AGP Executive Report

Patent & innovation ties: EPO President António Campinos visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost cooperation on patents, technology transfer and innovation, highlighting Angola’s June 23 signature of an agreement validating European patents—an effort to plug the country more tightly into the international IP system. Marine conservation for fisheries: São Tomé and Príncipe designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, reefs and key fishing grounds, including no-take zones that restrict industrial extraction while allowing regulated artisanal use. EU election monitoring: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the September 27 legislative/local/regional elections, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers joining later. Regional trade & finance leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa (from May 1), with prior experience overseeing client relations across Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, São Tomé and Príncipe and Cape Verde. Agro-export momentum: A new trade roundup spotlights Africa’s most valuable farm exports—led by cocoa, coffee, cashews and other high-value commodities—showing where profitability and market access are driving export growth.

Innovation & IP: The European Patent Organisation’s president, António Campinos, visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost co-operation on patents, innovation and technology transfer, including Angola’s signature (23 June) of an agreement to validate European patents—an effort meant to strengthen local innovation and link it to the international patent system. Marine Conservation & Fisheries: São Tomé and Príncipe has designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast: Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana, with no-take protection in key zones to safeguard habitats like mangroves, reefs and nesting beaches while keeping limited, authorized artisanal fishing in surrounding waters. Regional Trade & Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa (effective May 1), with prior experience covering São Tomé and Príncipe among other Anglophone West African markets. Elections Oversight: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential elections (July 19) and other polls later in the year, led by MEP Sérgio Humberto.

Innovation & IP: EPO President António Campinos visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost co-operation on patents, innovation and technology transfer, including Angola’s June 23 signature of an agreement validating European patents—an effort aimed at strengthening local innovation ecosystems and attracting investment. Marine & Fisheries: São Tomé and Príncipe has designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take protection in parts to safeguard turtles, seabirds and biodiversity. Elections & Governance: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission for São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 elections, with teams already in place and long-term observers set to join, to assess the presidential and subsequent legislative and local votes. Trade & Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, bringing prior experience that included client relations across São Tomé and Príncipe and support for major industrial and infrastructure financing. Energy Outlook: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed an MoU to co-operate on Gulf of Mexico oil exploration and development, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater evaluation—relevant for regional offshore know-how and investment flows.

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—part of a plan for eight sites covering 93 km² in the Gulf of Guinea, including no-take zones that restrict industrial fishing while allowing limited, legal artisanal use. Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, with prior experience spanning client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Elections Oversight: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential and subsequent legislative, local, and regional elections, with teams already arriving to monitor the process. Energy (Regional Interest): Petrobras signed an MoU with Mexico’s Pemex to explore and develop projects in the Gulf of Mexico, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas—an update that also highlights Petrobras’ broader offshore push, including past acreage interest in São Tomé and Príncipe. Water Access (Data): A global mapping effort shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for over 2 billion people, underscoring infrastructure gaps that can shape future development priorities.

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—covering 93 km² in the Gulf of Guinea, including no-take zones that bar industrial fishing while allowing limited artisanal use. Regional Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, with prior experience spanning financing across Nigeria and including São Tomé and Príncipe. Elections Oversight: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to monitor São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 presidential and subsequent legislative/local/regional elections, with teams already arriving and long-term observers set to join. Energy & Macroeconomics: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict is still disrupting energy and fertilizer supplies, and notes the fund has already approved additional support for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Oil Industry Watch: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed an MoU to explore and develop projects in the Gulf of Mexico, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two of eight planned marine protected areas in the Gulf of Guinea, including Santana (with a 1 km² no-take zone) and Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé (55.8 km², with 8 km² fully protected), aiming to safeguard mangroves, reefs, nesting beaches and key fishing grounds. Elections Oversight: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to monitor São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 elections, with a core team already in-country and long-term observers set to join later in June. IMF Support: IMF’s new Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa via trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions, and notes 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, bringing experience that includes work across São Tomé and Príncipe.

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—part of a planned network of eight MPAs in the Gulf of Guinea, with no-take zones protecting key habitats like mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, and fishing grounds. EU Oversight: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to monitor São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2026 elections, including the presidential vote on July 19 and later legislative and local/regional elections, with a team arriving in mid-June. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa (effective May 1), bringing prior experience that included client relations work covering São Tomé and Príncipe. Macroeconomic Watch: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, warned that Middle East conflict fallout could keep energy and fertilizer disruptions hitting sub-Saharan Africa for months, while noting continued support for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through slower energy and fertilizer supplies, and that the Fund has already approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia, and São Tomé and Príncipe, with Ethiopia also getting accelerated support. 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, and helped finance major industrial and infrastructure projects. EU Election Monitoring: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential election and the September 27 legislative/local/regional elections, led by MEP Sérgio Humberto. Oil & Gas Cooperation: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a memorandum to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater work, with the deal framed as strategic and technical rather than a binding investment commitment. Water Access Data: A new global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the infrastructure gap facing many low-income countries.

Water Access Gap: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for over 2 billion people, with access below 20% in several low-income countries and near-universal coverage in much of Europe, North America, and Australia. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is hitting sub-Saharan Africa through energy and fertilizer disruptions that could last months, while the IMF has already approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia, and São Tomé and Príncipe and accelerated about $200 million for Ethiopia. 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 handled client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. EU Election Monitoring: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential election and the September 27 legislative, local, and regional elections.

Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, and helped expand risk assets and revenue while backing major industrial and infrastructure financing. EU Election Support: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 elections, with a mission head appointed and teams arriving ahead of the July 19 presidential vote and later legislative and local/regional elections. IMF Africa Financing: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa, with Gulf energy disruptions expected to take months to fully normalize; the IMF has already moved to augment financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Energy Deal Watch: Petrobras signed an MoU with Mexico’s Pemex to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater work, as both state firms look to revive and expand production. Agro-Exports Lens: A trade-focused roundup highlights Africa’s most valuable agricultural exports—cocoa, coffee, cashews and others—showing where profitability and value addition are driving export growth. Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency reports progress on the future of EU fisheries policy, including sustainable partnership agreements that cover São Tomé and Príncipe.

Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, succeeding Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, and worked on major industrial and infrastructure financing. EU Election Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 elections, with MEP Sérgio Humberto leading; teams will monitor the presidential vote on July 19 and other elections later in the year. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is a “difficult moment” for sub-Saharan Africa, warning Gulf energy and fertilizer disruptions could take months; the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe. Oil & Gas Deals: Petrobras signed a two-year memorandum with Mexico’s Pemex to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and deepwater/ultra-deepwater projects, aiming to evaluate revitalizing mature fields and new opportunities. Maritime Industry Ruling: ITLOS’ Special Chamber in the M/T Heroic Idun (No. 2) case ordered major damages and a fine, highlighting limits on anti-piracy detention powers and the importance of freedom of navigation.

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.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is hitting sub-Saharan Africa via trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions that could last months, while the IMF has already approved augmented financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. EU Election Monitoring: The EU will deploy 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 arriving June 14 and long-term observers joining June 26. Agro-exports and Trade Growth: A new ranking of Africa’s most profitable farm exports highlights cocoa, coffee, cashews, olive oil, tea and other value-driven commodities as key foreign-exchange earners, pointing to where global capital is flowing. Energy Deals with Regional Reach: Petrobras signed an MoU with Mexico’s Pemex to explore deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas in the Gulf of Mexico, and a related piece notes Petrobras is expanding exploration acreage including in São Tomé and Príncipe. Maritime and Shipping Rules: An ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case sets a major marker for shipowners and flag states on limits of anti-piracy enforcement and crew detention under UNCLOS. Finance Governance in São Tomé: A business explainer spotlights the Neves Licensing Authority in São Tomé and Príncipe, clarifying why licensing, supervision and regulation often sit in separate bodies. Security and Influence: Ukraine’s military intelligence alleges Russia is planning “Russian Houses” in multiple countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence push.

Agro-exports Momentum: Africa’s most valuable farm exports are driving trade growth, with cocoa, coffee, cashews, tobacco, olive oil, tea, cotton, sesame, sugar and horticultural products leading foreign-exchange earnings in early 2026. EU Election Monitoring: The EU will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the Sept. 27 legislative, local and regional elections, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining 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, and that Gulf production recovery could take months; the IMF is accelerating financing including for São Tomé and Príncipe. Maritime & Shipping Rules: A new ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case highlights limits on anti-piracy detention powers and awards damages tied to crew harm, a signal for shipowners and charterers. Oil Exploration Deal: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed an MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and deepwater projects, with potential lessons for regional offshore operators. Finance Governance Focus: A new discussion spotlights how Sao Tomé and Príncipe’s licensing authority fits into broader financial governance, separating licensing, supervision and oversight roles.

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, plus the legislative, local and regional elections on September 27, with MEP Sérgio Humberto leading and teams arriving from mid-June. IMF Support for Stability: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through energy and fertilizer disruptions, warning it could take months, while noting the IMF has already approved or accelerated financing including for São Tomé and Príncipe. Offshore Oil Cooperation: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year memorandum to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and deepwater projects, with Petrobras highlighting its ultra-deepwater experience and Pemex seeking new production opportunities. Maritime & Trade Rules: A major ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case awarded the highest-ever damages, stressing limits on anti-piracy detentions and the need for legitimate grounds—important for shipping operators and crews. Fisheries Partnerships: Cyprus’ EU presidency reported progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Marine Protection Push: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic to be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty, highlighting the Canary–Guinea currents corridor that runs down to São Tomé and Príncipe. Financial Governance Focus: A spotlight on São Tomé and Príncipe’s Neves Licensing Authority looks at why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems.

Energy & Oil Exploration: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year memorandum to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and deepwater/ultra-deepwater projects, with a focus on revitalizing mature fields. IMF & Macroeconomic Stability (São Tomé and Príncipe): IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa, warning disruptions to trade, energy and fertilizer supplies could last months; he notes the IMF has already approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Maritime & Shipping: A major ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case awarded the highest damages ever, highlighting limits on anti-piracy detention powers and the need for legitimate grounds for crew restraint. Ocean & Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency flagged progress on the future of EU fisheries policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe. Finance Governance (São Tomé and Príncipe): A look at the Neves Licensing Authority explains why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems—an issue for banks and investors operating across borders. Currency Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra is among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, underscoring import dependence and external shocks. Maritime Conservation: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, with the Canary–Guinea Current corridor spanning to São Tomé and Príncipe.