AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: The opposition MLSTP/PSD narrowly won São Tomé and Príncipe’s September 27 election with 24 seats, ahead of ADI’s 23. Turnout hit a record low of 41.3%, and party leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government. Regional Peace Effort: São Tomé and Príncipe is among the countries represented in the IMBISA church network, whose workshop is training Justice and Peace officials to address conflict, forced migration, elections and development. Travel: São Toméan citizens are on the United States’ updated visa-bond list, which can require tourist and business visa applicants to post up to $20,000. They are also among 46 African nationalities eligible for visa-free stays of up to 30 days in the Philippines. Economic Outlook: An IMF review of countries that graduated from least-developed-country status notes that São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation does not itself guarantee faster growth; outcomes depend on factors including tourism, resources and external shocks.

Election Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s September vote left no clear majority: the MLSTP/PSD won 24 seats, narrowly ahead of ADI’s 23, with turnout at a record-low 41.3%. MLSTP/PSD leader Américo Barros says he will seek to govern without a coalition, relying on ADI’s tolerance. Travel Costs: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose citizens face a U.S. visa bond of up to $20,000; the requirement took effect in January. Regional Church: São Tomé and Príncipe is represented in an IMBISA workshop focused on conflict, forced migration, elections, peace and development across southern Africa. Travel Access: São Toméan passport holders qualify for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines. On the Field: The national football team drew 0-0 with Gibraltar in a September friendly. Development: An IMF review of countries that graduated from least-developed status notes São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation, while cautioning that graduation alone does not determine future growth.

Election Watch: The opposition MLSTP/PSD narrowly won São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sept. 27 election with 24 seats, ahead of ADI’s 23, amid record-low turnout of 41.3%. Leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI, leaving the next government’s shape uncertain. Conservation & Livelihoods: São Tomé and Príncipe is using conservation as part of sustainable development, supporting lower-impact livelihoods to reduce pressure from illegal logging, charcoal production and wildlife poaching. Growth Outlook: The IMF notes that the country was among eight economies to graduate from least-developed status since 1994, but graduation alone has not guaranteed faster growth; tourism dependence, resource cycles and external shocks shape outcomes. Regional Cooperation: São Tomé and Príncipe is among the countries represented in an IMBISA Church workshop focused on conflict, forced migration, elections, peace and development. Football: The national team drew 0-0 with Gibraltar in a friendly, part of Gibraltar’s recent unbeaten run.

Election Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s September vote left no party with a majority: the MLSTP/PSD won 24 seats with 37.5% of the vote, narrowly ahead of ADI’s 23 seats. MLSTP/PSD leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI, ruling out a deal with smaller parties. Turnout fell to a record-low 41.3%. Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 46 African countries whose citizens can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. National Team: São Tomé and Príncipe drew 0-0 with Gibraltar in a September friendly, part of Gibraltar’s unbeaten run. Nature and Development: The country is using conservation initiatives to link biodiversity protection with community livelihoods, including small enterprises based on sustainable harvesting. The IMF says São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation from least-developed-country status did not automatically change its growth trajectory, underscoring the importance of its underlying economic drivers.

Election Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s September election left the country facing possible coalition talks after the opposition MLSTP/PSD won 24 seats to ADI’s 23. MLSTP leader Américo Barros is seeking a minority government tolerated by ADI; turnout hit a record-low 41.3%. Regional Affairs: São Tomé and Príncipe is among nine countries represented in the IMBISA church network, whose officials are meeting to strengthen responses to conflict, forced migration and other regional challenges. Travel: São Toméan passport holders qualify for the Philippines’ visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days. They are also among the nationalities on the updated US visa-bond list, where eligible visitor-visa applicants may be asked to post up to $20,000. Development and Nature: São Tomé and Príncipe graduated from least-developed-country status in 2024. An IMF review says graduation alone does not guarantee faster growth. The islands are also promoting conservation linked to local livelihoods, with the country’s territory designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Sport: São Tomé and Príncipe’s cyclists are among the international riders competing in Angola’s 10-stage Volta Tour.

