Tax Reform Push: India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says structural tax changes are meant to cut litigation “at source,” not just manage backlogs, and urged industry and researchers to submit quantified, workable alternatives beyond rate cuts and exemptions. UPI MDR No-Rollback: Government sources say there will be no reversal of the 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI merchant payments above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, with the charge capped and framed as needed for UPI’s long-term sustainability and security. Mauritius Link in Global Policy: Sitharaman also noted India renegotiated tax treaties with Mauritius (plus Singapore and Cyprus) to restore taxing rights on capital gains at source. Travel & Connectivity: flydubai expands interline links with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, boosting connections that include Mauritius via Dubai. Regional Business/People: A French tutor based in Livingston (Mauritius) has been shortlisted for a UK-wide business awards finalist spot. Consumer Alert: A shampoo recall tied to a COMESA alert includes Mauritius among export destinations, urging customers to stop using and seek refunds.
AGP Executive Report
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UPI Fees Update: India’s RBI has backed a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, starting October 15, while keeping person-to-person transfers and UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 free for users; the MDR is framed as a merchant-side ecosystem charge, with a cap of Rs 300 for transactions of Rs 75,000 and above. Mauritius Link: IBIA says regulatory limits on South Africa’s Algoa Bay offshore bunkering are pushing some vessel traffic to Mauritius, which is reporting strong bunker volumes. Tech & Media: Apple is expanding iCloud+ into a bigger bundle in 100+ countries, adding Apple TV and Apple Arcade (and a limited Apple Music Select) at no extra charge, though the US and some major regions are excluded. Travel Rules: Thailand ends its 60-day visa-free scheme from September 15, cutting stays to 30 days for many nationalities and tightening visa-on-arrival access. Sports (Mauritius): Junior midfielder Brooklyn Jheemla has been named to Mauritius’ Women’s A Team squad for an Olympic qualifying tournament.
UPI Fees Watch: India’s NPCI has notified a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on person-to-merchant UPI payments above Rs 2,000, effective Oct 15, while keeping person-to-person UPI free and protecting small-value payments up to Rs 2,000. Local Sports Spotlight: Mauritius’ Jheemla Brooklyn Jheemla has been named to the Women’s A Team squad for the national Olympic qualifying push. Tourism & Travel: Emirates says it expects to restore full prewar seat capacity by year-end and reports strong summer demand, with winter bookings building. Mauritius in the Air: Emirates renewed its Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority partnership, backing destination promotion and travel trade programmes. Finance & Deals: Solar Group’s proposed INR 12,951 crore acquisition of Omnia includes Mauritius-linked entities in the transaction structure. Global Space: Djibouti became the 72nd country to sign the Artemis Accords, joining Mauritius among African signatories. Business & Markets: Pranav Constructions shares debuted on Indian bourses at a 33% premium after a heavily subscribed IPO.
Mauritius in the spotlight at ATM 2026: Emirates kicked off Arabian Travel Market with seven new or renewed tourism deals, including a renewed agreement with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, as the airline pushes joint marketing and familiarisation trips; Emirates says it runs three daily flights to Mauritius and reports rising arrivals from Middle Eastern markets. Winter travel momentum: Emirates also says it has closed its northern summer season ahead of expectations, carrying over 8.6 million passengers in July–August and entering winter with strong bookings, with demand ahead of last year in markets such as South Africa, Brazil, India, Portugal, Egypt, Ghana, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Visa rules that affect travellers: Thailand’s new entry system starts today, ending the 60-day visa exemption and replacing it with 30-day and 15-day schemes (Mauritius and Seychelles get 15 days), plus tighter limits at land borders. Mauritius football ties: CAF confirmed next-round fixtures, with Durban City drawn against Port Louis-based opponents in the Confederation Cup, while other South African clubs learned their Champions League and Confederation Cup rivals. Local policy debate: A Q&A on Mauritius’ proposed National Crime Agency focuses on whether constitutional status alone can protect independence, and what safeguards are needed to prevent political interference.
