AGP Executive Report

Diversity Visa Update: The US State Department has released the official list of selected entrants for the Diversity Visa 2026 programme, with 8 Central African countries represented among winners and about 55,000 permanent resident visas available from over 20.8 million qualified entries. Geoscience Training: Eighteen participants from 13 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, completed a 26-day geoscientific mapping course in Namibia, focused on field data collection, structures, geochemistry, geophysics and remote sensing. New President Sworn In: São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term after re-election in July, with the inauguration attended by regional leaders including Portugal and Morocco. Nigeria–São Tomé Ties: Nigeria’s government, via its defence minister, pledged stronger cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe on maritime security, the Joint Development Zone, trade and investment. Maritime Rescue: 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 coordination. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO-listed “rocas” tied to slavery in Principe are drawing preservation and tourism interest, with a restoration push underway. Culture Spotlight: Open-air Tchiloli theatre in São Tomé continues to thrive, bringing a medieval Portuguese tragedy to life and drawing crowds with its justice-themed message.

Maritime Rescue & Ties: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri handed over two rescued São Tomé and Príncipe fishermen—Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca—to the São Tomé ambassador in Nigeria, saying they were found after drifting into Nigerian waters for about eight days. Diplomatic Push: Nigeria’s Tinubu congratulated President Carlos Vila Nova on his re-election and pledged deeper cooperation with São Tomé on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, trade and investment. Leadership Change: Vila Nova was sworn in for a second term, with Portugal’s and other regional leaders attending; the next prime minister will be chosen after September 27 legislative elections. Aviation Links: TAP’s African network includes São Tomé and Príncipe, as Portugal moves to a final negotiation round after two airline groups submitted closely matched bids. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s “rocas” plantation estates in São Tomé are drawing investor interest alongside a long restoration plan, turning colonial-era sites into living heritage. Culture Spotlight: São Tomé’s open-air Tchiloli theatre continues to thrive, with performers staging a medieval European tragedy rooted in themes of justice.

Presidential Inauguration: São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term after winning re-election in the first round, with the next head of government to be chosen in legislative elections on September 27. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu sent congratulations and pledged deeper cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, trade and investment, echoed by Defence Minister Bello Matawalle at the inauguration. Maritime Cooperation on the Ground: Bayelsa 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, highlighting Gulf of Guinea links and the need for closer coordination. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO added six former plantation estates (“rocas”) tied to slavery to the World Heritage List, with investors eyeing a 10-year restoration push that could boost tourism while preserving difficult history. Culture Spotlight: The open-air medieval Tchiloli theatre tradition continues to thrive in São Tomé, drawing crowds with its Old Portuguese script and themes of justice. Aviation Link: TAP’s Africa network includes São Tomé and Príncipe routes, as Portugal moves toward a final round of talks over a stake in the national airline. Water Progress: A UN-Water update says São Tomé and Príncipe has made major gains in access to water, sanitation and hygiene, even as universal targets remain out of reach.

Presidential Inauguration: Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term at São Tomé’s National Assembly, after winning re-election in July with about 56% of the vote; turnout was low, with abstention at 59%, and legislative elections are set for September 27 to choose the next prime minister. Nigeria–São Tomé Ties: Nigeria’s Tinubu sent congratulations via Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, calling for deeper cooperation on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, and trade and investment. Portugal–São Tomé Cooperation: Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said a bilateral summit is being prepared, pointing to continued collaboration in areas like education, health and energy. UNESCO Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s World Heritage listing of six former slavery-era plantation estates (“rocas”) in São Tomé is drawing private investor interest and a proposed 10-year restoration push, with tourism seen as a key driver. Culture Spotlight: The open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition—staging a medieval European tragedy in Old Portuguese—continues to thrive and attract residents and visitors. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign ministry says talks with São Tomé’s defence minister in Belgrade focused on security, defence and tourism, after São Tomé withdrew recognition of “Kosovo.”

Presidential Inauguration: Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term at São Tomé’s National Assembly, winning re-election in July with 55.88% of the vote amid 59% abstention; the next prime minister will be chosen in legislative elections on September 27. Nigeria-São Tomé Ties: Nigeria’s Tinubu sent congratulations via Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, urging deeper cooperation on maritime security, the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone, and trade/investment. Portugal Engagement: Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Lisbon and São Tomé and Príncipe are preparing a bilateral summit focused on cooperation and investment by Portuguese firms. UNESCO Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO added six former plantation estates (“rocas”) tied to slavery to the World Heritage List, with a 10-year restoration plan and growing interest from private investors. Culture Spotlight: The open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition continues to thrive, with performers staging a medieval European tragedy that locals say resonates through its message of justice.

