Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Ecuador and U.S. Forces Conduct Joint Operation, Dismantling Alleged CJNG-Linked Drug Trafficking Network
On the morning of September 24, troops from the U.S. Southern Command, DEA agents, and members of the National Police carried out their first joint operation in Ecuadorian territory. The operation focused on the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and El Oro, leading to the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization with alleged ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Guayaquil Accelerates Flood Mitigation Plans Amid El Niño Forecasts, Faces Execution Challenges
The Municipality of Guayaquil is advancing its Pre-Winter and Shock Plans to mitigate potential flooding from the El Niño phenomenon, projecting water accumulation levels up to 2.80 meters in vulnerable areas. While efforts began earlier this year, execution rates for both plans remain low, with targets set for completion by December.
Quito Wildfires Persist in Casitagua and La Vicentina, Judicial Actions Initiated Against Suspects
Wildfires continue to affect Quito, particularly in the Casitagua hill and La Vicentina sector, with approximately 1,200 hectares consumed across the city this summer. Authorities have filed seven complaints, leading to four judicialized suspects, one of whom is in preventive detention.
Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez's Three-Year Prison Sentence Ratified by Appeals Tribunal
The Guayas Court of Justice's Appeals Tribunal ratified a three-year prison sentence against Guayaquil's mayor, Aquiles Alvarez, for non-compliance with a legitimate order. This decision follows an August 3 conviction related to the removal of an electronic monitoring bracelet.
Ecuadorian Companies Grapple with 'Shadow AI' Risks Amidst Significant Data Protection Gaps
Artificial Intelligence adoption is widespread in Ecuadorian organizations, but a September 2026 GMS report indicates 66% of employees use AI daily, while 70% of workplaces have basic or flawed preparation. A third of workers use personal accounts for AI work, increasing data security risks.
Ecuador Prepares for Intensified El Niño Rains as Government Mobilizes Resources and Guayaquil Records Historic Rainfall
Ecuador's Inamhi anticipates El Niño rains will intensify between November and December 2026, continuing into early 2027, following the official declaration on August 29. The government has activated a national red alert and secured over $15 million from the World Bank to acquire 73 units of heavy machinery for emergency response, with 64 units already delivered.
Guayaquil Motorcycle Registration Compliance at 25% for 2026
As of September 2026, 75% of Guayaquil's motorcycle fleet, totaling an estimated 231,799 units, remains unregistered. The Authority of Transit and Mobility (ATM) reports a current compliance level of 25% for motorcycle registration.
Ecuador Implements Temporary Curfew in Four Provinces
A temporary curfew will be in effect in Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and El Oro from September 17 to September 30, 2026, restricting circulation daily between 00:00 and 05:00. The measure aims to intensify operations against organized crime.
Cayambe Hospital Project Awarded Following Years of Announcements
President Daniel Noboa announced on September 10, 2026, that the new Cayambe Hospital project has been awarded, a development that follows over six years of prior announcements. The facility is projected to benefit more than 140,000 individuals.
Ecuador Labor Ministry Reports 9,327 Inspections in 2026
Ecuador’s labor ministry says it has carried out 9,327 inspections nationwide during 2026. A USD 9,640 sanction in La Troncal shows how IESS affiliation, disability-inclusion quotas, and cooperation with inspectors can combine into a maximum penalty.
Ecuador’s Proposed USD 240 Million Hospital Platform Is an Execution Test
Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health is advancing a proposed USD 240 million interoperable health platform involving CNT and Italy’s Dedalus. The key business variables are procurement award, infrastructure delivery, phased rollout, and the October technical-operating target.
SRI September Projection Window Reopens a Withholding Lever for Qualifying Employees
The SRI allows qualifying dependent employees earning more than USD 12,208 annually or USD 1,017.33 monthly to update personal-expense projections through September 30. The change can affect monthly income-tax withholding, but unsupported expenses may create a later payment difference.