AGP Executive Report

Security Policy Shift: Colombia’s right-wing government says it is closing dialogue mechanisms and temporary security zones from the Petro era, replacing “total peace” with a more militarized approach focused on submission to justice. Gun Rules Eased: President Abelardo de la Espriella loosens legal firearm-carry restrictions, arguing criminals already arm illegally, while critics warn it could worsen firearm deaths. Health System Reform: Colombia plans to speed medicine delivery by cutting red tape, settling provider debts, and tightening oversight to reduce dangerous prescription delays. Earthquake Reconstruction Costs: One month after the 7.4 quake, officials report 331 dead and major damage to schools and health centers, with experts warning reconstruction needs major financing. Embedded Finance for Food Trade: Loads raises $15m in revolving debt to scale embedded credit on its food commerce platform operating across Colombia and the region. Aviation & Tourism: Frontier launches its first South America service from Orlando to Cartagena, Bogotá and Medellín with low introductory fares, adding new travel demand for Colombia. Fintech Remittances: Nubank pushes fee-free, instant-style remittances toward Colombia and LATAM, aiming to cut the high cost of cross-border transfers. International Finance Scrutiny: Methodist churches and partners file an environmental complaint urging authorities to examine HSBC’s financing of Glencore-linked mining in La Guajira. AI Governance: UNESCO highlights new tools for ethical AI governance at a global forum in Riyadh, with Colombia cited among countries building AI strategies. Sports Budget Cut: De la Espriella slashes Colombia’s already tight 2027 sports budget by 40%.

US-Colombia-Ecuador-Peru Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a swing through Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, pushing security and counternarcotics cooperation alongside new trade and investment deals, as Washington seeks to deepen regional alignment. Remittances & Fintech: Nubank is targeting near-instant, low-cost international remittances to Colombia and other LATAM markets, while also expanding its US banking suite via partnerships and new product launches. Banking Partnerships: Viamericas signed RCBC as a direct banking partner and is expanding payout options, including home delivery, in the Philippines—another sign of cross-border payments competition. Energy & Oil Markets: Venezuela’s oil output recovery appears to have stalled, with PDVSA output largely flat and US control over proceeds continuing to shape the sector. Colombia Business & Trade: Colombia-Germany ties got a boost as the Colombian-German Chamber of Commerce launched “Powered by Germany,” aiming to drive industrial modernization and investment. Colombia Security: Colombia detained an ELN leader in an operation in Cauca, underscoring ongoing pressure on armed groups. Colombia Culture & Tourism: Tocancipá kicked off its 2026 Festival of Colombian Culture (Sept. 11–21), while Bogotá’s Festival Cordillera is set to draw about 36,000 visitors and generate major local spending. Consumer & Recall Watch: US regulators issued multiple recalls, including 2.3 million Sour Crush candy bottles manufactured in Colombia.

Security & Conflict: Colombia detained an ELN leader in Cauca, seizing weapons, cash and communications tied to extortion, kidnappings and forced recruitment. Travel & Aviation: Frontier Airlines is adding new low-cost routes to Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena from Orlando starting December 2026, while Avianca unveiled a refreshed Insignia business class concept with redesigned suites and sliding doors for 2027 rollouts. Digital Finance & Crypto: MoneyGram launched a Visa stablecoin card in Colombia, and Nu Global (Nu/Nubank) partnered with Sygnum to offer multi-currency stablecoin/crypto accounts with custody and transfers. US-Led Regional Security: Marco Rubio’s tour culminated with Peru joining the “Shield of the Americas,” amid protests in Lima against deeper US security cooperation. Media & Platforms: Meta expanded Community Notes testing to multiple Latin American countries including Colombia. Business & Consumer: Daktronics posted its best quarter in years, boosted by higher-margin international and transportation display orders. Sports: James Rodríguez returned to Colombia, signing with Atlético Nacional. Food Safety: De Todito potato chips were recalled in the US due to pork cracklings sourced from Colombia, which is currently ineligible for meat exports.

