AGP Executive Report

Dealer Network & Construction Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer setup across Northwest and Central West Africa, with MDA expanding coverage to multiple markets and Movicortes taking on a wider territory that now includes São Tomé and Príncipe, while SMT’s role ends in affected countries by end-2026. Youth, Jobs & Migration Politics: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s general election, voters are pushing for real job creation and better living conditions as youth emigration rises—World Bank estimates put nearly 40,000 people abroad (about 18% of the population), with construction hit by labor shortages. Energy & Offshore Exploration: Petrobras has signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, aiming to replenish reserves as Brazil’s pre-salt output nears peak; the company says Africa is a key growth region, including prior moves in Ghana, Namibia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Agriculture Capacity Building: A FAO- and China-backed workshop in Johannesburg ended with officials from 16 African countries agreeing to boost Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) proposals and funding access.

Dealer Network & Construction Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer setup across Northwest and Central West Africa, with MDA expanding coverage to multiple markets including São Tomé and Príncipe, while Movicortes takes on additional territory and HCME plans a direct presence for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania. Elections & Jobs: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday general election, voters are pushing for immediate action on jobs and living conditions as youth emigration rises—World Bank estimates put nearly 40,000 people abroad (about 18% of the population). Youth Exodus & Investment Priorities: Young voters and workers say “nothing has changed” and call for new businesses plus a port and airport to create opportunities, with the ruling party pointing to private investment and high-value tourism as the path forward. Currency Pressure Watch: A September 2026 currency ranking highlights that the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra remains among the weakest by units per US dollar, underscoring ongoing import-cost and price-pressure risks for households. Energy Exploration Link: Petrobras says it has signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, and notes it has already pursued opportunities including in São Tomé and Príncipe as it looks to replenish reserves beyond Brazil.

Election Pressure on Jobs: With São Tomé and Príncipe heading into legislative elections on Sunday (Sept. 27), voters across markets and taxi ranks say the top priority is stopping youth exodus by creating real work, better living conditions, and translating campaign promises into action. Youth Exodus Impact: Reporting cites a World Bank estimate of nearly 40,000 São Toméans living abroad (about 18% of the population), with labor shortages already showing up in sectors like construction. Voter Expectations: Candidates are being judged on whether they can attract investment and expand opportunities; one proposal highlighted is private investment and high-value tourism, alongside calls for a port and airport that can generate jobs. Energy Investment Signal: Petrobras says it has signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, owning 90% in each, as it looks to replenish reserves beyond Brazil and has already pursued opportunities including in São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Industry Move: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe and MDA taking on expanded coverage in multiple countries.

Construction & Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, with Machinery Distribution in Africa (MDA) taking expanded coverage in countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, and Movicortes widening its territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe as well; SMT will end its authorised dealer role in affected markets by end-2026, while Hitachi also plans a direct presence in Morocco and Mauritania to support mining customers. Elections & Jobs: As São Tomé and Príncipe heads into legislative elections on Sunday (Sept. 27), voters say the top priority is stopping youth exodus by creating jobs and opportunities, with construction flagged as already facing labor shortages; turnout concerns linger after the July presidential vote saw many abstain. Energy & Regional Oil Links: Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake for Petrobras, 10% for Petroci) and also signed an oil-and-gas cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH, signaling continued push to replenish reserves beyond Brazil. Currency Watch: In September 2026, the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra was among the currencies requiring some of the largest amounts per US dollar, even as the naira stayed off Africa’s weakest-currency list. Cultural & Education Outreach: Russia’s “Russian House” network is expanding, with new partner centres planned for São Tomé and Príncipe among other African countries, aiming to boost Russian language, education, science, and youth projects. Maritime Sanctions Scrutiny: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence flagged vessels linked to Russia’s sanctions-bypass and shadow fleet operations, listing ships operating under flags including São Tomé and Príncipe.

Election Watch (São Tomé & Príncipe): With legislative elections on Sunday, voters are pushing for jobs and real change, warning that youth emigration is draining sectors like construction; many say “nothing has changed since my birth,” while others demand investment, new businesses, and even a port and airport to create opportunities. Youth Exodus & Economic Pressure: A World Bank estimate puts nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population), and turnout uncertainty hangs over the vote after low participation in July’s presidential election. Energy & Offshore Deals (Regional): Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake for Petrobras, 10% for Petroci) as it looks to replenish reserves beyond Brazil, with Africa a key focus. Mozambique Cooperation: Petrobras also signed a two-year oil and gas cooperation MoU with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting studies, development, and knowledge exchange, with Mozambique positioned as a major LNG source. Maritime Security (Sanctions): Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence flagged 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet, including ships reportedly operating under flags including São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections & Jobs: São Tomé and Príncipe heads into its Sept. 27 legislative vote with voters focused on one urgent goal: stopping youth exodus by creating real work and opportunities at home. Market vendors, taxi drivers and students say promises must turn into action, with calls for investment, new businesses, and even a port and airport that can generate jobs. Youth Exodus Impact: A World Bank estimate puts nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population), with emigration already linked to labor shortages in sectors like construction—leaving many young people tired of “nothing has changed since my birth.” Energy & Regional Oil Moves: Petrobras is expanding its Africa push, signing oil cooperation in Mozambique and production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, while already operating in São Tomé and Príncipe—signaling continued interest in the Gulf of Guinea’s offshore potential. Sanctions & Shipping Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet, including ships flagged to São Tomé and Príncipe, involved in exporting Russian oil and supporting military logistics. Currency Pressure: A September 2026 ranking shows São Tomé’s dobra among the currencies needing the most units per US dollar, highlighting ongoing import-cost and price-pressure risks for households.

