AGP Executive Report

Blue Economy: A new push across Africa is turning oceans, lakes and rivers into economic engines, with fisheries and aquaculture highlighted as major routes to food security and jobs, as aquatic foods still lag behind demand. Health & NCDs: In Dar es Salaam, a World Bank-backed programme is training frontline health workers to spot chronic diseases earlier, including in São Tomé and Príncipe, by weaving non-communicable disease surveillance into existing field epidemiology training. Sports & Community: A Confucius Institute and a Chinese medical team in São Tomé and Príncipe launched training for martial arts injury prevention and treatment, targeting local coaches and athletes. Energy & Offshore Work: Norwegian firm TGS has started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project for São Tomé and Príncipe’s offshore basin with ANP-STP, aiming to improve exploration imaging. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture. Travel Rules: A guide explains who needs a Schengen visa for Italy and how the process works, depending on nationality. Youth & Faith: An Angolan Catholic bishop urged young people in São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola to resist corruption and take active roles in society.

Catholic Youth Mobilisation: Angola’s Catholic bishop Hisilenapo urged young people in São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola to “love the Church” and take a stand against corruption, calling for active participation in church groups and wider society. Health Training (NCDs): A World Bank-backed programme in Dar es Salaam trained 37 frontline health professionals from nine countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to spot chronic disease risks earlier by blending non-communicable disease surveillance into existing field epidemiology work. Sports & Community: A Confucius Institute and a Chinese medical team launched a martial arts injury prevention and first-aid training programme at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe for local coaches and athletes. Offshore Energy: TGS, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s petroleum agency, began reprocessing 14,651 km of 2D seismic data to improve offshore exploration imaging. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalisation and culture. Global Mobility Policy: A report on “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment trends highlights how shifting EU rules and US visa bond policies are reshaping second-passport demand.

Health & Training: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 11 countries in a World Bank-backed regional push training health workers to spot chronic disease risks early, by weaving non-communicable disease surveillance into frontline field epidemiology. Sports Medicine & Culture: The Confucius Institute and a 20th Chinese medical team launched a martial arts injury prevention and first-aid training at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, covering rehabilitation, on-site care, and traditional therapies. Energy & Offshore Exploration: TGS has started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe, covering 14,651 km of older survey data to improve imaging for future hydrocarbon exploration. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss closer cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture. Tourism & Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites in July, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever inscription, a milestone expected to boost conservation support and tourism interest.

Sports & Media: Newcastle United take on Bayer Leverkusen, with global TV listings circulating ahead of the Premier League season. Health & Training: The Confucius Institute at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe and a 20th Chinese medical team launched a martial arts injury prevention and treatment program for local coaches and athletes, covering first aid, rehabilitation and traditional therapies. Energy & Exploration: TGS, with ANP-STP, has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km of offshore data to improve imaging and support future hydrocarbon exploration. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to discuss cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, and to strengthen political and economic ties. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever inscription, a milestone that could boost conservation support and tourism interest. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, according to NOAA and other climate trackers.

Sports & Media: Newcastle United’s pre-season clash with Bayer Leverkusen is set for Saturday, with global TV listings circulating for viewers across Africa and beyond. Local Development & Health: The Confucius Institute at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, together with China’s 20th medical team, launched training for martial arts injury prevention and first aid for local coaches and athletes. Energy & Offshore Prospects: TGS has started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe, working with ANP-STP to improve imaging from older survey data and sharpen exploration prospects. Culture & Tourism: UNESCO’s latest World Heritage additions include São Tomé and Príncipe for the first time, a milestone that could boost conservation support and tourism interest. Climate Context: Global temperatures keep breaking records, with July 2026 tied as the hottest July on record, adding pressure to small island states facing climate risks.

Investment Migration Shift: A Malta-based citizenship-by-investment firm says “plan B” passports are moving beyond the superrich, with salaried professionals and retirees now making up about a quarter of its US consultations. Energy & Jobs for the Region: Petrobras reported a strong Q2 2026, citing higher oil output and crude prices, with refinery utilization averaging about 101% and record upstream production. Sports & Local Interest: CAF has only confirmed AFCON 2027 qualifying match windows for Sudan and Ethiopia, leaving the exact date, venue and kick-off unclear—an issue for teams that have staged “home” games abroad. Health & Skills in Sao Tome and Principe: The Confucius Institute and a 20th Chinese medical team ran a martial arts injury prevention and first-aid training for local coaches and athletes. Offshore Exploration: TGS started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project off Sao Tome and Principe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of older survey data to improve offshore prospect imaging. Heritage Boost: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including Sao Tome and Principe’s first-ever listing, a milestone that can open doors for conservation support and tourism.

