AGP Executive Report

Education & Social Impact: UWI researchers won the 2026 Yidan Prize for early childhood development, backing “Reach Up,” an evidence-based program now used in 21+ countries across Latin America and beyond. Energy Transition: Chile’s COPEC-linked ecosystem gets a boost as Copec utility group acquires Metlen’s Tamarico II solar-plus-storage project, with Chile’s BESS market already surpassing 1GW and targets pulled forward. Public Safety & Mobility: Iteris says school traffic can add 20–30% to morning congestion, pushing agencies to use traffic intelligence and signal timing to protect students and pedestrians. Legal Access via AI: A pro bono clinic in Miami used AI to help 25 domestic-violence victims prepare divorce and child-custody filings, aiming to speed paperwork without losing the human touch. Elections in Haiti: Haiti’s provisional electoral council set presidential and parliamentary elections for Dec. 13 after a 10-year gap, but gang control in Port-au-Prince raises doubts about voting logistics. Tech & Finance: Synapse Analytics raised $13m Series A led by Partech to expand agentic AI decisioning for regulated financial institutions. Business & Trade Payments: XTransfer signed bank partnerships in China to improve minor-currency collections and RMB conversion/withdrawal, targeting Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

U.S.-Peru Security Deal: Marco Rubio wrapped a Peru stop announcing Peru’s entry into Trump’s “Shield of the Americas,” a hemisphere security pact framed around drug cartels but also aimed at countering rivals and tightening U.S. influence. BRICS Push for Global South: At the New Delhi summit, Xi Jinping promoted “Greater BRICS” with AI, trade and service-economy plans, while Putin renewed calls to expand UN Security Council representation for Africa, Asia and Latin America. Mexico Crypto Crackdown: Mexico seized about 300 GPUs from a suspected illicit crypto mining operation in Puebla, probing possible electricity theft and money laundering. Lung Cancer Access Gap: A Latin America lung-cancer expert warned that limited molecular testing blocks access to targeted drugs, arguing for cheaper screening like PCR and broader use of liquid biopsy. Tourism Boost: Mexico ranked 4th globally for tourism’s direct GDP contribution and leisure spending, underscoring the sector’s jobs and growth role. Payments Infrastructure: The World Bank backed a $700mn push to help banks and fintechs in Latin America and the Caribbean access global card networks by reducing settlement risk.

BRICS Summit & Global Governance: China’s Xi Jinping pushed “Greater BRICS” as a practical Global South platform, proposing a BRICS AI open-source zone, a special economic zone partnership, and a 2027 service-trade forum—while leaders also backed UN Security Council reform and criticized unilateral sanctions. Colombia Security Tech Shift: Colombia’s far-right government is escalating its war on armed groups, with drones increasingly used along cocaine corridors—raising fear and trauma for civilians as fighting intensifies. Mexico Organized Crime Goes Digital: Mexican authorities found a suspected cartel-linked crypto mining farm in Puebla, with heavy electricity use and hundreds of GPUs—another sign criminal groups are moving into financial crime. Payments & Remittances Upgrade: Brazil’s Nubank launched in the U.S. and rolled out Nu Global, centered on stablecoins (USDC/EURC) to cut cross-border transfer friction, targeting remittances across Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and beyond. Environment & Public Health: After China’s plastic-waste import ban, Latin America is emerging as a hotspot, with researchers flagging multiple pollution “hotspots” and warning of waste “colonialism” where local capacity can’t cope. Philippines-India Cooperation: President Marcos Jr. met India’s RITES and ISRO to explore railway projects and space tech partnerships during BRICS-related talks.

US-LatAm Security Push: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a South America tour by spotlighting Peru’s entry into the “Shield of the Americas,” a counter-drug coalition, while leaving the door open to deeper military cooperation as he pressed Colombia and Ecuador on security and regional influence. Colombia Military Presence Debate: Rubio also signaled Washington won’t rule out expanded U.S. bases or operations in Colombia, confirming a shift toward tighter intelligence, training, equipment, and joint actions. Ecuador Fishermen Case: Ecuador released 28 fishermen after prosecutors failed to present enough proof linking them to alleged crimes tied to U.S. strikes on Pacific fishing boats, escalating legal and diplomatic friction. BRICS Global South Agenda: At the New Delhi BRICS summit, leaders adopted a declaration calling for UN Security Council reform, more representation for Africa/Asia/Latin America, opposition to unilateral tariffs and sanctions, and a push for local-currency trade. BRICS and UN Reform: Putin urged expanding UN Security Council seats for Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while BRICS also flagged the lack of women as UN secretary-general. Local Development Finance (Panama): CAF and Panama’s National Bank agreed a $500M financing line to boost SMEs and national production, with half earmarked for rural/agro-industrial sectors. Education Spotlight (Argentina): Argentina’s PISA results raised alarm as math performance fell and most students missed minimum benchmarks. Culture & Community: Kansas City’s Fiesta Hispana kept free admission for its 45th edition despite funding cuts, while Aruba Fashion Week highlighted local talent in its 2026 “Winds of Fashion” campaign.

