AGP Executive Report

Presidential Election Update: Vote-counting is underway in São Tomé and Príncipe after Sunday’s presidential vote, with incumbent Carlos Vila Nova facing party rival Nito Viegas D’Abreu and two independents; if no one clears 50%, a run-off is set for August 9, while the National Electoral Commission chief flagged low turnout as some voters reportedly left without casting ballots. Election Day Conditions: Polling began calmly and authorities said the process was largely normal, though voting was suspended in two localities due to neighborhood protests, including a Cantagalo-area station that did not open over a drinking-water demand. Oil & Regional Stakes: São Tomé and Príncipe rejected bids for three offshore oil blocs after its 2026 licensing round attracted only Petrobras and Nigeria’s Oranto, leaving the government without enough competition to set market value—an outcome observers link to shifting global oil realities. CPLP at 30: The CPLP marked its 30th anniversary with renewed focus on strengthening cooperation among Portuguese-speaking states, including São Tomé and Príncipe.

Presidential Election in São Tomé and Príncipe: Voters went to the polls on Sunday for the presidential vote, with incumbent Carlos Vila Nova seeking a second five-year term against ADI-backed rival Nito Viegas D’Abreu and two independents; early voting was reported calm, though voting was suspended in two localities after neighborhood protests, and the president’s role is largely ceremonial while executive power sits with the prime minister. Election Stakes and Political Context: The race follows Vila Nova’s split from the powerful ADI party after dismissing former prime minister Patrice Trovoada in 2025, and comes amid international attention after a 2022 coup attempt was thwarted. CPLP at 30: CPLP leaders marked the community’s 30th anniversary, stressing stronger cooperation among Portuguese-speaking countries, with meetings in Angola and Luanda focused on democratic governance and institutional resilience. Regional Economy Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe also appeared in a wider inflation roundup, with inflation reported at 9.2% in May 2026.

Presidential Election: São Tomé and Príncipe goes to the polls on Sunday with incumbent Carlos Vila Nova seeking a fresh five-year mandate, running as an independent after splitting from the ADI party that previously backed him. Political Stakes: The vote follows the 2022 reported coup attempt and comes as Vila Nova faces criticism over dismissing former prime minister Patrice Trovoada, a move later ruled unconstitutional. Key Matchups: Vila Nova, 66, is set to face Nito Viegas D’Abreu, backed by Trovoada, plus two other candidates, with the president’s role largely ceremonial while executive power sits with the prime minister. Voter Snapshot: The National Electoral Commission lists 142,298 registered voters, including 121,771 on the islands and 20,525 in the diaspora. Regional Diplomacy: Separately, CPLP marks its 30th anniversary, with leaders stressing stronger cooperation among Portuguese-speaking countries.

Presidential Countdown: São Tomé and Príncipe heads to a 19 July presidential vote, with the Constitutional Court validating five candidates and rejecting one over family-background criteria; the registered electorate stands at 142,298, including 20,525 in the diaspora. Geopolitics in the Gulf of Guinea: As the country prepares for elections, coverage highlights its strategic location and renewed attention after a Russia military cooperation deal in 2024. Election Monitoring: Angola’s CNE president leads a ROJAE-CPLP observation mission in São Tomé and Príncipe, meeting candidates and civil society ahead of polling and results tabulation. Inflation Watch: New data places São Tomé and Príncipe among Africa’s highest-inflation countries, at 9.2% in June 2026, reflecting an import-dependent economy’s sensitivity to global food and energy prices. Oil Licensing Setback: São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly rejected bids in its latest offshore licensing round after failing to meet criteria on operator diversity, despite offers from Petrobras and Oranto.

Presidential Race in São Tomé and Príncipe: Voters head to the polls on Sunday to choose a new president, with parliamentary elections due at the end of September. The Constitutional Court has confirmed five candidates for the 19 July vote, rejecting one bid over family-background criteria, while the National Electoral Commission says 142,298 voters are registered, including 20,525 in the diaspora. Election Monitoring: Angola’s CNE president leads a ROJAE-CPLP observer mission in São Tomé and Príncipe, meeting candidates and local civil groups and planning checks on polling and results. Independence Day Politics & Unity: On 12 July, President Carlos Vila Nova marked the 51st anniversary calling for unity and tackling economic and social challenges ahead of the election. Oil & Gas Setback: São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly rejected bids in its latest offshore licensing round for blocks 7, 8 and 9, citing lack of operator diversity, after only Petrobras and Oranto submitted offers. Geopolitics Watch: With a Russia military cooperation deal signed in April 2024, the country’s Gulf of Guinea location is drawing renewed international attention as it tries to balance partners.

