AGP Executive Report

Parliamentary Polls in São Tomé and Príncipe: The main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s legislative elections, taking 24 of 55—short of the 28 needed for a majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s Independent Democratic Action took about 23; the MCI-PS/PUN (six seats) could become the kingmaker as talks begin, with the next government facing unemployment, emigration, and pressure on public services, infrastructure, and water and electricity. Health Supply Cooperation: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to strengthen collective purchasing of medicines and medical supplies. Conservation and Livelihoods: São Tomé and Príncipe highlights a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve model that links biodiversity protection with sustainable economic activity, shifting communities away from illegal logging and poaching toward lower-impact livelihoods. Local Business/Industry: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

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 the 28-seat majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s Independent Democratic Action won about 23, making the MCI-PS/PUN a likely kingmaker as negotiations begin amid worries over jobs, emigration, and basic services. IMF on LDC graduation: An IMF review highlights that São Tomé and Príncipe graduated from least developed country status in 2024, noting graduation alone hasn’t clearly sped up or slowed growth, with outcomes shaped by shocks, tourism dependence, disasters, and the pandemic. Conservation model in UNESCO biosphere: São Tomé and Príncipe is spotlighted for a new conservation approach that ties protection of endemic biodiversity and sea turtle nesting areas to sustainable livelihoods, shifting communities away from illegal timber, charcoal, and poaching. Health procurement cooperation: Libya has joined the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism via Africa CDC, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among participating countries—aiming to improve access and affordability of medicines and supplies. Business update: Hitachi is reshaping its construction equipment dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: The main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55, but fell short of an outright majority; the president-backed Independent Democratic Action took about 23, leaving the MCI-PS/PUN as a potential kingmaker as talks begin on forming the next government amid unemployment, emigration, and pressure on public services. Biodiversity and conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted as a global biodiversity hotspot and the first country with 100% of its territory declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with a new conservation model tying protection to sustainable livelihoods to curb illegal logging, charcoal and wildlife poaching. IMF on LDC graduation: An IMF review notes that LDC graduation doesn’t automatically speed up or slow growth, citing São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation among only eight since 1994, with growth patterns broadly unchanged around 2.9% before and after. Health supply cooperation: Libya signed on to the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism via Africa CDC, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen access to medicines and medical supplies. Business and infrastructure: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Biodiversity & Jobs: São Tomé and Príncipe is rolling out a new UNESCO Biosphere Reserve conservation model that ties protection of endemic land and nesting sea turtles to sustainable livelihoods, replacing illegal timber, charcoal and turtle/shark poaching with lower-impact micro-enterprises. Politics & Youth Exodus: In Sunday’s parliamentary polls, the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats (24 of 55) but fell short of a majority, setting up coalition talks as voters demand jobs, better services and action to slow emigration. Health Procurement: Libya has joined the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism via Africa CDC, joining São Tomé and Príncipe and others to improve access and affordability of medicines and strengthen local health supply chains. Regional Business: Hitachi is reshaping its construction equipment dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Economy Watch: A report on Africa’s currency performance in September 2026 places the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra among the weakest by exchange-rate measure, highlighting ongoing pressure on import costs.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: The main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55, while President Carlos Vila Nova’s party, the Independent Democratic Action, came second with about 23—leaving MLSTP short of a majority and making smaller parties, including MCI-PS/PUN, potential kingmakers. Voter priorities: With unemployment, emigration, and pressure on public services, infrastructure, and water/electricity topping concerns, many voters say the next government must turn campaign promises into jobs and better living conditions. Electoral process: The National Electoral Commission reported parliamentary, municipal, and Príncipe regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 eligible voters and seven parties contesting 55 seats, monitored with international observer participation. Health procurement in Africa: Libya signed onto the Africa CDC’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to improve access to medicines and health supplies. Local business/industry: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 eligible voters and seven parties contesting 55 National Assembly seats; international observers are monitoring, and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and high turnout. Opposition momentum: The main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls but fell short of a majority, leaving coalition talks and the MCI-PS/PUN as a potential kingmaker as voters demand jobs and better public services. US visa rules with local impact: The US State Department published a list of 50 countries whose citizens must post refundable visa bonds of $10,000–$20,000 for B1/B2 visitor visas; 30 are African, and São Tomé and Príncipe is among the affected countries, meaning travelers may face new financial steps before interviews. Health procurement cooperation: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen access to medicines and medical supplies. Local business/industry: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe for construction equipment sales and support.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: The main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55, while President Carlos Vila Nova’s party, the Independent Democratic Action, won about 23; with no outright majority, the MCI-PS/PUN is set up as a potential kingmaker as talks begin to form the next government. Voter priorities: Across the islands, people are pushing for jobs, better public services, and action to slow youth emigration, with World Bank estimates putting nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population). Regional health cooperation: Libya signed an MoU to join the Africa CDC’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to boost access to medicines and supplies. Business and infrastructure: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Sports: The next AFCON qualifying fixtures loom for São Tomé and Príncipe after regional results involving Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: The main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, taking 24 of 55, while President Carlos Vila Nova’s party took about 23—leaving no outright majority and making smaller parties potential kingmakers as talks on the next government begin. Voter focus: As campaigning turns into governance, many voters say the priority is jobs, better public services, and action against youth emigration, with World Bank estimates putting nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad. Electoral process: The National Electoral Commission says parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 eligible voters and international observers monitoring preparations. Health procurement push: Libya signed an MoU to join the Africa CDC’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries including São Tomé and Príncipe to improve access and affordability of medicines. Business and trade links: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Youth and sport: Ghana named a 26-man U-23 squad for AFCON qualifiers, with São Tomé and Príncipe among possible opponents in the qualifying path.

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.