AGP Executive Report

EU-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles have concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules, more services and digital trade, and easier market access for businesses across both regions. Maritime Security & Sanctions Evasion: A Comoros-flagged general cargo vessel, the Arconian, was linked to a major cocaine haul, highlighting how traffickers increasingly use bulk shipping routes from West Africa toward Europe. Trade Facilitation in Customs: With WCO support, Comoros joined training-of-trainers efforts to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise, helping customs and businesses use preferential trade deals more effectively. AI for Consumers: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Comoros and other African markets, bringing built-in AI search and understanding to more users. Energy Shock Risks: Commentary warns that disruptions tied to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz can quickly feed into fuel and food price spikes, raising the risk of unrest even far from the conflict. Digital Gaming Licensing: Twinqo, operating under a Comoros-linked Anjouan license, promotes a no-KYC casino model aimed at faster onboarding while relying on payment checks and monitoring.

EU-ESA Economic Partnership: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules, more services and digital trade, and easier access for businesses on both sides. AI in Browsers: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Comoros included in the broader rollout list—another push to make information search more “built-in” for users. Maritime Crime Risks: A Comoros-flagged general cargo vessel, the Arconian, was linked to a major cocaine haul, highlighting how traffickers increasingly use general cargo routes between West Africa and Europe. Trade Rules of Origin: With WCO support, Comoros and other countries set up national pools of rules-of-origin experts to train customs and traders, strengthening how preferential trade agreements are applied. Food Safety at Borders: FAO support helped Comoros shift import controls toward a more structured, evidence-driven approach to target higher-risk shipments and protect the cold chain. Comoros-China Ties: President Azali Assoumani told Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” with plans to deepen the strategic partnership. Cross-Border Payments: Esca Finance partnered with MANSA to enable same-day settlements across African payment corridors using stablecoin-backed rails, targeting faster processing and less capital tied up.

EU-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles have concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules and more predictable, competitive trade—especially in services and digitalisation—with the deal open for other ESA countries to join. Maritime Crime & Trade Risks: A Comoros-flagged vessel, the Arconian, was linked to a major cocaine haul, renewing concerns that traffickers increasingly use general cargo routes from West Africa toward Europe. Fuel Prices, Regional Spillovers: Reporting highlights how the Iran-linked Strait of Hormuz disruption can push up fuel and food costs, raising the risk of protests and instability even far from the conflict. Comoros-China Ties: President Azali Assoumani told Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” with plans to deepen the strategic partnership for long-term growth. Food Safety at Borders: FAO support is helping Comoros shift import controls toward a more evidence-driven, risk-based approach to better protect consumers. Cross-Border Payments: Esca Finance and MANSA are partnering to enable same-day settlements across key African corridors using stablecoin-backed rails, reducing the need for businesses to pre-fund accounts.

EU-EPA Deal: The EU and ESA4 partners (including the Union of Comoros) have concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, with the Commission publishing both a statement and a Q&A on market size and trade links. Fuel Shock & Social Risk: With the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions feeding into higher fuel costs, Comoros is again in the spotlight after last month’s 35% gasoline price push triggered protests and a fatal clash—raising fears of broader food-price pressure and instability. Maritime Crime Watch: A Comoros-flagged general cargo vessel, the Arconian, was tied to a major cocaine haul off Spain, underscoring how traffickers increasingly use bulk shipping routes from West Africa toward Europe. Trade Facilitation: FAO and partners are helping Comoros tighten food import controls using a more structured, risk-based approach at borders, aiming to protect the cold chain and reduce unsafe shipments. Finance & Payments: Esca Finance (Nigeria) teamed with MANSA (Tether-backed stablecoin settlement) to enable same-day cross-border settlements across key African corridors, including Nigeria and Ghana. Shipping Identity Fraud: A report highlights how false-flag practices keep sanctioned vessels moving, with Comoros listed among the countries most often used in fraudulent registrations. Digital Markets: MEXC launched “Combo” in prediction markets, letting users combine up to 20 events in one order, alongside “RealStocks” for real U.S.-listed share exposure with dividends where applicable. Energy Security Warning: S&P warns the Middle East conflict could worsen credit conditions across import-dependent African economies, with Comoros named among countries hit by steep fuel costs.

