up. Digital Payments Link: Bank of Baroda rolls out UPI Global Reverse Acceptance, letting eligible users from countries including Mauritius pay via familiar home apps using Bank of Baroda QR codes across India. Finance Regulation Watch: India’s SEBI bans Copthall Mauritius Investment Ltd. and a local broker over alleged manipulation tied to the new Closing Auction Session, moving fast with an interim order. Future-Readiness Ranking: A study puts South Africa first for future readiness while Mauritius ranks second, citing strong human capital and internet penetration. Energy/Deal News: GP Petroleums signs a four-month exclusivity agreement under “Project Petroleum” covering potential assets across India, UAE, Mauritius and East Africa. Health Progress: WHO says several African countries including Mauritius have hit major disease-elimination milestones despite deep funding cuts.

Energy & Trade Security: India and Mauritius move to deepen energy cooperation, with IndianOil set to supply Mauritius under a five-year petroleum products deal aimed at shielding the island from fuel price volatility and boosting energy security. Finance & Markets: India’s SEBI has moved fast against alleged market manipulation tied to the new Closing Auction Session, banning a JPMorgan-linked entity and a local broker; the case also names Copthall Mauritius Investment Ltd. Digital Payments Spotlight: India marks 10 years of UPI, highlighting cross-border use that already includes Mauritius, as the system’s scale keeps expanding. Tourism & Sports: Stars Golf League Mauritius is launched for March 25–28, 2027, with EaseMyTrip chairman Nishant Pitti among the international figures backing the event. Local Business/IPO Watch: Lumino Industries’ IPO opens Aug 27, with anchor investors including Citigroup Global Markets Mauritius, and the offer details set for retail and institutional allocation. Diplomacy: Mauritius is set to intensify pressure at the UN over the Chagos sovereignty dispute involving the UK.

Chagos Pressure at UN: Mauritius is set to intensify its push on Britain’s stalled Chagos sovereignty deal, with UK PM Andy Burnham facing a public showdown at the UN General Assembly in New York. Energy & Trade Links with India: IndianOil has broken ground on a new 27,500 mt bunker fuel storage facility at Mer Rouge, Port Louis, aiming to boost bunkering and support Mauritius’ Blue Economy. Local-Currency Push: Mauritius is exploring deeper India ties through local-currency trade and a rupee-clearing mechanism between the Bank of Mauritius and RBI, with hopes to expand the model across BRICS and Africa. UPI Milestone with Mauritius Mention: India marked 10 years of UPI, calling it a turning point; reports note UPI is operational in Mauritius among other countries. Finance & Governance: A British Virgin Islands delegation is in talks with India’s GIFT City to channel cross-border financial flows, while Lesotho hosted an Africa SOE corporate governance summit with Mauritius among participants. Business & Markets: Lumino Industries’ IPO opens Aug 27 after raising about Rs 207 crore from anchor investors; Mauritius-linked entities also appear in regional finance coverage. Immigration Pathway: The UK Ancestry Visa scheme lists Mauritius among Commonwealth countries whose citizens may apply if they can prove UK-born grandparent heritage.

Mauritius–India Trade & Payments: Mauritius is pushing deeper ties with India through local-currency trade and energy cooperation, with a planned rupee–Mauritian rupee clearing mechanism aimed at reducing reliance on hard currencies. Energy Security: Indian Oil has broken ground in Port Louis (Mer Rouge) on a 27,500 mt bunker fuel storage facility, investing $25m to boost bunkering and support Mauritius’ Blue Economy ambitions. Digital Payments Spotlight: India marked 10 years of UPI, citing a 4,000-fold jump in transaction value and noting UPI is operational/accepted in Mauritius among other countries—highlighting growing cross-border payment links. UK Migration Pathway: A UK Ancestry Visa scheme lists Mauritius among eligible Commonwealth countries, offering a five-year route to live and work in the UK for those with UK-born grandparents. Business & Markets: Mauritius envoy to Pakistan called for stronger trade, investment and cultural ties, including exploring a free trade arrangement. Local Governance/Policy: Mauritius’ National Drug Control Masterplan 2026–2030 is discussed amid concerns over synthetic drugs, with emphasis on prevention and harm reduction alongside enforcement. Tourism & Lifestyle: Stars Golf League Mauritius was launched, positioning the island as an annual luxury sporting destination, with the first event set for March 25–28, 2027.

Mauritius-India Public Service Ties: Mauritius’ Minister of Public Service Lutchmanah Raj Pentiah met India’s Jitendra Singh to push stronger cooperation in public service training and capacity building, with a focus on deeper institutional links and technology-enabled delivery. Energy Security Deal: India and Mauritius also continue expanding energy cooperation, including oil, gas and fuel supply arrangements aimed at reducing price volatility and strengthening energy security. Local Economy & Finance: Mauritius-based funds linked to the Adani Group faced fresh setbacks as India’s SEBI rejected settlement bids tied to disclosure and shareholder-details issues, keeping the long-running probe active. Digital Payments Link: UPI marked its 10-year milestone, and Mauritius is listed among the countries where the system is operational, supporting cross-border digital payments. Maritime Rights: An editorial highlights the UN CLCS decision approving Mauritius’ extended continental shelf in the Rodrigues region, a major step after years of scientific and legal work. Public Health & Safety: A National Agency for Drug Control interview warns Mauritius’ drug situation is critical, stressing prevention, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation alongside enforcement.

Energy Partnership: India and Mauritius exchanged a five-year deal during Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s visit, with Indian Oil (IOC) to supply Mauritius’ full petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel needs, plus a wider oil-and-gas MoU covering training and biofuels. Digital Payments: UPI marked 10 years of growth, jumping from 2 crore transactions in FY2016-17 to over 24,162 crore in FY2025-26, and is now accepted in 11 countries including Mauritius. Markets Watch: India’s SEBI rejected settlement bids by overseas funds linked to Adani Group; separately, SEBI barred a JPMorgan-linked FPI, Copthall Mauritius Investment Ltd, over alleged Sensex closing-auction manipulation. Business & Learning: IUX Education launched a trader-focused webinar series (Mondays and Fridays) streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Health Note: Hungary reported an imported chikungunya case in a woman who returned from Mauritius. Sports: Suraj Narredu made history as the first Indian jockey to win at Japan Racing Association (JRA).

Energy Security Deal: India and Mauritius have signed a five-year fuel supply agreement under which Indian Oil Corporation will cover Mauritius’ full import needs of petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel, with a government-to-government MoU also expanding oil and gas cooperation, training and biofuels—aimed at cutting exposure to price volatility. Energy Talks in Port Louis: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Energy Minister Patrick Gervais Assirvaden during his Aug 20–22 visit, where the documents were exchanged. Biofuels Push: The two sides discussed ethanol blending and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, plus work on a Biofuels Country Landscape policy framework with the Global Biofuels Alliance. Regional Leadership Programme: LEAP Africa wrapped its Leadership Accelerator Programme for young women, selecting 31 participants including from Mauritius, after an online phase that drew 4,500 women across 48 African countries. Health Alert: Hungary reported an imported chikungunya case linked to travel to Mauritius during the infection incubation period.