Elections & Youth Exodus: With São Tomé and Príncipe heading into legislative elections on Sunday (Sept 27), voters say the biggest issue is stopping young people from leaving. Estimates put nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population), with labor shortages already felt in sectors like construction. Young voters at taxi ranks and markets describe deep frustration—“Nothing has changed since my birth”—while others still plan to vote, demanding jobs, investment, and better transport links. Tourism, Jobs & Conservation Payments (Príncipe): On Príncipe, South African tech entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth’s Faya Foundation is paying residents a conditional environmental “dividend” for avoiding damaging activities. But early payouts are far below the advertised maximum: one resident received 900 dobras (about $42 for three months, roughly 46 cents a day), and critics say the scheme misses a chance to align with government priorities. Oil & Gas Deals (Regional): Petrobras continues expanding its Africa footprint, signing production-sharing contracts for offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake) and a cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH focused on studies and LNG-linked natural gas development. Mobility & Business Climate (Africa-wide): A new visa openness snapshot shows intra-African travel is still constrained: more routes now require visas in advance, while visa-on-arrival options have fallen, even as Togo recently waived visas for African nationals for up to 30 days.