AGP Executive Report

Mauritius as Africa’s media tech hub: Broadcasting Center Africa picked Broadcasting Center Europe to build technology capabilities at MediaCity Mauritius, aiming for a continent-facing media and content epicentre with a focus on data sovereignty. Mauritius gateway for African investment: At Business Forum 2026, Mauritius Finance CEO Faraz Rojid pitched the island as a bridge between Africa and Asia, citing its financial services ecosystem, strategic location on maritime routes, and a 15% corporate tax regime. Regional trade push with Mauritius at the table: Pakistan and African partners launched the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, targeting $15bn bilateral trade by 2030, with Mauritius among the attending countries and chambers/private sector engagement highlighted. Kenya banking oversight: Kenya’s central bank proposed tighter rules for “too big to fail” lenders, potentially limiting expansion and new products for systemically important banks. India market scrutiny with Mauritius links: SEBI stepped up scrutiny of Wall Street giants, including a Mauritius-based JPMorgan unit accused of manipulative trades. NSE IPO ripple effects: India’s NSE mega IPO set a ₹1,700–₹1,785 price band and opened for subscription in mid-September, with selling shareholders trimming offers and grey-market premiums hovering around low double digits. BPTP accountability spotlight: In India’s Greater Faridabad, residents at BPTP Park Serene are withholding maintenance payments amid disputed handovers and charges, feeding a wider accountability and regulatory probe narrative.

NSE IPO Watch: India’s National Stock Exchange set its IPO price band at Rs 1,700–1,785 and will open subscriptions on 17 September, with the offer priced after a cut in the selling size to about 12.64 crore shares (raising roughly Rs 22,500 crore). Grey-market premium has hovered around 11–12%, while investors track how much selling shareholders— including SBI, Bank of Baroda, LIC and Mauritius-linked MS Strategic—could gain based on their acquisition costs. Mauritius as a Finance Gateway: At Mauritius Business Forum 2026, Mauritius Finance CEO Faraz Rojid pitched the island as a bridge for African and emerging-market capital, citing its 15% corporate tax, no exchange controls, and a financial services sector contributing about 13% of GDP. Pak-Africa Trade Push: Pakistan and African partners launched the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, targeting $15bn in bilateral trade by 2030, with Mauritius among the attending countries. Defence Diplomacy: India released RAKSHA, a 10-year roadmap for defence diplomacy, alongside MoUs and contracts aimed at deeper global defence cooperation. CIFTIS Dealmaking: Mauritius exhibitors at China’s CIFTIS in Beijing highlighted opportunities in AI and green tech, including a decade-long collaboration agreement tied to infrastructure and smart construction. Fuel Market Scrutiny (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwean motorists face higher petrol prices as regulators adjust rates, renewing attention on politically connected fuel networks.

Mauritius Gateway Push: Mauritius was highlighted at Business Forum 2026 as a strategic bridge for African investment, with SBM Bank India and Mauritius Finance pointing to the island’s stability, 15% corporate tax, no exchange controls and its role in cross-border wealth management. Port Louis Trade & Logistics: Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) in Port Louis signed with China’s HHMC for two Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and five hybrid RTGs, a move aimed at boosting container terminal capacity. Regional Finance & Payments: At India’s GFF 2026, NPCI and RBI-linked initiatives rolled out unified digital ticketing and new RuPay/UPI features, including offline QR ticketing and card-on-device tokenisation—signals for how Mauritius-linked financial services may evolve regionally. NSE IPO Watch (India): India’s National Stock Exchange set its IPO price band at Rs 1,700–1,785 (offer-for-sale only) opening Sept 17, with Mauritius-linked selling shareholders named in the OFS structure. Travel Connectivity: Uzbekistan-Mauritius direct flights are set to start Dec 26, 2026, following bilateral tourism talks in Tashkent. PAEC Trade Ambition: Pakistan and African countries launched the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, targeting USD15bn in bilateral trade by 2030, with Mauritius among the attending African missions. Fuel Market Risk (Regional): Zimbabwe’s petrol prices rose after ZERA adjustments, again spotlighting politically connected influence in fuel supply networks.

