AGP Executive Report

Energy Investment: Haiti used the 11th OLACDE Energy Week in Santo Domingo to seek concessional financing and technical partnerships for modernizing its energy infrastructure. Trade: Haiti reinforced its ban on third-country goods transiting through the Dominican Republic, a move with potential implications for cross-border commerce. Agriculture and Industry: The government is calling for sustainable agricultural transformation, while Haiti’s Industry Week wrapped up with a major fair showcasing local businesses. Household Support: The Social Assistance Fund launched a cash transfer program totaling more than 1.4 billion, offering direct support to households. Property and Remittances: A feature on a Haitian nurse building a deeds-focused initiative highlights the role of remittances, which reached $4.1 billion in 2024—16.9% of Haiti’s economy—and the challenge of turning family support into secure property ownership.

Energy Investment: Haiti’s delegation used the 11th OLACDE Energy Week in Santo Domingo to seek investment and technical partnerships, including talks with the Inter-American Development Bank on concessional funding and guarantees to modernize the country’s energy infrastructure. The discussions focused on regional energy transition and sovereignty, but no financing commitments were announced.

Illicit Trade: A U.N. panel accused former senator Jean-Charles Moïse of leading a network that controls parts of Haiti’s glass eel trade, including export permits and customs. The alleged scheme links Haitian suppliers and officials with Dominican boat owners. Election Uncertainty: Haiti has delayed its election campaign and extended candidate registration to Oct. 31, while revising electoral rules for a third time. The continued uncertainty complicates planning for businesses and investors. Agriculture: Haiti is seeking to boost farm productivity in the North and Northeast with a reported US$47.9 million investment. Regional Ties: Venezuela’s foreign minister said Caracas wants stronger economic and commercial cooperation with the Caribbean after meeting Haiti’s foreign minister and regional officials.

Illicit Trade: A U.N. panel alleges former senator Jean-Charles Moïse controlled an illicit glass-eel export network, with links reaching customs and cross-border smuggling. Agriculture: Haiti has earmarked $47.9 million to boost productivity in the North and Northeast, while the agriculture ministry is calling for a more sustainable sector. Household Support: The government’s FAES launched its first cash transfer, totaling more than 1.4 billion. Trade and Industry: Haiti reinforced its ban on third-country goods transiting through the Dominican Republic, and Industry Week closed with a major fair showcasing local business. Investment: A regional transport forum highlighted opportunities to invest in Haiti’s transport sector.

Political Risk: Haiti’s transitional authorities revised electoral rules for a third time but have not formally postponed the Dec. 13 vote. Candidate registration is extended to Oct. 31, leaving the timetable uncertain. Illicit Economies: A UN panel alleges former mayor Rosemila Sainvil Petit-Frère helped finance gangs and move money, while accusing ex-senator Jean-Charles Moïse of influence over an illicit glass eel export network. The allegations underscore risks to legitimate commerce and public institutions. Trade and Industry: Haiti reinforced its ban on third-country goods transiting through the Dominican Republic. The country’s Industry Week also closed with a major fair promoting local products. Agriculture and Support: A $47.9 million initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity in the North and Northeast, while the government launched a cash transfer program totaling more than 1.4 billion.

Business Risks: A new UN report says ties among political figures, private-sector oligarchs and gang leaders—including suspicious financial flows and money laundering—help sustain violence and threaten Haiti’s economic stability. Political Uncertainty: Officials indefinitely postponed the Dec. 13 elections without setting a new date, prolonging uncertainty as violence and the economic crisis strain the government’s capacity to organize the vote. Household Support: Haiti’s social assistance fund began sending 15,000 gourdes each to 94,084 families through NatCash and MonCash, distributing more than 1.4 billion gourdes; a second round is intended to bring the total to 150,000 households. Agriculture and Industry: Haiti’s Industry Week concluded with a major fair, while government plans emphasize transforming agriculture. A separate US$47.9 million initiative aims to boost farm productivity in the North and Northeast.

Social Transfers: Haiti’s FAES has begun distributing 15,000 gourdes each to 94,084 families, with withdrawal fees covered. The first wave totals more than 1.4 billion gourdes; a second is intended to bring coverage to 150,000 households. Business Climate: A new UN report says gangs, political figures and corrupt security officers exploit the crisis for financial and political gain, including control of economic assets. Elections: Haiti has postponed the Dec. 13 vote indefinitely, with no replacement date; insecurity and the economic crisis are straining the government’s ability to organize polling. Agriculture: A reported US$47.9 million initiative aims to boost productivity in the North and Northeast.

Social Spending: Haiti has begun distributing more than 1.4 billion gourdes in cash aid to 94,084 families, with each recipient set to receive 15,000 gourdes; a second wave is planned to reach 150,000 households. Business Climate: A U.N. report warns that ties between gangs, politicians and economic actors could intensify violence and disrupt an election process now postponed indefinitely, deepening uncertainty for businesses and investors. Industry: Haiti’s Industry Week ended with a major fair promoting local products and the “Made in Haiti” push. Agriculture and Energy: A US$47.9 million project aims to raise farm productivity in the North and Northeast, while the country’s largest solar plant, with 13.4 megawatts of capacity, is expected to come online next month. Economic Outlook: Recent reports point to a possible eighth consecutive year of GDP contraction, with the IMF describing Haiti’s situation as exceptionally difficult.

