AGP Executive Report

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: The national electoral commission says the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55—short of a majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s party took about 23, making smaller parties potential kingmakers as talks on forming the next government begin. Youth exodus and jobs: Voters across the islands are pushing for immediate action on unemployment, public services, and the rising emigration of young people, with estimates putting nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad. Health procurement push: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to improve access and affordability of essential medicines. Principe conservation dividend: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents conditional environmental dividends, but early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, drawing criticism that it doesn’t fully meet local economic needs. Regional business ties: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Opposition Victory in Elections: São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55—short of a majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s party, ADI, took about 23, making the smaller MCI-PS/PUN a likely kingmaker as talks begin. Voters Demand Jobs as Youth Leave: With unemployment, emigration and basic services like water and electricity at the top of concerns, many voters say promises must turn into real opportunities to slow the young exodus. Electoral Process Underway: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September with about 142,000 eligible voters and international observer monitoring. Principe Nature Dividend Starts Paying: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, drawing both praise and criticism. Local Business/Trade Update: Hitachi is reshaping its construction equipment dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Finance & Policy: A new UK landside transit visa list includes several African countries, affecting travel plans for many.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: The national electoral commission says the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls (24 of 55), but fell short of a majority; President Carlos Vila Nova’s ADI came second with about 23 seats, making MCI-PS/PUN a likely kingmaker as negotiations begin. Youth exodus and jobs: Voters across the islands say the next government must tackle unemployment and emigration, with many pointing to weak public services and the need for new businesses, a port and airport. Electoral process: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September with about 142,000 eligible voters and international observer monitoring. Local economy and currency pressure: A September 2026 currency ranking places São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among the currencies needing some of the largest numbers of units per US dollar, highlighting ongoing cost pressures. Principe conservation payments: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started quarterly payments to residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities, though critics say the amounts are far below what’s needed and conditions aren’t yet met. Regional business: Hitachi is reshaping its construction equipment dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Agriculture capacity-building: A FAO- and China-funded workshop in South Africa ended with officials from 16 African countries agreeing to push for more Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems sites.

Elections Update: São Tomé and Príncipe’s electoral commission says the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55—short of the 28 needed for a majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s ADI took about 23 seats; smaller parties split the rest, leaving MCI-PS/PUN leader Domingos Monteiro as a potential kingmaker as talks begin to form the next government. Youth Exodus & Jobs: Voters across the islands say the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, pointing to unemployment, weak public services, and the need for real opportunities at home. Príncipe Conservation Cash: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid environmentally damaging activities, but early payouts are far below advertised maximums, drawing both praise and criticism. Local Vote Logistics: The CEN reports parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 eligible voters and international observers monitoring preparations.

Elections in Focus: São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and Príncipe’s autonomous authorities; the CEN briefed international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and turnout. Youth Exodus & Jobs: Voters say the top priority is stopping young people leaving, citing weak opportunities and calling for investment, new businesses, and better transport links to create work at home. Principe Conservation Cash: On Príncipe, South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, and critics say it’s not a substitute for broader government-backed economic plans. Sports—U-23 Roadmap: Ghana’s Black Meteors named a 26-man U-23 squad for AFCON qualifiers, with a potential tie against São Tomé and Príncipe in the final qualifying round. Currency Watch: A September 2026 ranking kept the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra among the currencies requiring some of the largest amounts per US dollar, highlighting ongoing pressure on import costs.