Elections & Jobs: With São Tomé and Príncipe heading to legislative polls on Sept. 27, voters say the top priority is stopping the youth exodus by creating real work and opportunities at home. Market vendors, students, and young motorcycle taxi drivers all echo the same frustration: “Nothing has changed” since they were born, and many want investment plus practical upgrades like a port and airport to unlock jobs. Youth Exodus: A World Bank estimate puts nearly 40,000 people abroad—about 18% of the population—fueling labor shortages, including in construction, and raising fears that campaign promises won’t translate into results. Energy & Regional Oil: Petrobras is expanding its offshore search, signing production-sharing contracts for eight exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% operating stake for Petrobras, 10% for Petroci), as it looks to replenish reserves beyond Brazil. Africa Energy Cooperation: Petrobras also signed a strategic oil-and-gas cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting joint studies and development, with Mozambique positioned as a major LNG source. Russian Presence in STP: Russia’s “Russian House” network plans new partner centres, including in São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to expand Russian language, education, and cultural projects.

Election Watch (São Tomé & Príncipe): With legislative elections on Sunday, voters across São Tomé and Príncipe are demanding jobs and action to slow the sharp youth exodus, citing labor shortages in sectors like construction and frustration that “nothing has changed” since birth. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Young voters and workers want new businesses plus a port and airport that can create employment, while turnout concerns linger after low participation in the July presidential vote. Energy & Regional Oil Links: Petrobras is expanding its Africa push, signing production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake) and separately a cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH focused on studies, development, and LNG-linked gas opportunities. Culture & Soft Power (Russian House): Russia plans to open 11 new “Russian House” partner centres, with eight in Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to boost language, education, and youth projects. Maritime Security (Sanctions): Ukraine’s intelligence says 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet include ships flagged in São Tomé and Príncipe, linked to exporting oil, LNG, and supporting military logistics.

Elections & Youth Exodus: São Tomé and Príncipe heads into Sunday’s legislative vote with youth departure dominating the campaign. With about 40,000 citizens living abroad (around 18% of the population), voters link emigration to labor shortages, especially in construction, and many say “nothing has changed” since they were born. Turnout is uncertain after July’s presidential election saw nearly six in ten voters stay home. Local Economy & Jobs: Candidates from the ruling ADI argue for private investment and high-value tourism, while voters demand practical fixes—new businesses plus a port and airport—to create jobs for young people. Oil & Gas Partnerships: Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% Petrobras, 10% Petroci), aiming to replenish reserves as Brazil’s pre-salt output peaks mid-decade. Regional Energy Cooperation: Petrobras also signed a two-year oil and gas cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting studies, development, and marketing, with Mozambique highlighted for LNG potential. Maritime & Sanctions Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence claims 38 vessels tied to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” including ships flagged to São Tomé and Príncipe, are used for exporting energy products and supporting logistics.

Election Watch (São Tomé & Príncipe): With legislative elections on Sunday, Sept. 27, the loudest concern is youth exodus. Estimates put nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population), with labor shortages already hitting sectors like construction. Voters say little has changed “since my birth,” while others still plan to vote, urging investment, new businesses, and better transport links like a port and airport. Oil & Gas (Africa): Petrobras is pushing deeper into Africa, signing production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake each, with Petroci at 10%) and a separate Mozambique oil-and-gas cooperation deal with ENH focused on studies, development, and LNG-linked growth. Maritime & Sanctions (Shipping): Ukraine’s intelligence says 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet operate under flags including São Tomé and Príncipe, supporting energy exports and logistics. Energy Basics (LNG): A feature explains how liquefied natural gas works and why it’s harder to produce and supply than crude oil.

Elections & Youth Exodus: São Tomé and Príncipe heads into Sunday’s legislative vote with one issue dominating every conversation: young people leaving. With nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population, per World Bank estimates), voters link emigration to labor shortages—especially in construction—and say the country has “nothing changed” since they were born. About 142,000 voters will choose among seven parties for 55 National Assembly seats, with municipal and Príncipe regional elections also scheduled; turnout is a concern after July’s presidential vote saw nearly six in ten abstain. The ruling ADI candidate, Foreign Minister Ilza Amado Vaz, is pushing private investment and high-value tourism, while taxi drivers and street vendors demand jobs, new businesses, and better transport infrastructure like a port and airport. Oil & Gas Partnerships: Petrobras keeps expanding its Africa push—signing production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake to Petrobras, 10% to Petroci) and a separate strategic cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH focused on studies, development, and natural gas/LNG. Maritime & Sanctions Watch: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence alleges 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet, including ships flagged to São Tomé and Príncipe, involved in exporting energy products and supporting military logistics.

