AGP Executive Report

UNESCO & Heritage Tourism: São Tomé and Príncipe’s new World Heritage listing of six former plantation estates (“rocas”) tied to slavery and forced labor is already pulling in private investors, alongside a proposed 10-year restoration push to stabilize crumbling sites on Principe and São Tomé. Water & Sanitation Delivery: A UN-Water SDG 6 acceleration study highlights real gains in access to water, sanitation and hygiene, noting basic water access rose to about 80% in 2015, while safely managed water sits at 37% and safely managed sanitation at 35%, with hygiene coverage up 21% from 2015 to 2024. Regional Trade Agenda: The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027 were launched in Accra, calling for a “borderless Africa” with freer movement, seamless payments and more trade, with a new venue at Kempinski (smaller capacity) and pre-registration planned from September 7, 2026. Global Heritage Policy: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee wrapped in Busan with a stronger focus on underrepresented regions, including a World Heritage Strategy for Small Island Developing States (2026–2034) and renewed attention on inclusive protection.

UNESCO World Heritage & Tourism Investment: São Tomé and Príncipe’s newly listed six “rocas” (plantation estates) tied to slavery and forced labor—on Principe’s Sundy among them—are already pulling private investors, as UNESCO’s recognition comes with a 10-year restoration plan to tackle the big preservation challenge of abandoned sites. Water & Sanitation Delivery: A UN-Water SDG 6 acceleration study highlights steady gains in access to water, sanitation and hygiene, with basic water access up to 80% (2015) and improved, on-premises, contamination-free water at 37%, plus a 21% rise in basic hygiene coverage since 2015. Heritage Policy for Small Islands: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Busan also announced a World Heritage Strategy for Small Island Developing States (2026–2034) with a $13m budget, underscoring how underrepresented regions like São Tomé and Príncipe are getting more support. Regional Trade & Connectivity: The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027 was launched in Accra, pushing a “borderless Africa” agenda—move freely, pay seamlessly, trade more—with pre-registration planned due to venue capacity limits.

UNESCO World Heritage & Tourism Investment: São Tomé and Príncipe’s newly listed six “rocas” (plantation estates) tied to slavery and forced labor are already pulling private investor interest, with a 10-year restoration plan aimed at saving crumbling sites like Principe’s Sundy plantation while turning heritage into a tourism asset. Heritage Preservation: UNESCO’s recognition spotlights the preservation challenge for an island state where most estates have been abandoned, but where shared history is now being framed as a development opportunity. Water & Sanitation Delivery (SDG 6): UN-Water reports the country has made major gains in water, sanitation and hygiene—basic water access rose to about 80% in 2015, while safely managed sanitation and hygiene progress continues—yet universal access remains unfinished, keeping sector execution a priority. Regional Trade & Connectivity: The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027 was launched in Accra, pushing a “borderless Africa” agenda around free movement, seamless payments and trade—an outlook that matters for future regional business links.

Water & Sanitation Push: UN-Water says São Tomé and Príncipe has made major SDG 6 gains, with basic water access rising to about 80% in 2015 and “safely managed” water at 37%, while safely managed sanitation reaches 35% and basic hygiene coverage grew 21% from 2015 to 2024—progress that still leaves universal access unfinished. UNESCO Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee concluded in Busan with new commitments to protect underrepresented sites; São Tomé and Príncipe’s “rocas” plantation estates—built on slavery and forced labor—were highlighted as both a preservation challenge (many estates are abandoned) and a growing tourism opportunity drawing private investors. Aviation & Connectivity: euroAtlantic Airways’ new CEO Calitis points to the business logic of widebody ACMI, and the carrier’s ongoing Lisbon–São Tomé and Príncipe scheduled link underscores how fleet decisions can affect island connectivity. Trade & Regional Integration Event: The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027 was launched in Accra, calling for a “borderless Africa” with free movement, seamless payments and more trade; registration is set to open Sept. 7, 2026. Forests Snapshot: A global ranking shows Russia leads with 20.1% of the world’s forest area, with only a handful of countries holding more than half—useful context for any future forestry and land-use planning.

Water & Sanitation Progress: UN-Water says São Tomé and Príncipe has made notable gains under SDG 6, with basic water access rising to about 80% in 2015, while safely managed water reaches 37% and safely managed sanitation 35%, plus a 21% jump in basic hygiene services coverage since 2015. Heritage & Tourism Potential: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee concluded in Busan with renewed focus on inclusive protection; São Tomé and Príncipe’s plantation “rocas” were highlighted as living heritage tied to forced labour, and investors are showing interest in turning the largely abandoned estates into tourism assets. Aviation & Connectivity: A new Atlantic Council report warns Africa’s aviation market remains costly and poorly connected—despite 18% of the world’s population, the continent accounts for just 2% of global air traffic—hurting trade and jobs, including routes to São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Trade & Mobility Talks: The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027 launched in Accra, pushing a “borderless Africa” agenda around free movement, seamless payments and more trade, with registration set to open Sept. 7, 2026. Energy Exploration Watch: Petrobras has moved to negotiate four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana and notes it already holds exploration interests in São Tomé and Príncipe, signaling continued regional upstream focus.

Regional Water & Sanitation: UN-Water highlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s SDG 6 progress, with basic water access at about 80% (2015) and safely managed water at 37%, plus safely managed sanitation at 35% and a 21% rise in basic hygiene coverage by 2024. Heritage & Tourism Industry: UNESCO’s World Heritage push spotlights São Tomé’s former “rocas” plantation estates—built on slavery and forced labour—now added to the list, with preservation challenges but growing interest from private investors for tourism development. Aviation & Connectivity: A report says Africa’s 18% share of the world’s population drives only 2% of global air traffic, blaming high costs and poor intra-African connectivity; it notes routes to places like São Tomé and Príncipe can be expensive via hubs. Oil & Gas Exploration: Petrobras has entered direct negotiations for four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s Keta basin, continuing its Africa expansion and building on prior interests including in São Tomé and Príncipe. Business & Trade Forum: The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2027 was launched in Accra, calling for a borderless Africa with free movement, seamless payments and more trade, with registration expected to open Sept. 7, 2026.