Aerial Eradication Update: Colombia is moving to restart aerial coca eradication with a pilot using glufosinate ammonium (not glyphosate), aiming to spray up to 1,000 hectares over seven days, but still facing environmental, health, and legal hurdles plus Indigenous/Afro consultation requirements. Stablecoin Payments in Colombia: MoneyGram launched a Visa card backed by stablecoins, with initial support for Circle’s USDC and early availability in Colombia via its app, plus cash conversion at 6,000+ local locations. Aviation & Fleet Moves: Avianca signed a sale-and-leaseback for 12 Airbus A320neos with BOC Aviation, with deliveries targeted for 2029 to support regional capacity growth. Security & Firearms Policy: President Abelardo de la Espriella signed an order ending restrictions on legally owned firearms for law-abiding citizens, reversing a 2015 ban. Tech & Media Trust: Meta is testing Community Notes-style crowdsourcing across 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, drawing pushback from regional fact-checkers who warn it could weaken independent verification. Energy & Investment: Constellation agreed to buy Shell’s Rhode Island State Energy Center for $715m, signaling continued expansion in U.S. power generation. Sports Budget Shock: Colombia’s 2027 sports budget was cut 40% under De la Espriella, raising concerns for athlete preparation ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Airline Expansion: Frontier announced its first South America service, adding Orlando-to-Medellín (Dec 10), Bogotá (Dec 14), and Cartagena (Dec 19). Earthquake Reconstruction Pressure: One month after Colombia’s 7.4 quake, Reuters reports 331 dead and 466,000 affected, with reconstruction funding and housing recovery still uncertain.

US-Iran Shipping Shock: Iran says it attacked 10 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz after the US destroyed five Iranian oil tankers, pushing Brent back above $100 a barrel and raising fears of wider disruption. US-Colombia Energy & Security: Marco Rubio’s Latin America push includes a minerals and civil nuclear cooperation agenda with Colombia, while also signaling continued anti-drug operations with allies. Colombia Solar Program Review: Colombia’s new Mines and Energy minister put the COP 4.2 trillion “Colombia Solar” scheme under review, citing contract questions and “zero connected users.” Mining Deal Watch: British Gem Resources entered a conditional agreement to buy a gold processing facility in Colombia’s El Yarumo operation, with modernization plans. Tech & Consumer Demand: Apple unveiled the foldable iPhone Duo and new iPhone 18 Pro lineup, with Colombia included in first-wave markets and India pricing/release details also announced. Business & CX: Konecta was named 2026 Company of the Year in customer experience management for Europe and Latin America. Climate Policy: A UN report argues countries are turning “just transition” pledges into enforceable rule-of-law measures. Agriculture Pressure: Colombia’s El Niño-linked drought is reported to be driving food prices up sharply.

U.S.-Colombia reset: Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Barranquilla and pledged to “restore” and deepen security cooperation with Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, as Bogotá pushes a broader anti–drug-terror plan and new investment agenda. Critical minerals push: During the same trip, Colombia and the U.S. signed memorandums on rare earths/critical minerals and nuclear cooperation, aiming to reduce supply-chain dependence on China. Regional security escalation: Rubio also designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, citing links to narcotrafficking and attacks, while the U.S. and Iran trade strikes drove oil above $100 a barrel. Digital trust in LatAm: Meta began testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking countries including Colombia, as it moves away from professional fact-checking. Food trade: U.S. pork exports to Colombia rebounded sharply in May–July after earlier 2026 softness, supported by Colombia’s lifting of a temporary offal import suspension. Business & tech: Indumil’s website reportedly crashed after Colombia lifted firearm-carry restrictions, while Group-IB warned of a new Android banking malware tactic targeting multiple countries including Colombia.