Mauritius as Investment Gateway: Mauritius Finance CEO Faraz Rojid told Business Forum 2026 that the island is positioning itself as a bridge for African and emerging-market capital, citing its location on major maritime routes, political stability, no exchange controls and a 15% headline corporate tax, with financial services contributing about 13% to GDP. NSE IPO Watch: India’s National Stock Exchange set its IPO price band at Rs 1,700–1,785 (OFS only) for subscription from September 17, with anchor bidding on September 16 and listing expected around September 24; the offer size has been cut to about Rs 22,569 crore after selling shareholders reduced the number of shares. Cross-border Payments Push (GFF 2026): At Global Fintech Fest 2026, India’s NPCI and RBI unveiled new payment and ticketing tools, including unified digital ticketing and RuPay/UPI upgrades aimed at smoother onboarding and broader credit access. Mauritius–Uzbekistan Air Link: Uzbekistan and Mauritius tourism players discussed new cooperation ahead of first-ever direct Tashkent–Mauritius flights, planned to start December 26, 2026. Local Port Deal: Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) in Port Louis signed with HHMC for two Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and five hybrid RTGs, boosting capacity at the island’s main container terminal.

NSE IPO Watch: India’s National Stock Exchange has set its long-awaited IPO price band at Rs 1,700–1,785 (lot size: 8 shares; minimum retail bid Rs 14,280) and will open subscriptions on September 17, with anchor bidding on September 16 and closing September 21; the deal is entirely an offer for sale (OFS) by existing shareholders, with the reduced offer size expected to raise about Rs 21,494–22,569 crore. Share Sales & Market Sentiment: Ahead of the NSE listing, several selling shareholders trimmed their planned stakes as the lower price band reduced the overall issue size, while grey-market premiums hovered around 11–12%. Mauritius Link in India Finance: Mauritius-based investors appear among NSE’s selling shareholders (including Aranda Investments and MS Strategic), underlining the island’s role in regional capital flows. Cross-Border Payments Push: At India’s GFF 2026, NPCI and RBI-backed initiatives unveiled unified digital ticketing and RuPay/UPI upgrades, including RuPay card-on-device tokenisation and “tap on phone” features. Local Business Angle: In Mauritius-related logistics news, HHMC won a Port Louis crane deal for new super post-Panamax STS cranes and hybrid RTGs for CHCL. Travel & Connectivity: Uzbekistan announced the first-ever direct Tashkent–Mauritius flights starting December 26, 2026, following bilateral tourism talks.

NSE IPO Watch: India’s National Stock Exchange fixed its IPO price band at Rs 1,700–1,785 per share (lot size: 8 shares; minimum Rs 14,280 at the top). The fully offer-for-sale deal opens for subscription on Sept 17 and closes Sept 21, with anchor bidding on Sept 16 and a likely listing on Sept 24; the issue size is now about Rs 22,569 crore after selling shareholders trimmed their offers. Local Trade & Finance Link: India is pushing BRICS members toward central bank digital currencies for cross-border payments, while avoiding a single bloc-wide payments network that could be seen as challenging the dollar—Mauritius is cited among partners using local-currency settlement mechanisms. Mauritius Connectivity: Uzbekistan will launch its first-ever direct flights to Mauritius on Dec 26, following bilateral tourism talks in Tashkent. Port Operations: HHMC won a Port Louis crane deal for two Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and five hybrid RTGs, boosting capacity at the container terminal. Travel Policy for Mauritians: South Korea added Mauritius to its K-ETA eligible list, enabling visa-free electronic travel authorisation for approved travellers.

