Latest news in Cuba? September 3rd, 2026

Key headlines and developments in Cuba around September 3, 2026:

• Major Private Sector Reforms (Decree-Law 133/2026): The Cuban government enacted significant economic reforms, eliminating the previous 100-worker ceiling for private businesses. The new regulations officially establish categories for large private companies, expand direct foreign trade and investment rights for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and permit Cubans living abroad to invest and hold ownership stakes in island-based businesses. Anadolu Ajansı+ 1
• Back-to-School Challenges Amid Critical Shortages: Over one million children returned to classrooms across the island this week under difficult conditions. Schools and families continue to grapple with severe shortages of teachers, school supplies, water, fuel, and prolonged electrical blackouts, with government officials acknowledging that keeping schools open remains a significant strain on the system. AP News
• Digital Governance Expansion: Cuba reported progress on its centralized “Soberanía” digital government platform, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Chinese development funds. The platform now hosts 18 public services, focusing on administrative centralization and identity registries. Biometric Update+ 1
• Ongoing Energy and Fuel Strain: Severe fuel deficits and electrical grid instability persist across the country. State authorities and state media continue to point to fuel delivery bottlenecks and external financial sanctions as major drivers of the ongoing power generation deficits. Anadolu Ajansı+ 1