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, with trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions likely lasting months; the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Afreximbank Leadership Move: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa (effective May 1), replacing Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe, managing risk assets over $12bn and revenue above $1bn. EU Fisheries Cooperation: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of EU fisheries policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe. Finance Sector Expansion in West Africa: Afriland First Holding launched Africa Diamond Invest in Togo, a licensed securities and investment management firm capitalised at 1 billion FCFA, aiming to build a regional investment platform from Lomé. Global Water Access Data: A new map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for over 2 billion people worldwide, underlining ongoing infrastructure gaps relevant to health and development planning.