Election Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s 27 September election left the opposition MLSTP/PSD with 24 seats after a narrow win over the ruling ADI’s 23. Turnout hit a record-low 41.3%. MLSTP/PSD leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI, ruling out an alliance with the smaller parties. US Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose nationals may be required to post a US visa bond of $10,000 to $20,000 for visitor visas; the amount is set at the interview, and payment does not guarantee a visa. Development: São Tomé and Príncipe’s experience after graduating from least-developed-country status in 2024 offers no automatic growth recipe, an IMF review says. Average growth among recent graduates was broadly unchanged before and after graduation, with outcomes shaped by factors including tourism, resource cycles and external shocks. Conservation: A feature on the islands’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve describes a model linking nature protection with sustainable livelihoods, including small businesses that offer alternatives to practices such as illegal logging and turtle poaching.

Election Watch: MLSTP/PSD narrowly won São Tomé and Príncipe’s September 27 election with 24 seats, ahead of ADI’s 23, but record-low turnout of 41.3% points to weak voter engagement. Leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI and has ruled out a deal with the two smaller parties. Conservation: A report highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s approach to linking biodiversity protection with community livelihoods, including alternatives to illegal logging and wildlife poaching. The islands are home to five sea-turtle species and are the world’s first country with all its territory designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 46 African countries whose citizens can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. Health Cooperation: The country is also part of the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, which aims to improve access to affordable medicines and medical supplies. Sport: São Tomé and Príncipe’s national team recently drew 0–0 with Gibraltar in a friendly.

Cycling: São Tomé and Príncipe is among the nations set to compete in the 10-stage Volta Tour of Angola, which runs through October 18. Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders qualify for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines, under a scheme covering 46 African countries. US Visas: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose citizens may be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 for a US visitor visa. Conservation: The country’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve model links nature protection with community livelihoods and sustainable economic activity; its entire territory is designated a biosphere reserve. Health: São Tomé and Príncipe is part of the African pooled procurement initiative, which aims to improve access to affordable medicines and medical supplies. Football: The national team drew 0-0 with Gibraltar in a September friendly.

US Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose citizens may be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 for eligible US visitor visas; the amount is set during the visa interview. Philippines Access: São Tomé and Príncipe is included in the Philippines’ 30-day visa-free scheme for travellers from 46 African countries. Conservation: A report highlights the country’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and efforts to link nature protection with sustainable livelihoods, including small businesses that offer alternatives to poaching and illegal logging. Health Supplies: São Tomé and Príncipe is part of an African pooled-procurement initiative aimed at improving access to affordable medicines and medical supplies. Development: An IMF review notes that São Tomé and Príncipe graduated from least-developed-country status in 2024, while past graduates’ growth varied and graduation alone did not determine their economic paths. Feminist Funding: Advocates say Portuguese-speaking African movements, including those in São Tomé and Príncipe, need fairer access to funding and regional networks.

Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose citizens face US visa bonds of up to $20,000 for eligible visitor visas. Its nationals are also eligible for up to 30 days of visa-free travel to the Philippines. Extractive Industries: Liberia’s Jeffrey Yates won an alternate seat on the EITI International Board, representing a region that includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Conservation: A new model links the country’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status with community livelihoods and sustainable economic activity. Economic Outlook: An IMF review says São Tomé and Príncipe graduated from least-developed-country status in 2024; growth among recent graduates averaged about 2.9% before and after graduation. Football: The national team held Gibraltar to a 0-0 draw during the opponent’s current unbeaten run.

Parliamentary Politics: The opposition MLSTP won 24 of 55 seats in São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary election, short of a majority. The six-seat MCI-PS/PUN could hold the balance as parties negotiate a governing coalition. Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe is pursuing a model that links biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods, including alternatives to illegal logging and wildlife poaching. Travel: São Toméan passport holders are among nationals of 46 African countries eligible for visa-free stays of up to 30 days in the Philippines. Football: The national team drew 0-0 with Gibraltar in a friendly, part of the European side’s unbeaten run.

