Agro-exports & investment: A new analysis of Africa’s first-quarter 2026 trade data spotlights the continent’s most profitable farm exports—led by cocoa, coffee, cashews, olive oil, tea, cotton, sesame, sugar and horticulture—showing where foreign-exchange earnings and value-add opportunities are concentrating. EU election oversight: The EU will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the September 27 legislative, local and regional elections, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining on June 26. Energy cooperation: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas, aiming to evaluate and develop projects without committing to immediate investment. IMF support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through energy and fertilizer disruptions, and notes the IMF has already approved augmented financing for São Tomé and Príncipe alongside other countries. Fisheries policy link: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of EU fisheries policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Maritime industry ruling: An ITLOS decision in the M/T Heroic Idun case awarded the highest damages ever, stressing limits on anti-piracy detention powers and the importance of freedom of navigation—relevant to shipowners and charterers operating in the region.