AGP Executive Report

Blue Economy Focus: A new push across Africa is framing oceans, lakes and rivers as economic assets, with fisheries and aquaculture highlighted as major levers for food security and jobs, including examples of government-backed aquaculture and coastal livelihood projects in the region. Health Policy (NCDs): São Tomé and Príncipe is named in a World Bank-supported regional “Training of Trainers” effort that folds non-communicable disease surveillance into frontline field epidemiology training, aiming to spot chronic disease risks earlier. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, with Serbia also thanking São Tomé and Príncipe for its stance on Kosovo. Energy & Investment: TGS has started a major offshore São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of legacy data to improve subsurface imaging and support future exploration decisions. Governance Context: While not specific to São Tomé and Príncipe, a U.S. fiscal transparency report again flagged Nigeria for weak budget openness and audit independence, underscoring how international scrutiny can pressure public finance reforms.

Blue Economy Focus: Africa’s oceans and inland waters are being reframed as economic engines, with fisheries and aquaculture highlighted as major levers for food security and jobs as the continent still lags on aquatic protein availability. Health Policy & Training: São Tomé and Príncipe is named among countries in a World Bank-backed push to train frontline mentors to spot chronic disease risks earlier, integrating non-communicable disease surveillance into existing field epidemiology programmes. Offshore Energy & Investment: TGS has started a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project (14,651 km) with new imaging methods aimed at improving subsurface clarity and supporting future exploration decisions. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss deepening cooperation across education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, and to confirm participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Global Mobility Pressure: EU moves to tighten investor citizenship rules are reshaping second-passport strategies across Africa, with Nigeria-linked reporting pointing to new compliance risks and shifting demand.

Health Policy & Regional Cooperation: A World Bank-backed training in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline health workers across Eastern and Southern Africa—including São Tomé and Príncipe—with skills to spot chronic disease risks early, by folding non-communicable disease surveillance into existing field epidemiology training. Foreign Affairs: Serbia’s foreign minister, Marko Đurić, met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister, Américo Ramos, to discuss bilateral ties and expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, while praising São Tomé and Príncipe’s stance on international law and sovereignty. Investment Migration Watch: Coverage on Africa’s growing “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment market flags São Tomé and Príncipe among countries with active frameworks, as demand shifts after EU investor-citizenship crackdowns. Energy & Offshore Development: TGS has kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of legacy data to improve offshore subsurface imaging and support future exploration decisions. Global Context: UNESCO added new World Heritage Sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe reaching a milestone with its first-ever listing.

Health & Resilience: A World Bank-backed regional “Training of Trainers” in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline health professionals across Angola, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Zambia and others to spot chronic disease risks earlier by folding non-communicable disease surveillance into existing field epidemiology training. Foreign Affairs: Serbia’s foreign minister, Marko Đurić, met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister, Américo Ramos, to discuss bilateral ties and expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, while also thanking São Tomé and Príncipe for its stance on Kosovo and for participation in Expo 2027. Investment Migration & Mobility: Coverage on the surge of “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment schemes highlights São Tomé and Príncipe among African countries with active frameworks, as EU pressure on Caribbean CBI programmes reshapes second-passport strategies for wealthy Africans. Energy & Economy: TGS has started a São Tomé and Príncipe offshore 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of legacy data to improve subsurface imaging and support future exploration decisions.

Investment Migration Pressure: A new wave of “second passport” demand is shifting from the ultra-wealthy toward salaried professionals and retirees, as EU citizenship-by-investment rules tighten and more people look for lawful alternatives. Golden Visa Watch: A separate report highlights how EU pressure on Caribbean citizenship programs could reshape mobility options for wealthy Nigerians and their families. UNESCO Milestone for STP: São Tomé and Príncipe secured its first UNESCO World Heritage listing as part of 25 new sites added in Busan, a move that can boost conservation support and tourism positioning. Energy & Offshore Policy Signals: TGS, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s petroleum agency, has started a major 2D seismic reprocessing project offshore, aiming to improve subsurface imaging and inform future exploration licensing. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss expanding cooperation across education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization, and culture. Regional Governance Context: While not STP-focused, U.S. fiscal transparency criticism of Nigeria and related economist reactions keep regional governance debates in the spotlight.

