AGP Executive Report

Presidential Transition: São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term, winning 55.88% in the July 19 election; the next prime minister will be chosen after the September 27 legislative vote. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Tinubu congratulated Vila Nova and pledged deeper cooperation on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, plus trade and investment. Maritime Rescue Ties: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri handed over two São Tomé fishermen rescued after drifting into Nigerian waters to the São Tomé chargé d’affaires, highlighting Gulf of Guinea links. Aviation Connectivity: Portugal’s TAP is set to keep serving São Tomé and Príncipe as Portugal moves to a final negotiation round over TAP’s stake sale, with Africa routes at stake. Science & Heritage: A “ghost” green mamba from São Tomé (1885) was rediscovered in a Polish museum, while UNESCO-listed plantation “rocas” in Principe are drawing restoration and tourism interest. Culture Spotlight: The open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition continues to thrive, with performances rooted in themes of justice.

Presidential Inauguration: São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term, winning re-election in July with about 55.9% of the vote; the ceremony drew regional leaders and comes ahead of legislative elections on Sept. 27. Nigeria–São Tomé Ties: Nigeria’s Tinubu sent congratulations via Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, pledging deeper cooperation on maritime security and the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, alongside trade and investment. Fishermen Returned: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri handed over two São Tomé fishermen rescued after drifting into Nigerian waters, highlighting Gulf of Guinea links and the need for closer maritime coordination. Portugal Partnership: Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Lisbon and São Tomé and Príncipe are preparing a bilateral summit focused on cooperation and investment. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO-listed plantation “rocas” and the living Tchiloli theatre tradition are drawing tourism interest, as the country works to preserve sites tied to slavery-era history. Environment & Science: A “ghost” green mamba from São Tomé, last recorded in 1885, has been rediscovered in museum collections, reopening questions about the species’ identity. DV Lottery Update: The U.S. released DV 2026 selected entrants, with São Tomé and Príncipe among countries represented in the Central Africa selections. Training in Geoscience: São Tomé and Príncipe joined 18 participants from 13 African countries in a geoscience mapping training in Namibia supported by the EU.

Presidential Inauguration: São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term after winning re-election in July, with legislative elections set for Sept. 27 and leaders from across Africa and Portugal attending. Nigeria–São Tomé Ties: Nigeria’s Tinubu congratulated Vila Nova and pledged deeper cooperation on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, and trade/investment, while defence officials echoed the same priorities. Maritime Rescue in the Gulf of Guinea: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri handed over two rescued São Tomé fishermen to the São Tomé ambassador after they drifted into Nigerian waters for about eight days. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO-linked restoration interest is growing around São Tomé’s former colonial plantation “rocas,” as investors see tourism potential in sites tied to slavery and forced labor. Culture Spotlight: The open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition continues to thrive, with performances drawing crowds through its medieval Portuguese tragedy themes of justice. Biodiversity Find: A “ghost” green mamba specimen from São Tomé dating to 1885 has been rediscovered in a museum collection, reopening scientific classification work.

Fisheries & Gulf of Guinea Cooperation: Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri handed over two rescued São Tomé fishermen to the São Tomé embassy after they drifted into Nigerian waters for about eight days, calling it proof of close maritime ties and pointing to shared Gulf of Guinea weather risks. Presidential Transition: São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second term, winning re-election in July with about 55.9% amid low turnout, with legislative elections set for September 27. Nigeria–São Tomé Relations: Nigeria’s Tinubu congratulated Vila Nova and pledged deeper cooperation on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, plus trade and investment. Portugal Ties: Portugal’s prime minister said a bilateral summit is being prepared with Vila Nova’s inauguration, aiming to deepen cooperation and spur Portuguese investment. Air Connectivity: Reuters reports Portugal’s government is in a final negotiation round over TAP’s 44.9% stake bids, with TAP’s Africa network including São Tomé and Príncipe routes. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO-listed plantation “rocas” tied to slavery and forced labour in São Tomé/Príncipe are drawing tourism interest, alongside continued popularity of the open-air Tchiloli theatre.

Presidential Inauguration: São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term at the National Assembly, after winning re-election in July with 55.88% of the vote; the ceremony drew regional leaders including Portugal’s prime minister and representatives of Morocco and other heads of state, with legislative elections set for September 27. Nigeria–São Tomé Ties: Nigeria’s Tinubu congratulated Vila Nova and pledged deeper cooperation focused on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), plus trade and investment, with defence minister Bello Matawalle representing the president at the inauguration. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s recent listing of six former plantation “rocas” on Principe and São Tomé highlights slavery-era history and is already attracting private interest, alongside a push for long-term preservation. Wildlife Discovery: A “ghost” green mamba specimen from São Tomé dating to 1885 has been rediscovered in a Polish museum, giving scientists a rare chance to revisit its identity after decades of confusion. Culture Spotlight: The open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition continues to thrive, with performers staging a medieval Portuguese tragedy that locals say still resonates through its message of justice.

