AGP Executive Report

Offshore Energy Investment: TGS has started a 2D seismic data reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of older surveys (1999–2005) to improve subsurface imaging and boost confidence for future exploration. Health & Human Capital: A World Bank-backed regional Training of Trainers in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline mentors across Eastern and Southern Africa—including São Tomé and Príncipe—with skills to spot chronic disease risks via integrated non-communicable disease surveillance. Investment Migration Policy: As EU investor-citizenship rules tighten, African countries are expanding golden visa and citizenship-by-investment options; São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among active frameworks, with entry costs ranging widely across the continent. Public Finance Transparency: Nigeria’s repeated failure to meet U.S. fiscal transparency standards is drawing economist criticism over weak budget implementation, procurement disclosure, and audit independence—an issue that can shape investor sentiment across the region. Climate Risk: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, underscoring rising climate pressure for coastal economies.

Blue Economy Momentum: Africa is pushing fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism and marine trade as major economic engines, with FAO noting aquatic foods supply about 19% of animal protein but the continent still has the world’s lowest per-person availability—highlighting room for sustainable growth and jobs. Health & Surveillance Upgrade: A World Bank-funded regional training in Eastern and Southern Africa is training frontline mentors to add non-communicable disease surveillance to existing field epidemiology work, including in São Tomé and Príncipe. Investment Migration Shift: With EU investor-citizenship rules tightening, demand is moving toward “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment alternatives across Africa, as countries expand residency and citizenship offers to attract foreign capital. São Tomé and Príncipe Energy Push: TGS has started a modern 2D seismic reprocessing project offshore with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of legacy data to improve exploration clarity and support future drilling decisions. Currency Watch: July 2026 saw mixed African currency moves versus the US dollar, with some gains offset by notable declines in others. Climate Signal: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, reinforcing pressure on coastal and food systems.

Health & Resilience: A World Bank-backed regional Training of Trainers in Dar es Salaam is upgrading frontline epidemiology across 11 Eastern and Southern African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, by folding non-communicable disease surveillance into existing field programs. Energy & Exploration: Norwegian firm TGS has started a modern 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of older survey data to improve offshore prospect clarity. Investment Migration Watch: A report says demand for second passports is shifting toward more middle-class buyers as EU investor-citizenship crackdowns reshape migration plans across Africa and beyond. Visa Policy Shock (US): The US has made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, with industry warning it could sharply cut travel demand if expanded. Public Finance Scrutiny: Nigeria’s repeated failure to meet US fiscal transparency standards is drawing economist criticism and raising investor-confidence concerns—an issue that matters for regional capital flows. Diplomacy & Business Links: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to discuss expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture.

Health & Resilience: A World Bank-backed regional Training of Trainers in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline health professionals to spot non-communicable disease warning signs earlier, integrating NCD surveillance into existing field epidemiology training across 11 countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Energy & Exploration: Norwegian firm TGS has started a modern 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe, covering 14,651 km of older survey data with updated imaging methods to improve offshore prospect clarity for future exploration. Investment Migration Watch: A report says demand for “golden visa” and second passports is shifting beyond the superrich, with more middle-class Americans seeking additional mobility options—an angle that matters for São Tomé and Príncipe as regional residency/citizenship schemes expand. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss deepening cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture. Climate Context: New global temperature records keep pressure on adaptation planning as July 2026 tied for the hottest July on record.

Investment Migration Shift: A Malta-based citizenship-by-investment firm says demand for “plan B” passports is moving beyond the ultrawealthy, with salaried professionals and retirees now making up 25% of its US consultations (up from ~15% in 2025). Energy & Exploration: TGS, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s petroleum agency ANP-STP, has started reprocessing 14,651 km of offshore 2D seismic data to improve imaging and boost confidence for future hydrocarbon exploration. Fiscal Transparency Pressure (Nigeria): The US 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report says Nigeria made no significant progress for a second year, citing weak budget disclosure, audit independence gaps, and procurement transparency issues—prompting economists to warn of investor-confidence risks. Golden Visa Competition in Africa: As the EU tightens investor-citizenship rules, African countries are expanding residency/citizenship-by-investment options, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among active frameworks. Trade Diversification (Nigeria): Nigeria’s non-oil exports hit $6.1bn in 2025 and exporters reached 210 markets, adding 117 destinations including São Tomé and Príncipe. Macro/Context: July 2026 tied as the hottest July on record, reinforcing climate risk that can affect long-term business planning.

Investment Migration Watch: A Malta-based citizenship-by-investment firm says demand for “plan B” passports is spreading beyond the superrich, with salaried professionals and retirees now making up 25% of its US consultations (up from ~15% in 2025), as buyers seek mobility and family flexibility. Offshore Energy & Exploration: TGS has started a modern 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of older surveys to improve imaging and help operators assess new hydrocarbon prospects. Public Finance Transparency: Nigeria was flagged by the US for failing minimum fiscal transparency standards for a second year, with “no significant progress” on budget openness, audit independence, procurement disclosure and public access to key financial data—an issue economists say could weigh on investor confidence. Golden Visa Policy Shift in Africa: A new report argues EU CBI crackdowns haven’t killed demand; instead, African countries are expanding citizenship and residency-by-investment options to capture capital as traditional funding pressures rise. Trade & Market Access: Nigeria’s non-oil exports hit $6.1bn in 2025 and exporters added 117 new markets since 2013, including São Tomé and Príncipe, though financing and logistics costs remain hurdles.

Investment Migration Shift: A Malta-based citizenship-by-investment firm says “second passport” demand is moving beyond the superrich, with salaried professionals and retirees now making up 25% of its US consultations (up from ~15% in 2025), as wealthy Americans seek mobility even when US tax duties remain. Petroleum Finance: Petrobras reported Q2 2026 net income of R$52.4bn (+97% y/y), driven by higher output and crude prices above $100/bbl, with oil exports up 12% and refinery utilization averaging a record 101%. Offshore Energy Development: TGS has started a modern 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of legacy data to improve imaging and support future exploration decisions. Fiscal Transparency Pressure (Regional): The US 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report says Nigeria made no significant progress for a second year, citing opaque budget reporting, weak audit independence, and procurement disclosure gaps—sparking economist concerns about investor confidence. Golden Visa Competition: As the EU ends investor-citizenship schemes, African countries are expanding residency/citizenship-by-investment options, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among active frameworks and costs ranging widely. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to discuss deeper cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, plus participation in Expo 2027.

Investment Migration Watch: A new report says demand for “golden visas” and citizenship-by-investment is shifting across Africa after the EU ended investor-citizenship in Europe, with São Tomé and Príncipe named among countries with active frameworks and costs ranging from $90,000 to $10 million. Offshore Energy: Norwegian firm TGS has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project with São Tomé and Príncipe’s petroleum agency, covering 14,651 km of legacy data to improve offshore hydrocarbon imaging and support future exploration budgeting. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister to discuss expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, and to highlight participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Public Finance Pressure (Regional): Nigeria’s repeated failure on U.S. fiscal transparency standards is drawing economist pushback and investor concerns—an indirect reminder for investors watching budget openness across the region. Climate Context: July 2026 tied as the hottest July on record, reinforcing the backdrop for climate risk and resilience planning.

US Visa Bond Expansion Risk: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but U.S. Travel warns it could be widened—after the pilot saw an 83% drop in visas issued, raising fears for tourism and business travel. Public Finance Transparency Pressure: Nigeria was judged to have made no significant progress in the U.S. 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report, with critics pointing to weak budget disclosure, procurement transparency gaps, and audit independence concerns—an investor-confidence issue. Investment Migration Shift in Africa: As the EU cracks down on investor citizenship, African states are pushing “golden visa” and residency-by-investment options; São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among active frameworks, with costs ranging widely. Offshore Energy Push for São Tomé and Príncipe: TGS has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of older surveys to improve offshore exploration imaging. Currency Watch: July 2026 saw mixed African currency moves versus the dollar, with some gains alongside renewed pressure in others.

US Visa Bond Expansion Risk: The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent for 50 countries, with applicants potentially required to post up to $20,000, but the U.S. travel industry warns an expansion could sharply cut travel demand after an 83% drop in visas issued during the pilot. Public Finance Transparency Pressure: Nigeria failed the U.S. fiscal transparency test for a second straight year, with Washington citing weak budget reporting, procurement opacity, and audit independence gaps—sparking economist concerns about investor confidence. Investment-Migration Shake-up: As the EU tightens investor-citizenship rules, African countries are pushing “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment alternatives; São Tomé and Príncipe is named among active schemes, with entry costs reported from $90,000 to $10 million. Offshore Energy Push: TGS has started modern 2D seismic reprocessing off São Tomé and Príncipe, covering 14,651 km of legacy data with updated imaging to improve hydrocarbon prospect assessment. Climate Backdrop: July 2026 tied as the hottest July on record, reinforcing the wider economic risk backdrop for small island states.

