AGP Executive Report

Security & Foreign Policy Shift: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella says the country is joining the U.S.-backed “Shield of the Americas,” signaling tighter military and intelligence cooperation against drug cartels and other transnational crime. Aid & Industry Impact: Washington is preparing a $1 billion security package for Colombia, including support for forces, coca eradication and cocaine interdiction, asset freezing, and expanding state presence in conflict areas. First-Day Violence: Two bomb attacks hit on the first day in office—an explosive drone attack on a police station in Cesar killed an officer, and FARC dissidents destroyed a toll booth under construction on the Pan-American highway near Cali, underscoring risks to infrastructure projects. Diplomacy & Trade: De la Espriella also moved to restore ties with Israel and recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, with talks focused on security, trade, and economic cooperation. Logistics & Trade Corridors: Jacksonville’s port-linked industrial market added about 8 million sq ft of speculative warehouse space, reinforcing its role as a distribution hub—relevant for regional supply chains. Energy Mobility (Tech Showcase): Nissan’s e-POWER Qashqai Hybrid set a Guinness record by driving 1,980 km on one tank in Colombia, highlighting efficiency tech. Food Retail Expansion: Genesis BBQ Group opened its first Mexico City store in Zona Rosa, expanding its Latin America footprint that already includes Colombia.

Security & Infrastructure: Two explosive attacks hit Colombia on the first day of President Abelardo de la Espriella’s term, killing at least one police officer. FARC dissidents destroyed a highway toll booth under construction near Cali, while an explosive drone struck a police station in Cesar, killing an officer. Governance Response: The Ombudsman’s Office urged authorities to prevent an escalation of violence and called for a coordinated state response across defense security, prevention, and community protection. US–Colombia Security Push: The U.S. State Department says it will seek a $1 billion aid package for Colombia, aimed at strengthening security forces, disrupting armed groups and money laundering, expanding coca eradication and interdiction, and increasing state presence in conflict regions. Diplomacy & Energy Signals: UAE Minister Reem Al Hashimy attended the inauguration, highlighting cooperation in energy and investment as Colombia marks 50 years of diplomatic ties with the UAE. Industrial/Logistics Angle: Air Cargo Pack completed its first cargo flight from Bogotá to Guyana, signaling new regional air-freight connectivity for industrial and time-sensitive shipments.

Security & Infrastructure: Colombia’s new right-wing president Abelardo de la Espriella took office amid two bombing attacks that hit the country’s infrastructure on his first day—an explosives attack destroyed a highway tollbooth near Cali and a drone strike killed a police officer in Cesar, as the president vowed “no refuge” for those behind the violence. US–Colombia Security Package: Washington says it will work with Congress to approve a $1 billion security aid package for the new administration, focused on strengthening Colombian forces, interoperability, coordinated operations, coca eradication, interdiction, and targeting criminal finances. Energy & Trade Logistics: Air Cargo Pack completed its first cargo flight from Bogotá to Guyana, signaling faster regional air-cargo corridors for perishables, industrial cargo, and oil-and-gas equipment. Environment & Materials: A surge of foreign plastic waste is piling up along Jamaica’s coast, underscoring how marine litter is a cross-border problem—relevant for Colombia’s own plastic and waste management pressures. Governance & Industry Context: Colombia’s shift right also includes pledges to revive oil-and-gas and tighten security, setting the tone for near-term policy changes affecting industrial planning and investment.

Colombia-US Security Pivot: Colombia’s new right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in in Cali and vowed an “all-out war” on drug trafficking and “narco-terrorism,” ending peace talks with armed groups and pushing mega-prisons; the U.S. State Department says Washington will seek Congressional approval for a $1 billion security aid package tied to joint operations, coca eradication, and targeting criminal finances. Energy Policy Shift: In the same transition, De la Espriella signaled a revival of oil and gas and a stronger push for energy security, while still talking about a broader energy transformation. International Relations Move: Colombia also announced it recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a major reversal from the prior administration. Climate/Rule of Law: Separately, UNEP says countries are turning “just transition” pledges into laws, policies, and court decisions grounded in environmental rule of law. Food & Costs Watch: Global food prices hit a three-year high, with cereals, sugar, and vegetable oils driving higher costs that can ripple into logistics and manufacturing.

