AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity: Nigeria’s Digital Encode launched DEPAS AI, an autonomous access-testing platform aimed at detecting and countering AI-driven cyber threats, citing IBM data that AI-enabled breaches now make up 25% of malicious incidents and cost about $6.04m on average. Port Trade: Peru’s Chancay Port hit 200,000 TEUs in H1 2026, up 70.94% year-on-year, with bulk and general cargo also rising 41.2%, as vessel calls surged across routes. Sports Governance: FIFA sacked COO Kevin Lamour after he publicly criticized Gianni Infantino’s plan to bring private investors into major tournaments, escalating internal conflict at the top of world football. Mining & Deals (Argentina): Astra Exploration reported first-batch assays from La Manchuria in Santa Cruz, while Astra also exercised an earn-in option to gain 80% interest, setting up a joint venture structure with Patagonia Gold. Energy & Industry: BHP posted a 30% jump in underlying profit on stronger copper and iron ore prices, and flagged Chile, Argentina and Australia copper growth as key to its pipeline. Politics (Brazil): Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court accepted an opposition complaint over Lula’s Carnival parade, with the president given days to respond. Health & Tourism (Dominican Republic): The Dominican Health Tourism Association announced its 8th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress for June 2027 in Santo Domingo, targeting investment and high-value jobs.

Digital Regulation: Discord suspended livestreams in Brazil after regulators cited failures to protect children and adolescents, following a suicide case that intensified scrutiny of online safety rules. Energy Storage Deal: Sungrow will supply a 152 MW / 606 MWh battery system for Verano Energy’s Observatorio solar-plus-storage project in Chile, with a 25-year service agreement. Markets Watch: Wall Street slipped as oil prices rose on renewed Iran-war supply worries, while investors waited for major retailer earnings. Cross-Border Trade: USMCA uncertainty is pushing North American firms to revisit legal, tax, and operational plans ahead of annual trade reviews. Colombia Relief Request: Colombia’s new president asked Donald Trump to pause recently imposed US tariffs to ease pressure on businesses during earthquake rebuilding. Venezuela Legal Update: Gold Reserve said its attorney was released from a Venezuelan prison after more than three years. Payments Innovation: Bitget Wallet promoted stablecoins as an alternative rails for cross-border payments across Latin America. Football Governance: FIFA’s Infantino re-election fight escalated as Scottish FA withdrew support, adding pressure amid broader FIFA leadership turmoil. Energy Infrastructure Risk: Brazil’s Madeira River dredging plans face backlash after deadly barge collisions raised safety and environmental concerns.

Healthcare Logistics Deal: Life Couriers says its acquisition by JLL Partners is complete and names Edward DeMartini as CEO, aiming to expand time-critical healthcare delivery across the Americas and beyond. Renewables Finance: Australia’s Squadron Energy secured a AUS$2.7bn refinancing package for its wind portfolio, with optional future battery storage. Latin America Power Infrastructure: Brazil’s Belo Monte UHVDC Phase II hits a major milestone, building a “green artery” to move clean power from the Amazon to the southeast. Energy & Gas in Venezuela: XRG enters Venezuela via the offshore Loran gas licence, partnering with bp and UCC, as the country’s post-Maduro energy opening draws fresh capital. EV Demand Signal: The IEA says Middle East war-linked fuel volatility helped lift global EV sales 35% in Q2, with Latin America among regions supported by policy momentum. Regional Trade & Industry: The Dominican Republic leads LAC cement exports, with 2025 exports rising and the sector pushing for better access to markets. Payments Expansion: EBANX adds leadership across regions, including new roles tied to issuer engagement and growth in Latin America. Mining Output: Rio2 reports strong Q2 production across Chile and Peru, reinforcing cash-generating momentum. Corporate Recognition: Vale tops Extel Latin America Executive Team awards across multiple categories, highlighting investor-relations and ESG execution.

Colombia–U.S. Trade: President Abelardo de la Espriella asked Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian goods after the 7.4 earthquake killed at least 289 people, saying the higher duties are squeezing businesses; the U.S. has pledged $26.5M in emergency aid but hasn’t replied yet. Disaster Response & Labor: A viral video from Medellín shows an executive allegedly threatening employees not to evacuate during the quake, triggering backlash from unions and occupational health specialists. Brazil Politics: Lula launched his campaign for a fourth term, promising to keep the “right” out of power and targeting organized crime bosses—while facing the political shadow of Bolsonaro’s jailed son. Energy & Industry: LG Electronics began operating a second refrigerator plant in Brazil (Paraná), aiming to boost local output and serve as an export hub. Regional Connectivity: Belize joined an IDB-backed Central America trade and border connectivity dialogue in Panama City, focusing on safer, faster cross-border cargo systems. Aviation & Travel: American Airlines added six nonstop transatlantic routes for 2026, expanding links to Athens, Zurich, Budapest, Prague, Edinburgh and Milan. Markets: Emerging-market assets rose as investors adjusted to a softer U.S. rate outlook, with Latin America moving more mildly.

