AGP Executive Report

UPI Goes to Cyprus: India’s real-time payments system UPI will be operational in Cyprus from next year after an MoU signed between NPCI International Payments and Eurobank Cyprus during PM Modi’s 2025 visit—another step in India’s push to expand fintech abroad. Mauritius in the Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV received Mauritius’ new ambassador to the Holy See, stressing that diplomacy should protect the “common good” and keep the vulnerable from being ignored. Courtroom Stakes for Internet Governance: ICANN has been allowed to intervene in Mauritius court proceedings tied to AFRINIC’s winding-up—raising the stakes for how a regional internet registry’s global role is handled in local legal fights. Visa Rules Tighten in Thailand: Thailand cut visa-free stays for 54 countries from 60 to 30 days, citing overstays and security concerns; Seychelles and Mauritius get shorter exemptions. Maritime Cooperation: India’s IOS SAGAR mission wrapped up with INS Sunayna returning to Kochi, involving partner navies including Mauritius, under “One Ocean, One Mission.”

Thailand Visa Crackdown: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free stay for over 90 countries to 30 days, citing overstays, crime, and illegal work concerns—while some nations (including Mauritius) get shorter exemptions. UN Climate Accountability: A UN General Assembly resolution endorsed the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion, strengthening pressure on rich states to pay for damage, even as major powers voted against or abstained. Mauritius in Diplomacy: Mauritius’ President visited Icherisheher in Baku for WUF13, and Mauritius’ ambassadorial credentials were received by Pope Leo XIV—both signals of the island’s active external engagement. Regional Security & Trade: India’s multinational naval mission IOS SAGAR wrapped up in Kochi, with Mauritius among partner states; Malawi launched a $2.8m digital sanitary-trade system built by Mauritius Network Services. Business & Mobility: Emirates expanded accessibility with its Travel Rehearsal in Ghana and began A380 cabin upgrades; CentFX announced it will sponsor Money Expo India 2026.

UN Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ-linked resolution on states’ legal duties to tackle climate change, with 141 votes for and major opponents including the US, Russia and Saudi Arabia—turning promises into political pressure. Diplomacy & Values: Pope Leo XIV urged ambassadors to put the common good ahead of “particular interests,” receiving new envoys including Mauritius’ representative. Mauritius in the spotlight: Mauritius’ President toured Baku’s Icherisheher heritage sites at WUF13, while Mauritius Network Services helped Malawi launch a $2.8m digital trade system to speed phytosanitary clearance. Regional security cooperation: India’s IOS SAGAR mission wrapped up with INS Sunayna returning to Kochi after a deployment with 16 partner nations, including Mauritius. Economy & governance: Ghana’s Bagbin warned Africa loses about $88.6bn yearly to corruption and illicit flows, as Thailand cuts visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for most countries. Business & markets: Investec sweetened private-banking offers to attract wealthy clients; Access Bank says it has enough FX liquidity to meet a looming $1bn debt.

Digital Trade Push: Malawi’s Deputy Minister Thoko Tembo launched a $2.8m online Sanitary and Phytosanitary system to speed plant and animal export paperwork, cut delays at borders, and reduce fraud—built by Mauritius Network Services with World Bank funding. Ghana Court Update: Ghana’s Attorney General has closed the Sky Train case after cross-examinations, leaving the court to decide whether former GIIF boss Solomon Asamoah and board chair Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi must answer over alleged $2m disbursements without approval. AI and Jobs Debate: Pan-African leaders met ahead of June 2026’s Africa Development Impact Forum to argue AI can create jobs in areas like agriculture and logistics—but only with deliberate, practical policy. Mauritius in Regional Spotlight: Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool toured Baku’s Icherisheher heritage sites and met Azerbaijan officials, including interest in adopting Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet public service model. Sports & Governance: Namibia missed world relays over training and support gaps, while APNAC Africa’s Bagbin renewed calls to tackle corruption draining $88.6bn yearly from the continent.

Ghana Sky Train trial: Ghana’s Attorney-General has closed its case in the $2m Sky Train Project matter against former GIIF CEO Solomon Asamoah and former Board Chair Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, who deny charges tied to alleged disbursement without Board approval; the court now decides whether the prosecution has made a case. Mauritius diplomacy at WUF13: President Dharambeer Gokhool is in Baku for the UN World Urban Forum, touring Icharishahar heritage sites and pushing the “housing the world” agenda. Anti-corruption push: APNAC Africa chair Alban Bagbin says Africa loses about $88.6bn a year to corruption and illicit flows, urging tougher vigilance as digital risks grow. Africa jobs and AI: A pre-Africa Development Impact Forum stock-take webinar weighs whether AI will create jobs or disrupt labour markets, calling for practical, Africa-specific policy. Thailand visa clampdown: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries to 30 days, aiming to curb abuse while protecting tourism. Global business & culture: IMEX Frankfurt opens at record scale with Mauritius among new exhibitors, while a Mauritius-set romance film “Prisoners of Paradise” lands North American distribution rights.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool toured Icherisheher’s UNESCO-listed landmarks and met Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev, with both sides spotlighting cooperation and Azerbaijan’s “ASAN Khidmet” public-service model. Anti-corruption push: Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin urged African legislators to tighten collective action against corruption and illicit financial flows, warning the continent loses about $88.6bn a year. India-Africa focus: Ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi (May 28-31), India’s envoy said the stakes include trade, digital transformation, healthcare and innovation—especially for partners like Kenya. Global payments under pressure: A new look at fintech failures points to a recurring question: what happens when correspondent banking or regulators’ scrutiny hit. Banking stress test: Fitch says Access Bank has enough foreign-currency liquidity to meet its $1bn 2026 external debt. Thailand visa tightening: Thailand cut the 60-day visa exemption to 30 days and will curb “visa runs,” aiming to reduce illicit activity while keeping tourism access for key markets.

