AGP Executive Report

Police and elections stability: President Carlos Vila Nova said São Tomé’s National Police must sit above political disputes, stressing neutrality, discipline and respect for the law as the country heads toward presidential (19 July) and legislative/autarchy/regional polls (27 September), during the 51st anniversary ceremony with 185 new officers incorporated. Maritime security watch: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its heightened port-security advisory list, citing concerns over effective antiterrorism measures at commercial ports, which can trigger extra conditions for ships calling at affected countries. Oil and contracts: Petrobras received approval from Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to enter direct negotiations over exploration contracts for four offshore blocks in the underexplored Keta Basin, aiming to reverse Ghana’s declining crude output. Regional integration (services): SADC’s push to operationalise Article 7 Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for cross-border services highlighted that only a handful of countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, have ratified the Free Movement Protocol so far. Aviation connectivity gap: A report says Africa holds 18% of the world’s population but only 2% of global air traffic, blaming high costs and inconvenience more than lack of demand.

Police Neutrality Ahead of Elections: President Carlos Vila Nova urged that São Tomé’s Polícia Nacional sit above political disputes, stressing equal treatment under the law as the country heads toward major electoral deadlines, including presidential elections already held on 19 July and further legislative, municipal and regional polls set for 27 September; he spoke during the National Police’s 51st anniversary ceremony, where 185 new officers were incorporated. Water Security Push: A Danish delegation, led by Ambassador Jakob Linulf, visited Wa’s traditional leadership and regional officials to advance a $5.8 million water project for Wa and surrounding communities, aiming to improve safe drinking water for about 105,000 people through expanded pipelines and subsidised household connections, with calls for added support for school WASH, sanitation, drainage and climate resilience. Regional Integration via Services: Tralac highlighted SADC progress on Mutual Recognition Agreements under Article 7 of the Free Movement Protocol, noting São Tomé and Príncipe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol, alongside work toward MRAs for legal and tourism services. Maritime Security Watchlist: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port-security advisory list, meaning ships calling at affected ports may face extra security requirements when entering the United States. Oil Sector Linkages: Petrobras’ interest in Ghana exploration also surfaced in coverage noting the company already operates in São Tomé and Príncipe, holding interests in four exploration blocks, underscoring ongoing regional energy engagement.

Police Neutrality Ahead of Elections: President Carlos Vila Nova said São Tomé’s Polícia Nacional must sit above political disputes, stressing equal treatment under the law as the country heads toward major polls on 19 July and 27 September, during a ceremony marking the National Police’s 51st anniversary and the incorporation of 185 new agents. Water Infrastructure Push: A Danish ambassador visited Wa’s traditional leadership and regional officials to advance a $5.8 million water project for Wa and surrounding communities, aiming to improve safe drinking water for about 105,000 people through pipeline expansion and subsidised household connections, with calls for added support for school WASH, sanitation, drainage and climate resilience. US Port Security Watchlist: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port-security advisory list, saying affected ports are not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures, which can trigger extra security requirements for ships before they enter the US. Regional Integration on Services: SADC progress on Mutual Recognition Agreements under Article 7 was highlighted, noting that São Tomé and Príncipe has ratified the Free Movement Protocol while work continues toward MRAs for sectors like legal services and tourism.

National Police Neutrality: President Carlos Vila Nova said the Polícia Nacional must sit above political disputes, serving the Republic and all citizens with equal impartiality, urging discipline and respect for law as São Tomé and Príncipe heads toward multiple elections in 2026. Security & International Scrutiny: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port-security advisory list, citing ports that are “not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures,” meaning extra security steps for ships calling there before entering the US. Regional Integration (SADC): A SADC trade update highlighted progress on Mutual Recognition Agreements under Article 7, noting only a small set of countries—including São Tomé and Príncipe—have ratified the Free Movement Protocol, while AfCFTA ratification has expanded. Energy Links (Petrobras): Petrobras said it is negotiating offshore exploration in Ghana, and the report notes the company already has exploration interests in São Tomé and Príncipe, keeping regional oil and gas ties in focus. Civic Space Watch: A CIVICUS review said São Tomé and Príncipe is among the few Sub-Saharan countries considered “open,” contrasting with widespread repression elsewhere.

Disinformation Watch: A viral X video circulating after xenophobic violence in South Africa was falsely claimed to show police killing migrants or an M23-linked murder in DRC; fact-checkers say the footage was filmed in Mozambique and depicts a suspect dying during an arrest. Regional Integration & Mobility: SADC trade officials are pushing Mutual Recognition Agreements under Article 7 of the Free Movement Protocol; Tralac notes only a handful of countries—including São Tomé and Príncipe—have ratified the Free Movement Protocol, while many have ratified AfCFTA, linking services trade to broader movement of people. Civic Space: A new CIVICUS-focused analysis says only Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe are considered “open” in Sub-Saharan Africa, while most countries are blocked, repressed, or closed—highlighting how civic freedoms can shape transparency and investor confidence. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard keeps 22 countries on its port-security advisory list, including São Tomé and Príncipe, citing ports that are “not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures,” which can trigger extra security requirements for ships bound for the US. Diplomacy: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations, with both sides reviewing cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, culture, and technical collaboration under South-South principles.