US-Colombia Reset: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a three-country tour in Colombia, pledging to “restore” ties with President Abelardo de la Espriella and pushing deeper security and trade cooperation after four years of leftist rule. Critical Minerals & Nuclear: Rubio and Colombian officials signed two memorandums in Barranquilla—one to secure critical-minerals and rare-earth supply chains, and another to expand civil nuclear cooperation. Middle East Energy Shock: The US and Iran escalated again after Washington destroyed five IRGC-linked Iranian oil tankers; Tehran retaliated with missile strikes on US-linked targets in Jordan and warned ships in the Gulf, lifting Brent toward $100. Payments Tech: TerraPay and Alipay+ expanded cross-border QR wallet interoperability, aiming to let Latin American users pay across a large merchant network. Cyber Risk for SMBs: Kaspersky reported most SMBs faced at least one cyber incident in the past year, with phishing and ransomware among the biggest threats. Education Watch: PISA 2025 showed all 13 Latin American countries below OECD averages, with Argentina’s weakest results since 2006 and Colombia among the higher performers regionally.

US-Colombia Trade & Security Push: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a three-country tour with Colombia as the first stop, aiming to “wrap up” trade deals and deepen security cooperation with President Abelardo de la Espriella, while also expanding the “Shield of the Americas” fight against drug trafficking and transnational criminal groups. Arms Policy Update: Colombia lifted the general suspension on firearm-carry permits, effective Sept. 9, framing it as restoring rights for law-abiding citizens while keeping strict licensing and controls. Bogotá Metro Line 2: Three international groups submitted prequalification bids for Bogota’s Metro Line 2, a 15.5 km project expected to move toward proposals late 2026 and a concession award in early 2027. Currency & Inflation Watch: The peso’s August rally cooled after a fiscal shock tied to the 2027 budget release, while Grupo Cibest estimated food inflation at 5.7% year-on-year in August amid earthquake and El Niño pressures. Investment & Trade Links: Colombia moved to revive its Japan trade pact, courting Toyota investment, and business leaders pledged a “Plan Marshall” style $2 trillion COP push to rebuild earthquake-hit Chocó. Fintech Expansion: Revolut received conditional OCC approval to form a U.S. national bank, targeting a 2027 launch and signaling continued expansion across Latin America. Cybersecurity Risk: Researchers warned of active exploitation of FortiGate firewalls to deploy custom Node.js malware, highlighting ongoing pressure on enterprise perimeter defenses.

Colombia Macro: DANE says August consumer prices rose 0.39%, lifting annual inflation to 6.24%—above forecasts and still far from the central bank’s 3% target. US-Colombia Ties: Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a three-country tour with meetings in Colombia focused on earthquake recovery support, anti–narcoterrorism cooperation, and deeper commercial links. Earthquake Recovery: Colombia’s business elite is heading to Chocó with President Abelardo de la Espriella to map reconstruction after the Aug. 10 quake, as the government pushes a “Marshall Plan for Chocó.” Security & Crime: Gardaí and Colombian police signed a cooperation pact to share intelligence and jointly tackle the cocaine trade. Gaming Deal: Primero Games is expanding in Latin America after acquiring Win Systems’ gaming division, adding 3,000+ installed positions across the region. FX Pressure on Exports: ANALDEX says four fruit exporters shut down in 2026 as the peso’s dollar-linked slide squeezes margins, hitting avocado and cape gooseberry producers hardest. Volcano Watch: Puracé remains on orange alert after continued seismic activity and ash emissions. Regional Business: India is exploring Colombia’s critical minerals and energy opportunities via KABIL and ONGC Videsh.