Inauguration & Diplomacy: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, through Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, congratulated re-elected São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova and urged deeper cooperation on maritime security, the Joint Development Zone (JDZ), and trade/investment. Leadership Transition: Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term after winning 55.88% in the July 19 election, with regional leaders attending. Morocco’s Role: King Mohammed VI was represented by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, reaffirming “distinguished relations” and continued bilateral cooperation. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s recent listing of six plantation “rocas” tied to slavery and forced labour is drawing investor interest, alongside a reported 10-year restoration push. Culture Spotlight: São Tomé’s open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition—staging medieval European tragedy themes of justice—keeps thriving with locals and visitors. Security/Regional Cooperation: Serbia’s foreign ministry says it met São Tomé’s defence minister in Belgrade, focusing on security/defence and tourism ties. Water Progress: UN-Water highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s gains toward SDG 6, including improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

UNESCO & Heritage Tourism: São Tomé and Principe’s newest UNESCO World Heritage additions—six plantation “rocas” tied to slavery and forced labour—are already drawing private investor interest, alongside a reported 10-year restoration push to save crumbling estates like the former Sundy plantation on Principe. Presidential Inauguration: Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term, pledging to uphold the constitution and drive economic, social and cultural progress; the ceremony drew regional and international leaders. Diplomacy (Portugal): Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Lisbon and São Tomé e Príncipe are preparing a bilateral summit focused on deeper cooperation and encouraging Portuguese business investment. Diplomacy (Morocco): Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch represented King Mohammed VI at Vila Nova’s inauguration, reaffirming “distinguished relations.” Culture: The open-air Tchiloli theatre tradition continues to thrive, with performers staging a medieval Portuguese tragedy that locals say still speaks to justice and fairness. Regional Context: A UNESCO World Heritage Committee update highlighted new inscriptions for underrepresented regions, including São Tomé and Príncipe.

Presidential Inauguration: Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-year term in São Tomé, after winning re-election in July, with regional and international leaders attending. Diplomatic Outreach: Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Lisbon is already preparing a bilateral summit to deepen cooperation and boost Portuguese investment, while Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch represented King Mohammed VI at the ceremony. Regional Ties: Angola’s foreign minister also attended the investiture, underscoring continued friendship and cooperation between Luanda and São Tomé and Príncipe. Culture & Tourism: The UNESCO-listed open-air Tchiloli theatre is drawing locals and visitors with its medieval European tragedy roots and themes of justice. Heritage Conservation: UNESCO recognition is also fueling efforts to preserve São Tomé’s historic colonial plantations, including “rocas” tied to forced labour, as investors look at tourism potential. Water & Sanitation: A UN-Water update says the country has made notable progress on SDG 6 targets, improving access to water, hygiene and sanitation.

Tchiloli Theatre: UNESCO-listed Tchiloli open-air performances are drawing crowds in São Tomé and Príncipe, blending medieval European tragedy with local tradition and themes of justice. World Heritage & Plantations: UNESCO World Heritage Committee coverage highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s plantation “rocas,” built on slavery and forced labour, now facing preservation challenges as investors eye tourism. Water & Hygiene Progress: UN-Water reports notable SDG 6 gains for São Tomé and Príncipe—basic water access rose to about 80% (2015), with continued improvements in sanitation and hygiene, even as universal access remains out of reach. National Security & Governance: President Carlos Vila Nova says the National Police must sit above political disputes, urging neutrality and discipline as the country heads toward multiple election dates. Bilateral Defence Talks: Serbia’s Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s defence minister in Belgrade, reaffirming ties and focusing on tourism, plus security and defence cooperation. Aviation & Connectivity: euroAtlantic Airways adds an Airbus A330-300 to expand long-haul capacity, while a separate report warns Africa’s air traffic remains only 2% of global activity due to high costs and poor connectivity. Sports Media: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons starting this weekend.

Presidential Transition: Angola’s foreign minister Téte António arrived in São Tomé to represent President João Lourenço at the swearing-in of re-elected President Carlos Vila Nova on Thursday. Public Safety & Governance: Vila Nova used the 51st anniversary of the National Police to stress that the force must sit above political disputes, calling for discipline and respect for the law as the country heads toward multiple elections. Water & Sanitation Progress: A new UN-Water update highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s gains toward SDG 6, including higher basic hygiene coverage and improved access to water and sanitation, while noting universal access is still not reached. Heritage & Tourism Potential: UNESCO’s World Heritage push is spotlighting São Tomé’s former colonial “rocas” plantations—built on slavery and forced labour—now drawing preservation and tourism interest, even as many sites fall into disrepair. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s defence minister Horácio de Sousa in Belgrade, reaffirming ties and focusing on tourism plus security and defence cooperation. Maritime Accountability: Lawmakers in Ghana are pressing for answers over how MV Sankofa was handled after reported safety and registration gaps, including questions about a $1m penalty waiver and the vessel’s clearance to leave.

Air Connectivity: euroAtlantic Airways added a leased Airbus A330-300 to its fleet, boosting long-haul widebody capacity for ACMI and charter work, with the aircraft set to support services including weekly flights to São Tomé. Diplomacy & Security: Serbia’s Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s defence and internal affairs minister Horácio de Sousa in Belgrade, reaffirming ties and focusing on tourism, plus cooperation on security and defence. Water & Hygiene Progress: UN-Water says São Tomé and Príncipe has made major gains on SDG 6, with basic water access rising to about 80% in 2015 and improvements in sanitation and hygiene through 2024. Heritage & Tourism Potential: UNESCO’s World Heritage push highlights São Tomé’s former “rocas” plantation estates—built on forced labour—now facing preservation challenges but drawing investor interest for tourism. Governance & Policing: President Carlos Vila Nova urged that the National Police stay above political disputes, stressing neutrality and respect for law as new officers are incorporated. Sports: São Tomé and Príncipe is set to face Equatorial Guinea in the U-23 AFCON qualifying draw, with the winner meeting the next round opponent.