Colombia’s New Security Era: Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as president in Cali, pledging “order, authority and freedom,” ending peace talks with armed groups, and launching a hard crackdown on “narco-terrorists,” including mega-prisons and coca eradication. U.S.-Backed Security Package: The U.S. State Department says it will work with Congress to approve a $1 billion security assistance package for De la Espriella’s administration, tied to anti-cartel cooperation under Trump’s “Shield of the Americas.” Energy Policy Shift: In his inauguration remarks, De la Espriella signaled a revival of oil and gas, prioritizing energy security, restructuring Ecopetrol, and strengthening the electricity system while still pursuing an energy transition. Global Food Cost Pressure: UN data shows global food prices hit a three-year high, driven by higher cereals, sugar and vegetable oils—an input-cost risk for Colombia’s food, manufacturing and logistics sectors. Clean Electrification Momentum: A new global business survey finds strong support for rapid electrification, with leaders citing energy security and fossil-fuel volatility as key drivers.

Colombia’s New Security Era: Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as president in Cali under heavy security, signaling a hard-line shift against armed groups and a push to tighten state control of territory. Israel–Colombia Rebuild: Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar met Colombia’s new leadership and cabinet ministers to expand cooperation after Petro-era rupture, including trade and defense-related coordination. Amazon Protection Move: Petro declared 42% of Colombia’s Amazon (483,283 sq km) a renewable natural resources reserve, blocking new mining concessions and new oil and gas exploration/production contracts while letting existing permits run out. Digital Infrastructure Deal: Macquarie Asset Management completed its acquisition of IHS Towers’ South American wireless tower operations, including about 250 sites in Colombia, boosting long-term connectivity investment. Energy & Agriculture Signals: ANLA granted environmental licensing for two photovoltaic parks in Colombia, while IDF-backed parametric insurance supports thousands of smallholder farmers—both tied to resilience and production stability. Mining Updates: B2Gold received Mali’s Menankoto exploitation permit (Fekola complex growth driver), and Colombia also saw reports of mine incidents and new drilling phases across the sector. Industrial Capacity Watch: Saab plans to double Gripen output to 25–30 jets annually, with Colombia listed among existing commitments.

Security Transition: Abelardo de la Espriella is set to be sworn in as Colombia’s new president, promising a hard security line against armed groups and drug trafficking, plus a push to shrink the state and revive oil and gas—while the ELN signals it’s ready to return to wider attacks. Energy & Environment: ANLA granted environmental licenses for two photovoltaic parks in Cesar (Turpiales and Los Nogales) totaling 557.2 MWac, advancing Colombia’s energy transition. Climate Risk for Farmers: The IDF-backed parametric insurance program secured by Colombia covers 14,402 smallholders across Sucre, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Meta and Chocó, with up to $20.14M in drought and excessive-rain protection ahead of stronger El Niño conditions. Mining & Capital Markets: Copper Giant agreed to a strategic investment from Denarius (15.6%) and a long-term offtake deal with Trafigura for future Mocoa concentrate; meanwhile, a gold mine blast in Marmato injured about 14 workers. Agribusiness & Trade: Colombia’s beef export picture shows strong demand but ongoing supply and processing pressures, with weekly protein updates highlighting tightness and shifting market conditions. Industrial Investment: Medplus Solutions says it invested over $5M in five years and expanded operations in Bogotá, adding tech and specialized jobs. Infrastructure & Safety: The IDB cited Cemex’s road-safety program as a regional model, reporting a 54% drop in accidents involving Cemex operations over six years across multiple countries including Colombia.

Copper & Offtake Deal: Denarius Metals will buy 15.6% of Copper Giant’s Copper Giant Resources, while Trafigura locks long-term offtake rights for a fifth of future output from the Mocoa copper-molybdenum project in Putumayo—an early signal of renewed investment momentum ahead of Colombia’s new pro-mining administration. Gold Output Updates: Atico Mining reported Q2 production of 2.08M pounds of copper and 1,465 ounces of gold from El Roble, targeting higher-grade zones in H2; B2Gold also posted Q2 results with gold output at 203,648 ounces and costs below expectations. LNG & Ports: Excelerate Energy acquired an LNG carrier for its first FSRU conversion and confirmed redeployment of its FSRU Express to Colombia’s Puerto Bahia terminal, with service expected in 1Q27. Power Trade: Private generators resumed electricity sales to Ecuador (358 MW), but transfers remain dependent on excess generation as El Niño could force cutbacks. Climate Risk Finance: Colombia contracted parametric insurance for 14,402 smallholders across five departments, covering drought and excess rainfall ahead of intensifying El Niño effects. Geothermal Pipeline: RENAG 2026 will convene Colombia’s geothermal sector in Villavicencio (Oct 27–30) to advance the energy transition. Security & Industry Disruption: A truck bomb in Cúcuta injured 11 officers and civilians, underscoring ongoing risks to logistics corridors and industrial operations.