Elections in Focus: São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and Príncipe’s regional authorities; the CEN says international observers have been briefed and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and turnout. Youth Exodus: Across the islands, voters say the top priority is jobs and stopping young people leaving, with World Bank estimates putting nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population). Principe Nature Deal: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities; the first payouts were far below the advertised maximum, drawing both hope and criticism. Regional Sports Link: Ghana’s U-23 coach Desmond Ofei named a 26-man Black Meteors squad for AFCON qualifiers, with São Tomé and Príncipe potentially awaiting them in the next round. Currency Watch: A September 2026 ranking places the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies by units per US dollar, while the naira stays off the weakest list.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and Príncipe’s autonomous authorities; the National Electoral Commission met international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and high turnout. Youth exodus drives vote: Across the islands, voters say the top priority is jobs and stopping young people leaving, citing World Bank estimates that nearly 40,000 São Toméans (about 18%) live abroad. Príncipe conservation cash scheme: AFP reports Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities; payouts are far below the advertised maximum, and critics say it misses wider government-backed economic needs. Wildlife mystery: Researchers are revisiting a historic “green mamba in a jar” specimen to clarify whether the species truly lived on the islands over 150 years ago. Sports link to São Tomé: Ghana’s U-23 AFCON qualifiers could bring them up against São Tomé and Príncipe in the final qualifying round.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and setting up Príncipe’s autonomous authorities; CEN says accredited observers are already in place. Youth exodus and jobs: As ballots are cast, voters keep returning to one demand—stop young people leaving by creating real work and opportunities, with many pointing to the country’s stalled change since their childhood. Príncipe conservation cash—under scrutiny: Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities, but early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, and critics say it misses a chance to align with government plans. Football link to São Tomé: Ghana’s U-23 campaign could face São Tomé and Príncipe in the final qualifying round, after Desmond Ofei named a 26-man Black Meteors squad for November qualifiers. Tourism spotlight: Lonely Planet’s 2027 “Best in Travel” list highlights off-the-beaten-path destinations, including Montserrat, adding to the wider push for travel beyond the usual routes.

Elections in Focus: São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats, local government bodies, and Príncipe’s regional authorities for four-year terms; the CEN met international observers from La Francophonie and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and high turnout. Youth Exodus and Jobs: Ahead of the vote, voters across the islands say the top priority is stopping young people leaving, citing stalled change, weak investment, and the need for a port, airport, and new businesses. Nature, Tourism, and Paychecks in Príncipe: South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started quarterly payments to Príncipe residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities like sand extraction or unregulated logging—though critics say the amounts are small and the approach misses wider government-led economic plans. Wildlife Mystery: Researchers are revisiting a preserved “ghost” green mamba specimen in a jar to settle a 150-year question about whether the species truly lived on the islands. Regional Sports Link: Ghana’s U-23 coach Desmond Ofei named a 26-man Black Meteors squad for AFCON qualifiers, with São Tomé and Príncipe potentially in the path ahead.

Elections in Focus: São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started today, with about 142,000 eligible voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and setting up Príncipe’s autonomous regional authorities for four-year terms; the CEN met accredited international observers, including a Francophonie mission led by Angélique Ngoma, as President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and high turnout. Youth Exodus & Voting Mood: Ahead of the vote, many young voters say little has changed since their birth and link the ballot to jobs and investment, with emigration already draining sectors like construction. Principe Conservation Cash: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun paying residents for pledges to avoid environmentally damaging activities, but early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, drawing both hope and criticism. Wildlife Mystery: A preserved “ghost” green mamba specimen in a jar is being revisited to settle a 150-year question about whether the snake truly lived on the islands.