Investment Migration Pressure: A new EU crackdown on citizenship-by-investment schemes is pushing more African states to expand “golden visa” and residency-by-investment options, with São Tomé and Príncipe named among countries with active frameworks and costs ranging widely. UNESCO Milestone for São Tomé and Príncipe: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever inscription—an upgrade that can unlock conservation support and reshape the country’s tourism profile. Offshore Energy Push: TGS has started a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of legacy data to improve offshore imaging and support future exploration decisions. Diplomatic Outreach: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss strengthening political and economic ties, including education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization, and culture. Regional Context (Not STP-specific): The U.S. fiscal transparency report again flagged Nigeria for “no significant progress,” while economists and officials debate how budget opacity and audit independence affect investor confidence.

Investment Migration Watch: A Malta-based citizenship-by-investment firm says “plan B” passports are increasingly being bought by salaried professionals and retirees in the US, with its share of such calls rising to 25% (from ~15% in 2025), as EU investor-citizenship crackdowns push demand toward structured alternatives. Offshore Energy & Licensing Signals: TGS has kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of legacy data to improve subsurface imaging and support future prospect identification ahead of upcoming licensing activity. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister Américo Ramos, thanking the country for its stance on Kosovo and discussing expanded cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization, and culture. Global Context for Policy: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever inscription, a move that can reshape tourism planning and conservation obligations. Climate Backdrop: July 2026 tied as the hottest July on record, reinforcing pressure on governments to factor climate risk into planning and budgets.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (São Tomé and Príncipe tie-in): CAF has only confirmed that Matchdays 1 and 2 will run between 21 September and 6 October, leaving the exact date/venue for Sudan vs Ethiopia unclear—an issue for teams that have staged “home” matches abroad. Sports Media (not local politics): Separate coverage lists EFL Championship 2026/27 broadcast details for the August 14–17 opening round, plus global TV listings for a Valencia vs Newcastle friendly featuring São Tomé and Príncipe in the channel map. Investment Migration & Mobility: Reports say EU pressure on Caribbean citizenship-by-investment schemes is pushing demand toward African “golden visa” and residency options; São Tomé and Príncipe is named among countries with active frameworks. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, highlighting Serbia’s appreciation for São Tomé and Príncipe’s stance on Kosovo. Energy/Offshore Economy: TGS, with ANP-STP, kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project (14,651 km) aimed at improving offshore prospect clarity and supporting future licensing decisions. Heritage & State Capacity: UNESCO added 25 World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing—an upgrade that can unlock conservation support and reshape tourism planning.

Investment Migration & Mobility: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but travel groups warn it could sharply cut visas issued (down 83% in the pilot) and may expand to more countries. Public Finance Scrutiny: Nigeria again failed the U.S. minimum fiscal transparency test, with Washington citing opaque budget reporting, weak procurement disclosure, and audit independence gaps—pressuring the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 budget cycle. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to deepen ties, praising STP’s stance on Kosovo and proposing cooperation in education, health, agriculture, digitalization, and culture. Offshore Energy: TGS and ANP-STP kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km, aiming to improve subsurface imaging and support future exploration decisions. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO added 25 World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first inscription—an opening for conservation support and a potential tourism boost.

Golden Passport Pressure: The U.S. is making its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but the travel industry is alarmed by an 83% drop in visas issued during the pilot—raising fears Washington could expand the cash-bond requirement further. Public Finance Scrutiny: Nigeria has failed the U.S. fiscal transparency test for a second straight year, with Washington citing opaque budgeting, weak procurement disclosure, and audit independence gaps—prompting fresh pressure ahead of the 2027 budget cycle. Investment Migration Trend: As Europe tightens investor-citizenship rules, African states are pushing “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment options; São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted among countries with active frameworks, including a $90,000 entry route tied to development funding. Bilateral Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization, and culture. Energy & Offshore Prospects: TGS has started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, aiming to improve subsurface imaging for future exploration decisions. Heritage Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first inscription—an upgrade that can unlock conservation support and boost tourism visibility.

Investment Migration Watch: A new report says demand for “golden passports” didn’t disappear after the EU ended formal investor-citizenship schemes; African states are now expanding residency-by-investment and citizenship-by-investment options to capture the same mobility-driven demand. São Tomé and Príncipe Passport Policy: One outlet highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s “golden passport” at about $90,000 via a National Transformation Fund contribution plus fees, framed as a way to raise foreign currency for education, healthcare, energy and infrastructure amid an energy crisis and weak growth. Bilateral Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister, Marko Đurić, met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister, Américo Ramos, to deepen cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, and to discuss international issues including Serbia’s appreciation for São Tomé and Príncipe’s stance on Kosovo. Offshore Energy Development: TGS, with ANP-STP, has started a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km to improve depth imaging and prospect evaluation, with priority lines in seven months and full results expected in Q3 2027. Heritage Milestone: UNESCO’s Busan session added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing, a move that can unlock conservation support and boost tourism visibility.