Elections Watch (São Tomé & Príncipe): With the presidential vote on Sunday (19 July) and parliamentary elections due end-September, the Constitutional Court has confirmed five candidates, rejecting businessman Nino Monteiro; the race is led by incumbent Carlos Vila Nova, opposition figure Jorge Bom Jesus, and ADI leader Nito D’Abreu, while the registered electorate stands at 142,298 (121,771 in-country, 20,525 in the diaspora). CPLP Election Monitoring: Angola’s CNE president Manuel Pereira da Silva is leading ROJAE-CPLP observers in São Tomé, meeting candidates and visiting local media ahead of polling. Independence & Geopolitics: São Tomé and Príncipe marked its 51st independence anniversary with calls for unity as Russia-linked military cooperation keeps the archipelago in global focus. Energy Setback: São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly rejected all bids in its latest offshore licensing round after failing to meet operator-diversification criteria, leaving Petrobras and Oranto without awards. Regional Mobility: South Africa’s 2026 visa-free list includes 32 African countries, but not Sierra Leone; Poland’s visa-free list includes São Tomé and Príncipe among just three African states.

CPLP at 30: São Tomé and Príncipe is among the nine Portuguese-speaking countries marking the Community of Portuguese Language Countries’ 30th anniversary on July 17, celebrating three decades of cooperation across education, trade, public health, maritime security and mobility. Independence & unity: On the 51st independence anniversary, President Carlos Vila Nova urged national unity and peace as the country prepares for elections, pointing to jobs, justice, youth entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment as key challenges. Sports & youth: The Judo Global of São Tomé and Príncipe held a nationwide Independence Open on July 11, with competitions on both islands to expand access for young athletes, including a debut from the Ponta do Sol Judo School on Príncipe. Oil licensing setback: São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly rejected bids in its latest offshore licensing round for blocks 7, 8 and 9, saying offers lacked operator diversity, despite Petrobras and Oranto submitting the only bids. Regional travel rules: Poland’s visa-free list for 2026 includes São Tomé and Príncipe, while Zimbabwe’s visa-on-arrival list also names the country.

Independence & Sports: São Tomé and Príncipe marked its 51st independence anniversary with a call for unity and peace ahead of elections, while the Judo Global association held a nationwide Independence Open across both islands, spotlighting youth participation. Oil & Gas: São Tomé and Príncipe rejected bids in its latest offshore licensing round for Blocks 7, 8 and 9 after receiving only Petrobras and Oranto, citing a lack of operator diversity; the regulator says it will focus on already-awarded blocks. Energy Deal Update: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of the majority stake in offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe and will operate the block. Regional Diplomacy: Angola’s president sent congratulations to São Tomé and Príncipe’s leader on Independence Day, reaffirming ties and cooperation. Travel Rules (Regional Context): Poland’s 2026 visa-free list includes São Tomé and Príncipe as one of just three African countries; Mozambique and Zimbabwe also published 2026 visa-free/visa-on-arrival lists that include São Tomé and Príncipe. Culture & Music: AFRIMMA 2026 nominees were unveiled, with Davido leading nominations as the awards return after a two-year break.

Oil & Gas Licensing: São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly rejected all bids in its latest offshore exploration round for Blocks 7, 8 and 9, saying proposals lacked operator diversity, despite offers from Petrobras and Oranto. Energy Sector: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of the majority stake in offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Petrobras set to operate the block (75%) alongside Oranto (15%) and the state agency (10%). Independence & Diplomacy: São Tomé and Príncipe marked its 51st independence anniversary with a unity call ahead of elections, while Angola’s president sent congratulations and Morocco’s king also extended a message to President Carlos Vila Nova. Sports & Youth: The Judo Global of São Tomé and Príncipe held a nationwide Independence Open across both islands, debuting athletes from Príncipe’s Ponta do Sol school. Travel Rules: Zimbabwe published its visa-on-arrival list including São Tomé and Príncipe, while Zambia also released its 2026 visa-free entry list featuring São Tomé and Príncipe. Culture: AFRIMMA 2026 nominees were unveiled, with Davido leading nominations and the awards set to return in Dallas on 12 September 2026.

Independence & Unity: São Tomé and Príncipe marked its 51st independence anniversary with President Carlos Vila Nova urging national unity as the country prepares for elections and tackles jobs, justice, youth and women’s empowerment. Sports & Youth: The Judo Global of São Tomé and Príncipe held a nationwide Independence Open across both islands, debuting athletes from Príncipe’s Ponta do Sol school and promoting judo values of respect and discipline. Oil & Gas: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of a 75% operating stake in offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Oranto Petroleum (15%) and the state agency (10%) in the consortium. Regional Diplomacy: Angola’s João Lourenço sent congratulations to Vila Nova on the independence celebrations, highlighting renewed momentum for bilateral cooperation. Visa Moves (for travelers): Zimbabwe, Zambia and Bahrain published updated visa-on-arrival or online-visa eligibility lists that include São Tomé and Príncipe among qualifying African countries. Culture & Music: AFRIMMA 2026 nominees were unveiled, with Davido leading nominations and the awards returning with a new Dallas music festival.

Independence & Diplomacy: São Tomé and Príncipe marked its 51st independence anniversary on July 12, with President Carlos Vila Nova urging unity and peace as the country heads toward a series of elections, while also highlighting ongoing economic and social challenges. Energy & Oil: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of a 75% stake and operatorship in offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Oranto holding 15% and the national petroleum agency 10%, expanding Petrobras’ West Africa exploration push. Electricity Modernisation: TECMON Energy wrapped up a working visit to São Tomé and Príncipe (June 29–July 2) to support plans to stabilise and modernise the national electricity sector, covering the full power value chain from generation to revenue protection. Petroleum Licensing: São Tomé and Príncipe rejected bids for new exploration licenses after its just-finished bid round, citing that proposals did not meet state criteria, including operator diversification. Regional Mobility: Visa rules updates continue across the region, including Cabo Verde’s 67-country visa-free list (with pre-registration) and the UAE’s updated list of countries requiring visas.