U.S.-Backed Security Push: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped a Colombia-Ecuador-Peru tour aimed at rebuilding Washington’s influence through joint action against drug cartels, with Colombia already in the “Shield of the Americas” and Ecuador and Peru deepening cooperation. Drug Policy Shock in Colombia: Colombia will restart limited aerial spraying of coca crops using a different herbicide, a move likely to reignite safety and effectiveness debates. Peru Migration Crackdown: Keiko Fujimori proposes extending detention periods for irregular migrants to speed expulsion, seeking new powers from Congress and citing support from Rubio. Brazil Election Fallout: Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro faces a corruption and money-laundering probe tied to alleged misuse of public funds connected to a film about his father. BRICS in Delhi: The 18th BRICS summit opened under India’s chairmanship with Xi Jinping and Putin in attendance, while analysts say outcomes will be gradual and focused on conflicts and economic cooperation rather than a single breakthrough. Mexico Cartel Crypto Crackdown: Police found a cartel-linked crypto mining operation in Mexico’s mountains, highlighting how organized crime is moving into financial crime. Meta Moderation Fight: Meta’s Oversight Board urged the company not to replace professional fact-checking with Community Notes in Latin America.

U.S.-Backed Security Push: Peru officially joins the “Shield of the Americas” coalition, with President Keiko Fujimori saying it will speed intelligence-sharing and joint action against cross-border criminal groups as Marco Rubio wraps up a South America tour. Foreign Terror Designations: The Trump administration expanded its Latin America “foreign terrorist” list to 21 by designating Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones, linked to narcotrafficking and attacks on civilians, police, and journalists. BRICS Diplomacy: India’s BRICS summit in New Delhi brings major leaders including Putin and Xi, while Beijing says it is “arranging” a Xi-Modi meeting; a survey also finds many respondents see BRICS as growing in global influence. Renewables & Storage Finance: Chile’s Sonnedix secured $1.3B to refinance and accelerate solar, wind, and battery projects, while Invenergy and HASI closed a partnership backing a 2.7-GW clean portfolio in the U.S. Local Culture & Community: Hispanic Heritage Awards moved to Minneapolis, and “Fiesta del Río” highlighted Latin American and Caribbean traditions through music, dance, and food.

U.S.-Led Security Push: Peru’s new president Keiko Fujimori says the country will join the “Shield of the Americas,” a U.S.-backed coalition aimed at hitting transnational organized crime, after talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Immigration at Polls: Denver and civil rights groups sued to block armed ICE agents from voting sites, arguing it violates a Civil War-era law and would intimidate voters. Counterterrorism Labels: The Trump administration expanded its list of U.S.-designated “foreign terrorist organizations” in Latin America and the Caribbean to 21, adding an Ecuadorian group. Digital Banking Expansion: Nubank launched in the U.S. via Lead Bank, offering savings, credit cards, remittances, and a stablecoin-based global account. Meta’s Fact-Checking Shift: Meta is testing Community Notes across 16 Latin American countries, with critics warning it could replace third-party fact-checking. Regional Politics & Markets: Brazil’s election race tightens as right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro leads Lula on Polymarket; Argentina’s inflation slowed to the lowest in 14 months. Earthquake Aftermath (Colombia): A 7.4 quake has killed at least 330 in Colombia, with debris removal and reconstruction beginning in Cali.

U.S.-Ecuador Security Push: Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats and said Washington will seek $45 million in additional security funding for Ecuador, including more equipment, while designating the Los Tiguerones gang as a foreign terrorist group. Drug-War Controversy: Rights groups and fishermen have questioned the campaign, alleging targets were hit without clear links to trafficking. Aviation Demand: Copa Holdings reported August traffic up 16.8% year-on-year, with capacity rising 16.8% and load factor steady at 88.3%. Chinese Consumer Inroads: Euromonitor says Chinese brands are deepening their Latin America footprint, with China exports to the region nearing $300B in 2025 and growth driven by e-commerce and local investment. Energy Storage in Mexico: Olade says Mexico had 192 MW of battery storage operating as of August 2026, while CFE plans 2,216 MW by 2030. Cybersecurity: Unit 42 warns hackers used commercial AI tools to speed up intrusions across Latin America, including Mexico, Ecuador and Brazil’s financial sector. Tech & Payments: Univar Solutions will distribute LANXESS lubricant and metalworking additives across Mexico, expanding specialty-chemicals supply. Business/Travel Tech: Zeal raised $10M to scale payment-terminal loyalty and customer identification across the Middle East and Latin America.