Mauritius Crime Policy: A Q&A warns that Mauritius’ proposed National Crime Agency won’t be truly independent just because of constitutional status; safeguards are needed on director-general selection, finances, surveillance powers, unexplained wealth probes, and links to the DPP to prevent political interference. CAF Football: Durban City learned it will face Port Louis-based opponents in the CAF Confederation Cup after the draw, while CAF also confirmed Champions League and Confederation Cup second-preliminary fixtures for mid/late October. Business & Markets: Omnia’s R21.8bn all-cash buyout bid from Solar SA Investments (Solar Overseas Mauritius) would delist the fertiliser and explosives group, with Solar Industries also announcing its definitive agreement to acquire Omnia Holdings for about ₹12,951 crore. Regional Trade Push: The Pakistan-Africa Economic Council was launched in Islamabad with Mauritius among attending states, aiming to grow bilateral trade to $15bn by 2030 through long-term market development and value-chain integration. Travel & Tourism: Emirates says summer carried 8.6m passengers and winter bookings are tracking ahead, with demand strong in South Africa, India, Ghana and others, as it expands capacity and Premium Economy.
Mauritius–Africa business push: A new Pakistan-Africa Economic Council was launched with Mauritius among the attending partners, aiming to lift trade to $15bn by 2030 and bring chambers of commerce and private firms into closer contact. MediaCity Mauritius tech deal: Broadcasting Center Africa signed an agreement with Broadcasting Center Europe to build technology capabilities at MediaCity Mauritius, positioning the island as an African media and content tech hub with a focus on data sovereignty. Finance watchdogs in the region: India’s securities regulator is tightening scrutiny of Wall Street giants, including a Mauritius-based JPMorgan unit, as it targets alleged manipulative trading to protect retail investors. CAF Champions League (Mauritius connection): Orlando Pirates beat Mauritian side La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate to reach the next CAF Champions League preliminary round, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou warning his players to stop “showboating” and focus on scoring. Tourism and travel angles: A global map highlights where international tourists spend most, while another report notes Nigerians can use eVisas to travel to Mauritius among 54 destinations listed.
Mauritius–Africa media push: Broadcasting Center Africa has picked Broadcasting Center Europe to build a technology and data-sovereignty hub at MediaCity Mauritius, aiming to serve African media professionals and act as an international gateway for African content. CAF Champions League (Mauritius connection): Orlando Pirates beat La Cure Waves 3-1 at Orlando Amstel Arena to progress in the preliminary round, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou warned his players against “showboating” and demanded more goals. NSE IPO watch: India’s NSE mega IPO price band is set at Rs 1,700–1,785, with the offer opening on Sept 17 and closing Sept 21; grey market premium is reported around 11–12%. Pakistan–Africa trade drive: Pakistan and African partners launched the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, targeting $15bn trade by 2030, with Mauritius among the attending countries. Travel access for Nigerians: A 2026 evaluation says Nigerians can apply for eVisas to 54 destinations, including Mauritius. Business forum spotlight: Mauritius was presented as a strategic gateway for African investment at Business Forum 2026, with its financial services sector highlighted as a key cross-border channel.
CAF Champions League (Mauritius connection): Orlando Pirates edged La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate after a 3-1 second-leg win in Soweto, with the tie swinging after an early La Cure goal and Pirates’ quick response; they now face Namibian side African Stars. Mauritius business & finance: At Business Forum 2026, Mauritius Finance CEO Faraz Rojid pitched the island as a gateway for African investment, citing its location, stable environment and a 15% corporate tax regime. Travel access for Mauritians’ region: Nigeria passport holders can use eVisas for 54 destinations including Mauritius, while the Philippines’ Balikbayan Program lists 46 African countries for visa-free entry when travelling with a former Filipino. Markets watch (India, with Mauritius links): India’s NSE IPO is set for Sept 17 with a price band of Rs 1,700–1,785; the offer-for-sale includes sellers such as MS Strategic (Mauritius) and Aranda Investments (Mauritius). Sports note: Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says midfielder Kabelo Dlamini is back in training and could return soon.