Earthquake Recovery & Business Mobilization: Colombia’s private-sector heavyweights are heading to Chocó with President Abelardo de la Espriella to map reconstruction after the Aug. 10 7.4 quake, with a focus on rebuilding infrastructure and whether the disaster can drive long-term upgrades in a historically underserved region. Diplomacy & Security: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a three-country South America tour (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) aimed at tightening security cooperation against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, while also pushing trade and supply-chain ties and coordinating disaster-relief support. Critical Minerals & Energy Trade: India is stepping up engagement with Colombia on critical minerals and oil, with state firms exploring mining opportunities and expanding energy cooperation beyond traditional crude and coal links. Mining & Metals Watch: Collective Mining says it found tungsten in Colombia’s Caldas after years of exploration for gold, silver and copper—highlighting the country’s growing role in strategic metals supply. Volcano Monitoring: Puracé remains on orange alert after continued seismic activity and ash emissions, keeping authorities on standby for possible escalation. Cross-border Crime Response: Ireland’s Gardaí and Colombian police signed a cooperation pact to share intelligence and counter the expanding cocaine trade. Tech & Connectivity: Liberty Networks added Starlink to its enterprise offering across Colombia and parts of Central America and the Caribbean, targeting low-latency B2B connectivity. Travel & Air Capacity: Wizz Air announced major flight additions in Israel, including new routes and higher frequencies—relevant for regional travel demand. Human Interest (Local Economy): A 67-year-old woman in Quindío, Armenia, says she monetizes neighborhood gossip by recording and cross-checking information—an unusual micro-business story going viral.

UAE–Colombia Trade Push: UAE Ambassador Mohamed Abdulla Al Shamsi met Colombia’s Congress president Honorio Miguel Henriquez Pinedo to review bilateral cooperation and speed up ratification of economic agreements as both countries mark 50 years of ties, with a focus on diversifying trade and expanding investment. Colombia Sports Economy: Colombia’s sports sector hit US$10.2B in 2024 (1.15% of GDP), with football driving broadcasting, sponsorships, tourism, retail and regulated betting, and the satellite account showing growth of 76.3% since 2018. Oil & Gas Reopening Watch: Colombia is moving to reverse the fracking ban and eye about $4B in new oil investment, but investors will be watching how quickly regulatory hurdles and security concerns are addressed. Security & Justice: Colombia’s government is responding to deadly drone swarm attacks, while a separate case sparked debate after the death of “Bendito Menor,” with former President Gustavo Petro questioning the operation. Crypto Risk in the Region: Chile’s Orionx shut down after a forensic audit found a $7M+ custody shortfall, suspending withdrawals for 100,000+ users—another reminder of counterparty risk across Latin America’s crypto market.

Energy & Investment: Colombia is moving to reverse its fracking ban and is eyeing about $4B in new oil investment, but Reuters notes the government must quickly clear regulatory hurdles and address security risks to attract capital. Security & Conflict: A drone swarm attack blamed on the ELN hit Colombia’s El Trapiche military post in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, killing three soldiers and injuring four, as President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed stepped-up operations. Crime & Politics: Former President Gustavo Petro criticized the killing of “Bendito Menor,” an ACSN leader, after the operation sparked controversy and renewed debate over how the state handles armed groups. Finance & Banking: Davivienda Group says its Panama integration has pushed assets to nearly $80B and aims to strengthen Panama as a regional banking hub. Digital Economy & Social Risk: Colombia’s technology ministry set up a weekly working group to respond to social media recruitment of minors by criminal networks. Public Health & Safety: A UNICEF report estimates 20M children face online sexual abuse, with Colombia included among the studied countries. Regional Energy Deals: Venezuela and Colombia signed a 25-year energy investment deal, adding another layer to cross-border hydrocarbon cooperation.

Security Crackdown: Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed tougher action after an ELN-attributed drone swarm attack hit a military post in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, killing three soldiers and injuring four, with explosives dropped from at least 20 UAVs. Local Governance & Social Policy: A Bogotá public school in Bosa cut serious coexistence incidents by 85%, pushed bullying reports to zero, and kept dropout below 1% by shifting to emotional well-being, peer-led conflict resolution, and dialogue instead of harsher punishment. Entrepreneurship & Tech: Medellín’s Tech Sphere 2026 opened with a focus on how fast business intelligence is changing, while the city’s tech ecosystem continues to expand; separately, Puerto Rico’s Boricua Emprende Fest drew 2,275 entrepreneurs and backed pitches with seed capital. Biodiversity Monitoring: Colombia is consolidating a national camera-trap network (OTUS) to improve wildlife data and support conservation decisions. Business & Travel: Peru reported 1.96M international tourists Jan–Jul 2026, with Colombia among the lower contributors, while Thailand’s visa-free rules change on Sept. 15 for travelers.

