AGP Executive Report

Elections and governance: São Tomé and Príncipe’s national electoral commission says the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55—short of a majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s Independent Democratic Action took about 23, making the smaller MCI-PS/PUN a potential kingmaker as talks begin; voters are pushing for jobs, better services, and action against youth emigration. Youth exodus: Reporting ahead of and around the vote highlights that nearly 40,000 people (about 18%) live abroad, with young voters demanding investment and opportunities at home. Health supply cooperation: Libya signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, aiming to improve access and affordability of medicines; Libya also took chairmanship of the ReTAC for North Africa. Local environment and livelihoods: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents small quarterly “dividends” for pledges to avoid damaging activities, but early payouts fall far below the advertised maximum and critics say it misses wider government-backed development. Business and trade: Hitachi is reshaping its construction-equipment dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections in Focus: São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and local/Príncipe authorities for four-year terms; the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls (24), while President Carlos Vila Nova’s Independent Democratic Action took about 23, leaving MLSTP short of a majority and making smaller parties potential kingmakers as voters push for jobs and better services amid youth emigration. Youth Exodus & Jobs: Reports ahead of the vote say nearly 40,000 São Toméans live abroad (about 18%), with young voters demanding concrete promises and more opportunities at home. Principe Nature Cash Plan: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, drawing both praise and criticism. Regional Business Moves: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Currency Watch: A September 2026 ranking notes the dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies by nominal exchange rate, highlighting ongoing pressure on imports and costs.