Colombia Earthquake & Trade Relief: Colombia’s new President Abelardo de la Espriella asked Donald Trump to temporarily suspend US tariffs after a deadly 7.4 quake, saying the higher duties (from 10% to 12.5%) are squeezing businesses already hit by rebuilding. Manufacturing Push in Brazil: LG Electronics began operations at a new Parana refrigerator plant, adding 600,000 units of annual capacity and targeting premium, localized models plus exports. Argentina Energy Investment: Peter Thiel bought a 1% stake in Vista Energy for about $76M via Thiel Macro, betting on Vaca Muerta’s shale oil and gas scale. Shipping Profit Boost: Maersk raised 2026 guidance again as port congestion and strong container demand lifted earnings. Water Infrastructure in Mexico: Conagua awarded the Rosarito desalination plant contract (about 5.29B pesos), aiming for first desalinated water by mid-2029. Brazil Election Season: Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro kicked off campaigns for Oct. 4, with voters frustrated and polarization high. Mining Automation Milestone: Komatsu commissioned its 1,000th autonomous ultra-class haul truck, signaling a shift from pilots to large-scale mining autonomy.

Venezuela Energy Deal: bp and Abu Dhabi’s XRG secured Phase 2 of Venezuela’s Loran offshore gas project, adding to a cross-border Loran-Manatee system with an estimated 4 Tcf of recoverable gas and potential LNG and petrochemical feedstock for Trinidad and Tobago. Regional Diplomacy: Colombia and Venezuela are moving toward a limited resumption of ties with Israel, reversing earlier breaks tied to Gaza, while the shift also reflects broader alignment with U.S. security and economic priorities. Elections & Politics: A new Brazil poll puts Lula at 38% versus Flávio Bolsonaro’s 31%, with a large undecided bloc keeping the October race tight. Macroeconomic Pulse: Peru’s economy grew 1.75% in June year-on-year, slowing from May as El Niño pressures hit sectors like fishing. Disaster Watch: Colombia’s earthquake response continues as rescuers report signs of life after 96 hours, while rebuilding pressures mount. Climate Risk: NOAA warns a very strong El Niño is increasingly likely, with major implications for rainfall, farming, and food supplies across Latin America. Trade & Shipping Costs: Panama Canal slot prices hit record levels as Iran-related disruptions tighten global shipping, driving up costs that are already flowing into consumer surcharges.

Disaster Response: Mexican volunteer team Topos Azteca spent 40 days in Venezuela before rushing to help in Colombia, where rescuers are racing to find survivors after back-to-back earthquakes hit Cali. Central America & Caribbean Energy: Trinidad and Tobago is positioning itself to monetize Venezuela-linked gas after signing new hydrocarbon exploration licences, including Loran Phase 2, with bpTT and Abu Dhabi’s XRG among partners. Trade & Finance: Argentina renewed a $19 billion yuan currency swap with China through 2031, keeping a key funding lifeline as US pressure continues. Tourism & Fees: Mexico doubled its cruise passenger fee to $10, with further increases planned through 2028, raising the cost of visiting ruins and beaches. Business & Markets: Latin American stocks are heading for their worst week since June amid broader market strain. Diplomacy & Investment: Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is set for a state visit to China to deepen trade, infrastructure, energy and technology ties. Regional Climate Impact: El Niño effects are being linked to crop price and production swings, adding uncertainty for agricultural markets.

Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: Colombia’s quake toll is climbing as the search for survivors fades, with at least 287 dead and hundreds still missing; President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared an “economic emergency” and promised rent subsidies while rebuilding ramps up. Real Estate & Tourism Policy: The Dominican Republic’s North Coast is seeing early signs of a property market shift after a capital gains tax cut to 10%, alongside a record tourism season and a new wave of resort development. Security & U.S. Pressure on Drugs: Colombia is joining the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel coalition, signaling deeper military cooperation as Washington pushes for tougher regional action. Trade Tensions: Brazil’s Lula triggered a reciprocity process against U.S. tariffs, aiming to force consultations while warning the country won’t be “taken lightly.” Digital Finance: Nubank reported record quarterly income above $1B as it accelerates expansion plans, including a U.S. bank push. Tax Enforcement in Central America: El Salvador topped the region’s tax burden at 22.1% of GDP by boosting enforcement, e-invoicing, and bringing small businesses into the tax base. Workplace & Corporate Culture: Philip Morris Philippines earned its first Great Place to Work certification, tying the milestone to its smoke-free transformation and employee feedback.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Bishops’ council CELAM sent solidarity as rescue crews raced to save people after the 7.4 quake, with reported deaths around 254 and major losses in Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó. Venezuela Energy Opening: BP returned to Venezuela to take operatorship of the Loran phase two offshore gas project with Abu Dhabi’s XRG and Qatar’s UCC, signaling faster foreign capital inflows after Maduro’s removal. Trade & Tariffs Pressure: A White House report flags Mexico, Panama and Colombia among countries at elevated risk of Chinese transshipment to dodge US tariffs, raising scrutiny for regional supply chains. Corporate Leadership Moves: Boeing named Celso Ferrer as its Latin America and Caribbean president; Oriflame appointed Kenneth Benaim Campbell as CEO. Security & Justice: Costa Rica extradited alleged cartel figures “Macho Coca” and “Compadre” to the US for trial. Energy Finance: Econergy secured about €229m financing for Romania’s Parau 2 solar-plus-storage project, with long-term revenue support via a CfD award.

Colombia Earthquake Response: China pledged $1m plus $2m in emergency supplies after the 7.4 quake, as Sweden added another $525k—while the death toll tops 270 and search efforts tighten. Argentina Inflation: INDEC says July inflation rose to 2.1% (33.8% year-on-year), with recreation, culture, restaurants and hotels driving the jump. Airlines & Aviation: GOL named André Fehlauer CEO after Celso Ferrer leaves to lead Boeing’s Latin America-Caribbean division; separately, easyJet is reportedly exploring a commercial tie-up with Air France-KLM post-Apollo takeover. Shipping & Trade: Maersk delivered a strong Q2 and raised full-year guidance; Hapag-Lloyd also improved Q2 EBITDA despite Middle East-related cost headwinds. Regional Trade Deal: El Salvador signed a partial scope agreement with Belize covering 400 tariff lines to cut non-tariff barriers and expand access for sectors like agro-industry and pharmaceuticals. Security & Drugs: Ecuador seized 369 kg of cocaine near the Colombia border, branded with Erling Haaland images, arresting a Colombian woman. Business & Tech: Dynacor appointed a new CEO and chair after its AGM; dLocal reported Q2 results; and Intermap said it will acquire PCI Geomatics to expand its geospatial platform.

Disaster Response & Aid: Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake rescue push is entering a “final phase,” with officials citing 265 dead, 3,500+ injured and nearly 500 missing, while the country has begun receiving international help after earlier friction over foreign crews and a tight 72-hour survival window. Energy & Infrastructure: Ericsson says it will supply Costa Rica’s ICE with an AI-powered 5G automation upgrade, marking the first Latin American rollout of its rApps suite. Climate Risk: El Niño is already reshaping weather, with southern Brazil flood-hit Porto Alegre bracing for renewed heavy rains and mental-health fallout. Migration & Enforcement: In San Antonio, Venezuelan and other immigrant families say fear of ICE is changing daily routines after a broader deportation climate. Business & Finance: Naran, a mobility-financing platform, raised $10m to scale rent-to-own vehicles across Colombia and Peru and expand fintech products. Tech & Growth: Lovable, a software-creation platform, closed a $400m Series C valuing it at $13.3bn, with Latin America-linked investors among the new backers.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Rescuers in Cali are racing against time after a 7.4 quake killed at least 250 people, with officials warning the critical window for finding survivors is nearly over as more aid and pledges roll in. Venezuela Reconstruction Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank approved a USD 1 million contribution to CAF’s recovery fund for Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, aiming to coordinate emergency response and rebuilding. Brazil Soy Moratorium Setback: Brazil’s Supreme Court upheld state laws that block tax incentives for soy tied to deforestation, dealing a blow to the future of the soy moratorium framework. Regional Security & Drug War: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Colombia into a counter-narcotics coalition and said Colombia authorized joint operations against terror networks. Argentina Political Economy: Thousands of Argentines protested Milei’s bill that would loosen rules on foreign land ownership and change eviction and expropriation powers, underscoring rising social pushback to radical neoliberal reforms. Digital Agriculture Push: IICA selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica, betting on agrifood tech partnerships across the Americas.