Politics: São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls (24 of 55), but fell short of a majority, setting up coalition talks with the kingmaker role likely for MCI-PS/PUN (about 23 seats). Governance & Economy: The next administration faces urgent pressure on unemployment, emigration, and basic services including water and electricity. Environment & Tourism: São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted for a conservation model tied to sustainable livelihoods, protecting a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and key sea turtle nesting areas while replacing illegal timber and poaching with micro-enterprises. Health & Regional Cooperation: Libya has joined the Africa Centres for Disease Control’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, with São Tomé and Príncipe named among participating countries, aiming to improve access and affordability of medicines. Business & Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding to include São Tomé and Príncipe. International Mobility: Separate reports note the Philippines’ 30-day visa-free entry list for many African countries, while the US announced a visa-bond programme for 50 countries—neither directly changes São Tomé’s domestic situation, but both affect regional travel planning.

Parliamentary Politics: São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls but fell short of a majority, taking 24 of 55; President Carlos Vila Nova’s party, the Independent Democratic Action, came second with about 23, leaving the MCI-PS/PUN as a potential kingmaker as talks begin to form the next government amid worries over jobs, emigration, and basic services. Health & Regional Cooperation: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to boost collective buying of medicines and strengthen local health supply security. Conservation & Development: São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted for a conservation model that ties biodiversity protection to sustainable livelihoods, including shifting communities away from illegal logging and poaching toward lower-impact income activities. Economy & Policy: An IMF review notes that LDC graduation doesn’t automatically change growth patterns, while pointing to lessons from earlier graduates—relevant as São Tomé and Príncipe prepares for its own transition. Global Mobility: A US visa-bond programme covering 50 countries (not including India) is reported to require refundable guarantees up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among e-visa destinations for Indian passport holders.

Church-State Relations: The Apostolic Nuncio in Angola and São Tomé e Príncipe, Monsenhor Kryspin Dubiel, said relations between the Catholic Church and the Angolan government are “excellent,” highlighting cooperation on humanitarian work, inter-religious dialogue and peace efforts during a visit to Cabinda. Biodiversity & Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe is being highlighted for a new conservation model tied to everyday life and sustainable livelihoods, protecting UNESCO Biosphere Reserve areas and reducing illegal logging, charcoal making and wildlife poaching through community-based economic alternatives. Politics in São Tomé: The national electoral commission says the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, but with 24 of 55 it still lacks a majority, setting up negotiations where the MCI-PS/PUN could play kingmaker as the next government faces unemployment, emigration and pressure on public services. Health Supply Cooperation: Libya has signed on to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen access to essential medicines and supplies. Business & Trade: Hitachi is reshaping its construction equipment dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections & Governance: São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls but fell short of a majority (24 of 55), setting up negotiations with the kingmaker MCI-PS/PUN as voters push for jobs, better services, and action on emigration. Biodiversity & Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe highlights a new conservation model that ties protection of its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and sea turtle nesting sites to sustainable livelihoods, replacing illegal timber, charcoal, and poaching with community-based micro-enterprises. Economy & Development: An IMF review of LDC graduation says growth outcomes around graduation have been broadly unchanged, warning against treating graduation itself as the main driver—while noting lessons from Cabo Verde and Bhutan. Health Supply Security: Libya signed on to the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism via Africa CDC, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen access and affordability of medicines. Business & Trade: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Biodiversity & Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe is pushing a new conservation model after becoming the first country with 100% of its territory declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, linking protection of endemic land life and nesting sea turtles to sustainable development and community-based, lower-impact livelihoods. Politics & Jobs: With voters demanding action on unemployment and public services, São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls but fell short of a majority, setting up coalition talks where the second-place party and smaller groups could shape the next government. Health Supply Cooperation: Libya has joined the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism via Africa CDC, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen collective buying of medicines and support local health manufacturing. Local Economy & Migration: A separate report from the election period highlights a growing youth exodus, with many residents urging the next administration to create opportunities at home.