Sanctions Evasion at Sea: A new report shows Russia’s “shadow fleet” using shifting flags and identity fraud to keep sanctioned crude moving, with vessels cycling through registries including Comoros before reaching other ports in West Africa. Maritime Fraud Watch: Botswana denied it registers the “Lexie” tanker after U.S. forces disabled it near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting how false-flag tactics often involve African flags—Comoros is cited among the most used. Trade Rules of Origin: With WCO support, Customs officials from Comoros and other countries joined training to strengthen origin determination under free trade agreements, aiming to make preferential trade rules work better in practice. Food Safety at Borders: FAO-backed reforms in Comoros shift import controls toward evidence-driven, risk-based inspections to better protect consumers from unsafe cold-chain imports. Energy, Prices and Credit Risk: S&P warns Middle East conflict could worsen fuel and food shocks across import-dependent African economies, with Comoros among countries hit by steep fuel costs and unrest. Fintech & Markets: MEXC launched “Combo” for multi-event prediction trading and rolled out “RealStocks,” bringing real U.S.-listed share access via a broker partner, alongside continued SPACEX(PRE) launchpad demand.

Trade Facilitation: Customs officials from Nigeria and Comoros joined WCO-backed training pools of rules-of-origin experts, aiming to help businesses use free trade agreements correctly as the number of such deals keeps rising. Food Safety at the Border: FAO support in Comoros is shifting import controls from reactive checks to an evidence-driven system that targets higher-risk shipments, using structured inspections to protect the cold chain and food safety. Import Licensing Transparency: An import licensing committee session highlighted clearer trader notifications, better inter-agency coordination, and digital tools to make licensing procedures more predictable and lower trade costs. Energy & Credit Risks: S&P warns that Middle East conflict disruptions to fuel and fertilizer flows could hit import-dependent African economies, including Comoros, with knock-on effects for inflation, protests, and potential credit deterioration. Cross-Border Payments: Esca Finance and MANSA (Tether-backed) announced same-day settlements across key African corridors, reducing the need for businesses to pre-fund destination accounts. Comoros–China Ties: President Azali Assoumani told Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” with plans to deepen the strategic partnership.

Comoros Food Safety at the Border: FAO says Comoros is moving from reactive import checks to an evidence-driven system that targets the highest-risk shipments, after gaps were found in import controls—an approach meant to protect the cold chain and reduce unsafe food entering the islands. Trade Rules Get More Transparent: An import licensing committee experience-sharing session highlighted clearer trader guidance, better notifications, and digital tools to make licensing more predictable and cut trade costs. Comoros-China Partnership: President Azali Assoumani tells Xinhua that cooperation with China is “exemplary,” citing long-running political trust and results in socio-economic development and healthcare, and reiterating Comoros’ support for the one-China principle. Energy, Food, and Credit Pressure: S&P warns that Middle East conflict disruptions to fuel and fertilizer flows could hit import-dependent African economies—including Comoros—with knock-on effects for inflation, protests, and worsening credit conditions. Blue Economy Push: Conservation leaders at Monaco urged faster investment in Africa’s blue economy, arguing coastal communities must be central to ocean protection to unlock jobs and growth. Crypto Payments in Africa: Esca Finance and MANSA announce same-day stablecoin-backed settlement across key African corridors, aiming to reduce pre-funding burdens for payment firms. Iran Shipping Crackdown: U.S. forces disabled another Iran-linked tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, while satellite reporting points to limited loading activity at Kharg Island—raising pressure on Iran’s oil revenue.

Crypto & Markets: MEXC says its SPACEX(PRE) Launchpad second phase closed with 36,000+ users and $117m in subscriptions, bringing total Launchpad demand to $173m; the New User pool alone topped $45m and the most allocated user received 256.98 SPACEX(PRE). Comoros Trade & Food Safety: FAO reports Comoros is moving from reactive border checks to a structured, evidence-driven import control approach to target higher-risk shipments—aimed at protecting the cold chain and reducing gaps in import licensing and inspection. Energy, Inflation & Risk: S&P warns that Middle East conflict disruptions to fuel and fertilizer flows could hit import-dependent African economies, including Comoros, with fuel-price shocks already linked to deadly protests and wider credit deterioration risks. Regional Business Links: Comoros President Azali Assoumani tells Xinhua that China-Comoros cooperation is “exemplary,” with plans to deepen the strategic partnership as diplomatic ties enter their 51st year. Payments Innovation: Esca Finance and MANSA (Tether-backed) announce same-day settlements across key African corridors, targeting faster cross-border transfers without heavy pre-funding.

