AGP Executive Report

Cultural Diplomacy: The six-day “Policromia Lusófona” handicraft exhibition opened at IAM Gallery in Largo do Senado, part of the 18th China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Cultural Week, featuring donated works from Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste across textiles, musical instruments, sculptures and everyday objects. Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has formally designated its first two marine protected areas—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting no-take zones and protecting habitats for turtles, seabirds and other marine biodiversity. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on patents, innovation and technology transfer, including Angola’s validation agreement with the EPO. Elections Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the September 27 legislative elections, with a core team already in-country. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering 13 countries including São Tomé and Príncipe.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and other elections later in the year, with a team led by MEP Sérgio Humberto to assess the process against international standards. Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—aimed at safeguarding habitats and threatened species, including a no-take zone for Santana. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on innovation, technology transfer, and patent protection, including an Angola validation agreement milestone. Culture Links: The China–Portuguese-speaking countries cultural week continues in Macau with performances that include artists from São Tomé and Príncipe, while a Lusophone handicraft exhibition runs through July 5 featuring crafts from multiple Portuguese-speaking nations including São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, overseeing a region that includes São Tomé and Príncipe through his previous West Africa client-relations role. Sports Note: Malawi opened its CUCSA Games campaign in Botswana with a 1-0 win over hosts Botswana, setting up its next group match.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting no-take zones and limiting industrial fishing to protect mangroves, reefs, turtles and seabirds. EU Election Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission for São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 presidential elections (July 19) and legislative/local/regional elections (Sept. 27), led by MEP Sérgio Humberto, with analysts already arriving in mid-June. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation’s president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on innovation, technology transfer and patent protection, including an Angola validation agreement. Finance Appointments: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, with prior experience covering São Tomé and Príncipe in West Africa client relations. Cultural Links: China-Portuguese-speaking countries cultural events continued at Senado Square, featuring performances from São Tomé and Príncipe and other Lusophone nations. Conservation Story: A Príncipe former sea turtle poacher, Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”), is now helping protect nesting sites and pushing community-led conservation tied to the new marine protections.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has formally designated its first two marine protected areas off the coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting no-take zones and tighter rules for industrial fishing to protect turtles, seabirds and key habitats. Elections Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and other elections later in the year, with a team arriving in mid-June to assess the process against international standards. Finance & Regional Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously covered client relations including São Tomé and Príncipe. Culture & Diplomacy: A Lusophone handicraft exhibition opened at IAM Gallery in São Tomé, featuring works from multiple Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, running through July 5. Diaspora & Reparations: African and Caribbean leaders pushed a stronger slavery reparations agenda in Ghana, calling for apologies, debt relief and a global reparations fund.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting no-take zones and protecting habitats for turtles, seabirds and other biodiversity. EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote and follow-on legislative, local and regional elections, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining later. Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo, with Olowononi previously overseeing client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Business & Culture: A Lusophone handicraft exhibition opened at the IAM Gallery in São Tomé, running to July 5, showcasing crafts from Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Health Diplomacy: The Merck Foundation held its 13th Africa-Asia Luminary gathering first ladies and partners to discuss health and patient-care improvements across Africa and Asia.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—protecting mangroves, reefs, nesting beaches and key fishing grounds, including no-take zones for industrial fishing. Elections Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote and follow-on legislative, local and regional elections, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining later. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, taking effect May 1, after roles that included client relations covering São Tomé and Príncipe. Culture & Trade: The Lusophone handicraft exhibition “Policromia Lusófona” opened at IAM Gallery in São Tomé, running to July 5 and showcasing crafts from Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Health & Leadership: The Merck Foundation held its 13th Africa-Asia Luminary, bringing together first ladies and partners to discuss health and well-being, including patient care and training support.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off the coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones for full protection. Culture & Trade: The Lusophone handicraft exhibition “Policromia Lusófona” opened at IAM Gallery in São Tomé, running to July 5, showcasing crafts from Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. EU Elections Watch: The European Union will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission for the 2026 presidential elections and the later legislative, local and regional polls, with teams already arriving in mid-June. Finance & Regional Jobs: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, taking effect May 1, after serving in client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. IMF Support: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict fallout is hitting sub-Saharan economies and notes augmented financing already approved for São Tomé and Príncipe.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the Sept. 27 legislative/local/regional elections, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining June 26. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, and the IMF has already reached staff-level agreements for augmented financing that include São Tomé and Príncipe. Afreximbank Leadership Move: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously covered client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Fisheries Cooperation: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of EU fisheries policy, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean states backed a 19-point reparations plan after a conference in Ghana, calling for apologies, debt relief and a global reparations fund, with São Tomé and Príncipe among attendees.