Diplomacy & Security: Serbia’s foreign ministry secretary general Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s defence and internal affairs minister Horácio de Sousa in Belgrade, reaffirming ties and thanking the country for withdrawing its earlier recognition of Kosovo, with talks also focused on tourism, security and defence. Water & Health Services: UN-Water reports São Tomé and Príncipe has made major SDG 6 progress, with basic water access rising to about 80% in 2015 and gains in hygiene coverage, while safely managed water and sanitation still lag behind universal targets. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s World Heritage push highlights São Tomé’s “rocas” plantation estates—built on slavery and forced labour—now on the list, with preservation challenges and growing investor interest in turning the sites into tourism assets. Governance & Police Neutrality: President Carlos Vila Nova urged the National Police to stay above political disputes, stressing institutional authority, neutrality and professionalism ahead of the July 19 presidential vote and later elections. Regional Integration: SADC moves to operationalise Mutual Recognition Agreements for services, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the countries that have ratified key free-movement steps.

Water & Health: São Tomé and Príncipe is accelerating progress on access to drinking water and hygiene services, building on earlier gains that lifted basic water access to about 80% in 2015 and improved household hygiene coverage by 21% by 2024, even as safely managed water and sanitation still lag. Diplomacy & Security: In Belgrade, São Tomé and Príncipe’s Defence and Internal Affairs minister Horácio de Sousa met Serbia’s foreign ministry secretary general Dušan Kozarev to push closer bilateral ties, with both sides flagging tourism, and cooperation on security and defence. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s recent World Heritage push highlights São Tomé’s colonial “rocas” plantations—linked to forced labour—now drawing investor interest, even as preservation of abandoned estates remains a major challenge. Sports (Regional): The CAF U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw sets São Tomé and Príncipe in a second-round path, with the tournament also serving as a route toward the 2028 Olympic Games. Maritime Accountability: Separate from São Tomé’s own waters, Ghana’s MV Sankofa case is being challenged by lawmakers over alleged seaworthiness and clearance issues, keeping regional maritime oversight in the spotlight.

Maritime Accountability: Ghana’s MP Sammy Awuku is pushing for a full investigation into how MV Sankofa was cleared to leave Ghana after a July 2025 interception near Axim, alleging serious safety and registration gaps, missing statutory certificates, and a later $1m penalty waiver by the Ghana Maritime Authority. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan highlighted renewed commitments to protect underrepresented sites, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the first-time African inscriptions and a focus on the island’s colonial “rocas” plantation estates now on the World Heritage List. Local Governance & Security: President Carlos Vila Nova said São Tomé’s National Police must stay above political disputes, stressing neutrality and respect for the rule of law during the force’s 51st anniversary and the incorporation of new officers. Sports & Regional Ties: The CAF U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw sets up São Tomé and Príncipe’s path in the competition, with Ghana’s Black Meteors receiving a bye into the next round and potentially facing São Tomé and Príncipe later. Oil & Gas Interest: Petrobras has entered direct negotiations for four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s Keta basin, continuing its expansion across Africa.

Maritime Accountability: Ghana’s MP Sammy Awuku is demanding answers from the Ghana Maritime Authority over the MV Sankofa case, alleging the vessel was intercepted off Axim with AIS switched off, lacked key safety and registration certificates, and was later cleared to leave after a $1m penalty was waived—while São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly denied registering the ship. World Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan highlighted new protections and, for São Tomé and Príncipe, the push to preserve historic “rocas” plantation estates tied to slavery and forced labour—now facing major abandonment but also growing investor interest in heritage tourism. National Unity & Policing: President Carlos Vila Nova urged that São Tomé’s National Police stay above political disputes, stressing neutrality and respect for law as new officers were incorporated ahead of major election milestones. Sports & Regional Pathways: The CAF U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw sets up a route where São Tomé and Príncipe could meet Ghana in later rounds, while DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for the next three seasons.

UNESCO Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO added six “rocas” plantation estates in São Tomé and Príncipe to the World Heritage List, spotlighting a painful past of slavery and forced labour while raising urgent preservation questions as investors eye tourism potential. National Security & Elections: President Carlos Vila Nova said the Polícia Nacional must sit above political disputes, urging discipline and neutrality as the country heads toward major election dates. Regional Integration: SADC moves to operationalise Mutual Recognition Agreements for services, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the few states that have ratified key free-movement steps. Oil & Gas: Petrobras submitted interest to negotiate four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana, underscoring continued expansion across the region, including existing activity in São Tomé and Príncipe. Sports—U-23 AFCON: The U-23 AFCON qualifying draw places São Tomé and Príncipe in a group of ties that could shape the path to Egypt 2027, with the next qualifying legs set for November.