Energy & Inflation Shock: A new regional warning links deadly protests over high fuel prices in Kenya, Comoros and Mozambique to the real cost of oil disruptions, with the International Energy Agency warning reserves are running low and any Iran-related escalation could worsen shortages and inflation. Maritime Trade & Sanctions: Botswana denies it registers the “Botswana-flagged” tanker disabled by the US near the Strait of Hormuz, while separate reports detail France seizing a Russia-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic—both pointing to how false flags and enforcement actions are reshaping shipping and energy flows. Comoros Food Safety at the Border: FAO support is helping Comoros shift import controls toward a more evidence-driven, risk-based approach for inspections, targeting higher-risk shipments to protect consumers. Comoros–China Business Ties: President Azali Assoumani tells Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” citing long-running results in socio-economic development and healthcare, and pledging to deepen the strategic partnership. Import Licensing Transparency: An experience-sharing session highlights how clearer rules, better notifications and digital tools can make import licensing more predictable and cut trade costs. Cross-Border Payments Innovation: Esca Finance partners with MANSA to enable same-day settlements across key African corridors using stablecoin-backed rails. Blue Economy Investment Push: Leaders call for faster investment in Africa’s blue economy, arguing coastal conservation can unlock jobs and growth.

Food Safety at Borders: FAO says Comoros is moving from reactive checks to a structured, evidence-driven import control system to target higher-risk shipments, after gaps were found in cold-chain and documentation oversight. Trade Rules & Transparency: A Comoros-linked import licensing committee discussion focused on clearer trader notifications, better inter-agency coordination, and digital tools to make licensing more predictable and cut trade costs. Comoros–China Ties: President Azali Assoumani tells Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” with plans to deepen the strategic partnership as diplomatic relations enter their 51st year. Energy & Credit Risks: S&P warns Middle East conflict could keep fuel and fertilizer disruptions going, raising costs in countries including Comoros and potentially worsening credit conditions. Blue Economy Push: Leaders at the Monaco Blue Initiative urged faster investment in Africa’s blue economy, arguing coastal conservation can unlock jobs and growth. Maritime Sanctions Pressure: Reports highlight continued U.S. and European enforcement against Iran-linked and Russia-linked oil shipping, underscoring how sanctions-busting “shadow fleets” affect regional trade and costs.

Food Safety & Trade Controls: FAO says Comoros is moving from reactive border checks to a structured, evidence-driven import control system to better target higher-risk shipments, after gaps were found in import controls under an EU-funded regional initiative. Comoros–China Ties: President Azali Assoumani tells Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” citing long-standing political trust and results in socio-economic development and healthcare, and reiterating Comoros’ support for the one-China principle. Import Licensing Transparency: A committee experience-sharing session highlights how clearer rules, timely notifications, digital tools, and public-private engagement can make import licensing more predictable and cut trade costs. Payments & Settlement Innovation: Esca Finance partners with MANSA to enable same-day cross-border settlements across key African corridors, aiming to reduce the need for pre-funding and free up working capital. Energy & Food Shock Risk: S&P warns Middle East conflict disruptions could worsen fuel and fertilizer access, raising risks for import-dependent economies including Comoros via higher costs and potential credit deterioration. Blue Economy Investment Push: Leaders call for faster investment in Africa’s blue economy, with coastal communities at the center of ocean conservation to unlock jobs and growth. Maritime Sanctions Pressure: Reports on U.S. and French actions against Iran-linked and Russia-linked tankers underscore ongoing sanctions enforcement that can affect regional shipping and supply flows.

Food Safety at the Border: FAO says Comoros is moving from reactive checks to a more structured, evidence-driven import control system to better target higher-risk shipments, after identifying gaps in cold-chain and documentation practices. Trade Rules for Importers: An import licensing committee experience-sharing session highlighted how transparency, better notifications, digital tools, and single-window systems can cut uncertainty and trade costs for businesses. Energy & Credit Risks: S&P warns that Middle East conflict disruptions to fuel and fertilizer flows could hit import-dependent African economies—including Comoros—raising fuel costs, sparking unrest, and worsening credit conditions. Blue Economy Push: Conservation leaders call for faster investment in Africa’s blue economy, arguing coastal conservation can unlock jobs and growth while protecting fisheries and tourism. Maritime Sanctions Pressure: Botswana denied registering a tanker disabled by the US near the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring false-flag tactics used to evade tracking—an issue that can spill into regional shipping and trade costs. Comoros–China Ties: President Azali Assoumani tells Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” with plans to deepen the strategic partnership.