U.S.-Ecuador Security Push: Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Ecuador the Trump administration’s “most aggressive” partner on counternarcotics and designated the Los Tiguerones gang a terrorist group, escalating the campaign against drug trafficking and violence. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s foreign minister held calls with Guatemala and Belize, stressing support for security and stability across Latin America. Cyber Threats: Check Point reported rising cyberattacks across sectors, with Latin America the highest by average attack volume per organization. Migration Policy Impact: Salvadorans with Temporary Protected Status face uncertainty as the TPS sunset approaches, leaving many worried about losing legal status and livelihoods. BRICS Spotlight: South Africa’s BRICS envoy Anil Sookal said the bloc should amplify Global South voices on conflicts, food, and energy security. Culture & Media: WWE launched its first Spanish-language podcast, WWE Ahora, as it kicks off South American live dates.

US-Colombia-Ecuador-Peru Push: Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a three-nation tour, meeting Colombia’s Abelardo de la Espriella, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and Peru’s Keiko Fujimori, with an agenda focused on disaster response, “narcoterrorism” cooperation, and faster trade deals to counter China’s influence. Security at Sea: The US Southern Command sank another Ecuadorian vessel it linked to Los Choneros, saying it targeted a floating refueling station supporting drug trafficking; it was the fifth strike in under two weeks. Digital Payments Boost: Visa and the IFC launched a risk-sharing initiative to expand digital financial inclusion, with initial focus on 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Counter-Drone Alarm: A new report says armed-drone incidents in Latin America have surged since 2018, with drones increasingly used across borders and by criminal groups. Food Shock Risk: The UN’s WFP warns El Niño could push at least 49 million more people into acute food insecurity in 2027, including major impacts across Latin America and the Caribbean. Business & Finance: Suntera Global named a Bahamas managing director, while ProntoPaga is set to highlight LatAm payments expertise at SBC Summit Lisbon.

US-LatAm Security & Trade Push: Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a tour of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, aiming to lock in “good, solid” trade deals while deepening cooperation against narcoterrorism and transnational crime; in Colombia, he met President Abelardo de la Espriella and highlighted Colombia’s push to step up operations against armed drug groups and join the “Shield of the Americas.” Food Prices Watch: The UN’s FAO says global food prices rose in August to the highest since late 2022, driven by heat, drought, and Middle East/Black Sea disruptions—raising risks for staples across Latin America. Digital Trade Growth: A new IDB/WTO/World Bank report finds digitally delivered services exports in Latin America and the Caribbean nearly quintupled since 2005, reaching about $87.7B in 2024, with big upside if connectivity and rules improve. Venezuela Economy Debate: A commentary argues that adopting Peru’s monetary setup wouldn’t work in Venezuela, warning against “exporting” a system built on unique conditions. Business/Tech: Cognition raised $2B at a $48B valuation as Devin revenue nears $900M, while Brazil fintech Bull raised $3.9M to scale credit-as-a-service using AI. Culture & Sports: TV Globo confirmed “Avenida Brasil” season 2 for January 2027; Panama boxing legend Ismael “Tiger of Colón” Laguna died at 83.

U.S.-Colombia Security Push: Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Colombia to meet President Abelardo de la Espriella, signaling tighter U.S. cooperation on “narcoterrorism” and reconstruction after an Aug. 10 earthquake that killed more than 330. Ecuador Gang Displacement: Reuters reports violence between Ecuador gang factions has driven over 300,000 people from their homes in three years, with families in Guayaquil’s Nueva Prosperina fleeing after bullets hit rooftops. Guatemala Press Crackdown: An independent study says a coordinated campaign on X helped harass investigative journalist José Rubén Zamora and frame his detention as criminal—amid his prolonged detention and legal battles. DRC Copper Demand: U.S. imports of DRC copper cathode hit a July record, with DRC supplying 23.9% of U.S. imports as tariff uncertainty looms. Colombia Biotech Expansion: Cellgenic begins local commercial arrangements in Colombia, subject to local regulatory requirements and contract terms. Spain Drug Seizure: Spanish police seize 1.2+ tons of cocaine hidden in coconut shipments, underscoring Spain’s role as a major EU entry point for Latin American cocaine.