Election Delay: Haiti has suspended the campaign and postponed its Dec. 13 general elections, with no new date set. Candidate registration now runs through Oct. 31, extending uncertainty for businesses awaiting a return to elected government. Regional Outlook: The World Bank expects Latin America and the Caribbean to grow 2.2% in 2026, while noting that high energy and transport costs weigh on tourism-dependent economies. Tourism: Royal Caribbean says it cannot yet predict when ships will return to Labadee; calls are suspended through June 2027, though the company says it continues reduced-rate pay for local employees. Agriculture: Haiti’s agriculture ministry is promoting rural jobs, digital tools and public-private investment, while a separate US$47.9 million initiative aims to boost productivity in the North and Northeast. Industry and Trade: Haiti’s Industry Week closed with a major fair showcasing local industry. The government has also reinforced its ban on third-country goods transiting through the Dominican Republic, a move with implications for cross-border commerce.

Elections & Governance: Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) postponed the official campaign start and extended online candidate registration and document submission to Oct. 31, citing consultations and amendments to the June 2 electoral decree, while warning a revised electoral calendar will follow. Security & Economy: Haiti indefinitely postponed elections due to the security crisis, while the UN Human Rights chief said credible elections remain unlikely amid gang violence, kidnappings, and rights abuses; the UN also extended the Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 31, 2027, but warned it is understrength and faces major funding gaps. Budget Priorities: Haiti’s 2026–2027 budget (401.2 billion gourdes) centers on public security and defense, elections and institutional restoration, and economic recovery tied to social protection and regional revitalization. Trade & Customs: Haiti reinforced a ban on third-country goods transiting through the Dominican Republic, requiring direct shipment to Haitian ports/airports for customs controls, while allowing Dominican-made goods to enter via authorized border crossings. Agriculture & Jobs: Haiti’s agriculture ministry pitched a “sustainable transformation” of the sector around youth jobs, digital upgrades, and public-private partnerships to expand entrepreneurship, financing, market access, and resilience. Industry & Commerce: Haiti’s Industry Week wrapped with a major fair at El Rancho Convention Center, showcasing local production and services and linking exhibitors with job seekers. International Pressure: UN Women warned 11.7 million more women and girls could face food insecurity by end-2026, with Haiti among the most at-risk countries.

Haiti Economy & Trade: Haiti reinforced its ban on third-country goods transiting through the Dominican Republic, requiring direct shipment to Haitian ports or airports for customs checks and duties, while allowing land-border entry only for products legally made in the DR—an escalation tied to tighter Dominican traceability rules. Budget & Security: The 2026–2027 Haitian budget (401.2B gourdes) prioritizes public security and defense, elections/institutional restoration, and economic recovery via social protection and regional revitalization, with justice and defense set at 73B gourdes to fund police and armed forces operations. Industry & Jobs: Haiti’s Industry Week wrapped with a major fair highlighting local manufacturing and services, plus company tours and calls for private investment to expand production and hiring. Elections & Rights: UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned Haiti lacks conditions for credible elections, citing gang violence, abuses, and a Gang Suppression Force still below required strength. Food Security: UN Women warned 11.7M more women and girls across 28 countries could face food insecurity by end-2026, with Haiti among the high-risk countries. Diaspora & Immigration Costs: In the U.S., Haitian deportation and TPS fallout are hitting household finances and local economies, with court fights over detention and bond hearings adding legal costs.

Haiti Budget Focus: Haiti’s 2026–2027 budget totals 401.2 billion gourdes, prioritizing public security and national defense, elections and state restoration, and economic recovery tied to social protection and regional revitalization. Trade & Border Controls: Haiti reinforced its ban on third-country goods transiting through the Dominican Republic, requiring direct shipment to Haitian ports/airports for customs checks, while allowing Dominican-made products through authorized border crossings. Industry & Jobs: Haiti’s Industry Week wrapped with a major fair showcasing local firms and linking exhibitors with job seekers, as Commerce and Industry leaders push private investment to revive production and employment. Agriculture Funding: The IDB approved US$38.7m (part of US$47.9m with IFAD support) for sustainable agriculture in the North and Northeast, targeting irrigation, climate-resilient tech, and support for small farmers and agri-food MSMEs. Security & Elections Risk: UN officials warned Haiti still lacks conditions for credible elections, as gangs continue to adapt and the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force remains below full strength.