Maritime Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port-security advisory list, including São Tomé and Príncipe, saying affected ports are not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures; Nigeria was removed after it met standards, and the advisory can trigger extra security steps for ships calling at listed ports in the prior five visits. Diplomacy Milestone: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with meetings in Luanda, with both sides highlighting cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, culture, and broader South-South ties. Regional Integration & Services: A SADC trade-law update says work is underway to operationalize Article 7 on Mutual Recognition Agreements, noting São Tomé and Príncipe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol, while MRAs for legal and tourism services are being negotiated. World Bank Leadership: The World Bank named Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, and he previously led the World Bank’s engagements in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, signaling continued institutional focus on the region.

Maritime Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port-security advisory list, including São Tomé and Príncipe, saying affected ports are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures; Nigeria was removed after the US found its ports meet standards. Oil & Gas Diplomacy: Petrobras said Ghana has approved it to begin direct negotiations on four offshore exploration blocks in the Keta Basin, with Petrobras already active in São Tomé and Príncipe through exploration interests. Regional Political Ties: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with talks in Luanda focused on cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, culture, and technical collaboration under South-South principles. World Bank Leadership: The World Bank Group appointed Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, unifying leadership across IBRD, IFC, and MIGA; Alvarez previously led the Bank’s engagements in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe. Civic Space Lens: A new CIVICUS-focused analysis flags that only São Tomé and Príncipe and Cabo Verde are considered “open” in a region where most states are blocked, repressed, or closed. Citizenship-by-Investment: A report highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s $90,000 citizenship program launched in 2025, describing eligibility, due diligence checks, and a fast processing timeline.

Immigration & Courts: Caribbean immigration advocates in New York welcomed a US federal court ruling that struck down the Trump administration’s indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, restoring case-by-case visa handling. Maritime Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port-security advisory watch list, saying affected ports are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures, which can trigger extra security conditions for ships heading to the US. Energy & Oil Policy: Petrobras said Ghana has approved it to negotiate exploration contracts for four offshore blocks in the Keta Basin, moving the company into direct talks after production fell to 37.3 million barrels in 2025; Petrobras also has existing interests in São Tomé and Príncipe. Citizenship-by-Investment: A report highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s “golden passport” program, offering citizenship for a $90,000 investment via the National Transformation Fund, with due diligence checks and an advertised processing timeline of about two months. Diplomacy: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with meetings in Luanda focused on cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, and culture. World Bank Leadership: The World Bank appointed Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, unifying leadership across IBRD, IFC, and MIGA; he previously served as country manager for Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe.

US Port-Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port-security advisory list, saying affected ports are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures—alongside The Gambia, Madagascar, Cameroon, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Libya and Comoros—after Nigeria was removed for meeting standards. Maritime Rules Impact: The advisory can trigger extra security steps for ships that recently called at listed countries, including higher security levels, access-point guarding, and security declarations before entering the US. Diplomatic Anniversary: São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with Venezuela, with Luanda-based talks highlighting cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, culture and South-South projects. World Bank Leadership: The World Bank appointed Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago; he previously led the Bank’s engagements in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe. Energy & Investment Context: Petrobras said Ghana approved it to negotiate offshore exploration contracts for four blocks in the Keta Basin, while the broader region’s exploration push underscores how Gulf of Guinea basins remain politically and economically strategic. Civic Space Lens: A new CIVICUS-focused analysis notes São Tomé and Príncipe is among the few Sub-Saharan states rated “open,” contrasting with widespread repression elsewhere.

Oil & Energy Diplomacy: Petrobras says Ghana’s Ministry of Energy has approved it to negotiate offshore exploration contracts for four blocks in the underexplored Keta Basin, moving the talks to direct contract-term discussions (no drilling commitments or timelines disclosed). Regional Footprint: The same report notes Petrobras already operates in São Tomé and Príncipe with interests in four exploration blocks, three operated by Shell—keeping the country in the wider Gulf of Guinea energy conversation. Civic Space & Governance: A new analysis highlights that only Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe are considered “open” on civic freedoms in Sub-Saharan Africa, while most others are blocked, repressed, or closed—framing civic space as a factor for transparency and investor confidence. Security Oversight: The US Coast Guard keeps São Tomé and Príncipe on its port security advisory list, citing ports that are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures, which can trigger extra security requirements for ships heading to the US. Citizenship Policy: A report on São Tomé and Príncipe’s citizenship-by-investment “golden passport” scheme reiterates the $90,000 investment route via the National Transformation Fund and a typical two-month processing timeline. Church & Youth Politics: CEAST leadership urges young people to engage politics as a “noble mission” while rejecting politicized relationships and self-serving power plays.