Sports & Community: The Confucius Institute at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, together with China’s 20th medical team, launched a training program for local martial arts coaches and athletes on preventing and treating sports injuries, including first aid, rehabilitation, and traditional therapies like acupuncture and massage. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister, Marko Đurić, met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister, Américo Ramos, to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization, and culture, and to highlight Serbia’s interest in stronger political dialogue. Tourism & Mobility Policy: A surge in “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment programs across Africa is reshaping how wealthy travelers plan mobility, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among countries with active frameworks as EU pressure pushes alternatives to European schemes. Heritage & Travel: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing, a milestone that could boost conservation support and tourism interest. Energy & Offshore Work: TGS has started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe, covering 14,651 km of data to improve offshore exploration imaging.

Sports & Health Cooperation: The Confucius Institute at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, with China’s 20th medical team, launched training for martial arts injury prevention and treatment, covering first aid, rehabilitation, and traditional therapies like acupuncture and massage. Tourism Policy Shock: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, with cash deposits potentially reaching $20,000, and travel groups warn it could sharply reduce visas issued and hit tourism if expanded. Governance & Finance Scrutiny: Nigeria was flagged by the U.S. for failing minimum fiscal transparency standards for a second straight year, with economists warning weak budget reporting and audit practices could dent investor confidence. Investment Migration Trend: African states are pushing golden visa and citizenship-by-investment schemes as Europe winds down investor passports, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among countries with active frameworks. Energy & Offshore Prospects: TGS began a 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, aiming to improve imaging for future offshore exploration. Heritage Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing, a boost for conservation and tourism. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, according to NOAA and other global monitoring bodies.

Sports & Health Cooperation: The Confucius Institute at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, with China’s 20th medical team, launched training on preventing and treating martial arts injuries for local coaches, athletes and sports practitioners, covering first aid, rehabilitation, and traditional therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. Tourism & Migration Policy Shock: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, requiring cash deposits up to $20,000, and the travel industry warns it could sharply reduce visas and hit tourism if expanded. Regional Governance Pressure: Nigeria was flagged by the U.S. for failing its fiscal transparency test for a second year, with critics pointing to weak budget disclosure, procurement transparency and audit independence. Energy & Investment Migration: São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted for selling citizenship for $90,000 to fund energy and development, while TGS has started a major offshore seismic reprocessing project to boost exploration prospects. Heritage & Climate: UNESCO added São Tomé and Príncipe to the World Heritage List for the first time, and July 2026 was reported as the hottest July on record.

Investment Migration Watch: As the EU cracks down on investor passports, African countries are shifting toward residency-by-investment and other “lawful alternatives,” keeping demand alive for mobility and family flexibility. São Tomé and Príncipe Golden Passport: In that wider trend, São Tomé and Príncipe is marketing a citizenship route from about $90,000 to fund education, healthcare, energy and infrastructure amid an energy crisis and weak growth. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister, Marko Đurić, met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss deeper cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, and Serbia praised São Tomé and Príncipe’s stance on Kosovo. UNESCO Milestone: São Tomé and Príncipe secured its first UNESCO World Heritage listing at the Busan session, joining Comoros and South Sudan as first-time entrants. Offshore Energy: TGS has started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km to improve exploration imaging.

Diplomacy: Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM Américo Ramos to discuss closer ties and expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, thanking the country for its stance on Kosovo and for confirming participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Energy & development: São Tomé and Príncipe is selling citizenship for $90,000 via a “golden passport” linked to a National Transformation Fund, aiming to raise funds for education, healthcare, energy and infrastructure amid an energy crisis and weak growth. Offshore oil push: TGS has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of data to improve offshore exploration prospects. Health cooperation: A Chinese medical team delivered neonatal resuscitation training to local staff at Dr. Ayres de Menezes Hospital, part of ongoing capacity-building in São Tomé and Príncipe. Heritage & tourism: UNESCO added São Tomé and Príncipe’s “Roças” (Portuguese colonial plantations) to the World Heritage List, highlighting agricultural history including forced labor and boosting the country’s tourism profile.

Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA reporting the global heat peak since 1850 and January–July 2026 also among the top three warmest periods. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO’s Busan session added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first listing, the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside Comoros and South Sudan. Energy & Offshore Work: TGS has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of older survey data to improve offshore exploration imaging. Health Cooperation: Chinese doctors delivered a neonatal resuscitation training course to medical staff at Dr. Ayres de Menezes Hospital in São Tomé and Príncipe. Citizenship & Mobility: São Tomé and Príncipe is also in the spotlight for launching a “golden passport” programme offering citizenship for $90,000 to fund energy and development, as EU pressure targets similar schemes elsewhere.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO’s 48th session in Busan added 25 new sites worldwide, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing for the “Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe,” a group of Portuguese colonial plantations tied to coffee and cocoa and marked by “forced migration and labor.” Offshore Energy: TGS, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s petroleum agency (ANP-STP), has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km of offshore data, aiming to sharpen hydrocarbon exploration prospects. Citizenship & Travel Policy: São Tomé and Príncipe is also in the spotlight for launching a “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment option, offering citizenship for a $90,000 contribution to a National Transformation Fund (plus fees), as EU pressure grows on similar schemes. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss deeper cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalisation and culture, and Serbia welcomed the country’s participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade. Health Training: A Chinese medical team delivered neonatal resuscitation training to local staff at Dr. Ayres de Menezes Hospital in São Tomé and Príncipe.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s “Roças” colonial plantations—an upgrade that can boost conservation support and tourism interest. Citizenship & travel policy: São Tomé and Príncipe is also pushing a “golden passport” for $90,000 to fund energy and development, while separate visa rules abroad show how access is tightening and reshaping mobility for Africans. Local health capacity: Chinese doctors ran a neonatal resuscitation training course for staff at Dr. Ayres de Menezes Hospital in São Tomé and Príncipe, strengthening frontline care. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to discuss deeper ties in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, and Serbia welcomed the islands’ participation in Expo 2027. Recognition for women leaders: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej was honoured by ABCD Africa as one of the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026,” spotlighting women’s empowerment and healthcare work across Africa.

UNESCO World Heritage Boost for São Tomé and Príncipe: UNESCO’s 48th session in Busan added 25 new World Heritage sites, including the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe—six Portuguese colonial plantation estates that preserve agricultural history shaped by forced labor between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. The new listings bring the World Heritage List to 1,273 sites across 173 countries, and also marked first-time entries for São Tomé and Príncipe. Citizenship-by-Investment Spotlight: São Tomé and Príncipe is also pushing development funding through a “golden passport,” offering citizenship for a $90,000 contribution to a National Transformation Fund (plus fees), with no requirement to permanently relocate or buy property. Visa Access Pressure on Africans: Panama’s migration service published a visa-free list that includes only nine African countries, among them São Tomé and Príncipe, while most others must apply for visas—highlighting how limited passport access remains. US Visa Bond Rule Hits Multiple African States: The US made a refundable visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require up to $20,000 for some B1/B2 applicants; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the affected countries.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO’s 48th session in Busan added 25 new sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s “Roças” (historic Portuguese plantations), a first-time inscription that can unlock conservation support and boost tourism. Citizenship-for-cash: São Tomé and Príncipe launched a “golden passport” for $90,000 (plus fees) to fund energy and development, as the EU tightens scrutiny on similar schemes. US Visa Bond: The US made its visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require up to $20,000 refundable deposits for B1/B2 visas; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the affected countries. Local health cooperation: Chinese doctors ran a neonatal resuscitation training course for medical staff at Dr. Ayres de Menezes Hospital. Trade reach: Nigeria’s non-oil exporters expanded to 117 new markets between 2013 and 2025, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among emerging destinations. Tourism positioning: São Tomé and Príncipe is being promoted as an “Africa’s Galápagos” destination that avoids mass crowds through conservation and exclusivity.