Climate Risk Management: Colombia contracted parametric insurance for 14,402 smallholder farmers across Sucre, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Meta and Chocó, covering drought and excess rainfall up to US$20.14m as El Niño intensifies in 2H26. LNG & Ports: Excelerate bought the 2010-built LNG carrier Methane Patricia Camila for its first FSRU conversion, while also extending Colombia work via a seven-year charter for the FSRU Express at Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Bahía. Geothermal Pipeline: AGEOCOL announced RENAG 2026 in Villavicencio (Oct 27–30) to advance geothermal development with industry, academia and public partners. Airlift Modernization: Colombia selected Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium for the FAC, with two aircraft plus mission equipment and support, boosting cargo, HADR and aerial refueling capabilities. Oil & Gas M&A: Gran Tierra agreed to sell its Colombia and Ecuador assets to Maurel & Prom for $1.33bn, including ~29,000 bopd (H1 2026) and 144m barrels of 2P reserves. Security & Governance: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella said his strategy will target the financial and operational structures behind organized crime, not just arrests.

Healthcare Industry: MEDITECH 2026 in Bogotá hit a record 12,700 attendees, nearly 300 exhibitors, and 16 countries—cementing the city as a regional hub for medical tech. Energy & Mining Finance: Aura Minerals declared a US$0.72 dividend per share (US$60.42m total) and reported a record first half, with production and expansion work (Era Dorada, MSG, Almas) on track. Security & Governance: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella says the next phase will target the financial and operational structures behind organized crime, not just arrests. Aerospace & Defense Procurement: Colombia ordered two Embraer KC-390 Millennium aircraft in a $366.4m deal, with delivery planned for 2029 and 2030 to boost airlift and aerial refueling. Renewables for Communities: Collective Mining backed a 600 kWp solar project for the Guamal Afro-Colombian community in Caldas, aiming to power 420 households. Logistics & Trade: Airfreight capacity to North America shifted after the World Cup, pushing rates up while volumes fell. Corruption Watch: Prosecutors moved against governors and mayors over a reported $941m corruption scheme tied to a public-private fund.

Airlift & Logistics Shock: After the World Cup final, Latin America–to–North America airfreight capacity tightened as US carriers pulled aircraft for transatlantic summer routes, pushing rates up 7.3% (volumes -1.5%) and raising outbound pricing pressure. Defense Procurement: Colombia signed a fixed-price $366.4M deal with Embraer for two KC-390 Millennium aircraft (deliveries 2029–2030), adding heavy tactical transport, medical evacuation, cargo/airdrop and air-to-air refueling support to modernize the FAC fleet alongside Gripen operations. Amazon Enforcement: Operation Green Shield 2026 (July 15–31) led by five Amazon countries netted 839 arrests and seized 9.9M cubic feet of illegal timber plus minerals and equipment, while rescuing 3,000+ live animals. Energy Deals: Gran Tierra agreed to sell its Colombia and Ecuador oil business to Maurel & Prom for $1.33B, reshaping its growth plan. Mining Tech: Mine Vision Systems added leadership for product, enterprise AI and sales to boost value from underground data for mining customers.

Defense & Aerospace: Colombia signed with Embraer to buy two KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft to modernize the FAC airlift and aerial refueling fleet, with delivery expected in 2029 and 2030 and an estimated cost around $366M, including mission equipment, services and an industrial offset program. Energy: Petrobras confirmed a new offshore natural gas discovery at the Sandia-1 well in Colombia’s deepwater GUA-OFF-0 block, adding to the basin’s gas potential as evaluations continue via logging and lab analyses. Environment & Enforcement: Operation Green Shield 2026, led with UAE coordination, wrapped up across the Amazon Basin with 839 arrests, 1,045 field actions and seizures including 280,450 cubic meters of illegal timber and 195+ tons of minerals, targeting illegal mining, logging, wildlife trafficking and land grabbing. Mining Tech: Mine Vision Systems named new leadership for product strategy, enterprise AI and sales to turn underground mapping data into more value for mining customers. Business & Services: Insight Global opened a Bogotá capability center to anchor Latin American operations as nearshore demand grows. Retail Real Estate: Mallplaza reported 2Q2026 EBITDA up 9.6% and continued its Colombia growth plan after announcing an acquisition agreement for eight Gran Plaza shopping centers. Agrifood Trade: A virtual agrifood matchmaking round drew 701 companies across Latin America and the Caribbean, generating about $25.5M in new business opportunities.