Elections in focus: São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls (24 of 55), but fell short of a majority, leaving the MCI-PS/PUN as a potential kingmaker as negotiations begin over the next government. Youth exodus and jobs: Voters repeatedly said the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, with unemployment, emigration, and basic services like water and electricity driving frustration. Campaign logistics: The National Electoral Commission says parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 eligible voters and international observers accredited. Principe environment cash scheme: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, drawing both praise and criticism. Regional economy and trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Currency pressure watch: A September 2026 ranking keeps the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra outside Africa’s “weakest” list, even as several currencies face depreciation risks. Agriculture capacity-building: A FAO-backed workshop in Johannesburg ended with African officials agreeing to push more Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems sites.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: The national electoral commission says the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55—short of an outright majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s ADI took about 23. With smaller parties holding the balance, MCI-PS/PUN leader Domingos Monteiro is positioned as a potential kingmaker as negotiations begin, with voters demanding jobs, better services, and action to slow youth emigration. Voter mood and youth exodus: Separate reporting ahead of the vote highlights frustration that “nothing has changed” since birth, with many pointing to unemployment and the need for investment, including a port and airport, to keep young people on the islands. Príncipe conservation payouts: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid environmentally damaging activities; early payments are far below the advertised maximum, drawing both praise and criticism. Regional business move: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections Update: São Tomé and Príncipe’s electoral commission says the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55—short of the 28 needed for a majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s ADI took about 23; MCI-PS/PUN won six and Basta two, making MCI-PS/PUN a potential kingmaker as negotiations begin. Youth & Jobs: Voters across the islands are pushing for action on unemployment and the fast-growing youth exodus, with many saying promises must turn into real improvements in services, infrastructure, and opportunities at home. Príncipe Conservation Cash: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for environmental pledges, but early payouts are far below the advertised maximum—highlighting both interest in protection and criticism that the scheme doesn’t replace broader economic plans. Business & Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage that now includes São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 eligible voters and 55 National Assembly seats up for grabs; the vote also sets up Príncipe’s regional authorities, while the National Electoral Commission briefed international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and turnout. Youth exodus and jobs: Across the campaign, voters said the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, citing weak opportunities and calling for investment, new businesses, and better transport links like a port and airport. Principe conservation pay scheme: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, and critics say it risks missing a wider government-led development plan. Regional links via football: Ethiopia’s AFCON qualifying path includes a prior tie against São Tomé and Príncipe, and Ghana’s U-23 qualifiers could face the winner of a group that includes São Tomé and Príncipe. International spotlight: A “Russian House” partner centre is set to open in São Tomé and Príncipe as part of a wider expansion of Russian language and culture programmes across Africa.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and Príncipe’s regional authorities for four-year terms, as the National Electoral Commission briefs international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urges calm and turnout. Youth exodus and jobs: Across the campaign, voters say the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, citing weak opportunities and calling for investment, new businesses, and better infrastructure like a port and airport. Currency pressure: A September 2026 review of Africa’s weakest currencies lists São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among the currencies needing the most local units per US dollar, highlighting ongoing cost pressures for imports. Principe conservation cash scheme: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities, though critics say it doesn’t fully replace broader government economic plans. Sports—AFCON qualifiers link: Ethiopia’s AFCON qualifying campaign notes it beat São Tomé and Príncipe in preliminaries, while regional football continues to shape attention across the Gulf of Guinea.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and Príncipe’s regional authorities for four-year terms, as the National Electoral Commission briefed international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and turnout. Youth exodus drives the vote: Voters say the biggest problem is jobs and stopping young people leaving; a World Bank estimate puts nearly 40,000 São Toméans (about 18%) abroad, and many fear promises won’t translate into real opportunities. Principe conservation cash scheme: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents conditional dividends for avoiding damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, and critics say it’s not a substitute for broader government-backed development. Regional football links: Ethiopia’s AFCON qualifying campaign includes a tie that follows its earlier aggregate win over São Tomé and Príncipe, while Ghana’s U-23 qualifiers could meet the same opponent in the final qualifying round. Visa rules and travel pressure: The UK published a list of 45 countries whose citizens need a visa even for landside transit, including Equatorial Guinea, highlighting how travel rules can still complicate movement across the region.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 eligible voters and seven parties contesting 55 National Assembly seats, plus Príncipe’s regional authorities; the CEN briefed international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and turnout. Youth exodus and jobs: Voters say the top issue is stopping young people leaving, citing weak opportunities and broken campaign promises, with World Bank estimates putting nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18%). Principe conservation pay scheme: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities, but early payouts are far below the advertised maximum—raising questions about impact and fairness. Oil and gas links: Petrobras signed oil exploration cooperation in Mozambique and earlier production-sharing contracts in Ivory Coast, expanding its Africa push beyond Brazil. Regional sports: Ghana named a 26-man U-23 squad for AFCON qualifiers, with a potential tie against São Tomé and Príncipe in the qualifying path.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional voting began on 27 September with about 142,000 eligible voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and Príncipe’s regional authorities, as the National Electoral Commission briefed international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and high turnout. Youth exodus drives the campaign: Voters across the islands say jobs and investment are the key to stopping young people leaving, with some questioning whether voting can change “nothing has changed since my birth.” Principe conservation cash scheme: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities, but early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, drawing both hope and criticism. Wildlife mystery: Researchers are revisiting a preserved “ghost” green mamba specimen in a jar to settle whether the snake truly lived on the islands more than 150 years ago. Sports link to the islands: Ghana’s U-23 team’s qualifiers could include São Tomé and Príncipe in the next round, with the Black Meteors naming a 26-man squad for camp ahead of November matches.

Elections Kick Off: São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and setting up local and Príncipe regional authorities for four-year terms. The CEN met accredited international observers, including a Francophonie mission led by Angélique Ngoma, as President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and high turnout. Youth Exodus and the Ballot: Ahead of voting, residents say the top issue is stopping young people from leaving, citing job shortages and low hope after past elections. Principe Nature Dividend: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities; the first payouts were far below the advertised maximum, with critics calling it a missed chance for broader government-backed development. Sports Link to São Tomé: Ghana’s U-23 campaign for AFCON 2027 qualifiers could face São Tomé and Príncipe in the final qualifying round if Ghana advances.