Oil Markets: China’s demand is rebounding fast, pushing Shanghai crude back above $100 and lifting crude prices across Africa, Canada, and Latin America as Hormuz disruptions and tighter Iranian supply spark a scramble. US-LatAm Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to deepen cooperation on earthquake response and anti–narco-terrorism, amid a rightward political shift in the region. Aviation Safety: An Amazon Prime Air cargo jet overran a runway at Miami International Airport, killing five and injuring others; investigators are dispatched as officials compare it to a 1997 crash. Mexico Security: A car bomb in Zacatecas injured at least 11, with authorities suspecting CJNG involvement in a widening turf fight with the Mayiza faction of the Sinaloa cartel. Business & Competition: The US FTC cleared the Volaris–Viva Aerobus merger for now, moving the deal closer to Mexico’s final antitrust decision. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO’s Memory of the World Regional Register added the Earl Lovelace manuscripts, with a ceremony at the University of the West Indies.

UNGA Watch: Ghana’s President John Mahama is set to deliver key remarks at the UN General Assembly’s 81st session in New York, with the high-level debate running Sept. 22–28 and Climate Week scheduled Sept. 20–27. El Niño Shock: The UN’s weather agency warns El Niño is intensifying into a “supersized” event lasting into Feb. 2027, raising risks of floods, droughts, and extreme heat across Latin America and beyond. Energy & Climate Resilience: Colombia’s Vector Geophysical bought 30,000 STRYDE Halo-Connect seismic nodes to boost high-density exploration capacity, while the Philippines’ MTerra Solar Phase 1 hit commercial operations for 600 MWac solar plus large battery storage. Tech Infrastructure: Argentina’s Patagonia is drawing hyperscalers for mega data centers, attracted by cool conditions and energy resources, as projects face less local backlash than in the US. Cross-border Payments: SQRIL says it’s expanding bank and neobank support so users can scan-and-pay local QR codes across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in their home currency. Security: Check Point details JSCeal malware campaigns using fake trading sites and malicious ads to harvest credentials and intercept traffic.

Venezuela Oil Row: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright denied Washington is “stealing” Venezuela’s oil, saying the U.S. controls exports and Venezuela is “forced to work” in partnership—while royalties and taxes go to Caracas. Peru-Iran Break: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori backed the U.S. war drive by breaking diplomatic ties with Iran, a move framed as aligning with Washington’s agenda. Falklands Tensions: Argentina’s Milei says he’ll push tougher sanctions against firms drilling near the Falkland Islands, signaling a harder line on sovereignty. Mexico Politics: Morena leaders urged unity ahead of 2027 midterms, aiming to “leave them without a task” as governorships and local races loom. Panama Infrastructure: Tocumen Airport approved two mega-projects totaling about $306.75M to expand capacity and modernize runways. Cross-border Payments: The ECB and Brazil’s central bank are assessing a link between Europe’s TIPS and Brazil’s Pix, with a possible pilot as soon as 2028. Chile Memory March: Thousands marched in Santiago to mark the 1973 coup and protest cuts to funding for memory and human-rights sites. Miami Airport Disaster: An Amazon Prime Air cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International, killing five people on the ground and shutting down flights.

Crypto Shock in Chile: Orionx, backed by Tether, is permanently shutting after a forensic audit found over $7M in customer assets moved to outside wallets, suspending withdrawals and leaving 100,000+ users in limbo. Ecuador Rights Backlash: Ecuador’s adoption reform bars LGBTQ+ couples and requires single adopters to be straight, while critics warn vague language could trigger custody loss for parents supporting trans children. Colombia Security: A guerrilla drone attack in Catatumbo killed three soldiers, with ELN blamed and authorities saying operations against armed groups will continue. Ecuador Power Crunch: An asymmetrical El Niño pattern threatens electricity shortfalls in 2026, endangering 33 hydro plants that make up 83% of capacity. Mobility Safety Push: Yango Ride says safety incidents fell—grave violations down 31%—linking improvements to privacy tech, anti-fraud tools, and 24/7 support across Latin America and beyond. Education That Works (Bogotá): A Bogotá public school cut bullying to zero and slashed serious coexistence incidents by 85% by shifting to emotional well-being and peer-led conflict resolution. Culture & Soft Power: Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will stage “Sounds of Mexico” (Sept 18) and “Sounds of Canada” (Nov 7) in Doha as part of the Qatar-Canada-Mexico 2026 Year of Culture. Tech & AI Growth (China): China unveiled a plan to grow AI-focused SMEs—aiming for 10,000+ AI firms and “little giant” specialists by 2028.