AGP Executive Report

Innovation & IP Cooperation: EPO President António Campinos visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen ties on patents, innovation and technology transfer, including the signature of an agreement to validate European patents in Angola. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Entrepreneurship Network: WenCHAM launched in St. Kitts and Nevis, building a global network of entrepreneur chapters (including São Tomé & Príncipe) focused on smart finance, inclusive growth and entrepreneurial diplomacy. Trade & Agriculture Outlook: A new roundup highlights Africa’s top agro-exports driving trade growth in 2026, pointing to cocoa, coffee, cashews and other high-value crops as key foreign-exchange earners. Digital Connectivity Watch: A guide on Starlink’s rollout across Africa notes it is live in 26 countries but still absent in South Africa, with pricing and speed details varying by market. Cultural Economy Link: Policromia Lusófona, a Lusophone handicraft exhibition featuring works from São Tomé and Príncipe and other Portuguese-speaking countries, opened at IAM Gallery as part of the China–Portuguese-speaking cultural week.

Innovation & IP: EPO President António Campinos visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost co-operation on patents, innovation and technology transfer, highlighted by Angola’s 23 June validation agreement with the European Patent Organisation. Cultural Trade Links: China–Portuguese-speaking countries’ cultural week continued at Senado Square in Macao with performances from multiple Lusophone nations, including São Tomé and Príncipe, under a theme focused on connecting communities and expanding economic and trade ties. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa (effective May 1), taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously covered client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Business & Mobility Interest: A guide on second passports notes São Tomé and Príncipe as a newer citizenship-by-investment option, with an entry threshold cited from $90,000. Demographics & Growth Watch: A global fertility map flags widening divides—some countries below replacement fertility while others stay above—raising implications for labor, aging and migration that could shape future regional growth.

Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo who moves to East Africa; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe, managing risk assets above US$12bn and revenue over US$1bn. Energy Deal Watch: Petrobras signed a two-year memorandum of understanding with Mexico’s Pemex to cooperate on oil exploration and development in the Mexican Gulf of Mexico, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas, with the pact focused on evaluation rather than a binding investment commitment. Entrepreneurship Network: WenCHAM (World Chamber of Entrepreneurs for Economic Development) made its debut in St. Kitts and Nevis, highlighting a growing global chapter network that includes São Tomé and Príncipe and emphasizes smart finance, networking, and entrepreneurial diplomacy. Trade & Culture: The Policromia Lusófona handicraft exhibition opened at IAM Gallery in Accra, featuring donated works from Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, running through July 5. Connectivity Guide: A new Starlink Africa rollout guide says the service is live in 26 African countries (with monthly plans roughly $30–$55) but still not available in South Africa, underscoring uneven access to satellite internet.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict is still disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer flows, and confirms the fund has approved extra financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, with Ethiopia also getting accelerated support of about $200 million. Afreximbank Leadership Move: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa (effective May 1), taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously covered client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe. Oil & Gas Deal: Petrobras signed a memorandum with Mexico’s Pemex to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater evaluation, with the agreement set for two years. Portuguese Trade Culture: The Lusophone handicraft exhibition at IAM Gallery in Accra runs to July 5, featuring crafts from Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Citizenship by Investment Watch: A guide highlights São Tomé and Príncipe as a newer citizenship-by-investment option with an entry threshold from $90,000.

Citizenship & Mobility: Sao Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted as a fast-growing “citizenship by investment” option, with an entry threshold reported from $90,000, pitched for investors and internationally mobile families seeking visa flexibility and asset protection. Regional Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa (effective May 1), taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, and is credited with major balance-sheet growth and project financing. Energy & Oil Exploration: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and development, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater evaluation—framed as a strategic fit for Petrobras’ offshore expertise and Pemex’s need for new production opportunities. IMF & Macroeconomic Risk: IMF’s new Africa chief Zeine Zeidane warned that Middle East conflict fallout could keep disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies for months, while noting accelerated support for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Business Connectivity: A Starlink availability guide says the satellite service is live across many African markets but still not available in South Africa, with pricing and speed expectations varying by country. Governance & Social Justice: African and Caribbean leaders pushed a reparations plan demanding apologies, debt relief and a Global Reparations Fund, tied to a UN resolution recognizing transatlantic slavery as a grave crime against humanity.