NSE IPO Watch: India’s National Stock Exchange is set to open its long-awaited IPO for subscription on Sep 17, but the deal is shrinking as existing shareholders cut their offer-for-sale; the likely size is now around Rs 23,000 crore (from ~Rs 30,000 crore), with the price band expected at Rs 1,700–1,785 and anchor bidding on Sep 16. Mauritius-Linked Finance: Morgan Stanley-linked MS Strategic (Mauritius) is among sellers trimming its NSE stake, reflecting a push for better post-listing valuation. Mauritius Tourism Push: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority says it welcomed 51,005 Indian visitors in Jan–Jul 2026, up 14.5%, after a four-city push in Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Local Policy—Fisheries: Mauritius approved amended regulations for its fisheries electronic reporting system to curb IUU fishing, tightening ERS repair timelines and restricting fishing until units are fixed and verified. Africa Connectivity: IndiGo will launch daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from Nov 20, boosting trade and tourism links between India and East Africa. Digital Payments—BRICS: India is pushing BRICS to use central bank-backed digital currencies for cross-border payments, while avoiding a single bloc-wide payments network that could challenge the dollar. Energy Outlook (Regional): Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is in focus as an investor roadshow theme, with projections of major GDP growth by 2030 tied to industrial investment and energy reliability.

Mauritius–India Tourism Boost: 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 tourism partners. Mauritius Aviation Policy: The government will set up a National Aviation Council reporting to the Prime Minister to review Mauritius’ air access strategy, including a potential Etihad Airways interest, shifting focus beyond Air Mauritius alone. Fisheries Compliance: Cabinet-approved amendments strengthen Mauritius’ fisheries electronic reporting system to curb IUU fishing, including mandatory ERS repairs within 30 days and restrictions on fishing trips when units are inoperative. Regional Connectivity (Mauritius-linked): INDOI (Mauritius-headquartered) is behind Kenya’s LuLu protected submarine cable system launched at ITW Africa, aiming to improve connectivity along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast. BVI Financial Services Expansion: BVI’s Hong Kong office calls its Virgin Islands–India trade mission a success, with Mauritius and other private sector players involved, as it targets growth in Asia. SEBI Market Access (Mauritius link): SEBI lifted trading bans on JPMorgan unit Copthall Mauritius Investment and Mansi Share after deposits tied to a BSE closing auction manipulation case, though CAS participation remains barred. Global Finance Watch: NSE’s long-awaited IPO in India is expected to shrink as selling shareholders cut offer-for-sale stakes, with the price band now seen around ₹1,700–₹1,785.

Fisheries Enforcement: Mauritius approved amended rules for its fisheries electronic reporting system to curb IUU fishing, including mandatory ERS repairs within 30 days and restrictions on starting trips until units are fixed and verified. Aviation Policy: Mauritius will set up a National Aviation Council reporting to the Prime Minister to review air access from a global perspective, with Air Mauritius and civil aviation stakeholders plus independent specialists. Port Louis Upgrade: HHMC won a Port Louis crane deal, adding to capacity at the island’s main container terminal operator. Regional Connectivity: Kenya launched the LuLu Coastal Cable System, a fully protected submarine cable along 500km of coastline, co-developed with Mauritius-headquartered INDOI, aiming for service readiness in 2028. Cross-Border Payments Push: India’s UPI drive goes global, with Prime Minister Modi calling for integration with payment rails in countries with large Indian diasporas; UPI is already active in Mauritius and 10 other markets. Capital Markets Watch: India’s NSE IPO may shrink as the offer-for-sale is expected to drop to 5.2–5.5%, with a likely price band of ₹1,700–₹1,785 and a targeted Sept 18 opening and Sept 25 listing. Offshore Finance: Adani Group plans a $2.5bn offshore refinancing via Mauritius-based entities, potentially the biggest offshore loan of the year, to refinance debt tied to cement acquisitions. Investor Tools: A tax guide for investors and entrepreneurs was launched, focusing on regimes, tax laws and agreements.