AI & Accountability: Bank of Ghana adviser Dr John Kwabena Kwakye told Ghana’s accountants to embrace AI—saying “AI will not replace accountants, but accountants who leverage AI will replace those who do not”—linking tech skills with integrity and fraud detection. Anti-Corruption Push: APNAC chair Alban Bagbin urged Africans to intensify the fight against corruption and illicit flows, citing Africa’s estimated $88.6bn annual losses. Mauritius Diplomacy & Digital Services: President Dharambeer Gokhool met Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev in Baku, highlighting interest in the ASAN Khidmet public-service model after visiting the centre; the two also discussed scholarships and cooperation. Tourism & Business: IMEX Frankfurt opened at record scale, with Mauritius among destinations expanding presence. Aviation Pressure: Air India is cutting/suspending multiple international routes as jet fuel costs and airspace restrictions bite. Science Breakthrough: Scientists hatched live chicks from a fully artificial egg, a de-extinction milestone. Regional Housing Finance: Ruto called for global financial reform to make affordable housing possible as urbanisation accelerates.

Jobs Crisis: South Africa’s latest labour figures paint a grim picture: unemployment has surged to 16.8 million, youth unemployment jumped to 4.7 million, and “discouraged” job-seekers rose sharply—fueling calls to speed up labour-intensive growth and back SMEs. Urban & Housing Diplomacy: At WUF13 in Baku, Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool pushed “housing the world” as a humanitarian and development priority, while Kenya’s Ruto demanded global financial reform so Africa can fund affordable housing. Mauritius in the Spotlight: Mauritius also backed AfCFTA green, circular value chains, and UNICEF/UniCal moved to end open defecation on campus. Aviation Pressure: Air India is cutting and suspending multiple international routes through summer due to airspace curbs and record fuel costs, but says it will still fly to Mauritius weekly. Digital Safety: Mauritius Telecom launched my.t protect Parental Control, extending child online protection beyond SIM-level filtering.

Taiwan Cross-Strait Tension: Canada’s Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong arrived in Taipei to meet President Lai Ching-te, pushing back on China’s warning that such visits carry political consequences. Africa Housing & Finance: President William Ruto urged global financial reform and stronger multilateral financing to make affordable housing possible as urbanisation accelerates across Africa. Mauritius Digital Safety: Mauritius Telecom launched my.t protect Parental Control, extending its child online protection push beyond SIM filtering to safeguard minors across devices. Tourism Deal-Making: At Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, Chinese and African tourism operators sought new partnerships, with easier visas and China-linked demand in focus. Cyber Threats: A new report says AI is lowering barriers to DDoS attacks across Africa, raising pressure on digital defenses. Urban Forum Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s PM held bilateral meetings at WUF13, including with Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool. Marine Recovery: Resorts are backing efforts to restore disappearing seagrass, as habitat loss threatens coastal life and tourism.

Chikungunya Alert for Mauritius: The US CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Mauritius, urging Americans to take “enhanced precautions” amid a growing mosquito-borne chikungunya outbreak, with Mauritius reporting rising cases since January. Regional Health Watch: The advisory lands as the wider region reports first-time or increasing chikungunya activity in 2026, keeping public health and travel risk front and centre. Mauritius in the Global Spotlight: Separate from health, Mauritius-linked stories this week also point to the island’s wider pull—from international cultural restitution efforts in Ghana to cross-border business and tourism cooperation in Africa. Diplomacy & Trade Background: Over the past days, the news flow also highlighted how major powers are reshaping routes and partnerships, from Indian naval visits in the Indian Ocean to Gulf-Africa investment talks—context for why travel and supply chains matter now.

Taiwan-Canada Tension: Tory MP Michael Chong landed in Taipei to meet President Lai Ching-te, despite fresh China warnings to lawmakers—another reminder that Taiwan’s diplomacy is still a high-stakes squeeze. Mauritius Health Alert: The US CDC issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Mauritius over rising chikungunya cases, urging enhanced precautions and mosquito protection. Indian Ocean Security: India’s GRSE will launch its first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel for the Navy on May 20, with high indigenous content and wider maritime roles. Industrial Push: India is targeting about 100 products for domestic manufacturing to cut import dependence, alongside faster approvals and new FTAs. Digital Identity Trust: World Bank-led ID4Africa discussions stress that digital ID systems fail when safeguards break across data collection and storage. Local Economy Signal: A Mauritius tourism MOU with South Africa aims to ease entry and boost training and sustainable development.