Economic Pulse: Colombia’s economy is estimated to have grown about 2.7% in Q2 2026 (NowCast Bancolombia), keeping activity below potential and placing H1 growth at ~2.4%. Energy & Offshore Gas: Petrobras and Ecopetrol confirmed a new deepwater natural gas discovery at Sandía-1 in the Guajira basin, adding to the Caribbean gas push that could strengthen Colombia’s medium- and long-term energy security. Infrastructure & Corruption Probe: Colombian prosecutors are investigating claims of cash demands tied to the Bogotá metro after a report and video allegedly show payments linked to invoice approvals; the consortium denies wrongdoing. Cybersecurity: INC ransomware is described as a dominant threat actor exploiting SonicWall Secure Mobile Access SMA 1000 flaws, with hundreds of victims reported and new listings accelerating in early August. Trade & Industry: India extended anti-dumping duties on multiple products (including chemicals and iron/steel items) and imposed a new duty on low-ash metallurgical coke, signaling continued pressure on import flows. Korea–Colombia Ties: South Korea will send special envoys to Colombia’s presidential inauguration to reinforce cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and education.

Bogotá Metro Probe: Colombian prosecutors are investigating claims that executives of China Harbour Engineering Company demanded 60 million pesos in cash from a local subcontractor, with a 26-minute video allegedly showing the handover—while the consortium denies wrongdoing and says it was a retention payment tied to a quality dispute. Energy & Mining: Petrobras says it discovered a natural gas well off Colombia’s coast in the Guajira basin (Sandia-1), reinforcing offshore gas potential; Hitachi Energy also announced Americas leadership changes, naming Andy Goggin to lead the region as electrification and AI-driven data centers accelerate. Cybersecurity: INC Ransomware is flagged as the most active threat group exploiting SonicWall SMA 1000 VPN flaws (CVE-2026-15409/15410), with reports of credential theft and moves toward internal networks. Trade Policy: The US issued a tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products, with exclusions that include Colombia, setting a four-year framework starting Aug. 15, 2026. Packaging & Industry Services: AeroFlexx and Plastic Films Internacional SA plan to expand liquid packaging adoption across Colombia, Venezuela, and Central America, targeting faster commercialization for consumer and industrial clients. Agribusiness Watch: US corn futures rose modestly as export inspections showed shipments to Colombia among top destinations, while crop progress data points to a slightly ahead-of-normal development pace.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Colombia’s $43M Golfo de Morrosquillo airport became a political flashpoint after Petro’s plane landed, stayed on the tarmac, and departed without a ceremony—while Aerocivil says the project is only 84.75% complete and still lacks items like a perimeter security fence and jet fuel. Security & Industry Risk: A truck bomb outside a police base in Cúcuta injured 11 officers and killed a police dog; Colombia’s defense leadership blamed the National Liberation Army and offered a $60,000 reward, underscoring ongoing threats to border logistics. Energy & Power Systems: KTECH launched a residential energy partner program across Central America and the Caribbean, targeting distributors and installers for solar-plus-storage and backup power as outages and electricity costs rise. Public Health & Food Regulation: WHO says ultra-processed food giants are using lawsuits to slow obesity policies, with cases reported across countries including Colombia. Volcanic Monitoring: Colombia raised Puracé volcano alert from yellow to orange after record seismic activity and volcanic gas emissions, increasing the risk of a major eruption. Aerospace (Regional Market): Embraer’s E2 narrowbody demand remains strong in South America, highlighted by Colombia-based Abra Group’s recent E195-E2 order.

Security & Logistics: Colombia blamed the ELN for a truck bombing outside a police base in Cúcuta, injuring 11 officers and killing a police dog, as the country prepares for the Aug. 7 inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. Energy & Industry: Colombia raised the Puracé volcano alert to orange after record seismic activity and volcanic gas emissions, keeping round-the-clock monitoring as eruption risk climbs. Trade & Maritime Readiness: Panamax 2026 is underway with Colombian naval units joining multinational drills to protect the Panama Canal’s strategic routes, linking defense planning with regional logistics. Agribusiness & Supply Chains: A new snapshot of global coffee production shows Brazil leading with 35% of world output, while Colombia remains a key producer at 7%, underscoring steady demand for Colombian-origin supply. Public Health & Regulation: WHO says ultra-processed food giants are using lawsuits to slow obesity-related health rules, a pressure point for food manufacturers operating in Colombia and across the region. Cross-border Tech for Safety: Incoming Colombian leadership signals renewed cooperation with Israel on security tech—drones and AI—aimed at narcotics trafficking and armed groups.