Energy & Investment: Petrobras says it has completed its acquisition of a 75% operating interest in offshore Block 3 off São Tomé and Príncipe, taking over operatorship with Oranto (15%) and the country’s National Petroleum Agency (10%) in the consortium. Electricity Sector Modernisation: TECMON Energy wrapped up a working visit to São Tomé and Príncipe (29 June–2 July), reviewing plans to stabilise and modernise the national power sector, from generation and grid efficiency to metering, payment systems and revenue protection. Independence Anniversary: São Tomé and Príncipe marked its 51st independence anniversary on July 12, with President Carlos Vila Nova urging unity and peace as the country prepares for elections and tackles remaining economic and social challenges. Regional Diplomacy: Angola’s President João Lourenço sent congratulations to Vila Nova, highlighting fraternal ties and renewed momentum for bilateral cooperation. Travel Rules Roundup: UAE published an updated list of 107 countries whose citizens need visas in advance; Ethiopia also expanded its tourist visa-on-arrival list, while Cabo Verde confirmed visa-free access for citizens of 67 countries via pre-registration.

Independence Anniversary: São Tomé and Príncipe marked its 51st independence day on July 12, with President Carlos Vila Nova urging unity and peace ahead of upcoming elections, while stressing that economic and social independence still needs urgent work. Energy Deal: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of a 75% operating interest in offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe, taking operatorship alongside Oranto Petroleum (15%) and the national petroleum agency (10%). Electricity Sector Modernisation: TECMON Energy wrapped up a July 29–July 2 working visit focused on stabilising and modernising São Tomé and Príncipe’s power sector, covering the full electricity chain from generation to revenue protection. Regional Diplomacy: Angola’s João Lourenço sent congratulations to President Vila Nova on the independence anniversary, highlighting renewed momentum for bilateral cooperation. Visa Rules Roundup: South Africa published its 2026 visa-exemption list for African travellers, while the UK updated its visitor visa national list showing 52 African countries require visas for stays under six months.

Independence Anniversary: São Tomé and Príncipe marked its 51st year of independence on July 12, with President Carlos Vila Nova urging unity and peace ahead of upcoming elections, while stressing that political freedom must be matched by progress on jobs, justice, youth employment, entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. Diplomatic Messages: Angola’s President João Lourenço and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI both sent congratulatory notes to President Vila Nova, highlighting long-standing ties and pledging continued cooperation. Energy & Investment: Petrobras has completed its deal for a 75% operating interest in offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Oranto holding 15% and the national petroleum agency 10%, strengthening Petrobras’ exploration push in the region. Electricity Sector Modernisation: TECMON Energy wrapped up a working visit focused on stabilising and modernising the national electricity sector, covering the full power value chain from generation to revenue protection. Travel Rules: The UK updated its visitor visa list, adding 52 African countries requiring visas for stays under six months, affecting regional travel planning.

Energy & Oil: Petrobras has completed its deal to take a 75% stake and operatorship of offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Oranto holding 15% and the National Petroleum Agency 10%, expanding Petrobras’ exploration push in West Africa. Electricity Modernisation: TECMON Energy wrapped up a working visit to São Tomé and Príncipe (29 June–2 July) to support plans to stabilise and modernise the national power sector, covering generation, fuel supply, transmission, distribution, metering, payment systems and revenue protection. Independence Diplomacy: Angola’s João Lourenço and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI sent congratulatory messages to São Tomé and Príncipe’s leaders ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Travel & Mobility (Regional): A new report highlights visa-free access for Americans to several African destinations including São Tomé and Príncipe, while separate coverage notes shifting visa rules for other nationalities. Environment: A Global Birdfair fundraising drive in the UK is backing “Preventing Island Extinctions” in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Oil & Shipping Shock: The Strait of Hormuz is back under full conflict conditions after U.S. strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliations, with the U.S. revoking the oil-sales license that had covered Iranian exports; transit volumes reportedly collapsed overnight, while Iranian crude continues moving mainly to China under new legal cover. Independence Anniversary Diplomacy: Angola’s President João Lourenço sent congratulations to São Tomé and Príncipe’s President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova ahead of the country’s 51st Independence anniversary, calling for renewed bilateral cooperation. Energy Sector Update: TECMON Energy wrapped up a June 29–July 2 working visit to São Tomé and Príncipe to support modernisation of the national electricity sector, covering generation through metering and revenue protection. Offshore Oil Deal: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of a 75% operating interest and operatorship in offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Oranto holding 15% and the national petroleum agency 10%. Travel & Mobility: A Henley Passport Index update places the Pakistani passport at 100th, with visa-free access to 30 destinations, while the UK reaffirmed visa requirements for Nigerians and over 100 other countries.