Elections & Youth Exodus: São Tomé and Príncipe heads to legislative polls on Sunday, with voters across the islands saying the top priority is stopping young people from leaving—citing job shortages and the need for new investment, a port and airport, and better opportunities. Wildlife Mystery: Scientists are set to re-examine a historic “ghost” green mamba specimen preserved in a jar, hoping fresh methods can confirm whether the snake truly lived on the islands more than 150 years ago. Conservation Cash in Príncipe: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, and critics say the approach misses wider government-backed economic plans. Regional Sports Link: The road to AFCON 2027 for São Tomé and Príncipe is in the spotlight as Ghana’s U-23 campaign draws a possible matchup in qualifying.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Ahead of Sunday’s vote, residents say the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, with calls for jobs, new businesses, and upgrades like a port and airport. Conservation pay in Príncipe: South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for protecting nature, but early payouts fall far below the advertised maximum—critics say it’s a missed chance to coordinate with government on broader economic needs. Oil and gas links to the islands: Petrobras says it’s expanding its Africa push, including operating stakes in Ivory Coast exploration blocks, while also noting existing activity in São Tomé and Príncipe as it seeks reserve replacement. Russian cultural expansion: “Russian House” partner centres are set to open across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as the network grows and promotes Russian language, education, and youth projects. Sports and youth: São Tomé and Príncipe is among teams drawn into FIFA’s inaugural U-15 World Cup group stage in Azerbaijan.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: With Sunday’s vote approaching, residents say the top priority is stopping youth exodus by creating jobs and opportunities, while also demanding a clean process. Principe conservation payouts: South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities, but early reports show many are earning far less than advertised and critics call it a missed chance for deeper government-backed development. Digital disinformation risk: A scheme using fake Ukrainian media pages reportedly exploits São Tomé and Príncipe-linked domains to spread pro-Russian content, raising concerns about online manipulation. Regional context: Ethiopia’s 2022 truce has reportedly broken again with renewed fighting tied to the TPLF and government forces, underscoring instability across the region. Energy and business: Petrobras signed an oil-and-gas cooperation deal with Mozambique’s ENH, while EXIM Bank backed Africell’s telecom expansion in Angola.

Nature & Tourism in Principe: South African tech tycoon Mark Shuttleworth is paying Principe residents a “dividend” through his Faya Foundation to protect the island’s forests and beaches, offering up to 6,250 dobras (about $290) per quarter for pledges to avoid sand extraction and unregulated logging—praise for boosting conservation, but criticism that it bypasses government-led social and economic needs. Elections & Youth Exodus: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday vote, residents say the top priority is jobs to stop young people leaving, with voters calling for better opportunities, investment, and infrastructure as campaign rallies intensify. Sports—Chess: Lesotho’s Tokelo Klaas remains optimistic after a mixed start at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, aiming to match or beat the team’s 2024 points tally. Sports—Afcon Qualifier: Malawi host South Sudan in a key Afcon qualifier, with pressure mounting on coach Kalisto Pasuwa as qualification stakes rise. Regional Diplomacy: A new phase of social protection talks under “Action/Portugal” includes São Tomé and Príncipe, linking social protection, employment, training, and informal-economy formalisation.

São Tomé & Príncipe Elections: With Sunday’s vote approaching, residents say the top priority is stopping youth from leaving, calling for jobs, new businesses, and upgrades like a port and airport as campaign screens and rallies intensify across the islands. Russian Cultural Push: Russia’s “Russian House” network is expanding fast, with new partner centres planned for São Tomé and Príncipe among other countries, aiming to grow Russian language, education, and youth projects. Oil & Gas Regional Links: Petrobras says it is strengthening its African footprint, including operations in São Tomé and Príncipe, while also signing Mozambique cooperation and Côte d’Ivoire exploration moves that underline continued Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic interest. Sports—Afcon Qualifiers: Eritrea and other teams are shaping up for Afcon qualifying group play, with São Tomé and Príncipe mentioned among nations already eliminated from the current phase. Disinformation Watch: A scheme using São Tomé and Príncipe domains has been linked to fake pages mimicking Ukrainian outlets, highlighting how small online spaces can be exploited for manipulation.

Elections Watch (São Tomé & Príncipe): With Sunday’s vote approaching, São Tomé and Príncipe voters say the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, demanding jobs, new investment, and better ports and airports. Sports & Pressure (Afcon Qualifiers): Malawi host South Sudan on 25 September in a match seen as pivotal for coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s future. Energy Deal (Mozambique): Petrobras signed a two-year oil and gas cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting studies and natural gas development. Cultural Outreach (Russian “Houses”): Russia plans to expand its “Russian House” network, with new centres including São Tomé and Príncipe. Foreign Policy (Djibouti): The UN warns of a worsening humanitarian crisis as thousands of Yemeni refugees flee to Djibouti amid Red Sea fighting. Local Governance & Youth (São Tomé & Príncipe): Campaigning is dominated by concerns over irregularities and a lack of opportunities, with young voters split on whether change is possible.