Mauritius Aviation Policy: Mauritius will set up a National Aviation Council reporting to Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to review air access policy, with a possible Etihad Airways interest to be assessed as part of a wider strategic partnership. Port Louis Trade & Logistics: HHMC has won a Port Louis crane deal, while Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd signed for two Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and five hybrid RTGs for the terminal. Mauritius-US Business Link: The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is set to return to Mauritius from December 6–9, with organisers saying the postponed dates have boosted interest from investors and governments. Regional Connectivity: INDOI-led LuLu Coastal Cable System launched for Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline, with Mauritius-headquartered INDOI among co-developers. Finance & Markets (Mauritius-linked): India’s NSE IPO chatter continues to ripple through Mauritius-linked shareholder structures, with reports that the OFS could be cut to shrink the issue to Rs 25,000–27,000 crore; separately, Adani plans a $2.5bn refinancing via a Mauritius-based SPV. Business & People: A Mauritius Open inducts a new Major champion, and a Mauritius Business Review reader will also find a local angle in the Mauritius Open and in Mauritius-based legal coverage on cross-border financial crime.

Mauritius-India Business & Finance: Mauritius’ role in India’s maritime strategy is back in focus, with renewed attention on the island’s strategic location and long-running cooperation as India expands its Indian Ocean vision. Payments & Regional Trade: BRICS leaders are pushing cheaper, faster trade using local currencies and digital payment links, aiming to reduce reliance on the US dollar ahead of the New Delhi summit. Digital Finance in Mauritius: LIC Mauritius marked 70 years of service and launched a digital premium payment facility in Port Louis, with plans to expand online payments via its website and mobile app. Tourism Demand: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority reports a 10.5% rise in Middle East arrivals in the first seven months of 2026 and is targeting further GCC bookings at Arabian Travel Market. Markets Watch (India-linked): The NSE’s massive IPO calendar is in the spotlight, with public subscription expected around Sep 18 and listing around Sep 25, while Mauritius-based investors are named among anchor participants. Governance & Rule of Law: A Q&A on the FCC detention case involving Malagasy businessman Mamy Ravatomanga highlights questions on jurisdiction and pre-trial detention under Mauritian law. Crypto/Regulation: TAG Markets and promoters behind “Sonic AI” face renewed scrutiny over regulatory warnings tied to crypto trading claims.

Mauritius Tourism Push: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority says Middle East arrivals rose about 10.5% in Jan–Jul 2026 and will chase more bookings at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai (14–17 Sept) with around 20 partners. Digital Finance Milestone: LIC Mauritius marks 70 years in Port Louis and inaugurates a new Digital Premium Payment Facility, with more online payments planned via its website and app. Banking Expansion: SBM Bank (India) says it is exploring a 26% stake sale to fund growth, while also opening a new branch in Gurugram and expanding its digital wealth platform. IPO Watch (Mauritius-linked investors): Pranav Constructions’ ₹351-crore IPO is progressing strongly, with non-institutional demand leading; anchor investors include Goldman Sachs Investments (Mauritius) Ltd. Cross-border Crime Case: The FCC detention of Malagasy businessman Mamy Ravatomanga in Mauritius raises fresh questions on jurisdiction and prolonged remand amid extradition arguments. Society & Policy Debate: A new Select Committee on Kreol in Parliament sparks calls to avoid sidelining Asian languages, reigniting the wider fight for language recognition and rights. Regional Travel Policy: Thailand halves visa-free stays to 30 days from Sept 15, tightening rules for business-related visits.

Energy & Trade (Mauritius): IndianOil and Mauritius’ State Trading Corporation signed a five-year government-to-government fuel deal in Port Louis, securing Mauritius’ full petrol, high-speed diesel, marine gas oil and aviation turbine fuel imports while aiming for steadier supply and pricing. Banking & Investment (Mauritius-linked): SBM Bank (India), a Mauritius-owned subsidiary, is exploring a 26% stake sale to fund growth, with the bank also expanding its digital wealth offering and opening a new branch in Gurugram. Mobile Data Costs (UK benchmark): A Broadband Genie study of 3,446 SIM-only plans ranked the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband cost at $0.27 per 1GB, a reminder of how pricing comparisons can vary by caps and assumptions. Investment Climate (Africa): Morocco topped Africa in the 2026 Investment Freedom Index (17th globally), with Mauritius second on the continent—useful context for investors watching regional policy and market access. Digital Finance (Africa): Regulators in Ghana, Mauritius and Uganda are moving toward shared standards for stablecoins as cross-border digital payments and mobile money adoption accelerate. Enterprise & Productivity (Ghana): Ghana Enterprises Agency and UNIDO held the 3rd Ghana National Kaizen Awards, spotlighting continuous improvement as a route to competitiveness.

