AGP Executive Report

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters set to choose 55 National Assembly seats and Príncipe’s regional authorities for four-year terms, as the National Electoral Commission briefed international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged a high turnout. Youth exodus drives the vote: Voters across the islands say the top priority is jobs and opportunities to slow emigration, with World Bank estimates putting nearly 40,000 São Toméans (about 18%) living abroad. Currency pressure spotlight: A September 2026 currency ranking notes São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among the currencies requiring some of the largest numbers of units per US dollar, even as the naira stayed off Africa’s weakest list. Principe conservation cash scheme: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities, but early payouts fall far below advertised maximums, and critics say it misses wider government-backed economic plans.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and local/regional authorities for four-year terms, as the CEN briefed international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged a strong turnout. Youth exodus and jobs: Across the islands, voters say the top priority is stopping young people from leaving by creating real work and opportunities, with World Bank estimates putting nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population). Principe environment cash scheme: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities; the first quarterly payout reported was 900 dobras (about 46 cents a day), drawing both praise and criticism. AFCON links to São Tomé: Ghana’s U-23 team says it could face the winner of the São Tomé and Príncipe tie in the final qualifying round, keeping the archipelago in the spotlight beyond the elections.

Elections in focus: São Tomé and Príncipe kicked off parliamentary, municipal and regional voting on 27 September, with about 142,000 eligible voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and local/regional authorities for four-year terms, as the National Electoral Commission briefed international observers and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and turnout. Youth exodus and jobs: Across the campaign, voters said the top priority is stopping young people leaving, citing weak opportunities and calling for real action on employment and living conditions. Príncipe conservation cash: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for environmental pledges, but early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, with critics saying it misses a chance to tackle broader social and economic needs through government partnership. AFCON qualifying link: Ethiopia’s AFCON qualifier path includes a prior tie against São Tomé and Príncipe, while Gibraltar drew 0-0 with São Tomé and Príncipe in a friendly, keeping the islands’ football presence in the news.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and setting up Príncipe’s regional authorities for four-year terms; CEN says international observers are accredited and President Carlos Vila Nova urged calm and high turnout. Youth exodus drives the vote: Voters across the islands say the top priority is jobs and opportunities to slow emigration, with reporting citing World Bank estimates of nearly 40,000 São Toméans living abroad (about 18% of the population). Principe conservation cash scheme: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun quarterly payments to residents who pledge to avoid damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, drawing both interest and criticism over whether it meets wider economic needs. Regional sports link: Gibraltar drew 0-0 with São Tomé and Príncipe in a friendly, while Ghana’s U-23 plans include a possible qualifying tie against São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections Kick Off in São Tomé and Príncipe: Parliamentary, municipal and regional elections began on 27 September, with about 142,000 voters choosing 55 National Assembly seats and setting up local and Príncipe regional authorities for four-year terms. The National Electoral Commission met international observers, and President Carlos Vila Nova urged a strong turnout and calm during counting. Youth Exodus Drives the Vote: Ahead of Sunday’s polls, voters say the top priority is stopping young people leaving, citing few jobs and the need for new investment, including a port and airport. Principe Conservation Dividend Under Scrutiny: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities, but early payouts are far below advertised levels, drawing criticism that the scheme isn’t fully meeting wider economic needs. U-23 Football Pathway Includes São Tomé and Príncipe: Ghana’s Black Meteors named a 26-man squad for U-23 AFCON qualifiers, with their route potentially set to face the winner of a tie involving São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Sports Note: Gibraltar drew 0-0 with São Tomé and Príncipe in a friendly on Wednesday.

Elections Kick Off: São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary, municipal and regional elections started on 27 September, with the National Electoral Commission saying about 142,000 voters are eligible to choose 55 National Assembly seats, local bodies, and the authorities of Príncipe’s Autonomous Region for four-year terms. Observer Focus: The CEN met accredited international observers, including a Francophonie mission led by Angélique Ngoma, to brief them on monitoring rights and responsibilities. Voter Turnout Push: President Carlos Vila Nova and CEN head Jeudiger do Nascimento urged citizens to vote in large numbers, warning that abstention “banalizes” the process. Youth Exodus Debate: Ahead of the vote, many voters linked their hopes to stopping young people leaving, citing job shortages and frustration that “nothing has changed” since their birth. Principe Conservation Cash: On Príncipe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has begun paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities, though AFP reports early payouts fall far below advertised targets.