Water Access Gap: A new global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, with access near-universal in many wealthy countries but dropping below 20% in several low-income states. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously covered client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. EU Election Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote and subsequent legislative, local and regional elections, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining later. IMF Support for Shock: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer flows, with Gulf production recovery expected to take months; the IMF has already approved or accelerated financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Community & Sport: On Príncipe, a new judo school in Ponta do Sol was inaugurated, expanding the island’s judo network and youth access to sport and education.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative, local and regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining later in June. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF’s new Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions, and notes the IMF has already approved augmented financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously covered client relations including São Tomé and Príncipe. Health and Education: The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary highlighted 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, with São Tomé and Príncipe among participating first ladies. Local Sports: On Príncipe, the Judo Global Association opened a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding its network to six schools nationwide.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative/local/regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining later. IMF Support for Shock-Hit Economies: IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting energy and fertilizer supplies for sub-Saharan Africa, warning Gulf production may take six to seven months to fully resume, while the IMF has already approved extra financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, and notes his prior Afreximbank client-relations work across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Local Sports Development: On Príncipe, the Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding access for children and young people and bringing the total to three schools on Príncipe and six nationwide.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and the legislative/local/regional elections on September 27, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining later this month. IMF Support as Shocks Bite: IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting energy and fertilizer supplies for sub-Saharan Africa, warning Gulf production may take months to fully recover, while the IMF accelerates financing that includes support for São Tomé and Príncipe. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Accra backed a 19-point reparations plan calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, compensation, and restitution of cultural property—an agenda expected to be taken to the UN General Assembly. Health Scholarships: Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary highlighted that it has provided 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including work aimed at building specialist capacity. Sports & Youth: On Príncipe, the Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding access for children and young people. Conservation Story: A former sea turtle poacher from Príncipe, Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”), is now helping protect nesting sites and build marine protected areas.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the September 27 legislative/local/regional elections, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining on June 26. IMF Support for the Islands: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, and notes the fund has already approved extra financing for São Tomé and Príncipe. Healthcare Partnerships: The Merck Foundation wrapped up its Africa-Asia Luminary meeting, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across Africa and Asia, including participation from São Tomé and Príncipe’s First Lady. Sports & Youth: On Príncipe, the Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding access for children and young people and adding to its nationwide network. World News, Local Mention: A global reparations push tied to the UN’s slavery resolution continues to feature São Tomé and Príncipe among attending leaders in Ghana.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote and follow-on legislative, local and regional elections, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining on June 26. IMF Support for Shock-Hit Economies: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, warning Gulf production may take months to fully resume; the IMF has already moved to accelerate financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Healthcare Capacity Boost: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe among participating First Ladies. Sports & Youth Development: Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, Príncipe, expanding to multiple schools nationwide and aiming at inclusion and discipline for young people. Regional Trade Lens: A new look at Africa’s most valuable agro-exports points to cocoa, coffee, cashews and other high-value crops as key drivers of foreign-exchange earnings and investment interest.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote and the later legislative, local and regional elections, with Sérgio Humberto leading and teams arriving from mid-June to assess the process against international standards. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan economies, warning disruptions to energy and fertilizer supplies could last months, while noting the IMF has already approved augmented financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Healthcare Partnerships: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss strengthening healthcare systems, reporting over 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries. Sports Development: On Príncipe, the Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding to multiple schools nationwide and aiming at youth inclusion through sport. Finance Leadership (Regional): Cameroonian banker Guy Martial Awona, formerly CEO roles across Ecobank and now CEO of Orabank Togo, is profiled for his banking leadership across West Africa and São Tomé and Príncipe.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Iran-war shock is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through disrupted trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, and that Gulf production recovery could take months; the IMF has already approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, with extra support also moving for Ethiopia. Reparatory Justice Push: In Ghana, African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point slavery reparations plan calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, restitution of looted cultural property and ancestral remains, and reforms to international financial institutions; President John Dramani Mahama also set up three global panels to drive the next phase. Healthcare Capacity Boost: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe. Sports Development in Príncipe: Judo Global Association inaugurated a new judo school in Ponta do Sol, expanding to multiple schools on Príncipe and nationwide. Science Spotlight: A new report revisits Earth’s mysterious 26-second “heartbeat” microseism, linked to the Gulf of Guinea, with ocean waves and volcanic activity among leading theories.