AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: The opposition MLSTP/PSD narrowly won São Tomé and Príncipe’s September 27 election with 24 seats, ahead of ADI’s 23. Leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI; turnout hit a record low of 41.3%. Regional Church: São Tomé and Príncipe is among nine countries represented at an IMBISA workshop focused on conflict, forced migration, elections, peace and justice. Travel: São Toméan passport holders are eligible for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines, while the United States’ visa-bond list includes São Tomé and Príncipe; the bond can reach $20,000. Development: The IMF says São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation from least-developed-country status did not automatically change growth prospects: recent graduates’ average growth was broadly unchanged at about 2.9% before and after graduation. Sport: São Tomé and Príncipe is among the nations competing in Angola’s 10-stage cycling tour, which runs through October 18.

Election Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s 27 September vote left the opposition MLSTP/PSD narrowly ahead with 24 seats, against 23 for the ruling ADI. MLSTP leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government, while turnout hit a record low of 41.3%. US Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries on the US visa-bond list; eligible applicants may be asked to post up to $20,000 for a tourist or business visa. Regional Church: A five-day IMBISA workshop will bring together church justice and peace officials from São Tomé and Príncipe and eight neighbouring countries to address conflict, migration, elections and development. Economic Outlook: The IMF says São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation from least-developed-country status did not automatically change growth patterns among recent graduates, whose average growth was broadly steady. Conservation: The island nation is promoting community-based livelihoods as part of a conservation model designed to protect its biodiversity while supporting sustainable economic activity.

Election Watch: The MLSTP/PSD narrowly won São Tomé and Príncipe’s September 27 election, taking 24 seats to the ADI’s 23. Leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by the ADI, while ruling out a pact with two smaller parties. Turnout was a record-low 41.3%. Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted for declaring its entire territory a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and linking conservation with sustainable livelihoods, including alternatives to illegal logging and wildlife poaching. Travel Costs: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose nationals face a U.S. visa-bond requirement of up to $20,000 for eligible visitor visas. Regional Sport: Cyclists from São Tomé and Príncipe are among those expected at the 10-stage Tour of Angola, which runs through October 18.

Election Outlook: The MLSTP/PSD narrowly won São Tomé and Príncipe’s September 27 election with 24 seats and 37.5% of the vote, ahead of ADI’s 23 seats and 36.6%. MLSTP/PSD leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI; turnout fell to a record-low 41.3%. Regional Church: São Tomé and Príncipe is among nine countries represented in the IMBISA church network, whose officials are training to address regional challenges including conflict, forced migration, elections and mining. Travel Rules: São Toméan nationals are included in the Philippines’ 30-day visa-free entry arrangement. They are also on the U.S. visa-bond list: eligible B1/B2 applicants may be required to post $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. Conservation: A new model on the islands links biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods, including alternatives to illegal logging and wildlife poaching.

Election Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s 27 September vote narrowly favored the opposition MLSTP/PSD, which won 24 seats and 37.5% of the vote, against 23 seats for the ruling ADI. MLSTP/PSD leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI, after turnout fell to a record-low 41.3%. US Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose eligible citizens may be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 for a US visitor visa. Philippines Travel: São Toméan passport holders qualify for visa-free stays of up to 30 days in the Philippines under its entry policy. Conservation and Development: A review of least-developed countries that graduated from UN status included São Tomé and Príncipe, which graduated in 2024. The IMF says graduation alone does not determine future growth, with results shaped by factors such as tourism, resources and climate shocks.

Election: The opposition MLSTP/PSD narrowly won São Tomé and Príncipe’s September 27 parliamentary election, taking 24 seats to the ruling ADI’s 23. Leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI, ruling out a pact with smaller parties. Turnout fell to a record-low 41.3%. Regional Sport: São Tomé and Príncipe is among the countries sending cyclists to the 10-stage Tour of Angola, which runs through October 18. Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe nationals are among those eligible for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines. US Visas: The country is also on the United States’ updated list requiring some B1/B2 visa applicants to post a bond of $10,000 to $20,000. Development: An IMF review says São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation from least-developed-country status does not guarantee faster growth; outcomes depend on each country’s economic conditions and resilience to shocks.

Election Watch: The opposition MLSTP/PSD narrowly won São Tomé and Príncipe’s 27 September election, taking 24 seats to the ruling ADI’s 23. Leader Américo Barros says he will seek a minority government tolerated by ADI, ruling out a coalition with the two smaller parties. Turnout hit a record low of 41.3%. Travel Rules: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 46 African countries whose citizens can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days; travellers need a passport valid for at least six months and a return or onward ticket. US Visa Bonds: São Tomé and Príncipe is also among 50 countries on the updated US list. Eligible B1/B2 visa applicants may be required to post a refundable bond of $10,000 to $20,000. National Team: São Tomé and Príncipe drew 0-0 with Gibraltar in a September friendly, part of Gibraltar’s six-match unbeaten run. Conservation: The country’s entire territory is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and a conservation model aims to link habitat protection with sustainable livelihoods.

US Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose citizens may have to post a bond of up to $20,000 when applying for US visitor visas; the amount is set by a consular officer. Philippines Access: São Toméan passport holders are eligible for visa-free visits of up to 30 days, subject to entry conditions including a valid passport and onward ticket. Conservation: A new report highlights the country’s effort to link biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods, including alternatives to illegal logging and wildlife poaching. Economic Outlook: São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation from least-developed-country status is cited in an IMF review, which finds graduation alone does not determine future growth. Health Supplies: The country is among participants in an Africa-wide pooled procurement initiative intended to improve access to affordable medicines and medical supplies. Football: São Tomé and Príncipe drew 0–0 with Gibraltar in a September friendly, part of Gibraltar’s ongoing unbeaten run.

US Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is on the United States’ updated list of 50 countries whose citizens may be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 for visitor visas. Philippines Travel: São Toméan passport holders are among nationals of 46 African countries eligible for visa-free stays of up to 30 days in the Philippines. Development: An IMF review of least-developed-country graduates includes São Tomé and Príncipe, which graduated in 2024, and cautions that graduation alone does not determine future growth. Conservation: A new report highlights the country’s approach to linking biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods and economic activity. Football: São Tomé and Príncipe drew 0–0 with Gibraltar in a September friendly, part of Gibraltar’s current unbeaten run.

US Travel: São Tomé and Príncipe is among 50 countries whose citizens may be required to post a $10,000–$20,000 bond for a US visitor visa; the amount is set during the visa interview. Philippines Access: São Toméan travellers are included in the Philippines’ 30-day visa-free entry scheme for 46 African countries. Election Watch: The MLSTP won 24 of 55 parliamentary seats, short of a majority, leaving the six-seat MCI-PS/PUN in a potential kingmaker role as parties negotiate the next government. National Team: São Tomé and Príncipe drew 0-0 with Gibraltar in a friendly during the island nation’s recent run of matches. Conservation: The country is promoting a model that links nature protection with local livelihoods; its entire territory has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Parliamentary Update: São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s polls (24 of 55), but fell short of an outright majority, with President Carlos Vila Nova’s Independent Democratic Action close behind (about 23), leaving the MCI-PS/PUN (around 6 seats) as a likely kingmaker as talks begin. Elections & Daily Life: The next government faces urgent pressure over unemployment, emigration, and public services, including water and electricity access. Health Supply Cooperation: Libya has joined the Africa Centres for Disease Control’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among participating countries, aiming to improve access and affordability of essential medicines. Conservation Spotlight: São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted for a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve model that ties biodiversity protection to sustainable livelihoods, including replacing illegal harvesting and poaching with lower-impact community enterprises. Regional Business: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ coverage to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Parliamentary Polls in São Tomé and Príncipe: The main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, taking 24 of 55—short of the 28-seat majority—while President Carlos Vila Nova’s Independent Democratic Action took about 23 seats, making MCI-PS/PUN a likely kingmaker as talks begin. UN and Global Finance: An Indian MPs delegation at the UN urged fair, predictable financing for developing nations and faster payment of member dues, tying India’s digital and inclusion experience to Global South needs. Church Diplomacy: The Apostolic Nuncio in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe said relations between the Church and Angola’s government are excellent, highlighting humanitarian work and inter-religious dialogue. LDC Graduation Watch: The IMF says LDC graduation doesn’t automatically speed up growth, citing São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation among recent cases. Conservation Spotlight: A new conservation model in São Tomé and Príncipe links biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods, including alternatives to illegal logging and wildlife poaching. Health Procurement Move: Libya joined the Africa CDC pooled procurement mechanism, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among participating countries. Regional Business Update: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

Church-State Relations: The Apostolic Nuncio in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, Monsenhor Kryspin Dubiel, said relations between the Church and the Angolan government are “excellent,” highlighting cooperation on humanitarian work, inter-religious dialogue and peace efforts during a visit to Cabinda. Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: 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 party, the Independent Democratic Action, came second with about 23; the MCI-PS/PUN could become a kingmaker as negotiations begin. Health Cooperation: Libya has joined the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among participating countries, aiming to improve access and affordability of medicines. Conservation Model: São Tomé and Príncipe is using a new conservation approach that ties protection of its UNESCO biosphere and sea turtle habitats to sustainable livelihoods and local economic activity. Business & Trade: Hitachi is reshaping its construction equipment dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

LDC Graduation Watch: The IMF says São Tomé and Príncipe’s graduation from UN least-developed-country status in 2024 hasn’t automatically changed growth speed, with average GDP growth staying broadly around 2.9% before and after graduation, while warning that future drivers may not repeat past patterns. Conservation & Livelihoods: São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted for a new conservation model that ties biodiversity protection to sustainable development, shifting communities away from illegal logging, charcoal and wildlife poaching toward lower-impact micro-enterprises. Politics at Home: The main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls but fell short of a majority, setting up negotiations as the next government faces unemployment, emigration, and pressure on public services, infrastructure and water/electricity access. Health Supply 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 essential medicines. Business & Trade Links: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe.

UNESCO Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe is spotlighted for a new conservation model tied to daily life and livelihoods, including replacing illegal logging, charcoal and turtle/shark poaching with lower-impact micro-enterprises—backed by its rare status as the first country with 100% of territory declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Elections & Jobs: The national electoral commission says the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary polls (24 of 55), but will need partners to reach a majority as voters push for jobs, better services, and action against youth emigration. Health Procurement: 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. Local Business & Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Economy Watch: A currency ranking places São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest by exchange-rate units per US dollar, highlighting ongoing pressure on imports and costs.

Election Focus: São Tomé and Príncipe heads into parliamentary, municipal and regional voting with about 142,000 eligible voters, as the National Electoral Commission briefs international observers and calls for calm and high turnout. Political Stakes: In Sunday’s parliamentary polls, the main opposition MLSTP won the most seats (24 of 55) but fell short of a majority, leaving the MCI-PS/PUN in a potential kingmaker role as negotiations begin. Youth & Jobs Pressure: Voters are pushing the next government to tackle unemployment, public services, infrastructure and water/electricity access, amid rising emigration of young people. Health Cooperation: Libya has joined the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among participating countries. Local Economy Watch: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Context: Ethiopia’s AFCON qualifier campaign resumes after beating São Tomé and Príncipe in preliminary rounds, setting up a match-up with Senegal.