AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: India has named Vinay Kumar as its next Ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe, with Lakshmanan Ramesh Babu appointed Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire; both are expected to take up their posts shortly. Trade & Customs Capacity: Under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, Customs officials from São Tomé and Príncipe joined Training of Trainers workshops to build local expertise on rules of origin for preferential trade agreements. Aviation Safety: The EU updated its Air Safety List—Kyrgyzstan’s certified carriers were removed after safety oversight improvements, while Air Express Algeria was added and can no longer operate in the EU. Education & Portuguese-Speaking Links: The AULP annual meeting, co-hosted by the University of Macau, will run in Macao from 15–17 June, focusing on international university collaboration and the Portuguese language as a cultural bridge.

Trade & Customs Capacity: The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme says Customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and Sao Tome and Principe have completed Training of Trainers workshops, building local expert pools to help businesses apply preferential trade rules. Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held talks with counterparts including Sao Tome and Principe’s, discussing ways to deepen cooperation across economy, defense and maritime security. Health & Cancer Care: Merck Foundation reports continued cancer training support across Africa, including scholarships and capacity-building for oncology teams in multiple countries. Governance & Courts: An Afrobarometer survey ranks Nigeria among the worst for access to justice and confidence in courts, with Sao Tome and Principe listed among the few countries scoring even lower. Sports Pressure: Malawi’s national team coach and Scorchers coach face mounting criticism after poor results, including a loss to Sao Tome and Principe. Freedom Rankings: The Atlantic Council Freedom Index places Sao Tome and Principe among Africa’s freest countries.

Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation is marking World Cancer Day 2026 by expanding its Cancer Access Program across Africa, funding about 269 one-year clinical training scholarships and post-graduate cancer oncology diplomas and master’s programmes to grow local oncology specialists and care teams in countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held bilateral talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on deeper cooperation in economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Freedom Ranking: Ghana placed 4th in Africa and 46th globally in the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, while São Tomé and Príncipe ranked 5th in Africa with a freedom score of 73.0. Maritime Security & Illicit Fishing: Indonesia says it disrupted illegal fishing by targeting 1,210 vessels since 2021, citing a case involving a vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag concealed in a hidden compartment. Governance & Justice: An Afrobarometer survey ranks Nigeria among the worst for access to justice and public trust in courts; São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among countries with even lower results.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries in Seoul, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, development and coordination at the international level. World Cup Group Watch: Tunisia qualified for the 2026 finals and will face Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands in Group play, with the squad set to aim for a first-ever group-stage breakthrough. Justice at Courts: A new Afrobarometer survey says Nigeria is among the worst in Africa on access to justice and trust in courts, with São Tomé and Príncipe also among the lowest-ranked countries on several indicators. Maritime Security & Trade: Indonesia reported action against illegal fishing vessels, including one attempt involving a vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag, highlighting links between illegal fishing and broader transnational crimes. Finance Oversight: African banking supervisors met in Yaounde to discuss how regulators can better handle emerging risks like digital fraud, cybersecurity and climate risks to protect financial stability. Energy & Oil: Galp is exploring offshore acreage in Equatorial Guinea, with the company already active as a partner near São Tomé and Príncipe. Freedom Ranking: Ghana was ranked Africa’s 4th freest country, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among the top 10 on the same index. Travel Community: A “Most Traveled People” gathering in Portugal highlighted a visitor who completed a world-travel milestone after a trip to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Banking Stability Talks: Central African banking supervisors met in Yaounde with BEAC and COBAC hosting, as BEAC governor Yvon Sana Bangui urged regulators to better handle emerging risks like digital fraud, cybersecurity, climate threats, and cross-border banking groups. Startup & Trade Links: São Tomé and Príncipe is included in the 929 Challenge network, now tied to AIE Expo 2026 in Macau, with a new acceleration push aimed at helping startups reach the Greater Bay Area market. Justice Access Survey: Afrobarometer reports Nigeria among the worst in Africa for court trust and judicial fairness, with only 28% confident ordinary people can get justice. Maritime Security & Illegal Fishing: Indonesia says it stopped illegal fishing linked to a vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag, citing 1,210 vessels targeted since 2021 and potential losses avoided. Diplomacy: South Korea’s foreign minister held one-on-one talks with counterparts including São Tomé and Príncipe, discussing expanded cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Children’s Nutrition: A Catholic Church official in Angola and São Tomé warns food insecurity is still leaving children hungry at school, urging government commitments to be implemented in daily life.

