AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off the coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—aimed at safeguarding mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key species like marine turtles, with no-take zones and regulated artisanal fishing. Diplomacy: Serbia has approved the opening of a São Tomé and Príncipe consulate in Belgrade, to be led by an honorary consul. Elections Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to monitor São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 presidential election and subsequent legislative, local and regional polls, following an official invitation. Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, with prior experience covering client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Business & Community: A Lusophone handicraft exhibition opened at IAM Gallery in São Tomé, featuring works from Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—protecting key habitats and creating no-take zones to curb industrial fishing. Diplomacy: Serbia has approved the opening of a São Tomé and Príncipe consulate in Belgrade, to be led by an honorary consul. Elections Oversight: The EU will deploy an electoral observation mission to monitor São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 presidential elections and subsequent legislative, local and regional polls. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, with prior experience overseeing Afreximbank work across São Tomé and Príncipe. Health & Leadership: The Merck Foundation held its 13th Africa-Asia Luminary, bringing together First Ladies and partners to discuss health and patient-care support across Africa and Asia. Culture: A Lusophone handicraft exhibition opened at IAM Gallery in São Tomé, featuring works from multiple Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off the coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting no-take zones and protecting habitats for turtles, seabirds and other biodiversity. Diplomatic Moves: Serbia has approved the opening of a São Tomé and Príncipe consulate in Belgrade, to be led by an honorary consul. Elections Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission for São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 presidential and legislative/local elections, with a core team already in place. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, with prior experience covering São Tomé and Príncipe in client relations. Culture & Trade: The Lusophone handicraft exhibition “Policromia Lusófona” opened at IAM Gallery in São Tomé, featuring crafts from multiple Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Health & Development: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict fallout is hitting sub-Saharan Africa, and notes added financing support already includes São Tomé and Príncipe.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off the coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—creating no-take and regulated zones to protect mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, turtles, seabirds and key fishing grounds. Diplomacy: Serbia has approved the opening of a São Tomé and Príncipe consulate in Belgrade, to be led by an honorary consul. EU Election Watch: The EU will deploy an electoral observation mission for São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 elections, with teams arriving ahead of the July 19 presidential vote and later coverage for legislative and local/regional polls. Finance & Regional Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, with oversight that includes São Tomé and Príncipe through his previous West Africa role. Culture & Trade Links: A Lusophone handicraft exhibition featuring São Tomé and Príncipe crafts opened at IAM Gallery in the context of the China–Portuguese-speaking countries cultural week.

EU Election Watch: The EU will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative/local/regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining later. IMF Support for Shock-Hit Economies: IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, and that countries including São Tomé and Príncipe have received augmented financing as the fallout is expected to last months. Afreximbank Leadership Move: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, taking effect May 1, after prior client-relations work that covered São Tomé and Príncipe. Health & Leadership: The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary 2026 brought together First Ladies and health stakeholders online to discuss patient care and training initiatives. Environment Story from Príncipe: A former sea turtle poacher from Príncipe, Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”), is now helping protect endangered turtles and build marine conservation efforts.

Water Access Gap: A new global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, with access near-universal in many rich countries but below 20% in several low-income states. Regional Finance: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously handled client relations across Anglophone West Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe. EU Election Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote and subsequent legislative, local and regional elections, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining later in June. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is hitting sub-Saharan Africa via energy and fertilizer disruptions, and notes the IMF has already approved augmented financing for São Tomé and Príncipe. Sports & Youth: On Príncipe, the Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding to three schools on the island and six nationwide.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative, local and regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining later. Banking Appointments: Afreximbank has named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously covered client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Sports & Community: On Príncipe, the Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding to three schools on the island and six nationwide. Global Finance Outlook: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says the Middle East conflict’s economic fallout will keep hitting sub-Saharan Africa for months, including through energy and fertilizer disruptions.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative/local/regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining later this month. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is hitting sub-Saharan Africa through energy and fertilizer disruptions, and notes the IMF has approved augmented financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Banking Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1; he previously led client relations covering São Tomé and Príncipe and other Anglophone West African markets. Health & Training: The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary event highlighted its 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including programs aimed at strengthening specialist care. Community Sport: On Príncipe, the Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding judo access and youth inclusion nationwide.

