AGP Executive Report

Blue Economy: A new push across Africa is treating oceans, lakes and rivers as economic assets, with fisheries and aquaculture highlighted as a way to close a major food-protein gap and create jobs and coastal livelihoods. Health & NCDs: In Dar es Salaam, a World Bank-backed programme is training health workers to spot chronic diseases earlier by folding non-communicable disease surveillance into frontline field epidemiology in countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. São Tomé and Príncipe Energy: TGS has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe, covering 14,651 km of data to improve offshore imaging and support future exploration decisions. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture and digitalization, and to thank the country for its stance on Kosovo. Travel Rules: A guide explains who may need a Schengen visa for Italy and how the process works, depending on nationality. Climate: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, according to NOAA and other climate services.

Youth, Faith & Anti-Corruption: Angola’s Catholic Bishop Hisilenapo urged young people in São Tomé and Príncipe and across Angola to “love the Church,” take responsibility in society, and resist corruption, calling for active participation beyond church activities. Health & Surveillance: A World Bank-backed regional training in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline health workers from nine countries—including São Tomé and Príncipe—to spot chronic disease risks earlier by integrating non-communicable disease surveillance into field epidemiology. Offshore Energy: TGS and São Tomé and Príncipe’s petroleum agency ANP-STP have started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km offshore, aiming to improve subsurface imaging and support future exploration decisions. Investment Migration Pressure: Reports say Africa’s “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment market is expanding as Europe tightens investor-citizenship rules, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among countries with active frameworks. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, reinforcing the heat trend seen globally.

Health & Preparedness: A World Bank-backed regional training in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline health workers across Eastern and Southern Africa—including São Tomé and Príncipe—with skills to spot chronic disease risks early, by weaving non-communicable disease surveillance into existing frontline epidemiology training. Energy & Industry: TGS has started a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of offshore data to improve imaging and prospect assessment; priority lines are due within seven months, with full results expected in Q3 2027. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister, Marko Đurić, met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss bilateral ties and expand cooperation in areas like education, healthcare, agriculture, and digitalization. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites in July, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever inscription, a milestone that can unlock conservation support and boost the country’s tourism profile. Global Policy Watch: A U.S. visa bond program is now permanent for 50 countries, with concerns it could sharply reduce travel demand.

Offshore Energy: TGS, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s ANP-STP, has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km off the island nation, aiming to improve imaging in a complex volcanic and shallow-water basin and support future exploration decisions. UNESCO Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites in July, and São Tomé and Príncipe secured its first-ever listing—an upgrade that can boost conservation support and long-term tourism interest. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA reporting record heat—another reminder of the pressure on small island states. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture. Public Safety: A serious A33 road crash in Portugal involved a BMW reportedly stuffed with drugs and cash; at least one passenger is believed to have originated from São Tomé and Príncipe, and police are now tracing the network.

São Tomé and Príncipe Offshore Energy: TGS, with ANP-STP, has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km of offshore data, aiming to sharpen imaging in a complex volcanic basin and support future exploration decisions. UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including first-ever listings for São Tomé and Príncipe—a milestone that can boost conservation support and tourism visibility. Investment Migration Pressure: A new report says demand for second passports is shifting toward more “middle class” buyers as EU moves to tighten investor-citizenship rules, reshaping how Africans and Nigerians plan mobility. Global Mobility Policy: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, a move that cut visa issuance sharply in the pilot and could further affect travel flows. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing—another milestone for the country’s heritage and a potential boost for tourism. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus reporting record-breaking global temperatures. Energy & Industry (São Tomé and Príncipe): TGS has kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe offshore 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km to improve imaging ahead of future exploration licensing. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization, and culture. Global Mobility Policy: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but travel groups warn it could sharply reduce travel if expanded further.

São Tomé and Príncipe–offshore energy: TGS, with ANP-STP, has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km of data from surveys acquired between 1999 and 2005, aiming to improve imaging for the offshore basin and support future exploration decisions; priority lines are due within seven months, with full results expected in Q3 2027. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM Américo Ramos to discuss bilateral cooperation and Serbia’s appreciation for São Tomé and Príncipe’s stance on Kosovo, with plans to expand ties in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture. Heritage & tourism: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing, a milestone expected to open doors to conservation support and boost the country’s tourism profile. Investment migration: A new report highlights how demand for “golden visas” and citizenship-by-investment is shifting across Africa after EU crackdowns, noting São Tomé and Príncipe among countries with active frameworks and investment entry costs ranging widely. Regional crime spillover: A reported drug bust in Portugal involving a BMW packed with drugs and cash included at least one passenger believed to have originated from São Tomé and Príncipe.

Immigration & Tourism: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but critics warn it could sharply cut travel—during the pilot, visa issuance to targeted applicants reportedly fell 83%. Public Finance Scrutiny: Nigeria was judged to have made no significant progress on fiscal transparency in a new U.S. report, with complaints about opaque budget reporting, weak audit independence, and limited public access to key financial details. Investment Migration Watch: As the EU cracks down on investor citizenship schemes, African governments are pushing “golden visa” and residency-by-investment options—São Tomé and Príncipe is named among countries with active frameworks. Heritage Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including first-ever entries for São Tomé and Príncipe, a step that can unlock conservation support and boost tourism. Energy & Offshore Prospects: TGS has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with plans to deliver priority lines within seven months, aiming to improve subsurface imaging for future exploration. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization, and culture.