IMF Support for Africa: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Middle East conflict is still disrupting energy and fertilizer flows, with Gulf production and exports likely taking 6–7 months to fully recover; he says the IMF has already approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Afreximbank Leadership in Southern Africa: 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. Reparations Push Gains Momentum: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan after a Ghana conference, calling for apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief and restitution of looted cultural property, with São Tomé and Príncipe among attendees. Lusophone Trade & Culture: A Lusophone handicraft exhibition opened at Accra’s IAM Gallery, featuring crafts from São Tomé and Príncipe and other Portuguese-speaking countries through July 5. Oil Cooperation Watch: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed an MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas.

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.

Water Access Gap: A new global mapping shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for over 2 billion people, with access near-universal in parts of Europe and North America but below 20% in several low-income countries—highlighting where household water systems and reliability remain weak. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe. IMF Support for Shock-Hit Economies: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is creating a “difficult moment” for sub-Saharan Africa, with disruptions to trade, energy and fertilizer supplies expected to linger for months; the IMF has already moved to expand financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe. Energy & Exploration Deal: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year memorandum to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan after a Ghana conference, calling for formal apologies, debt relief, a Global Reparations Fund, and restitution of cultural property.

Afreximbank Leadership Move: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, managing risk assets above US$12bn and helping grow revenue beyond US$1bn. IMF Support for Shock-Hit Economies: 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 to last months; the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about US$200m for Ethiopia. Finance Sector Expansion in Togo: Afriland First Holding’s Paul Kammogne Fokam launched Africa Diamond Invest, a new securities and investment management firm in Togo with 1bn FCFA capital, aiming to deepen regional investment services from Lomé. Energy Deal Signals New Exploration Push: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed an MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater evaluation, with the agreement set for two years. Reparations Agenda Gains Momentum: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan in Ghana calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, and restitution of cultural property, with the proposal expected to go to the UN General Assembly.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says the Iran-war fallout is a “difficult moment” for sub-Saharan Africa, with Gulf energy and fertilizer disruptions likely to last months; the IMF has already approved extra 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 (from May 1), taking over from Humphrey Nwugo; Olowononi previously led client relations across Anglophone West Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe, managing risk assets over $12bn. Reparations Push Includes São Tomé and Príncipe: African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan after a Ghana conference, calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, compensation, and restitution of cultural property; São Tomé and Príncipe is among attending states. Regional Business Finance: Cameroonian banker Guy Martial Awona continues to lead Orabank Togo, serving 440,000 customers across 39 branches, with a focus on corporate and SME lending. Energy Deal Watch: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed an MoU for Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater evaluation, with a two-year term.

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 approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Oil & Gas Partnerships: Petrobras signed a two-year MoU with Mexico’s Pemex to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater evaluation, with no binding investment commitment. Banking Leadership in the Region: Cameroonian banker Guy Martial Awona, now CEO of Orabank Togo, leads a lender serving 440,000+ customers across 39 branches and has also held regional UEMOA banking leadership roles. Reparations Push Gains Momentum: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Ghana adopted a 19-point reparations plan calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, compensation, and restitution of cultural property—plus new Juneteenth observances and truth-telling panels. Tech Connectivity Watch: A guide reports Starlink is live in 26 African countries (South Africa still absent), with monthly plans around $30–$55 and median downloads above 100 Mbps in live markets. Agro-Exports Drive Trade: A trade-focused ranking highlights Africa’s most profitable farm exports—cocoa, coffee, cashews, tobacco, olive oil, tea, cotton, sesame, sugar and horticulture—shaping foreign-exchange earnings and attracting capital.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: The IMF’s new Africa chief, Zeine Zeidane, says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through higher energy and fertilizer costs, with Gulf production disruptions expected to take months to fully normalize; the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Oil & Gas Deal Watch: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and deepwater/ultra-deepwater projects, aiming to evaluate and develop opportunities rather than committing to immediate investment. Banking Leadership in the Region: Orabank Togo CEO Guy Martial Awona, previously a senior executive across Ecobank in Cameroon, Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe, leads a bank serving 440,000 customers with 39 branches and 100 ATMs. Trade & Agribusiness Signals: A new look at Africa’s most valuable agro-exports highlights cocoa, coffee, cashews, tobacco, olive oil, tea, cotton, sesame, sugar and horticulture as key foreign-exchange earners driving profitability and diversification. Reparations Push with São Tomé and Príncipe in the mix: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Ghana backed a 19-point reparations plan calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, restitution of cultural property and legal pathways for redress, with São Tomé and Príncipe among attending leaders.

Agro-exports Drive Growth: A new look at Africa’s trade shows the continent’s top farm exports are increasingly judged by profitability and premium-market access, with cocoa, coffee, cashews, tobacco, olive oil, tea, cotton, sesame, sugar and horticulture leading foreign-exchange earnings. Connectivity Costs and Coverage: Starlink is live in 26 African countries (with South Africa still missing) and priced around $30–$55 monthly, while the kit remains the biggest upfront barrier; median downloads top 100 Mbps across live markets. Banking Leadership in the Region: Orabank Togo CEO Guy Martial Awona, a former Ecobank executive, leads a lender serving 440,000 customers via 39 branches and pushes stronger corporate and SME financing. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane warns Middle East conflict fallout could keep trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions going for months, while noting the Fund has already approved augmented financing for São Tomé and Príncipe. Oil Deal Signals New Exploration Push: Petrobras and Pemex signed a two-year MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater evaluation. Reparations Momentum: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Ghana backed a 19-point reparations plan calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, compensation, and restitution of cultural property—while Ghana’s Mahama also set up three global panels to move the agenda forward.

Banking Leadership: Orabank Togo CEO Guy Martial Awona is profiled, highlighting his rise across Ecobank and Orabank and his role in growing the lender to 440,000+ customers, 39 branches and 100 ATMs in Togo. IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa via trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions, while the Fund has already approved augmented financing for São Tomé and Príncipe and others. EU Fisheries Cooperation: Cyprus’ EU presidency points to progress on the post-2027 Common Fisheries Policy, including sustainable fisheries partnership work involving São Tomé and Príncipe. Ocean & Marine Protection: West African states push to include the Canary-Guinea Currents convergence zone—linking Cape Verde/Senegal to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—into early marine protected areas under the high seas treaty. Reparations Diplomacy: Leaders meeting in Ghana back a 19-point reparations plan calling for apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief and restitution, with São Tomé and Príncipe among attendees. Oil & Exploration Signals: Petrobras and Pemex sign an MoU for Gulf of Mexico exploration, underscoring renewed deepwater focus that also connects to Petrobras’ broader Africa acreage expansion.

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 Gulf energy and fertilizer disruptions likely to last months; the IMF has already reached staff-level agreements for augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Oil & Exploration Linkages: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico projects, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration—an effort that highlights how state oil firms are seeking new barrels as mature fields decline. Financial Governance Spotlight (Local): A piece on São Tomé and Príncipe’s Neves Licensing Authority explains why modern finance separates licensing from supervision, a reminder for investors and operators that regulatory roles can differ across institutions. Reparations Push with São Tomé and Príncipe at the Table: At Ghana’s Next Steps Conference, African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, restitution of cultural property, and reforms to international financial institutions; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the attending leaders. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia plans to expand “Russian Houses” across eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign.

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa via disrupted trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, warning Gulf production may take 6–7 months to fully recover; the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, with Ethiopia’s support accelerated by about $200m. Oil & Deepwater Cooperation: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year MoU to jointly evaluate and develop Gulf of Mexico projects, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration, with the deal framed as strategic cooperation rather than a binding investment commitment. EU Fisheries Partnership (São Tomé link): Cyprus’ EU presidency reported progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Reparations Push (regional politics): African and Caribbean leaders backed a 19-point reparations plan in Ghana calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, compensation, cultural restitution and reforms to international financial institutions—while Ghana’s Mahama set up three global panels to drive the next phase. Financial Governance Note (local relevance): A piece on São Tomé and Príncipe’s Neves Licensing Authority explains why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems, a key point for investors and compliance teams. Currency Watch: A report flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, underscoring import dependence and external shocks.