Diplomacy: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with meetings in Luanda, reviewing cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, culture and other South-South areas. World Bank & Governance: The World Bank appointed Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, unifying leadership across IBRD, IFC and MIGA; notably, he previously served as World Bank country manager for Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe. Security & Ports: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including São Tomé and Príncipe, saying ports are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures—potentially adding security requirements for ships before US entry. Civic Space: A new analysis notes that only Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe are considered “open” on civic space in Sub-Saharan Africa, while most others are blocked, repressed or closed. Economy & Policy: São Tomé and Príncipe’s citizenship-by-investment “golden passport” program is highlighted, offering citizenship via a $90,000 investment to the National Transformation Fund, with due diligence and no need to visit during processing.

Diplomacy Milestone: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with meetings in Luanda, with both sides highlighting cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, and culture under South-South principles. World Bank Presence: The World Bank named Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, noting he previously led World Bank engagements in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe—an indirect signal of continued regional focus. Civic Space Watch: A new regional analysis says only Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe are considered “open” on civic space, while most of Sub-Saharan Africa is blocked, repressed, or closed—raising stakes for governance and investor confidence. US Port Security: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including São Tomé and Príncipe, citing ports not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures and adding extra security steps for ships bound for the US. Citizenship-by-Investment: São Tomé and Príncipe’s $90,000 “golden passport” program is back in focus, with eligibility, due diligence checks, and the role of the National Transformation Fund in funding infrastructure and social projects.

Diplomacy: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with meetings between ambassadors in Luanda, reviewing cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, culture and other South-South projects. World Bank Appointments: The World Bank named Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, unifying leadership across IBRD, IFC and MIGA; Alvarez previously served as country manager for Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe. Oil & Gas (Regional): Ghana approved Petrobras’ request to negotiate exploration contracts for four offshore blocks in the underexplored Keta Basin, aiming to reverse declining production; the approval starts talks on contract terms but does not commit drilling. Citizenship-by-Investment: A report highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s “golden passport” scheme, offering citizenship via investment of $90,000 to the National Transformation Fund, with processing described as typically around two months. Civic Space (Regional): A CIVICUS-linked analysis says São Tomé and Príncipe is one of only two Sub-Saharan countries rated “open,” while most others face blocked or repressed civic space. Security (Regional): The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, on its port security advisory list for not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures, which can trigger extra ship security requirements for US-bound vessels.

World Bank & diplomacy: São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of Venezuela–São Tomé diplomatic relations, with both sides reviewing cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, culture and other South–South projects. World Bank staffing: The World Bank named Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, unifying leadership across IBRD, IFC and MIGA; Alvarez previously served as World Bank country manager for Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe. Citizenship-for-investment: São Tomé and Príncipe’s “golden passport” citizenship by investment program is offering citizenship via a $90,000 investment (plus fees), with processing typically around two months and eligibility tied to due diligence. Civic space & governance: A new analysis highlights that only Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe are considered “open” on civic space in Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring how freedoms for expression and association can shape transparency and investor confidence. Security & ports: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port security advisory list, saying ports are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures, which can trigger extra security requirements for ships calling there before US entry. Health policy: A World Bank-funded regional training in Dar es Salaam is strengthening São Tomé and Príncipe’s frontline capacity to detect non-communicable diseases alongside outbreak response.

Diplomatic Anniversary: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with meetings between senior ambassadors in Luanda, highlighting renewed cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, and culture under South-South principles. World Bank Leadership: The World Bank appointed Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, unifying oversight across IBRD, IFC, and MIGA; Alvarez previously led World Bank engagements in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe. Civic Space Watch: A new regional analysis notes São Tomé and Príncipe is among the few Sub-Saharan states rated “open” for civic freedoms, contrasting with widespread repression elsewhere—an issue that can shape transparency and investor confidence. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port security advisory list, saying ports are not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures, which can trigger extra security requirements for ships before entering the US. Health System Capacity: A World Bank-funded training programme in Dar es Salaam is expanding non-communicable disease surveillance skills for frontline health workers, including participants from São Tomé and Príncipe. Citizenship-by-Investment: Coverage of São Tomé and Príncipe’s “golden passport” scheme says citizenship can be obtained via a $90,000 investment plus fees, with processing typically around two months and eligibility tied to due diligence checks.

Diplomacy Anniversary: Venezuela and São Tomé and Príncipe marked 20 years of diplomatic relations with meetings in Luanda, with both sides highlighting cooperation in education, agriculture, gender, culture, and broader South-South ties. World Bank Leadership: The World Bank named Juan Carlos Alvarez as country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, unifying IBRD/IFC/MIGA leadership; Alvarez previously served as World Bank country manager for Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe. Security & Shipping: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port security advisory list, saying ports are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures, which can trigger extra security requirements for vessels before entering the US. Civic Space Watch: A CIVICUS-linked analysis says São Tomé and Príncipe is one of only two “open” states in Sub-Saharan Africa, while most others are blocked, repressed, or closed—framing civic freedoms as key for transparency and investment. Health System Training: A World Bank-backed regional programme trained health professionals across Eastern and Southern Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to strengthen frontline capacity for both outbreak response and chronic disease (NCD) surveillance.