Elections and youth exodus: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s legislative vote on Sunday, voters say the biggest issue is stopping young people leaving. With World Bank estimates putting nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population), motorcycle taxi drivers and other residents complain that “nothing has changed” since they were born, while others call for jobs, investment, and better transport links like a port and airport. Wildlife mystery: Scientists are revisiting a historic “ghost” green mamba specimen preserved in a jar to settle whether the snake truly lived on the islands more than 150 years ago—an update that could reshape local wildlife records and planning. Principe conservation cash scheme: On Principe, Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for pledges to avoid damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, with critics saying it’s not a substitute for broader government-backed economic plans.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: With voting set for Sunday, residents say the top priority is stopping young people from leaving, calling for jobs, new business opportunities, and upgrades like a new port and airport. Nature protection in Príncipe: South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started paying residents for environmental pledges, but early payouts fall far short of advertised amounts—highlighting both hope and criticism of the scheme’s scale and impact. Oil and gas links to the islands: Petrobras says it is expanding offshore exploration in Africa, including ongoing activity tied to São Tomé and Príncipe, as it seeks reserve replacement beyond Brazil. Sports note: Gibraltar drew 0-0 with São Tomé and Príncipe in a friendly, a small but telling sign of the islands’ growing football visibility. Global spotlight on São Tomé and Príncipe: A report on Russian “shadow fleet” activity lists vessels flagged to São Tomé and Príncipe among jurisdictions tied to alleged sanctions evasion.

Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe: With Sunday’s vote approaching, residents say the top priority is stopping youth from leaving the country, demanding jobs, new business opportunities, and better infrastructure like a port and airport. Príncipe conservation cash scheme: Luxury ecotourism backer Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation has started quarterly payments to island residents who pledge to avoid environmentally damaging activities; early payouts are far below the advertised maximum, with critics calling it a missed chance to coordinate more directly with government. Sports note tied to São Tomé and Príncipe: Malawi’s Afcon qualifier build-up highlights a recent upset loss to São Tomé and Príncipe, underscoring how seriously regional teams are taking the competition. Regional links beyond the islands: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russian “shadow fleet” vessels flagged to include São Tomé and Príncipe, raising fresh questions about maritime sanctions enforcement.

Principe Conservation Dividend: South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth is paying Principe residents a quarterly “dividend” through his Faya Foundation to help protect the island’s forests and beaches, with adults able to receive up to 6,250 dobras (about $290) per quarter for pledging not to engage in sand extraction or unregulated logging—though critics say the scheme should do more to plug wider economic and social gaps. Elections and Youth Exodus: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday elections, voters say the top priority is stopping young people leaving, calling for jobs, new business opportunities, and upgrades like a new port and airport as campaign rallies intensify. Afcon Qualifier Pressure: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa says his Flames must attack but stay careful in Friday’s Afcon opener against South Sudan, pointing to past upsets and injuries as the match could shape his future. Sports Note: Gibraltar held São Tomé and Príncipe to a 0-0 draw in a friendly.

Elections & Youth Exodus: São Tomé and Príncipe is heading into Sunday’s vote with voters focused on one urgent promise: stopping young people from leaving. From market stalls to taxi ranks, people say the next government must create jobs and opportunities, with calls for new investment, a stronger port and airport, and fewer irregularities. Sports & National Pride: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa says his Flames must be offensive but careful when they host South Sudan in a crucial Afcon qualifier Friday, warning that “small teams” can be dangerous—pointing to Malawi’s shock defeat to São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Spotlight: A report says Russian “shadow fleet” vessels linked to sanctions circumvention include ships flagged to São Tomé and Príncipe, raising new scrutiny around maritime links. Energy & Diplomacy: Petrobras signed oil cooperation and exploration moves involving São Tomé and Príncipe in its wider African push, while Vietnam appointed a new ambassador covering São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections Watch (São Tomé and Príncipe): With Sunday’s vote approaching, voters across the archipelago say the top priority is stopping youth from leaving, calling for jobs, new businesses, and upgrades like a port and airport as campaign screens loop ruling ADI and opposition MLSTP messages. Sports (Gulf of Guinea): In a friendly, Gibraltar drew 0-0 with São Tomé and Príncipe, while the week also featured multiple football fixtures involving the country. Disinformation Alert (Maritime): Ukraine’s intelligence says 38 vessels linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” operate under flags including São Tomé and Príncipe, alleging support for sanctions-busting oil and logistics. Regional Diplomacy: A Vietnam appointment decision named a new ambassador accredited to Angola, Congo, Zambia, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Cabo Verde. Social Protection (PALOP): Angola’s labour secretary backed stronger social protection for informal-economy workers, noting the Action/Portugal project is active in São Tomé and Príncipe and others.