Health Alert: The US CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Mauritius over rising chikungunya cases, urging Americans to take “enhanced precautions” like insect repellent and long clothing, as the island reports an increasing outbreak trend since January. Medical Rescue: In Chennai, MIOT International treated a 46-year-old Mauritian woman after a foreign body migrated into her neck near major arteries—an urgent case that was only discovered after CT scanning. Digital Identity & Trust: At ID4Africa, the World Bank warned that weak safeguards across the “data lifecycle” can break public trust in digital ID systems, citing operational and legal failures in parts of Kenya, India and Uganda. Regional Politics & Sport: Nigeria’s Tonobok Okowa was elected CAA Senior VP in a continental athletics shake-up, while India’s Manoj Sinha praised Purvanchal’s cultural figures and contributions. Trade & Mobility: Mauritius also keeps popping up in global rankings and deals—from passport and expat cost chatter to new cross-border tourism cooperation.

Chikungunya Alert for Mauritius: The US CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Mauritius over a growing chikungunya outbreak, urging “enhanced precautions” and recommending vaccination, insect repellent, and long clothing. Energy & Food Pressure in Africa: A wider Iran–US conflict is driving shipping disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, raising fuel and fertilizer risks that could worsen food insecurity across the continent. Industrial Push, Import-Dependence Focus (India): India is planning a sharper manufacturing drive by identifying nearly 100 products where domestic output is missing or insufficient, alongside faster approvals and more FTAs. Insurance as Development Strategy (Africa): Africa Re warns weak insurance markets are quietly slowing industrialisation, calling for insurance and reinsurance to be built into national resilience and climate plans. Mauritius in the regional spotlight: South Africa and Mauritius signed a tourism MoU, while Air Mauritius is weighing a “Game Changer” fleet shift toward smaller jets to cut costs and boost route flexibility.

Wealth Management Shake-up: Schroders named Patrick Schwyzer head of its Europe client group, while Investec, Cazenove and WTW also filled senior roles—another sign the global wealth industry is tightening leadership as competition heats up. Health Alert for Mauritius: The US CDC issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Mauritius over rising chikungunya cases, urging enhanced precautions and vaccination for travellers. Indian Ocean Security: India’s multinational naval ship IOS Sagar (Sunayna) is set to arrive in Colombo as part of its “One Ocean, One Mission” cooperation push. UK–EU Politics: In Britain, Keir Starmer unveiled plans to let the PM adopt EU rules with less parliamentary say—sparking fresh Brexit-era tensions. Mauritius in the spotlight: Mauritius is also being pitched as a low-cost, tax-free expat destination, and as a new golden-visa magnet for high-net-worth investors. Regional Sports: Tobi Amusan won her third straight African 100m hurdles title in Accra, keeping Nigeria’s medal momentum rolling.

Drug Bust & Justice: A Netflix drama “Legends” spotlights a real-life HM Customs operation that helped dismantle a heroin smuggling ring—an unusually gritty reminder that civil servants can be frontline players in high-stakes security. Middle East Shockwaves: Trump’s Iran war is tightening the screws on global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, hitting Africa with fuel and fertilizer shortages and deepening food insecurity. Health Alert for Visitors: The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel warning for Mauritius over chikungunya, urging enhanced precautions as local cases rise. Indian Ocean Diplomacy: India’s IOS Sagar naval ship with a 16-nation crew is set to call at Colombo, underscoring “One Ocean, One Mission” cooperation in the region. UK–EU Brexit Fight: Keir Starmer’s plan would let the UK adopt EU rules with limited or no MP votes—while political turbulence grows at home. Mauritius in the Spotlight: Mauritius is also being marketed as a tax-free expat haven and is pushing a golden visa for high-net-worth investors. Regional Governance: Senator Linda Nxumalo is elected SADC women’s caucus chair, with climate and the blue economy on the agenda.

Mauritius–South Africa Tourism Push: Minister Patricia de Lille signed a South Africa–Mauritius tourism MoU at Africa’s Travel Indaba, aiming to deepen cooperation on sustainable tourism, easier entry and travel facilitation, and skills and information sharing. Cultural Restitution & Heritage: Ghana’s Manhyia Palace Museum doubled down on restitution and protection of Asante cultural assets, while promoting contemporary Ghanaian art through new awards and Seychelles-linked exhibitions. UK–EU Legal Tension: Keir Starmer unveiled plans to let the UK adopt EU rules with limited or no MP votes, a move critics say risks a “back door” to the single market. Indian Ocean Security Signals: Britain’s King’s Speech reportedly omitted the planned Chagos/Diego Garcia sovereignty handover to Mauritius, keeping the issue politically alive amid West Asia tensions. Air Mauritius Turnaround: Air Mauritius is considering smaller jets like the A321neo or B737 MAX to cut costs and reshape routes under its “Game Changer” plan. Regional Mobility Watch: Sri Lanka’s passport slipped to 94th globally, a reminder that travel access remains a major political and economic lever.