Visa Policy Shock: The U.S. made its visa bond programme permanent for 50 countries, with cash deposits up to $20,000—yet a pilot saw an 83% drop in visas issued, raising fears the rule could spread further and hit tourism. Public Finance Scrutiny: Nigeria was judged to have made no significant progress on fiscal transparency in a new U.S. report, with complaints about opaque budget reporting, weak audit independence and procurement disclosure. Investment Migration Pressure: As the EU tightens investor-citizenship rules, African “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment schemes are expanding, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s $90,000 pathway. Heritage Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever listing, a boost for conservation and tourism. Energy & Offshore Work: TGS has started a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project to improve offshore imaging and support future exploration decisions. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, according to NOAA and NASA.

Investment Migration Shift: A new 519-page report says demand for “golden passports” didn’t disappear after the EU ended investor-citizenship schemes; African countries are now expanding residency and citizenship-by-investment options to attract wealthy investors and capital. São Tomé and Príncipe Golden Passport: São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted as offering citizenship for about $90,000 via contributions to a National Transformation Fund, aimed at funding education, healthcare, energy and infrastructure amid weak growth and energy shortages. Energy & Offshore Work: TGS has started a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km to improve offshore imaging and support future exploration decisions. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture and digitalization. Heritage Milestone: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added 25 new sites, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s first-ever inscription, a boost for tourism and conservation support.

Diplomacy: Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s Prime Minister Américo Ramos to discuss bilateral ties and expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, while thanking the country for its consistent stance on international law and sovereignty. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, including São Tomé and Príncipe’s “Roças” colonial plantations, a milestone that can unlock conservation support and boost the island’s tourism profile. Energy & Industry: TGS, with ANP-STP, kicked off a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km of offshore São Tomé and Príncipe data, aiming to improve subsurface imaging and support future exploration decisions. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, underscoring the growing pressure on small island states. Mobility & Policy: Panama confirmed visa-free entry for citizens of only nine African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, highlighting how travel access remains uneven across the continent.

UNESCO Milestone for São Tomé and Príncipe: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage session in Busan added 25 new sites worldwide, bringing the list to 1,273. Local Heritage: São Tomé and Príncipe secured its first-ever inscription with the “Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe,” Portuguese colonial plantations linked to coffee and cocoa and to forced labour history. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA reporting record heat. Energy & Offshore Work: TGS, with ANP-STP, kicked off a 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km of offshore São Tomé and Príncipe data, aiming for clearer imaging for future exploration. Mobility & Passports: São Tomé and Príncipe is also marketing a “golden passport” for $90,000 to fund energy and development, as EU pressure targets similar citizenship-by-investment schemes.

UNESCO World Heritage Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites at its Busan session, bringing the total to 1,273 sites. São Tomé and Príncipe: the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe (Portuguese colonial plantations linked to coffee and cocoa, including forced labour history) earned the country its first-ever listing—an opening for conservation support and a bigger tourism spotlight. Offshore Energy Update: Norwegian firm TGS has started modern 2D seismic reprocessing for São Tomé and Príncipe’s offshore basin, covering 14,651 km of older survey data with upgraded imaging to help operators assess prospects. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe PM Américo Ramos in Belgrade, discussing deeper ties in education, health, agriculture, digitalisation and culture, and noting participation in Expo 2027. Travel & Mobility: São Tomé and Príncipe also continues to draw attention for its “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment offer (from $90,000) aimed at funding energy and development.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new sites to its World Heritage List at its Busan session, pushing the total to 1,273. São Tomé and Príncipe Heritage: The country won its first listing with the “Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe,” Portuguese colonial plantation sites tied to coffee and cocoa history. Visa Access: Panama published a visa-free list for only nine African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, while most others are left to apply for visas. Citizenship-by-Investment: São Tomé and Príncipe is also marketing a “golden passport” for $90,000 to fund education, healthcare, energy and infrastructure, amid EU pressure on similar schemes. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM Américo Ramos to expand cooperation in education, health, agriculture and digitalization. Regional Context: A separate report notes São Tomé and Príncipe appears among new export markets in Nigeria’s non-oil trade expansion.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new sites at its Busan session, bringing the total to 1,273. São Tomé and Príncipe: The country secured its first-ever listing with the “Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe,” six Portuguese colonial plantation sites tied to cocoa and coffee and to the island’s history of forced labor. Tourism angle: A separate travel feature highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s “Africa’s Galápagos” approach—conservation-led, low-crowd tourism built around biodiversity and the slow “leve leve” lifestyle. Citizenship-for-funds: São Tomé and Príncipe also announced a “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment scheme: a $90,000 contribution to a National Transformation Fund (plus fees), aimed at funding energy and development amid weak export earnings and power shortages. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalisation and culture.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new sites at its Busan session, taking the list to 1,273 places. Local Heritage Spotlight: For São Tomé and Príncipe, the “Roças” (colonial plantation estates) were inscribed for their cultural value, including the history of forced labor. Travel & Mobility: Panama published a visa-free list for only nine African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, while most others still need visas. Citizenship for Development: São Tomé and Príncipe is also selling citizenship via a “golden passport” for $90,000 to fund energy and development, with no requirement to permanently relocate. US Visa Rules: The US made a permanent visa bond programme for selected travelers from 50 countries; São Tomé and Príncipe is among those covered, with bonds up to $20,000 at consular discretion. Security Angle: A reported drug haul in Portugal’s A33 crash involved a BMW and cash, with at least one passenger believed to have links to São Tomé and Príncipe.