Xenophobia in Focus: A new commentary on South Africa points to a grim pattern of xenophobic violence, citing Xenowatch figures of about 50 deaths over three years and eight verified killings linked to attacks on Africans since June 2026, including Nigerians and two Ghanaians. Sports Pressure: Malawi host South Sudan in an Afcon qualifier on Friday, with reports saying qualification for Afcon 2027 is tied to coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s contract, putting his job under intense scrutiny. Humanitarian Crisis: The UN warns of a rapidly worsening refugee situation in Djibouti as more than 3,000 Yemeni refugees flee by boat amid Red Sea fighting, with numbers potentially rising sharply if violence continues. Energy Deals: Petrobras signed oil and gas cooperation and exploration moves across Africa, including a Mozambique memorandum and new Côte d’Ivoire offshore exploration blocks. Russian Influence Abroad: Russia’s “Russian House” network plans major expansion in Africa, with new partner centres including São Tomé and Príncipe. Local Football: Eritrea and Somalia progress in Afcon qualifiers, while São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among nations eliminated.

Maritime Security: Ukraine’s intelligence says 38 vessels tied to Russia’s “shadow fleet” are operating under flags including São Tomé and Príncipe, with 28 linked to exporting Russian oil, LNG and other sanctioned goods. Sports & Community: São Tomé and Príncipe were drawn into FIFA’s inaugural U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan (Group AC), alongside Bermuda, Poland, Georgia, Namibia and the British Virgin Islands. Diplomacy & Labour: Portugal-backed “Action/Portugal” seminar in Angola discussed expanding social protection for informal-economy workers, with São Tomé and Príncipe named among partner countries. Travel & Culture: Lonely Planet’s 2027 “Best in Travel” list highlights St Cuthbert’s Way in the UK, while a separate feature spotlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s UNESCO-listed roças and the forced-labour history behind plantation tourism. Finance Watch: IMF data shows repayments including from São Tomé and Príncipe helped nudge down Africa’s outstanding IMF credit.

São Tomé & Príncipe in the spotlight: A new report on global passport mobility lists São Tomé and Príncipe among passports ranked 73rd worldwide, alongside India, Zimbabwe, Uganda and others. Sports & youth: São Tomé and Príncipe is drawn into Group AC for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan (Oct 2026), with matches starting 24 October. Regional ties: Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe diplomats met in Rabat to strengthen cooperation and coordinate their missions, reaffirming long-standing friendship and CPLP/AU engagement. Travel & culture: A Lonely Planet piece on African country names notes that São Tomé & Príncipe takes its name from Saint Thomas and Prince. Visa rules affecting Africans: Armenia published a restricted visitor-visa list requiring an invitation via diplomatic missions; the list includes dozens of African countries. Economy & mobility: An IMF data roundup says repayments have slightly reduced Africa’s outstanding IMF credit, including a noted repayment by São Tomé and Príncipe.

Social Protection Push: In Luanda, Angola’s state secretary for work and social security, Pedro Filipe, backed stronger dialogue among Portuguese-speaking countries and Timor-Leste to expand social protection for workers in the informal economy, with a new ILO “Action/Portugal” phase set to consult priorities for implementation in 2027 and already covering partners including São Tomé and Príncipe. LNG Explained: A World Brief explainer revisits what liquefied natural gas is and why turning gas into LNG helps supply remote fields—an item placed alongside the same week’s São Tomé-related coverage. Diplomacy Coordination: Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe’s ambassadors in Morocco met in Rabat to strengthen cooperation and align their diplomatic missions, including steps after the São Toméan envoy presented credentials to King Mohammed VI. Security & Mobility: A report on fake Ukrainian media pages used São Tomé and Príncipe’s “.st” domains for pro-Russian manipulations, while separate travel news notes São Tomé and Príncipe appears in global passport rankings and is among countries whose citizens face Schengen visa requirements. Church Message: A Catholic bishop in São Tomé and Príncipe urged communities to avoid insults and rebuild relationships through forgiveness, warning that social and family “wounds” can deepen when dignity is undermined.