Mauritius as investment hub: Mauritius was highlighted at Business Forum 2026 as a “gateway” for African capital, with its financial services sector contributing about 13% to GDP and benefits like political stability, a 15% corporate tax rate and no exchange controls. CAF Champions League (Port Louis ties): Orlando Pirates host Mauritian champions La Cure Waves in the second leg after a 0-0 first draw in Port Louis; Pirates need a win to advance, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou saying they won’t underestimate the island side and hinting at key returns. NSE IPO watch (regional finance): India’s National Stock Exchange IPO is set to open Sept 17 with a revised price band of Rs 1,700–1,785 and an offer-for-sale size cut to about Rs 22,569 crore, as shareholders trimmed selling plans. Travel access for Mauritians: A global eVisa roundup lists Mauritius among destinations offering eVisas to Nigerians, while separate visa-free lists show how regional travel rules keep shifting. UK border update: The UK updated eGate rules, adding two physical requirements for travellers from seven countries eligible for automatic gates.
NSE IPO Watch: India’s National Stock Exchange set its IPO price band at Rs 1,700–1,785, with subscription opening September 17 and closing September 21 (anchor bids September 16). The deal is an offer for sale only, with up to 12.64 crore shares sold by existing holders, and proceeds going to sellers. Local Business Link: Mauritius-linked investors are among the selling shareholders, including Aranda Investments (Mauritius) and MS Strategic (Mauritius), as the exchange targets a valuation up to about Rs 4.42 lakh crore. Sports—CAF Champions League: Orlando Pirates host Mauritius’ La Cure Waves in a must-win second leg after a 0-0 draw in Mauritius. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says they won’t underestimate the opponents, and he’s hopeful for returns including Kabelo Dlamini, while Sihle Nduli remains a doubt. Port Louis Trade: Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) in Port Louis signed with HHMC for two Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and five hybrid RTGs.
CAF Champions League (Mauritius tie): Orlando Pirates host Mauritian minnows La Cure Waves in the second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena after a 0-0 draw in Mauritius, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insisting they won’t underestimate the “no small teams anymore” opponents and will stick to their shape to avoid penalties. Squad Boost: Pirates received a boost as Kabelo Dlamini, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa returned to training, while Ouaddou also signalled he’ll use a “tried and tested” lineup. NSE IPO (India finance, Mauritius link): India’s National Stock Exchange fixed its IPO price band at Rs 1,700–1,785 (OFS only) opening Sept 17 and closing Sept 21, with Aranda Investments (Mauritius) among selling shareholders. Mauritius–tourism connectivity: Uzbekistan and Mauritius agreed direct Tashkent–Mauritius flights starting Dec 26, aiming to grow joint tourism products. Local business (Port Louis): CHCL signed with HHMC for two Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and five hybrid RTGs for Port Louis container operations. Community event: Culturama Thompson runs Saturday 10am–9pm, featuring cultures including Mauritius alongside India, Nigeria and others.
Mauritius–Uzbekistan Air Links: Uzbekistan and Mauritius tourism firms met in Tashkent ahead of the first-ever Tashkent–Mauritius direct flights, aiming to build new joint travel products and boost Central Asia–CIS access. NSE IPO Watch (Mauritius-linked selling shareholders): India’s National Stock Exchange set an IPO price band of ₹1,700–₹1,785, with the offer opening Sep 17 and closing Sep 21; the issue is an offer-for-sale only, and top sellers—including MS Strategic (Mauritius) and other shareholders—have trimmed the OFS size, pushing the total down to about ₹23,000 crore. Travel & Connectivity: Emirates reported 8.7 million passengers in July–August and recovered about 93% of seat capacity in August. Local Health Alert (Mauritius-linked species): Kerala schools and campuses are seeing spread of giant African snails, with teachers clearing them daily and authorities warning of public health risks. CAF Champions League (Mauritius tie): Orlando Pirates were held 0–0 by La Cure Waves in Mauritius and host the second leg Saturday at Orlando Amstel Arena. Finance Appointments: Tag Markets named Craig Lund CEO as it moves into a new phase focused on governance and regulated digital-asset operations.