Banking Stability Talks: BEAC and COBAC hosted a CABS conference in Yaounde, with supervisors urged to upgrade skills to handle emerging risks like digital fraud, cybersecurity, AI, stablecoins, and cross-border banking groups. Justice Access Survey: Afrobarometer reports Nigeria among the five worst African countries for court justice, with only 28% saying ordinary people can get justice, and 59% expecting unfair outcomes. Maritime Security & Illicit Fishing: Indonesia says it disrupted illegal fishing by 1,210 vessels since 2021, citing a case involving a vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag and hidden compartments. Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held talks with counterparts including São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on expanding cooperation in economy, defense, maritime security, and development. World Cup Group Context: Tunisia’s World Cup draw includes São Tomé and Príncipe in qualifying, while broader tournament previews highlight tough Group F competition for the Netherlands. Regional Finance Appointment: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi director for Southern Africa, previously covering client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe.

World Cup Focus: The Netherlands head into Group F as favorites to advance, but face a tough mix of Japan, Sweden and Tunisia under Ronald Koeman, with Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong seen as key to their push for a deeper run. Portuguese Culture in São Tomé & Príncipe: A concert by brothers António and Fradique Mendes Ferreira—born in São João dos Angolares, São Tomé and Príncipe—will be broadcast in Portuguese cinemas, extending their “Origin Tour Stadium” live show reach. Justice and Courts: A new Afrobarometer survey says Nigeria is among Africa’s worst performers on access to justice and public trust in courts, with only São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola, Comoros and Guinea scoring worse on some indicators. Maritime Security: Indonesia says it has acted against 1,210 illegal-fishing vessels since 2021, citing a case involving a vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag. Diplomacy: South Korea’s foreign minister held talks with counterparts including São Tomé and Príncipe’s, discussing expanded cooperation across economy, defense and maritime security.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, development and coordination at the international level. World Cup Group Focus: A preview of the 2026 World Cup Group F puts the Netherlands as favorites to advance, with Ronald Koeman’s squad facing tough rivals Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. Portuguese Culture in Cinemas: A concert by Portuguese artists—featuring brothers António and Fradique Mendes Ferreira, born in São João dos Angolares, São Tomé and Príncipe—will be screened in multiple NOS cinemas across Portugal. Justice and Courts Survey: Afrobarometer’s survey ranks Nigeria among the five worst in Africa on access to justice and public trust in courts, with São Tomé and Príncipe also reported as recording worse results than most countries. Maritime Security Link: Indonesia says it acted against 1,210 illegal-fishing vessels since 2021, including a case involving a vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag. Trade Opportunity for Coffee: China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter its market from July 20, 2026, and São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among countries that have filed export applications.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, development and coordination at the international level. Justice and Courts: A new Afrobarometer survey ranks Nigeria among Africa’s worst for access to justice and public trust in courts, with only 28% of Nigerians saying ordinary people can get justice—an issue that echoes wider concerns across the region, including São Tomé and Príncipe, which the report says performed worse on at least one indicator. Maritime Security: Indonesia says it has acted against 1,210 illegal-fishing vessels since 2021, citing a case involving a vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag that concealed fish in a hidden compartment. Freedom Rankings: Ghana is listed as Africa’s 4th freest country, while São Tomé and Príncipe is placed 5th in Africa on the Atlantic Council Freedom Index. Food and Child Welfare: CEAST’s Pastoral Care of Children warns that children still attend school hungry and that pregnancy healthcare access remains weak, urging government commitments to be implemented in daily life.