Argentina Politics & Land Rules: President Javier Milei backed allies in Ecuador and Colombia while thousands of Argentines protested in Buenos Aires against a bill that would raise the share of land foreigners can own (to 25%), speed up tenant evictions over unpaid rent, and limit the state’s ability to expropriate land in some areas. Colombia Earthquake Response: A powerful 7.4 quake hit Colombia, with officials reporting deaths and thousands missing as rescuers race to find survivors; the electricity system saw major demand disruption immediately after the quake, with partial recovery underway. Brazil Grid Risk From Solar: Brazil’s regulator is moving to rein in unauthorized growth of distributed solar, warning that unreported capacity could reach 14 GW and create operational risks for the national grid. Fintech IPO Watch (Airtel/Sumup): Airtel is planning a London listing for Airtel Money, while Sumup eyes an early-2027 IPO—potentially reigniting fintech deal flow for the London Stock Exchange. Energy & Shipping Costs (Panama Canal): Panama Canal transit prices hit record levels as El Niño-linked water shortages reduce capacity, while geopolitical tensions keep demand elevated. Regional Business Tech: Itaú is deepening tokenization efforts via a pilot with OpenAssets, signaling more Latin American banks moving into tokenized capital markets.

FIFA Power Struggle: US President Donald Trump escalated the FIFA crisis, warning that replacing Gianni Infantino would be a “terrible mistake,” as UEFA and other confederations push for governance changes after the World Cup stake-selling backlash. Capital Markets & Fintech: Brazil’s Itaú is teaming with OpenAssets in an ANBIMA-led pilot to test tokenized fixed-income and investment funds end-to-end on distributed ledger tech—another step from experiments toward real market infrastructure. Energy & Trade: The US quietly sold seized Venezuelan oil tankers to a Dubai ship-recycling firm for scrapping in India, renewing accusations of maritime piracy. Disaster Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll climbed past 180, with thousands missing as civilians and rescue teams search rubble across western cities. Digital Infrastructure: Google announced new Americas subsea cable systems centered on the Dominican Republic, aiming to add capacity and create multiple cloud routes across the region. Sports & Business: Costa Rica hosts the World Schools Team Championship in chess, bringing a new regional spotlight to education-linked sports events.

Bolivia Reform Push: President Rodrigo Paz is set to send an Investment Law to Congress as he tries to revive growth with market-oriented changes, including loosening state control in energy and mining and aligning with an IMF-backed stabilization plan. Colombia Earthquake Response: A 7.4 quake struck Colombia’s Chocó region, killing at least 132 with rescue efforts ongoing and major damage reported across the coffee-growing zone, including collapsed hospitals and disrupted transport. Energy Deal: BP agreed to sell a 20% stake in Trinidad’s Manakin gas block to Trinidad’s NGC, with development expected by end-2026 and gas marketed via Atlantic LNG. Football Governance Clash: FIFA’s Gianni Infantino faces renewed pressure over a World Cup commercial-rights plan, while U.S. President Donald Trump backed him, calling any replacement a “terrible mistake.” Latin America Mobility Milestone: Cities in the region hit 10,000 electric buses in operation, cutting an estimated 10 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, with São Paulo highlighted for its scale-up model. Aviation: American Airlines will restart its seasonal Montevideo–Miami route in December, extending the daily stretch into early March. Crypto Events: Paraguay’s second Accelerating Bitcoin conference opens in Asunción, positioning the country as a growing regional crypto hub. Corporate Appointments: Barrick named Sebastiaan Bock to lead its “Rest of World” operations, including assets across Latin America. Tech & Payments: Apple Pay is reportedly preparing to launch in India as early as October, initially without UPI support.

Colombia’s Right-Wing Pivot: Abelardo de la Espriella took office and immediately faced a deadly 7.4 quake, while his government moves fast on security and foreign policy, including recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Disaster Response & Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank and CAF pledged US$1 million each toward Venezuela’s earthquake recovery fund, signaling continued regional multilateral support. Digital Privacy Push: VPN use is surging across Latin America as privacy laws like Brazil’s LGPD spread, but experts warn that mobile-first life is outpacing protections. Cybersecurity & Quantum Race: Quantum-safe deadlines are tightening as Microsoft accelerates post-quantum plans and Senetas sells quantum-secure services in South America. Trade & Industry: China is hitting US pecan imports with a 54% anti-dumping deposit, while Chinese automakers report rapid export growth into Central and South America. Business & Markets: Ticketplus closed its IPO on NYSE American, and Sea’s Shopee expands AI with OpenAI to boost e-commerce in Brazil and beyond. Sports Governance: UEFA/CONCACAF/AFC escalated pressure on FIFA over alleged “deception” tied to World Cup stake plans.