Mauritius-India Tourism: The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority says it welcomed 51,005 Indian visitors from January to July 2026, up 14.5% year-on-year, after a four-city push in Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad with 20+ local partners. Travel Rules Watch: New Zealand’s visa waiver list includes only two African countries—Mauritius and Seychelles—though travellers still need an NZeTA. UK Entry Update: The UK has named 82 countries whose citizens can use an Electronic Travel Authorisation instead of a visa, with Mauritius among the island nations benefiting from streamlined entry. Air Connectivity: IndiGo will start daily direct Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from 20 November 2026, and notes it already flies to Mauritius and Seychelles. Local Sports (Mauritius link): Orlando Pirates were held 0-0 by La Cure Waves in Mauritius in the CAF Champions League qualifier first leg, setting up a tense home second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Mauritius-India Tourism: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority says its four-city push in India (Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad) delivered 51,005 Indian visitors from Jan–July 2026, up 14.5% year-on-year, with partners pitching Mauritius as a year-round destination beyond beaches. Fisheries & IUU Fishing: Mauritius approved amended rules for its fisheries electronic reporting system, tightening ERS repair timelines and requiring verified fixes at approved ports to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Aviation Policy: Mauritius will set up a National Aviation Council reporting to the Prime Minister to review air access policy, with Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways interest to be assessed through a wider strategic lens. Catholic Community: On the 162nd anniversary of Blessed Jacques-Désiré Laval’s death, the Port Louis bishop urged Catholics to renew solidarity with the poor and those harmed by social and historical injustices. Chagos Diplomacy: UK PM Andy Burnham reiterated the UK will be “relentless” in defending Falkland Islanders’ right to choose to be British, as Chagos sovereignty talks and the UK–Mauritius deal continue to stir regional debate. Regional Connectivity: INDOI (Mauritius-headquartered) is behind Kenya’s new LuLu submarine cable system, launched at ITW Africa to boost coastal connectivity.
Mauritius Aviation Policy: Mauritius will set up a National Aviation Council reporting to the Prime Minister to review the country’s air access policy, with Air Mauritius and civil aviation officials plus independent specialists, after talks on expanding connectivity including an Etihad Airways interest. Port Louis Logistics: HHMC has won a Port Louis crane deal for two Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and five hybrid RTGs, boosting capacity at the container terminal. Regional Sports (U-20): Namibia named a 20-player squad for the CAF U-20 COSAFA qualifier in Mozambique, with Group A including host Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles; Namibia open against Mauritius on Sept 18. UK–Chagos & Falklands: UK PM Andy Burnham told lawmakers the Falkland Islands’ rights will be “relentlessly” defended, while the Chagos sovereignty dispute continues as the Maldives asks for renewed talks with the UK. Global Finance (NSE IPO): India’s NSE IPO may shrink as the Offer For Sale is expected to be cut to 5.2–5.5%, potentially bringing the total issue size to ₹25,000–27,000 crore, with a likely price band of ₹1,700–₹1,785 and a Sept 18 subscription start. US Immigration (DV 2026): The US State Department published DV-2026 selected entrants; Mauritius is listed among the lowest with just two selected applicants. Kenya Connectivity: Kenya’s LuLu Coastal Cable System launched at ITW Africa, co-developed with Mauritius-headquartered INDOI, aiming to strengthen protected connectivity along 500km of coastline.
Chagos Diplomacy: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has invited UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham for official talks, urging “meaningful dialogue” after Britain moved to cede Chagos sovereignty to Mauritius—an issue tied to the Diego Garcia UK-US military base and now drawing fresh international pressure. Mauritius-India Links: A new analysis highlights why Mauritius matters to India’s maritime strategy, pointing to the island’s location on key trade routes and deep cultural ties that support long-running cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Payments & UPI Abroad: India’s PM Modi pushed for UPI to become the default rails for cross-border payments, noting the platform’s expansion beyond India and the practical hurdles—security, interoperability, and local regulation. NSE IPO Watch: Reports say India’s NSE may cut its mega IPO size to about ₹24,000–25,000 crore from ₹30,000 crore, with a possible September 18 opening and September 25 listing. Business & Finance: BRICS discussions ahead of its summit focus on cheaper trade via national currencies and linked fast-payment systems, with interest in CBDCs as an alternative to heavy dollar reliance.