Presidential Inauguration: Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in Thursday for a second five-year term at São Tomé’s National Assembly, with leaders from Gabon, the DR Congo, Portugal and Mozambique among those attending; Vila Nova won re-election in July with 55.88% in a first round that saw 59% abstention, and the next prime minister will be chosen after legislative elections on September 27. Nigeria-São Tomé Ties: Nigeria’s Tinubu sent a message via Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, pledging deeper cooperation on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, plus trade and investment. Portugal Looks Ahead: Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said a bilateral summit is being prepared, aiming to deepen cooperation and encourage Portuguese investment in education, health and energy. UNESCO Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s new World Heritage listing of six former plantation estates (“rocas”) tied to slavery is drawing private investor interest, alongside a proposed 10-year restoration push. Culture Spotlight: The open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition continues to thrive, with performers staging a medieval European tragedy that locals say still speaks to justice.

Maritime & trade ties: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, through Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, congratulated re-elected São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova and pledged deeper cooperation on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé Joint Development Zone and trade. Presidential inauguration: Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term after winning 55.88% in the July 19 vote, with leaders attending from several countries. Portugal diplomacy: Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Portugal and São Tomé and Príncipe are already preparing a bilateral summit to deepen cooperation and encourage Portuguese investment. UNESCO heritage push: UNESCO’s World Heritage listing of six former plantation “rocas” tied to slavery is drawing private investors, alongside a 10-year restoration plan for the crumbling estates on Príncipe and São Tomé. Biodiversity find: A “ghost” green mamba specimen from São Tomé dating to 1885 has been rediscovered in a Polish museum, reopening scientific debate over the snake’s identity. Water progress: UN-Water highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s gains in access to water, sanitation and hygiene, while noting universal access is still not reached.

UNESCO & Heritage Tourism: São Tomé and Príncipe’s newly listed “rocas” (plantation estates) tied to slavery are drawing private investor interest, as UNESCO-backed plans look to restore the crumbling sites and turn painful history into a living heritage tourism draw. Presidential Inauguration: Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term, pledging to uphold the constitution and laws, with regional leaders and Portugal among those attending. Luso-São Toméan Diplomacy: Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Lisbon and São Tomé and Príncipe are preparing a bilateral summit to deepen cooperation and encourage Portuguese investment. Cultural Life: The open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition continues to thrive, with performers staging a medieval European tragedy that locals say still speaks to justice. Biodiversity Find: A “ghost” green mamba specimen from São Tomé, first collected in 1885, has been rediscovered in a museum collection, reopening scientific debate over the snake’s identity.

Presidential Inauguration: Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term as President of São Tomé and Príncipe, with international leaders attending the ceremony at the National Assembly. Portugal Ties: Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Portugal and São Tomé and Príncipe are preparing a bilateral summit to deepen cooperation and boost investment, citing work in education, health and energy. Morocco Representation: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI was represented by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who reaffirmed plans to strengthen “distinguished relations” with Vila Nova’s government. Diplomacy in Europe: Angola’s foreign minister Téte António represented President João Lourenço at the investiture, while Serbia’s defence and internal affairs minister met São Tomé and Príncipe officials in Belgrade to discuss security, defence and tourism links. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO-listed Tchiloli open-air theatre in São Tomé continues to draw crowds with its medieval Portuguese drama themes of justice. Biodiversity Discovery: A “ghost” green mamba specimen from São Tomé dating to 1885 has been rediscovered in a Polish museum, reopening scientific debate on the snake’s identity. Water Progress: A UN-Water update highlights continued gains in access to water, sanitation and hygiene, even as universal coverage remains a goal.

Presidential Inauguration: Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in as President of São Tomé and Príncipe today in a ceremony attended by Portuguese PM Luís Montenegro and leaders including Angola’s foreign minister Téte António, with the new term set against elections due on 27 September. Public Order & Elections: Vila Nova also urged that the National Police stay above political disputes, stressing neutrality, discipline and respect for the law as the country heads into its next electoral round. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO-listed Tchiloli theatre is drawing crowds again, blending medieval European tragedy with local performance traditions that speak to themes like justice. Biodiversity Discovery: A “ghost” green mamba from São Tomé—first collected in 1885—has been rediscovered in a Polish museum, giving scientists a chance to revisit its long-muddled identity. Water & SDG Progress: A UN-Water update highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s gains in water, sanitation and hygiene, including improved basic hygiene coverage since 2015. UNESCO Plantations Update: UNESCO’s recent recognition of colonial-era “rocas” plantations is renewing debate over preservation as investors look at tourism potential.

Police Reform & Elections: President Carlos Vila Nova urged that São Tomé’s National Police stay above political disputes, stressing neutrality, discipline and respect for the law during the force’s 51st anniversary and the swearing-in of 185 new agents. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage push highlights São Tomé’s historic “rocas” plantation estates, built on slavery and forced labour, now facing preservation challenges as interest grows from tourism investors. Water & Hygiene Progress: A new UN-Water SDG 6 acceleration study says São Tomé and Príncipe has improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene, with basic water access rising to about 80% in 2015 and continued gains in hygiene coverage through 2024. Diplomacy: Serbia’s Dusan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s defence and internal affairs minister, Horácio de Sousa, to discuss closer ties, including tourism, security and defence cooperation. Aviation Links: euroAtlantic Airways added an Airbus A330-300 to strengthen long-haul capacity, while still serving São Tomé routes. Regional Spotlight: Petrobras moved closer to offshore exploration in Ghana, and a report says Africa’s population is under-served by air traffic.