Investment Migration Shift: A new Kestrel Private report says demand for citizenship-by-investment didn’t disappear after the EU ended formal investor-citizenship schemes; African governments are now expanding residency and citizenship-for-investment options to capture the same mobility and family flexibility demand. Golden Visa Watch: A roundup of 2026 “golden visa” offers highlights São Tomé and Príncipe among active frameworks, with entry costs cited from $90,000 up to $10 million, as more Nigerians look abroad for residency pathways. Foreign Relations & Business Links: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM Américo Ramos, discussing deeper cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, and Serbia’s interest in intensifying political and economic dialogue. Energy & Offshore Exploration: TGS, with ANP-STP, has started reprocessing 14,651 km of São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic data to improve offshore hydrocarbon imaging and support future exploration budgeting.

Diplomacy & Trade: Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM Américo Ramos to discuss deeper ties and expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and culture, while thanking the country for its stance on Kosovo and respect for UN sovereignty principles. Oil & Gas Investment: TGS, with ANP-STP, has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe, covering 14,651 km of legacy data (1999–2005) to improve offshore hydrocarbon imaging and support future exploration decisions. Tourism & Mobility: Panama confirmed visa-free entry for citizens of only nine African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, highlighting how travel access remains limited for most of Africa. Development Finance: São Tomé and Príncipe is offering a “golden passport” for at least $90,000 to fund development, as the country faces import dependence, energy shortages and slower growth. Climate Risk: Global temperatures hit another record-hot July, a reminder of rising weather pressure that can affect island economies and energy planning.

Offshore Energy: TGS, with São Tomé and Príncipe’s ANP-STP, has started a new 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km of older offshore surveys (1999–2005), using modern imaging methods to improve subsurface clarity and boost exploration confidence. Currency Watch: July 2026 saw mixed African currency moves versus the US dollar, with the Botswana pula, Seychellois rupee and Comorian franc among the top performers, while the Egyptian pound, Ghanaian cedi, Zambian kwacha and Ugandan shilling weakened most. Citizenship & Mobility: São Tomé and Príncipe is marketing a “golden passport” for $90,000 via a National Transformation Fund contribution, as the EU tightens pressure on citizenship-by-investment schemes used by wealthy Africans. Trade & Markets: Nigeria’s non-oil exporters expanded to 210 markets by 2025 (up from 93 in 2013), adding 117 destinations including São Tomé and Príncipe, though high power, financing and logistics costs remain hurdles. Tourism & Heritage: UNESCO added the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe to the World Heritage List, highlighting Portuguese colonial plantation history tied to cocoa and coffee and forced labor. Global Context: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest month on record, underscoring rising climate pressure on small island economies.

Offshore Energy: TGS has started a 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe with ANP-STP, covering 14,651 km of legacy data (1999–2005) using modern pre-processing, velocity model building and depth migration to improve imaging for future exploration decisions. Citizenship & Mobility: São Tomé and Príncipe’s “golden passport” is being pitched as a fast, no-property option, with citizenship via a $90,000 National Transformation Fund contribution (plus fees) amid wider EU pressure on similar Caribbean schemes; meanwhile, Panama has listed only nine African countries for visa-free entry, including São Tomé and Príncipe. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to discuss expanding ties in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalisation and culture, and Serbia welcomed São Tomé and Príncipe’s participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade. Tourism Positioning: A new push highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s “Africa’s Galápagos” approach—conservation-led, low-crowd tourism focused on biodiversity, culture and exclusivity. Global Business Context: A US visa bond rule now permanently applies to citizens of 30 African countries (with 24 exempt), adding another layer to travel costs for business visitors.

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.

US Visa Bond Policy: The U.S. has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require up to $20,000 for selected B-1/B-2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, with refunds for compliant departures. UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe to the World Heritage List, spotlighting the island nation’s Portuguese colonial plantation history and boosting the tourism brand around heritage sites. Citizenship-by-Investment: São Tomé and Príncipe is promoting a “golden passport” for $90,000 via its National Transformation Fund (plus fees), aiming to raise foreign currency for development amid energy and growth pressures. Diplomatic Ties: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, digitalisation and culture, and to confirm participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade. Regional Trade Context: Nigeria’s non-oil exports hit $6.1bn in 2025 and expanded to 210 markets, including São Tomé and Príncipe, though financing and logistics costs remain hurdles.