Maritime Security: Indonesia says its illegal fishing crackdown since 2021 targeted 1,210 vessels and prevented losses of Rp16.6 trillion (about US$895m), citing a May 29 case involving a foreign vessel flying the São Tomé and Príncipe flag and smuggling humphead wrasse hidden in a compartment. Diplomacy & Cooperation: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, discussing expanded ties across economy, defense, maritime security, and development cooperation. Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, and notes his prior role covering client relations in Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Energy & Region: Galp signed a tentative deal to study offshore exploration blocks in Equatorial Guinea, with the company already operating in ultra-deepwater acreage near São Tomé and Príncipe as a partner. World Cup Focus: Tunisia’s World Cup run is highlighted, with Group H including Namibia, Liberia, Malawi, Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including Sao Tome and Principe, agreeing to expand cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, development and international coordination. World Cup Expansion: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expanding to 48 teams, more Middle East and North Africa sides are set to feature, with Tunisia’s qualifying run placing Sao Tome and Principe in its World Cup group. Coffee Trade Boost: China will open its market to eligible African coffee beans from all 53 countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, 2026; Sao Tome and Principe is among those that have filed applications, under unified phytosanitary rules. Maritime Justice: An international tribunal awarded the Marshall Islands over $14 million after a 2022 tanker detention linked to the exclusive economic zone of Sao Tome and Principe, including compensation for crew mistreatment. Freedom Index: In the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, São Tomé and Príncipe ranks 5th in Africa and 46th globally, scoring 73.0.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held separate talks in Seoul with counterparts including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Coffee Trade Boost: China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter from July 20, 2026, using unified phytosanitary rules—São Tomé and Príncipe is among the applicants. World Cup Expansion Watch: With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams, MENA representation rises sharply; Tunisia’s qualifying run included a group with São Tomé and Príncipe. Maritime Justice: The Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding it over $14m after the 2022 detention of the tanker Heroic Idun, seized in the São Tomé and Príncipe area. Health and Children: A Catholic official warned that children still attend school hungry and that maternal care and medicines are often out of reach, urging real implementation of child commitments.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries in Seoul, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, and development. World Cup Spotlight: With the 2026 tournament expanding to 48 teams, coverage highlights how MENA nations are set to feature heavily, including Jordan making its World Cup debut. Trade & Agriculture: China’s customs authority says it will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter from July 20, 2026 under unified phytosanitary rules—São Tomé and Príncipe is among the applicants. Local Relevance: A Catholic Church official in Angola warns children remain vulnerable despite national commitments, citing schools where children attend without having eaten and urging implementation of promised measures. Maritime Justice: The Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding over $14 million after the 2022 detention of a tanker in the São Tomé and Príncipe area.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, and development. World Cup Group Context: Tunisia’s World Cup build-up notes their group includes São Tomé and Príncipe, with the article highlighting Tunisia’s push to reach the knockout stage. Coffee Trade Boost: China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter its market from July 20, 2026, with São Tomé and Príncipe among those that have filed applications. Maritime Justice: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea awarded the Marshall Islands over $14M after a 2022 tanker detention linked to the exclusive economic zone of São Tomé and Príncipe. Food Security Concern: A Catholic Church official warned that children still attend school hungry, urging government commitments to children to be implemented in daily life. Mental Health Workshop: A WHO-backed regional mental health learning workshop will bring together many countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to develop country plans ahead of a global summit.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries in Seoul, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, development support, and coordination on the international stage. Freedom Rankings: São Tomé and Príncipe placed 5th in Africa and 46th globally in the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, scoring 73.0—just behind Ghana (73.2) and ahead of South Africa (72.6). Coffee Trade Boost: China will open its market to eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, 2026, using unified phytosanitary rules; São Tomé and Príncipe has filed export applications. Maritime Justice: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea awarded the Marshall Islands over $14 million after the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, seized in the São Tomé and Príncipe area.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries in Seoul, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, development and coordination on the international stage. Freedom Rankings: In the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, São Tomé and Príncipe ranked 5th in Africa and 46th globally, scoring 73.0—just behind Ghana (73.2) and ahead of South Africa (72.6). Coffee Trade Boost: China’s customs authority says eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties can enter its market starting July 20, 2026; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the countries that have filed export applications, with unified phytosanitary rules meant to streamline approvals. Maritime Justice: An international tribunal awarded the Marshall Islands over $14 million in compensation over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, seized in the exclusive economic zone of São Tomé and Príncipe.