Elections & Youth Exodus: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s legislative vote on Sunday, voters say the biggest issue is stopping young people from leaving. Reports put nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population), with labor shortages already felt in sectors like construction. Young motorcycle taxi drivers describe deep frustration—“Nothing has changed since my birth”—while others say they’ll vote for jobs, investment, and better transport links like a port and airport. Wildlife & Science: A “ghost” green mamba claim from more than 150 years ago is being revisited, with researchers hoping a preserved specimen in a jar can finally confirm or correct whether the species truly lived on the islands. Principe Conservation Cash: On Principe, South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for protecting the island’s environment, but early payouts are far below advertised amounts, drawing criticism that it’s not yet meeting local economic needs.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: With Sunday’s vote approaching, residents say the top priority is stopping youth from leaving, calling for jobs, new businesses, and better infrastructure like a port and airport. Nature and tourism in Príncipe: South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents a small, conditional “dividend” for protecting the island’s environment—critics say the amounts are far below what’s needed and that it should be better linked to government plans. Regional links to oil and gas: Petrobras has signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, and the company is also expanding cooperation in Mozambique—both moves underline how São Tomé and Príncipe remains part of broader Gulf of Guinea energy interest. Sports and regional shockwaves: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa pointed to Malawi’s surprise defeat by São Tomé and Príncipe as he warns his players not to underestimate opponents ahead of an Afcon qualifier.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: With Sunday’s vote approaching, residents say the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, calling for jobs, new businesses, and better infrastructure like a port and airport. Nature, tourism, and cash in Príncipe: Tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid environmentally damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, and critics say it should be paired with stronger government-backed development. Regional politics and security beyond the islands: Fighting has reportedly resumed in Ethiopia’s Tigray region after the 2022 truce broke down, raising fears of renewed civil war. Sports with a São Tomé link: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa warned his players not to underestimate South Sudan after Malawi’s earlier shock defeat to São Tomé and Príncipe. Online information risk: A report says fake Ukrainian media pages used São Tomé and Príncipe-linked domains to spread pro-Russian misinformation.

Principe Conservation Dividend: South African tech tycoon Mark Shuttleworth is paying Principe residents a quarterly “dividend” through his Faya Foundation to protect the island’s forests and beaches, with adults able to receive up to 6,250 dobras (about $290) per quarter for pledging not to engage in sand extraction or unregulated logging—though critics say it risks sidelining government-led economic and social priorities. Elections and Youth Exodus: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday vote, voters across the archipelago say the top issue is stopping young people from leaving, calling for jobs, new business opportunities, and upgrades like a new port and airport. Afcon Qualifier Pressure: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa says his Flames must attack but stay careful as they open 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying against South Sudan, with injuries adding pressure after a recent shock defeat to São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Diplomacy Note: A Vietnamese ambassador appointment list includes Sao Tomé and Príncipe among the countries covered by a new posting, underscoring ongoing diplomatic reshuffles across Africa.

Elections & Youth Exodus: São Tomé and Príncipe heads into Sunday’s vote with one demand dominating conversations: stop young people leaving. Voters at markets and taxi ranks say the next government must deliver jobs, new business opportunities, and upgrades like a new port and airport, with some calling the current situation “chaotic” and others hoping the election will finally create work. Afcon Qualifiers (Malawi): Malawi’s coach Kalisto Pasuwa says his Flames will play attacking football against South Sudan, but warns “small teams” can be dangerous—pointing to Malawi’s shock defeat to São Tomé and Príncipe and confirming injuries to key players. Oil & Gas (Regional): Petrobras signed a Mozambique oil-and-gas cooperation deal with ENH, while separate reporting highlights Petrobras expanding exploration in Côte d’Ivoire with new offshore blocks. Russian Shadow Fleet: Ukraine’s intelligence says 38 vessels linked to Russia’s sanctions-busting activities include ships flagged to São Tomé and Príncipe. Social Protection (PALOP): Angola’s labour secretary backs stronger dialogue among Portuguese-speaking countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to expand protection for informal-economy workers.