EU Election Watch: The EU will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative/local/regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining on June 26. IMF Support as Costs Bite: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting energy and fertilizer supplies for sub-Saharan Africa, warning Gulf production may take months to fully recover; he says the IMF has already approved or accelerated financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Health & Training Boost: The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary highlighted 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including support reaching underserved specialties. Sport & Youth: Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, Príncipe, expanding access to training and using judo for inclusion and youth development. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan in Ghana, calling for apologies, debt relief, compensation, and restitution—an agenda that also includes São Tomé and Príncipe.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative/local/regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining June 26. IMF Support for Resilience: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still hurting sub-Saharan economies, warning Gulf energy disruptions could take months to fully recover; he notes the IMF has already approved extra financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe and accelerated support for Ethiopia. Health Scholarships: The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary 2026 highlighted 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including participation from São Tomé and Príncipe’s First Lady. Sports & Spotlight: A World Cup report notes Tunisia’s collapse in Group F, while a separate piece mentions São Tomé and Príncipe in the context of qualifying standards. Local Development: Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding its network across Príncipe and São Tomé.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative/local/regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining on June 26. IMF Support for Shock-Hit Economies: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still battering sub-Saharan Africa, with Gulf energy disruptions expected to take months to fully ease; the IMF has already approved extra financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated support for Ethiopia. Healthcare Capacity Boost: The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary 2026 brought together First Ladies and health leaders, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe. Sport & Youth Development: Judo Global Association of São Tomé and Príncipe inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding to multiple schools across Príncipe and the country. Business & Finance Note: A profile of Orabank Togo CEO Guy Martial Awona, who previously led roles across Ecobank and served in São Tomé and Príncipe, spotlights regional banking leadership.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote and the later legislative, local and regional elections, with a team led by MEP Sérgio Humberto assessing the process against international democratic standards. IMF Support as Shocks Bite: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting energy and fertilizer supplies for sub-Saharan Africa, warning it could take months, while noting the IMF has already approved extra financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe and accelerated support for Ethiopia. Local Sports Development: Judo Global Association of São Tomé and Príncipe inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding access on Príncipe and across the country to promote discipline, inclusion and youth development. Banking Leadership (Regional): Cameroonian banker Guy Martial Awona, formerly CEO roles across Ecobank and now CEO of Orabank Togo, is profiled for his career path and regional banking leadership.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting energy and fertilizer supplies for sub-Saharan Africa, warning it could take months for Gulf production to fully recover; the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200 million for Ethiopia. Oil Deal in the Gulf of Mexico: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year memorandum to cooperate on exploration and deepwater/ultra-deepwater projects in the Mexican Gulf of Mexico, with no binding investment commitment—an effort that could reshape regional offshore opportunities. Healthcare Capacity Boost: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss strengthening care systems; the foundation says it has provided 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe among participating First Ladies. Sport and Education in Príncipe: Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding to three schools on Príncipe and six nationwide to promote inclusion and youth development. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan in Ghana calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, and restitution of cultural property—São Tomé and Príncipe is among the attending states.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still hurting sub-Saharan Africa, with energy and fertilizer disruptions likely to last months; he noted the IMF has already reached staff-level agreements for augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Healthcare Capacity Push: The Merck Foundation wrapped up its 13th Africa-Asia Luminary, bringing together First Ladies and health stakeholders to discuss strengthening care systems; the programme highlights 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across underserved specialties, including participation from São Tomé and Príncipe’s First Lady. Sport and Youth in Príncipe: The Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding to multiple schools on Príncipe and nationwide to promote discipline and inclusion for young people. Reparatory Justice Momentum: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point slavery reparations plan in Ghana, calling for formal apologies, debt relief, a global reparations fund, and restitution of cultural property—while São Tomé and Príncipe leaders were among those attending.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Iran-war shock is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa, with Gulf energy disruptions likely to last months; the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. EU Fisheries Update Touching São Tomé and Príncipe: Cyprus’ EU presidency says progress on the Common Fisheries Policy includes sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside work on funding and control/data measures for 2028–2034. Healthcare Scholarships with São Tomé and Príncipe in the spotlight: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary 2026 reports 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and highlights First Ladies including São Tomé and Príncipe’s Maria de Fatima Vila Nova. Sports Development on Príncipe: Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding to three schools on Príncipe and six nationwide. Reparatory Justice Momentum: Ghana’s Next Steps conference on reparatory justice drew leaders including São Tomé and Príncipe’s president, with plans for panels on reparatory justice, cultural restitution, and legal pathways.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through disrupted trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, and notes the fund has already approved extra financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, with Ethiopia getting accelerated support. Healthcare Boost: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary 2026 wrapped up after awarding 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s First Lady among the participating guests. Sport in Príncipe: The Judo Global Association of São Tomé and Príncipe inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding access on the island and nationwide. Reparations Push with São Tomé and Príncipe at the table: At Ghana’s Next Steps conference on reparatory justice, leaders backed a 19-point slavery reparations framework, with São Tomé and Príncipe represented among attending heads of state. Governance Spotlight: A feature on São Tomé and Príncipe’s Neves Licensing Authority explains why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems.