AGP Executive Report

Aviation & EU Access: The EU updated its Air Safety List, removing all Kyrgyzstan-certified air carriers after safety oversight improvements, while adding Air Express Algeria after EU assessments found serious compliance shortcomings—meaning the airline can no longer operate in the EU. Trade Facilitation (Rules of Origin): With the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, Customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe joined Training of Trainers workshops to build national expert pools for origin determination, aiming to make free-trade preferences work more smoothly. Financial Stability: African banking supervisors met in Yaounde under CABS and BEAC/COBAC hosting to focus on emerging risks, including stablecoins, AI, digital fraud, cybersecurity, and climate risks—pushing for stronger supervision to protect system stability. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, bringing prior experience covering São Tomé and Príncipe and managing large risk and revenue portfolios. Energy & Oil Exploration: Galp Energia signed a tentative MoU to run offshore exploration studies in Equatorial Guinea, potentially marking a formal expansion into the country while it already partners in ultra-deepwater acreage near São Tomé and Príncipe. Diplomacy & Cooperation: South Korea’s foreign minister held bilateral talks with São Tomé and Príncipe and other African counterparts in Seoul, discussing ways to deepen cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, and development.

EU Aviation Safety Update: The European Commission published its 48th EU Air Safety List update, removing all Kyrgyzstan-certified air carriers after progress on aviation oversight, while adding Air Express Algeria after EU safety assessments found serious compliance shortcomings. A new Eurobarometer survey says 7 in 10 Europeans trust the list as an effective passenger protection tool, with 75% trusting the EU to update it based on safety. Rules of Origin Capacity Building: With WCO support under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, Customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe joined Training of Trainers workshops in April and June 2026 to strengthen origin determination skills for preferential trade agreements. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, moving from a client-relations role covering Anglophone West Africa that included São Tomé and Príncipe. Trade & Policy Context: A U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services release for April 2026 adds backdrop for global demand and sourcing trends affecting small open economies.

Rules of Origin Capacity Building: With free trade agreements topping 375 in force by end-2025, the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme is training Customs and economic operators to apply preferential rules correctly. Trade & Customs: Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe took part in Training of Trainers workshops in April and June 2026, creating national pools of origin experts able to train peers and stakeholders on their own. Financial Stability Focus: In Yaoundé, African banking supervisors met under CABS with BEAC and COBAC hosting, stressing the need to manage emerging risks like digital fraud, cybersecurity, stablecoins and climate risks to protect financial system stability. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi director of regional operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, moving from client relations leadership across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Diplomacy for Business Links: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held bilateral talks with counterparts including São Tomé and Príncipe during the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, aiming to expand cooperation across economy and development. Human Development Pressure: The Catholic Church in São Tomé and Príncipe warned that food insecurity and economic hardship are still hurting children’s nutrition and maternal healthcare, urging government commitments to be implemented in daily life.

Korea-Africa diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to expand cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, and development—signaling fresh momentum for bilateral business links. Regional banking stability: Central African banking supervisors met in Yaounde with BEAC and COBAC hosting, with BEAC Governor Yvon Sana Bangui urging regulators to better manage emerging risks like digital fraud, cybersecurity, stablecoins, and climate risks to protect financial stability. Startup push for Portuguese-speaking markets: The 929 Challenge is set to expand into AIE Expo Macao (Dec 3–4), adding a new acceleration programme aimed at helping startups enter the Greater Bay Area, with São Tomé and Príncipe included among the Portuguese-speaking countries in the initiative. Trade finance leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, bringing experience that previously covered client relations including São Tomé and Príncipe. Freedom and governance signals: Ghana ranked 4th freest in Africa (and 46th globally) in the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, with São Tomé and Príncipe also listed among the top performers—an indicator of the wider policy environment across the region.

Banking Stability Focus: Central African banking supervisors met in Yaounde to sharpen oversight of “emerging risks,” with BEAC and COBAC hosting and BEAC Governor Yvon Sana Bangui urging regulators to keep up with systemic risks, digital finance, cross-border banking groups, and new cyber and climate threats. Startup & Trade Linkages: The 929 Challenge and 929 Summit will run Dec 3-4 in Macao alongside AIE Expo 2026, adding a new acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area, with São Tomé and Príncipe included among the Portuguese-speaking countries in the programme’s scope. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, bringing prior experience including client relations work covering São Tomé and Príncipe and managing large risk and revenue portfolios. Diplomacy for Business: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held talks with counterparts from 11 African countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, discussing expanded cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Energy & Oil Exploration: Galp signed a tentative deal to conduct offshore exploration studies in Equatorial Guinea, with the company already active in ultra-deepwater acreage near São Tomé and Príncipe. Freedom & Business Climate Signals: Ghana ranked 4th freest in Africa in the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, with São Tomé and Príncipe also listed among the top performers.

Banking Stability Talks: Central African banking supervisors met in Yaounde with BEAC and COBAC hosting, urging regulators to upgrade skills to handle emerging risks like digital fraud, cybersecurity, stablecoins, AI, and climate shocks. Startup & Trade Link: The 929 Challenge is expanding into AIE Expo Macao (Dec 3–4), adding a new acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area, with São Tomé and Príncipe included among the Portuguese-speaking countries. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, bringing experience from client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Diplomacy for Business: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to expand cooperation across the economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Energy & Exploration: Galp signed a tentative deal to run exploration studies on offshore acreage in Equatorial Guinea, with the company already active in ultra-deepwater blocks near São Tomé and Príncipe. Food Security Pressure: A Catholic Church official warned that children still attend school without having eaten, and urged government commitments for child nutrition and healthcare to be implemented in daily life.

Banking Stability Talks: BEAC and COBAC hosted a CABS conference in Yaounde, with supervisors urged to upgrade knowhow for emerging risks like digital fraud, cybersecurity, stablecoins, AI, and cross-border banking groups. Startup & Trade Access: The 929 Challenge and 929 Summit are set to plug into AIE Expo 2026 in Macao (Dec 3–4), with a new acceleration programme aimed at helping startups reach the Greater Bay Area, including Portuguese-speaking countries such as São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, bringing experience from client relations across Anglophone West Africa that included São Tomé and Príncipe. Diplomacy for Economic Ties: South Korea’s foreign minister held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to expand cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Energy Exploration Signals: Galp signed a tentative deal to run offshore exploration studies in Equatorial Guinea, with the company already active in ultra-deepwater acreage near São Tomé and Príncipe. Freedom & Rankings: Ghana placed 4th in Africa on the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, with São Tomé and Príncipe also ranking among the top 10.

Oil & Gas: Galp Energia has signed a tentative deal to run exploration studies on offshore acreage in Equatorial Guinea, a move that would mark its formal debut there, while noting it already has a presence via partner interests in ultra-deepwater blocks near Sao Tome & Principe; the MoU covers blocks EG-02, EG-09 and H ahead of a possible production sharing contract. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, with prior experience including client relations covering São Tomé and Príncipe and managing risk assets above US$12bn. Diplomacy for Trade: South Korea’s foreign minister held talks with counterparts from 11 African countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on expanding economic cooperation, maritime security and development coordination. Business Climate Signal: Ghana ranked 4th freest in Africa and 46th globally in the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed just behind Ghana in the same table.

Energy & Oil Exploration: Galp Energia signed a tentative MoU to run exploration studies on offshore blocks EG-02, EG-09 and H in Equatorial Guinea, a potential debut for the company in the country, while it already operates as a partner in ultra-deepwater acreage near Sao Tome & Principe. Regional Finance & Jobs: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, bringing experience that includes managing risk assets above US$12bn and supporting major oil, gas, fertiliser and infrastructure projects across Anglophone West Africa, including Sao Tome and Príncipe. Africa–Korea Cooperation: South Korea’s foreign minister held talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including Sao Tome and Principe, to expand cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Trade & Agriculture: China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter its market from July 20, 2026, with Sao Tome and Príncipe among those that have filed export applications.

Oil & Gas: Galp Energia signed a tentative deal to run exploration studies on offshore acreage in Equatorial Guinea, marking a potential official debut in the country; the MoU covers blocks EG-02, EG-09 and H, positioned near the maritime boundary with Cameroon and close to assets linked to Sao Tome & Principe. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, with the Southern Africa region spanning 13 countries and offices based in Zimbabwe. Trade & Agriculture: China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter its market starting July 20, using unified phytosanitary rules to streamline access; Sao Tome and Principe is among those that have filed applications. Diplomacy for Business: South Korea’s foreign minister held talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including Sao Tome and Principe, to expand cooperation across economy, maritime security and development. Social & Human Development: A Catholic official warned that children remain vulnerable despite national commitments, citing schoolchildren attending without having eaten and gaps in maternal healthcare access.

Oil & Gas Deal: Galp is in talks to make its official debut in Equatorial Guinea by signing a tentative MoU for offshore exploration studies covering blocks EG-02, EG-09 and H, with work focused on prospect studies ahead of a possible production sharing contract. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, moving from client relations in Anglophone West Africa where he managed risk assets above US$12bn and helped expand financing for major projects. Trade & Agriculture: China will allow eligible coffee bean imports from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, using unified phytosanitary requirements; Sao Tomé and Príncipe is among the applicants. Diplomacy for Business: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held bilateral talks with counterparts including Sao Tomé and Príncipe to expand cooperation across economy, maritime security and development. Debt Watch: A roundup highlights African countries with relatively low IMF debt, pointing to more fiscal space for investment in services like healthcare and education.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Coffee Trade Boost: China will open its market to eligible African coffee beans from all 53 countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, 2026, using unified phytosanitary rules; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the applicants. Regional Business Context: Ghana ranked 4th freest in Africa (Atlantic Council Freedom Index), while Lagos topped Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index for governance and revenue strength—useful benchmarks for investors watching West Africa’s policy and market momentum. Maritime Economy: An international tribunal awarded the Marshall Islands over $14m after a 2022 tanker detention linked to the São Tomé and Príncipe area, underscoring the economic stakes of maritime enforcement and seafarer treatment.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, discussing expanded cooperation across economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Agricultural Trade: China’s customs authority says it will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to enter from July 20, 2026, using unified phytosanitary rules that streamline approvals; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the countries that have filed applications. Maritime Legal Win: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea awarded the Marshall Islands over $14m in compensation after the 2022 detention of the tanker Heroic Idun, which was intercepted in the exclusive economic zone of São Tomé and Príncipe. Local Economy & Governance: A new Nigeria pSPI ranking puts Lagos top for overall performance, highlighting strong revenue generation and digital access—useful context for regional investors watching West African growth.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy for Trade: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on expanding cooperation in the economy, defense, maritime security, and development—setting the tone for broader business ties. Coffee Market Access: China’s customs authority says eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties can enter from July 20, 2026, using unified phytosanitary rules that streamline approvals; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the countries that have filed applications. Regional Business Climate: Ghana ranked 4th freest in Africa and 46th globally in the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, outperforming several peers—an external signal investors often watch when assessing operating conditions. Maritime Trade Ruling: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea awarded the Marshall Islands over $14m after the 2022 detention of the tanker Heroic Idun in the São Tomé and Príncipe area, reinforcing rules for flag states and seafarer treatment. Local Governance Benchmark: Lagos State topped Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index, scoring strongly on internally generated revenue and digital access—useful context for regional investors comparing governance and market readiness.

Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met counterparts from 11 African countries in Seoul, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to expand cooperation on economy, defense, maritime security, and development. Coffee Trade Boost: China will open its market to eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, 2026, using unified phytosanitary rules; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the applicants, with shipments still subject to border checks. Agrifood Innovation: FAO and partners are accepting applications for the Global AgriInno Challenge 2026, reserving five finalist spots for teams from SIDS including São Tomé and Príncipe, with finalists pitching in Hangzhou in August. Regional Business Climate: Ghana ranked 4th in Africa for freedom in the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, while Lagos State topped Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index for revenue strength and digital access. Maritime Legal Outcome: An international tribunal awarded the Marshall Islands over $14m in compensation after a 2022 tanker detention linked to the São Tomé and Príncipe area.

Korea-Africa Cooperation: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held one-on-one talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, agreeing to expand cooperation on the economy, defense, maritime security, and development coordination. Agricultural Trade: China’s customs authority says it will open its market to eligible African coffee beans from 53 countries starting July 20, 2026, using unified phytosanitary rules; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the countries that have filed export applications. Maritime & Legal: An international tribunal awarded the Marshall Islands over $14m in compensation in a 2022 case involving the tanker Heroic Idun, which was intercepted in the exclusive economic zone of São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Business Context: In the Atlantic Council Freedom Index, São Tomé and Príncipe ranks 5th in Africa and 46th globally, scoring slightly below Ghana—an external signal that can shape investor and partner perceptions.