Chagos Diplomacy: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has invited UK PM Andrew Burnham for official talks, warning over the UK’s plan to proceed with the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and calling for meaningful dialogue to protect Maldivian interests. Mauritius Football: Orlando Pirates were held 0-0 by La Cure Waves in the CAF Champions League opener in Port Louis, leaving them needing a win in the return leg after concerns about breaking down defensive sides. Local Sports Fixtures: Mauritius will open the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cosafa Qualifier against Namibia on Sept 18 in Maputo, with the tournament running Sept 18-27. Tourism Growth: Mauritius says Middle East arrivals rose about 10.5% in Jan–Jul 2026 and will push further at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai (Sept 14-17). Business & Finance: LIC Mauritius marks 70 years in Port Louis and launches a digital premium payment facility to reduce branch visits. Regional Trade & Payments: BRICS is discussing cheaper, faster trade via local currencies and links between fast-payment systems and CBDCs ahead of its Delhi summit.
Mauritius-India Energy Deal: IndianOil and Mauritius’ State Trading Corporation signed a five-year fuel supply arrangement in Port Louis, covering petrol, high-speed diesel, marine gas oil and aviation turbine fuel—aimed at long-term supply certainty and steadier prices for an island that imports all its petroleum. Chagos Update: UK Treasury reforms could raise the projected cost of the Chagos deal by £288m, as London changes how long-term investment costs and benefits are calculated. CAF Champions League (Mauritius): La Cure Waves held Orlando Pirates to a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Mauritius; Pirates’ youngster Cristian Derbyshire says they dominated but must “finish the job” at home in the second leg. Diaspora Consular Fund (Ghana): Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announced a Diaspora Consular Fund to speed emergency evacuations and repatriations, citing 4,972 Ghanaians brought home since 2025, including five from Mauritius. Investment Freedom Ranking: Morocco topped Africa’s 2026 Investment Freedom Index; Mauritius placed second on the continent with a score of 70.
Chagos Deal Update: Britain’s Chagos surrender deal to Mauritius is set to cost more after Treasury rule changes, with the price rising by £288m to reflect a lower discount rate—renewing debate over sovereignty and compensation. CAF Champions League (Mauritius tie): Orlando Pirates were held 0-0 by La Cure Waves in Mauritius in the first-leg preliminary round, leaving the return in Orlando wide open; young defender Cristian Derbyshire said Pirates dominated but missed chances. Local Sports Spotlight: Mauritius-linked football news also feeds into the wider continental build-up as clubs start their Champions League pushes. Banking & Investment: SBM Bank (Mauritius) is exploring a 26% stake sale for growth in India, while India’s NSE IPO buzz grows—grey market premium reportedly hits Rs 285 ahead of a possible September listing. Business & Housing: A BPTP housing dispute report highlights enforcement actions and refund battles involving Mauritius-linked entities. Sustainability: B Lab Africa launches its seventh Resilient Sustainable Business cohort, with core markets including Mauritius.
Stablecoin Rules in Africa: Ghana, Mauritius and Uganda are moving toward shared standards for stablecoins and other digital assets, aiming to make cross-border use easier as mobile money adoption keeps rising. Sustainable Business Push: B Lab Africa launched its 7th Resilient Sustainable Business programme, with core markets including Mauritius, to help SMEs build sustainability into operations and attract capital. Mauritius in Global Spotlight: A Taapsee Pannu interview says Shah Rukh Khan was “sweet” on the sets of Anjaam, including scenes filmed in Mauritius. US Green Card Lottery Update: The US State Department says Nigeria is the only African country barred from DV-2026, while the full list of selected countries and applicant numbers has been published. CAF Champions League (Mauritius connection): Orlando Pirates were held 0-0 by La Cure Waves in Mauritius in the first leg, leaving the tie wide open for the return in South Africa. Digital Payments Momentum: WhatsApp rolled out bill payments in India, riding the surge in UPI usage.
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