ELN Drone Attack: Colombia’s army says a drone-explosive assault and clash at a military compound in Ocaña, Norte de Santander killed at least 3 soldiers and wounded 4, with the ELN blamed. Security Crackdown on Talks: President Abelardo de la Espriella told governors and mayors they cannot negotiate or have clandestine contacts with illegal armed groups, warning of justice action for violations. Drug Trafficking Case: UK police jailed Toseef Mohammed for 18 years after raids uncovered cocaine, heroin, cash, and a debt list tied to a “commercial scale” drugs network; he claimed links to Pablo Escobar’s brother. US Border Busts: U.S. CBP seized nearly $3m of cocaine in two Laredo, Texas trailer inspections, showing how traffickers hide drugs inside legitimate freight. Biodiversity Monitoring: Colombia is consolidating a national camera-trap monitoring network (OTUS) to improve wildlife data for conservation decisions. Tech & Labor: A Bancolombia-linked report says Colombia’s sociopolitical momentum improved in August, while another study finds nearly half of urban jobs have high AI exposure. Business & Investment: Erco Energía raised $129m in a Series C to expand solar, and LATAM Airlines Colombia boosted its Medellín base with more crew and maintenance capacity.

ELN Drone Attack: Colombia’s Army says at least two soldiers died and five were injured after an ELN drone strike hit a military cantonment in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, with damage also reported at a police station. Border Security & Trade: U.S. CBP seized about $2.9M in cocaine in two late-August big-rig inspections at Laredo ports, including finds at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge and World Trade Bridge. Sudan Conflict Links: A UN panel says Ethiopia has not responded to requests over alleged illicit support tied to Sudan’s war, while also pointing to transnational networks supplying the RSF, including references to Colombia-linked contractors. Labor & AI Exposure: A Colombian study estimates 48.1% of urban workers in major cities work in activities highly exposed to AI, with 3.27M in roles needing adaptation. Sociopolitical Stability: Bancolombia’s macro indicator rose to 0.50 in August, its best level in nearly two years, moving conditions from “uncertain” toward “fluid.” Energy & Infrastructure: Ecopetrol is replacing five vice presidents amid a government-driven overhaul; meanwhile, Frontera’s Puerto Bahía and ODL assets lifted adjusted EBITDA 18% as volumes rose. Renewables Funding: Erco Energía closed a $129M Series C co-led by Ventures EPM to scale solar development. Air Connectivity: Avianca resumed daily Bogotá–Caracas flights and added Bogotá–Maracaibo service, boosting seats between Colombia and Venezuela. Tourism Metrics: Colombia’s tourism guilds agreed to track outcomes beyond visitor counts, including spending, jobs, sustainability, gastronomy and security. Mining Output: Denarius Metals reported a 67% jump in Q2 shipments from its Zancudo project as it advances toward gold-silver concentrate production.

US-Colombia Partnership: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (Sept. 8-10) to deepen cooperation on earthquake recovery, counter–narcoterrorism and trade, as Washington pushes closer security and commercial ties across the region. Earthquake Recovery Finance: Colombia’s western quake response is moving from emergency aid to rebuilding, with reconstruction costs pegged at about $9.6B (mostly housing), raising the big question of how to fund and execute recovery fast enough. Judicial Limits on Airstrikes: A Bogotá judge temporarily ordered the government to suspend offensive aerial attacks when reliable information suggests children could be present, forcing tighter legal safeguards in the fight against armed groups. China-Linked Investment Watch: China’s ambassador warned that future Chinese investment in Colombia will depend heavily on Bogotá’s foreign-policy choices, adding political risk to business planning. FDI Snapshot: A Latin America FDI review shows Colombia’s non-oil and non-mining inflows fell sharply amid the domestic political climate, while Brazil and Mexico remained top destinations. Venezuela Oil Deal Spillover: PDVSA and Colombia’s Gilinski Group signed an agreement to carry out primary activities in Venezuela’s Bare block, underscoring how regional energy deals are reshaping cross-border business.