Food Safety at the Border: FAO-supported work in Comoros is shifting import controls from reactive checks to an evidence-driven system that targets higher-risk shipments, aiming to protect the cold chain and reduce unsafe imports. Trade Rules & Transparency: An import licensing committee meeting highlighted how clearer notifications, digital tools, and better inter-agency coordination can cut uncertainty and trade costs for businesses. Comoros–China Ties: President Azali Assoumani told Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” with plans to deepen the strategic partnership as diplomatic relations enter their 51st year. Cross-Border Payments: Esca Finance (Nigeria) partnered with MANSA to enable same-day settlements across key African corridors, reducing the need for pre-funding and freeing working capital. Blue Economy Push: Leaders at the Monaco Blue Initiative urged faster investment in Africa’s blue economy and stronger coastal community involvement to unlock jobs and growth. Energy & Food Risks: S&P warned that Middle East conflict disruptions could worsen fuel and fertilizer shocks across Africa, hitting credit quality—Comoros included. Maritime Security Watch: Russia-linked tanker activity and Black Sea attacks continue to raise shipping risk concerns, with vessels reported under flags including Comoros. Intellectual Legacy: A recent tribute marks the passing of Comorian scholar Khamis al Adawi, highlighting his library, publications, and ongoing research contributions.

Energy & Food Risks: S&P warns the Iran war is straining Africa’s energy and food systems, with fuel and fertilizer disruptions likely to hit import-dependent economies in 6–18 months and worsen credit conditions. Sanctions & Shipping Pressure: The U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, targeting eight tankers and over 15 entities; meanwhile, U.S. forces disabled another Iran-linked tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how blockade enforcement is reshaping oil flows. Maritime Security for Trade: Russia-linked drone attacks hit three foreign-flagged merchant vessels in the Black Sea export corridor, including a Comoros-flagged ship, raising fresh concerns for shipping operators. Comoros Food Safety at Borders: FAO support helped Comoros shift import controls toward a more evidence-driven, risk-based approach to better protect cold-chain and high-risk shipments. Comoros–China Ties: President Azali Assoumani tells Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” with plans to deepen the strategic partnership. Payments Innovation: Esca Finance and MANSA announced same-day settlement across key African corridors using stablecoin-backed rails. Markets & Finance Tech: MEXC launched “RealStocks,” offering eligible users access to real U.S.-listed shares with dividends where applicable, alongside its broader 0-fee trading push.

Iran Shipping Pressure: A first oil supertanker was spotted moored at Kharg Island after nearly a month, underscoring how the U.S. blockade is squeezing Tehran’s crude exports and leaving fewer ships available. Sanctions & Maritime Risk: The U.S. Treasury added more Iran-linked tankers to its sanctions list, including a Comoros-flagged crude carrier, while separate reports say Russian drones hit foreign-flagged commercial vessels in the Black Sea corridor, raising fresh concerns for regional trade safety. Food Safety at Borders: In Comoros, FAO support helped shift import controls toward a more structured, evidence-driven approach to target higher-risk shipments and protect the cold chain. Comoros–China Ties: President Azali Assoumani told Xinhua that cooperation with China remains “exemplary,” with the Comoros reaffirming it is “on China’s side.” Payments Innovation: Esca Finance and MANSA announced same-day settlements across key African corridors using stablecoin-backed rails, aiming to cut pre-funding and speed cross-border transfers.

Food Safety at the Border: FAO says Comoros is tightening import controls for higher-risk shipments, shifting inspectors toward a more structured, evidence-driven approach to protect the cold chain and reduce gaps in food safety. Comoros–China Ties: President Azali Assoumani tells Xinhua that cooperation with China is “exemplary,” pledging to deepen the long-running strategic partnership as 2026 marks 51 years of diplomatic relations. Iran Shipping Squeeze Hits the Region: A first Iranian supertanker was spotted moored at Kharg Island after nearly a month, underscoring the impact of the U.S. blockade; at the same time, the U.S. disabled another tanker near the Strait of Hormuz and expanded sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil network, including a Comoros-flagged crude tanker. Energy & Food Cost Risks for Africa: S&P warns the Middle East conflict is straining fuel and fertilizer flows, raising the risk of wider credit deterioration across import-dependent economies, with Comoros among those facing steep fuel price hikes. Regional Business & Mobility: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming to simplify visas and boost tourism-driven economic activity. Crypto Finance Launch: MEXC launched “RealStocks,” offering eligible users access to real U.S.-listed shares with dividends/distributions, using USDT transactions.