Gang Violence & Elections: UN rights chief Volker Türk says Haiti is far from conditions for credible elections, citing gang adaptation, territorial expansion, and a humanitarian crisis; he also warns the UN Gang Suppression Force is understrength (about 1,500 of 5,500 planned) and calls for full, fast deployment with human-rights safeguards. Food Security: UN Women warns 11.7 million more women and girls across 28 countries could face food insecurity by end-2026, with Haiti named among the high-risk conflict settings. Industrial Push: Haiti launched its first “Industry Week,” with officials pitching private investment, textile support via HOPE/HELP, and a broader plan to diversify local production and cut import dependence. Agriculture Funding: The IDB approved US$38.7m (part of US$47.9m total) to boost irrigation, climate-resilient tech, and agri-food MSMEs in Haiti’s North and Northeast. Security-State Measures: Haiti’s Interior Ministry drafted decrees to tighten oversight of private security agencies and regulate travel agencies to curb transnational crime and improve control of flows. Education Access: Baccalaureate certificates and transcripts will be available via departmental education directorates in Greater South to reduce risky travel to Port-au-Prince. Immigration Pressure (US): A US judge ordered ICE to release a Haitian man from Springfield or grant a bond hearing, challenging mandatory detention claims.

Human Rights & Elections: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Haiti still lacks conditions for credible elections, citing gang violence, abuses, and a humanitarian crisis; he said at least 5,700 people were killed or injured by gangs or during operations (Jan 1–Sept 11), with 230 kidnappings and over 1,000 rapes, and noted the UN Gang Suppression Force is far below its planned strength. Security & State Oversight: Haiti’s Interior Ministry says it’s drafting decrees to tighten oversight of private security agencies and travel agencies, including licensing, rules on armament and recruitment, and controls aimed at reducing illicit financial and migratory flows. Industry & Jobs: Haiti launched its first “Industry Week,” with Commerce and Economy officials pushing private investment, industrial diversification, and textile support under the HOPE/HELP Act, while a guided tour highlighted companies operating inside SONAPI and along the Port-au-Prince airport road. Agriculture & MSMEs: The IDB approved US$38.7m (with IFAD support for a larger US$47.9m package) for sustainable productivity in Haiti’s North and Northeast—targeting irrigation, climate-resilient tech, and support for about 7,800 smallholders plus 155 agri-food MSMEs. Education Access: The education ministry will start issuing baccalaureate certificates and transcripts via departmental directorates in the Greater South to reduce risky trips to Port-au-Prince, requiring tax receipts for pickup. Legal/Justice: A U.S. federal case moves forward against a missionary accused of sexually abusing minors in Haiti; he faces up to 30 years and is set to return to court Oct. 12.

Agriculture & Food Security: The IDB approved a US$38.7M grant (with US$9.2M from IFAD) for a 5-year “Sustainable Agricultural Productivity Program” in Haiti’s North and Northeast, targeting 7,800 smallholder farmers with irrigation, climate-resilient tech, and support for 155 agri-food MSMEs and rural youth training. Industrial Policy: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé launched the first “Industry Week” in Port-au-Prince, pushing industrial revitalization to cut import dependence, create jobs, and strengthen local production—highlighting renewal of the HOPE/HELP Act for the textile sector. Transport Investment Pipeline: At the LAC Transport Forum 2026 in Miami, Haiti’s public works minister pitched infrastructure upgrades and a project roadshow approach aimed at boosting investor confidence and improving project preparation and governance. Security & Human Rights Costs: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned Haiti’s gang crisis has killed or injured at least 5,700 people this year, with over 230 kidnappings and more than 1,000 rapes, while noting the UN Gang Suppression Force is far below its 5,500 target and that extortion and violence are paralyzing economic activity. Migration & TPS Pressure: A U.S. Senate candidate urged Florida senators to reinstate Haitian TPS holders after deportations resumed, warning forced returns amid worsening violence and economic collapse. Community & Jobs via Grants: Digicel Foundation named 12 winners of its Konbit Pou Chanjman campaign, each receiving US$12,000 plus a special 10M gourdes grant for a community project.

Haiti Security & Human Rights: UN human rights chief Volker Türk says Haiti’s gang crisis has left at least 5,700 people killed or wounded this year, with 230 kidnappings and over 1,000 rapes, as gangs expand into new areas and rearm; he warns the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force is far below its 5,500 target (about 1,500 deployed) and calls for full, faster deployment with stronger human-rights safeguards. Agriculture & Jobs: The IDB approved a US$38.7m grant (with IFAD adding US$9.2m) for a 5-year “Sustainable Agricultural Productivity Program” in Haiti’s North and Northeast, aiming to boost irrigation, climate-resilient tech, and support for 7,800 smallholders plus 155 agri-food MSMEs. Industrial Policy: Haiti launched the first “Industry Week” in Port-au-Prince, with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Commerce Minister James Monazard pushing industrial revitalization to cut import dependence and create stable youth jobs, including renewed focus on textile support. Transport Investment: At the LAC Transport Forum 2026 in Miami, Haiti’s public works minister pitched infrastructure upgrades and investment opportunities, stressing streamlined project preparation and investor confidence. US Immigration Pressure: A U.S. Senate candidate, Angie Nixon, urged Florida’s senators to protect Haitian TPS holders after Trump ended protected status, warning deportations could push people back into life-threatening conditions. Legal Case Watch: An American missionary, Maylon Foshee, is set to return to federal court Oct. 12 facing charges tied to alleged sexual misconduct involving minors in Haiti.