NSE IPO momentum: India’s National Stock Exchange cleared a major regulatory hurdle as SEBI approved its long-awaited ~Rs 30,000-crore IPO via an offer-for-sale, with grey market premium jumping to Rs 285 and informal pricing discussions pointing near Rs 1,800; the listing is expected in the week beginning September 21. Local IPO watch: Mumbai’s Pranav Constructions opened for subscription (Rs 118–124; issue Rs 351 crore) and was subscribed 2.56x on Day 1, with GMP around Rs 44 suggesting a potential ~36% listing premium; anchor funding reached Rs 84.2 crore. Cross-border payments: Xinhua reports expanding RMB use across Africa, moving beyond trade settlement into payments, clearing and even financing as payment infrastructure improves. Stablecoin regulation: Ghana, Mauritius and Uganda are developing shared stablecoin rules and standards as regulators respond to growing token use for faster, cheaper cross-border transfers. Sustainability for SMEs: B Lab Africa launched the seventh cohort of its Resilient Sustainable Business program, with Mauritius among core markets and applications closing 9 September. Business expansion: Not Just Travel started a recruitment drive to grow its head office support team for its expanding network of agents.

Market Mood: India’s Sensex and Nifty ended a fourth straight week lower as global bond yields rose, West Asia tensions pushed crude higher, and FIIs kept selling; the rupee’s strength and steady domestic demand (GDP, GST, and DII buying) helped limit the damage. Sustainable Business: B Lab Africa launched the seventh cohort of its Resilient Sustainable Business programme, targeting SMEs across Africa including Mauritius, with applications closing 9 September. Payments & Trade Finance: Xinhua reports the RMB’s growing role in Africa, moving beyond trade settlement into payments, clearing and even financing as settlement links expand. Mauritius in the Spotlight: Mauritius-based investors appear in India’s capital markets—Goldman Sachs Investments (Mauritius) is among anchor investors in Pranav Constructions’ IPO, and Mauritius-linked entities are also referenced in SEBI’s Adani-linked short-selling probe. Digital Payments Push: WhatsApp rolled out bill payments in India, riding the UPI boom. Big IPO Watch: SEBI cleared the NSE’s long-delayed IPO (about ₹30,000 crore), while SEBI is also reviewing volatility issues tied to the Closing Auction Session. Travel & Tourism: IndiGo plans daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from November, adding to its Africa network that already includes Mauritius and Seychelles.

NSE IPO cleared by SEBI: India’s National Stock Exchange has received SEBI’s observation letter, clearing the way for a long-delayed ~₹30,000-crore IPO via an offer for sale of 14.89 crore shares (about 6% of paid-up capital), with price-band and launch timing expected next week and listing targeted for late September. Market volatility watch: India’s Sensex derivatives have been rattled since SEBI’s Closing Auction Session, with sharp late swings on expiry days—turning CAS into a nerves test for options traders. Mauritius-linked healthcare deal: The Moopen family (via Union Mauritius Holdings) raised its stake in Aster DM Quality Care to 24.58% after buying additional shares for ~₹350 crore, following TPG’s earlier stake trim. Cross-border payments trend: Nigeria’s PAPSS chief says Nigerian churches are driving growing cross-border remittances as worshippers across Africa send tithes and offerings into Nigeria. Travel policy shift: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from September 15, with Mauritius and Seychelles getting a separate 15-day tier. Africa aviation: IndiGo plans daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from November, expanding its East Africa network.