Foreign Policy Diplomacy: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe PM Américo Ramos to deepen bilateral ties, praising STP’s decision to withdraw recognition of Kosovo and urging expanded cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture. UNESCO Heritage Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing—an upgrade that can unlock conservation support and reshape the country’s tourism profile. Offshore Energy & Investment: TGS, with ANP-STP, launched a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km off São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to improve subsurface imaging and support future exploration decisions. Citizenship-by-Investment Under Scrutiny: São Tomé and Príncipe’s “golden passport” program (starting at $90,000) is highlighted amid EU pressure on similar schemes, raising questions about how STP’s revenue strategy may face tighter international scrutiny. Mobility & Access: Panama published a visa-free entry list that includes São Tomé and Príncipe, underscoring how limited visa access remains for most African countries.

Citizenship-by-Investment Under Pressure: São Tomé and Príncipe is selling “golden passports” for $90,000 via a National Transformation Fund, aiming to plug energy and development gaps as the IMF flags slow growth and persistent electricity shortages; the move comes as the EU tightens scrutiny of similar schemes used by wealthy Africans. UNESCO World Heritage Breakthrough: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing—expected to boost conservation support and reshape the country’s tourism profile. Offshore Energy Push: TGS, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s petroleum agency, kicked off a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km to improve depth imaging in the offshore basin and support future licensing decisions. Visa Access Spotlight: Panama published a visa-free entry list that includes São Tomé and Príncipe among just nine African countries—highlighting how limited mobility remains for most of the continent. Global Context: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest month on record, underscoring the wider pressures facing small island states.

UNESCO World Heritage Milestone: UNESCO’s Busan session added 25 new sites and pushed the list to 1,273 properties; crucially, São Tomé and Príncipe secured its first-ever World Heritage inscription, a move that can unlock conservation support and reshape the country’s tourism profile. Offshore Energy Push: TGS, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s petroleum agency ANP-STP, has started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km of older offshore data, aiming to improve imaging and boost confidence for future exploration. Citizenship-for-Cash Under Scrutiny: São Tomé and Príncipe’s “golden passport” program—citizenship via a $90,000 National Transformation Fund contribution—continues to draw attention as the EU tightens pressure on similar schemes elsewhere, raising questions about governance and revenue use. Diplomatic Outreach: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe PM Américo Ramos in Belgrade, praising the island state’s stance on Kosovo and discussing expanded cooperation in education, health, agriculture, digitalization, and culture. Travel Access Watch: Panama published a visa-free list that includes São Tomé and Príncipe among only nine African countries, highlighting how limited mobility remains for most of the continent.

Golden Passport Push: São Tomé and Príncipe is marketing a “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment option, offering citizenship for a $90,000 contribution to a National Transformation Fund plus processing fees, framed as a way to fund education, healthcare, energy and infrastructure amid an energy crisis and weak growth. UNESCO Heritage Milestone: At UNESCO’s Busan session, the World Heritage List added 25 new sites and—crucially for the islands—São Tomé and Príncipe secured its first inscription, a move that can unlock conservation support and boost tourism planning. Diplomatic Ties: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe PM Américo Ramos in Belgrade, highlighting cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture and digitalization, and noting the country’s participation in Expo 2027. Regional Mobility Pressure: EU action targeting Caribbean citizenship-by-investment schemes could reshape second-citizenship routes used by wealthy Africans, with knock-on implications for how small states position their own programs. Women’s Leadership Recognition: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej was honoured by ABCD Africa among “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026,” adding to a run of international awards tied to women’s empowerment and healthcare access.

Citizenship-by-Investment Push: São Tomé and Príncipe is selling “golden passports” for $90,000 (plus fees) to fund energy and development, with the scheme positioned as a response to import dependence, tourism volatility, and persistent power shortages. Diplomatic Outreach: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe PM Américo Ramos, thanking the government for its stance on Kosovo and discussing expanded cooperation in education, health, agriculture, digitalization, and culture. UNESCO Heritage Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first listing (Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe), a move expected to unlock conservation support and boost the country’s tourism profile. Visa Access Pressure: Panama published a visa-free list that includes São Tomé and Príncipe, while the U.S. made permanent a refundable visa bond program (up to $20,000) affecting nationals from 50 countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, for certain business and tourist visas. Regional Trade Context: Nigeria’s non-oil exports reportedly surged to $6.1bn in 2025 and expanded to 210 markets, with São Tomé and Príncipe named among newer destinations—highlighting how market access and logistics costs shape West/Central African trade opportunities.