Golden Passport Push: São Tomé and Príncipe is rolling out a “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment scheme to raise development funds, offering citizenship for a one-time $90,000 contribution to its National Transformation Fund (plus fees), with no required property purchase or set relocation period. Tourism Strategy: The country is also leaning into low-volume, high-value eco-tourism—positioning itself as “Africa’s Galápagos” with conservation-led travel, cultural experiences, and a slower “leve leve” pace. Visa Access Watch: Panama has published a visa-free list that includes only nine African countries, among them São Tomé and Príncipe—highlighting how limited global mobility remains for most Africans. Diplomatic Ties: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to discuss expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, and Serbia welcomed the islands’ participation in Expo 2027. Regional Business Angle: Nigeria’s non-oil exports reportedly hit $6.1bn in 2025 and expanded to 210 markets, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among newer destinations. Global Spotlight: UNESCO added new World Heritage sites across Africa, including the “Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe,” preserving Portuguese colonial plantation history. Women & Impact: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej was recognized by ABCD Africa among “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026,” reinforcing the region’s focus on women’s empowerment and healthcare access.