Air Travel & Connectivity: euroAtlantic Airways adds an Airbus A330-300 leased from Jackson Square Aviation, boosting its long-haul widebody capacity and supporting ACMI/charter growth, while continuing its weekly flights that include São Tomé. Diplomacy & Security: In Belgrade, Serbia’s Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s Horácio de Sousa during the Non-Aligned Movement anniversary, reaffirming ties and highlighting cooperation in tourism, economic links, and security/defence. Water & Sanitation Progress: UN-Water reports São Tomé and Príncipe has made major gains on SDG 6, with basic water access rising to about 80% in 2015 and improvements in hygiene coverage through 2024, even as safely managed services still lag. Heritage & Tourism Potential: UNESCO’s World Heritage push spotlights São Tomé’s colonial “rocas” plantations—built on slavery and forced labour—now facing preservation challenges but drawing investor interest for heritage tourism. Sports: São Tomé and Príncipe’s U-23 path is tied into the CAF U-23 AFCON qualifiers, with the next round set to meet winners from other matchups.

Diplomacy & Defence: Serbia’s foreign ministry secretary general Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s defence and internal affairs minister Horácio de Sousa in Belgrade to discuss stronger bilateral ties, including economic links in tourism and cooperation on security and defence. Kozarev also thanked São Tomé and Príncipe for withdrawing its earlier decision to recognise Kosovo. Water & Sanitation Progress: A new UN-Water SDG 6 acceleration study highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s gains in drinking water and hygiene, with basic water access rising to about 80% in 2015 and improvements in hygiene coverage by 21% through 2024, even as safely managed services still lag. Maritime Accountability: Ghana’s MV Sankofa dispute spills into demands for answers, with MP Sammi Awuku pressing the Ghana Maritime Authority to explain the US$1 million penalty waiver and the vessel’s clearance after alleged safety and registration gaps. Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO’s World Heritage push puts São Tomé and Príncipe’s colonial-era plantation “rocas” in focus, as new listings and preservation plans confront the challenge of abandoned sites and investor interest in heritage tourism.

Diplomacy & Security: Serbia’s foreign ministry says Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s Defence and Internal Affairs minister Horácio de Sousa in Belgrade, reaffirming ties and with Kozarev thanking São Tomé and Príncipe for withdrawing its earlier recognition of Kosovo; talks also flagged cooperation on tourism and security. Water & Sanitation Progress: UN-Water highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s gains toward SDG 6, noting 37% access to safely managed “improved” water (up from 2015), 35% safely managed sanitation, and a 21% rise in basic hygiene coverage by 2024—progress despite remaining gaps. Heritage Conservation: UNESCO’s World Heritage push continues to spotlight São Tomé’s colonial “rocas” plantations, including new recognition tied to forced labour history, while preservation challenges persist as investors eye tourism potential. Regional Integration: A SADC update notes only a handful of countries—including São Tomé and Príncipe—have ratified the Free Movement Protocol, with work underway on mutual recognition agreements for services like tourism. Economy & Policy Context: São Tomé and Príncipe’s inflation is reported at 9.7% (June 2026), the highest since December 2025, as prices rise again.

UNESCO World Heritage: The UNESCO World Heritage Committee wrapped up in Busan with renewed focus on inclusion, inscribing 25 new sites and adding São Tomé and Príncipe’s colonial-era “rocas” plantations—built on slavery and forced labour—highlighting both preservation challenges and growing investor interest in heritage tourism. Public Safety & Governance: President Carlos Vila Nova said São Tomé’s National Police must sit above political disputes, urging neutrality and respect for the law as the country heads toward major election milestones. Regional Integration: A SADC trade-law update notes progress on Mutual Recognition Agreements under Article 7, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol. Economy Watch: Inflation data puts São Tomé and Príncipe at 9.70% (June 2026), while broader regional reporting flags persistent cost pressures across Africa. Sports & Media: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons, and CAF’s U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw includes São Tomé and Príncipe in the first round.

Maritime Accountability: Ghana’s MP Sammy Awuku is demanding a full explanation of how MV Sankofa was cleared to leave Ghana, after claims the vessel was intercepted off Axim with AIS switched off, lacked 14 statutory certificates, and was flagged as not seaworthy—while São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly denied registering the ship; he also questions why a $1m penalty was later waived. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage push has spotlighted São Tomé’s colonial-era “rocas” plantation estates, built on slavery and forced labour, with new attention on preservation as most sites are abandoned but increasingly eyed by tourism investors. National Security & Institutions: President Carlos Vila Nova urged that São Tomé’s National Police stay above political disputes, stressing neutrality and respect for law during an anniversary ceremony that saw 185 new officers incorporated. Regional Integration: A SADC trade update highlights slow progress on Mutual Recognition Agreements, noting São Tomé and Príncipe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol. Inflation Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe recorded 9.7% inflation in June 2026, up from 9.2% the month before.