Offshore Oil Expansion: Petrobras says it has signed production-sharing deals for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, taking a 90% operating stake in each while state firm Petroci holds 10%, as the company looks to replace reserves beyond Brazil and plans $7.1bn for exploration over the next five years. Energy Partnerships: Petrobras also signed a two-year oil and gas cooperation MoU with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting joint studies, development and marketing, with Mozambique highlighted as a major LNG source. Maritime Sanctions Watch: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence claims 38 vessels tied to Russia’s “shadow fleet” are operating under multiple flags including São Tomé and Príncipe, with many linked to exporting Russian oil and LNG. Local Governance & Jobs: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday elections, voters focus on stopping youth emigration, calling for jobs, investment, and upgrades like a new port and airport. Cultural Diplomacy: Russia’s “Russian House” network plans new partner centres, including in São Tomé and Príncipe, expanding Russian language, education and youth projects across Africa.

Elections & Jobs: São Tomé and Príncipe heads into Sunday’s vote with one demand dominating the streets: stop young people leaving. Voters say the next government must deliver jobs and opportunities, with calls for new investment, a new port and a new airport, as campaigners trade promises and residents worry that “nothing has changed” for their generation. Energy & Regional Industry: Petrobras has signed a two-year oil and gas cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting joint studies, development and marketing, with Mozambique highlighted as a major LNG source. Shipping & Sanctions Risk: Ukraine’s intelligence says 38 vessels linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” are operating under multiple flags, including São Tomé and Príncipe, with many tied to exporting Russian oil, LNG and fuel logistics. Tech & Connectivity Finance: EXIM Bank approved a $99.6m direct loan to Africell for telecom expansion in Angola, aimed at improving coverage and reliability while bringing in new network technology. Cultural/Education Expansion: Russia’s “Russian House” network plans new partner centres, including in São Tomé and Príncipe, to expand Russian language, education and youth projects.

Elections & Jobs: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday vote, residents say the top priority is stopping youth from leaving. Voters at markets and taxi ranks link the exodus to few local opportunities, calling for investment, new businesses, and upgrades like a new port and airport. Energy Deals: Petrobras keeps expanding in Africa, signing a Mozambique oil-and-gas cooperation MoU with ENH for studies and technical exchange, and separately securing Côte d’Ivoire exploration rights via production-sharing contracts covering eight offshore blocks. Telecom Investment: US EXIM Bank approved a $99.6m direct loan to Africell for Angola network upgrades, aiming to boost coverage and reliability while bringing in new mobile technology. Maritime Sanctions Pressure: Ukraine’s intelligence flagged 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet, including ships registered to São Tomé and Príncipe, alleging support for sanctions evasion and energy logistics. LNG Basics: A new explainer breaks down what liquefied natural gas is and why it’s harder to produce and supply than crude oil.

Elections & Youth Jobs: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday vote, residents say the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, with calls for jobs, new businesses, and major upgrades like a new port and airport. Oil & Gas Partnerships: Petrobras signed a two-year oil and gas cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting joint studies, development and marketing, as the country pushes LNG-led growth. Russian Language Expansion: Russia’s “Russian House” network plans rapid expansion in Africa, with new partner centres including São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to boost Russian education, culture and youth projects. Shipping & Sanctions Pressure: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet and sanctioned energy logistics, including ships flagged to São Tomé and Príncipe. Telecom Investment: US EXIM Bank approved a $99.6m loan to Africell for Angola network upgrades, supporting coverage and competition. LNG Basics (Industry Brief): A technical explainer breaks down what liquefied natural gas is and why LNG supply is harder than crude oil.

Elections & Jobs: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday vote, residents say the top priority is stopping youth from leaving. Voters at markets and taxi ranks link the exodus to a lack of jobs and demand the next government deliver investment, new businesses, and better transport infrastructure like a new port and airport. Energy & LNG Knowledge: A new explainer breaks down Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)—how natural gas is chilled into a liquid, why it’s harder to handle than crude, and why LNG matters for supplying remote markets. Oil Expansion (Regional): Petrobras signed oil exploration deals in Africa, including a Mozambique cooperation memorandum and production-sharing contracts for eight offshore blocks in Côte d’Ivoire, signaling continued reserve replenishment through new frontier exploration. Russian Language Network: The “Russian House” program plans to open new partner centres across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, expanding Russian education and cultural projects. Maritime Sanctions Pressure: Ukraine’s intelligence flagged 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet, with some ships linked to São Tomé and Príncipe among the flagged registries.