Water & Sanitation Progress: UN-Water says São Tomé and Príncipe has made notable gains on SDG 6, with basic water access rising to about 80% (2015) and safely managed water at 37%, safely managed sanitation at 35%, plus a 21% jump in basic hygiene coverage from 2015 to 2024. Heritage & Tourism Potential: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added six “rocas” plantation estates tied to slavery and forced labour to the World Heritage List, but many sites are abandoned—creating a preservation challenge while also drawing interest from private investors for tourism. UNESCO World Heritage Strategy for SIDS: The committee also highlighted inclusion, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the first-time African inscriptions, and announced a 2026–2034 SIDS heritage strategy budgeted at $13m. Regional Services Trade: SADC is pushing Mutual Recognition Agreements under Article 7 to enable cross-border movement of service suppliers, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol. Energy & Offshore Exploration: Petrobras has entered negotiations for four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s Keta basin, building on its recent African exploration moves that include interests in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Water & Sanitation Progress: UN-Water says São Tomé and Príncipe has made notable SDG 6 gains, with access to at least basic water rising to about 80% in 2015, while the stricter “safely managed” water measure reaches 37% and safely managed sanitation 35%, plus a 21% jump in basic hygiene coverage from 2015 to 2024. Heritage & Tourism Potential: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee wrapped in Busan with renewed focus on inclusive protection; São Tomé and Príncipe’s plantation “rocas” were highlighted as living heritage tied to forced labour, now facing preservation challenges but drawing private investor interest for tourism. Aviation & Connectivity: euroAtlantic’s new CEO discusses how widebody ACMI leasing can support routes including Lisbon–São Tomé and Príncipe, with the airline shifting toward a dual-fleet strategy after adding an Airbus A330-200. Energy Exploration Interest: Petrobras has entered negotiations for four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s Keta basin, and the company notes it has already built interests across several African countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Trade in Services: Tralac reports SADC is working to operationalise Mutual Recognition Agreements under Article 7, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol.

Water & Sanitation: UN-Water says São Tomé and Príncipe has made real strides toward SDG 6, with basic water access at about 80% (2015) and safely managed water now at 37%, while safely managed sanitation sits at 35% and basic hygiene coverage rose 21% between 2015 and 2024. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee wrapped in Busan with renewed focus on inclusion; São Tomé and Príncipe’s colonial “rocas” plantations were highlighted as living heritage tied to forced labour, now facing preservation hurdles but drawing private investor interest for tourism. Aviation & Connectivity: euroAtlantic’s new CEO Calitis frames long-haul widebody ACMI as needing both Boeing and Airbus, while the airline continues a scheduled link to São Tomé and Príncipe—an angle that matters for trade and travel access. Energy & Offshore Exploration: Petrobras has entered negotiations for West Africa offshore exploration blocks and notes it already holds interests in São Tomé and Príncipe, signaling continued regional push. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard keeps São Tomé and Príncipe on its heightened port-security restrictions list, meaning extra security conditions for ships calling there before US entry. Inflation Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among Africa’s higher-inflation countries, with June 2026 inflation at 9.70% (up from 9.20%).

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee wrapped in Busan with a push for more inclusive protection, and São Tomé and Príncipe secured its first World Heritage inscriptions alongside South Sudan and Comoros; a new SIDS strategy for 2026–2034 was also announced with a $13m budget. Heritage & Tourism: Coverage on São Tomé’s colonial-era “rocas” plantations highlights the shift from forced labour history to today’s preservation fight, as crumbling estates attract private tourism interest but need major conservation support. Aviation & Connectivity: A report says Africa’s huge population drives only about 2% of global air traffic, pointing to high costs and poor intra-Africa connectivity—relevant for travel links to São Tomé and Príncipe via hubs like Lisbon. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its heightened port-security restrictions watch list, meaning extra ship security steps may be required for vessels calling at affected ports. Energy & Offshore: Petrobras submitted an expression of interest for offshore exploration blocks in Ghana and notes it has also been active in São Tomé & Príncipe, signaling continued West Africa oil-and-gas momentum. Inflation Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among Africa’s higher-inflation countries, with June 2026 inflation at 9.70%, adding pressure to household costs.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee wrapped up in Busan with fresh commitments to protect underrepresented sites, and São Tomé and Príncipe scored its first inscriptions alongside South Sudan and Comoros; a new SIDS heritage strategy for 2026–2034 was also announced with a $13m budget, spotlighting the island nation’s plantation “rocas” and the push to preserve them. Aviation & Connectivity: euroAtlantic Airways, which already runs a Lisbon–São Tomé and Príncipe route, is reshaping its long-haul ACMI model with a dual-fleet approach after adding its first Airbus A330-200, aiming to balance Boeing and Airbus capacity needs. Oil & Gas: Petrobras has moved into direct negotiations for four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s Keta basin, and the report notes Petrobras already has exploration interests in São Tomé and Príncipe—keeping regional offshore activity in focus. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its heightened port-security restrictions watch list, meaning extra security conditions may apply to ships calling at affected ports before entering the US. Inflation Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s inflation was reported at 9.7% (June 2026), up from 9.2% the prior month—another pressure point for households and local business planning.

UNESCO & Heritage Tourism: UNESCO’s World Heritage push spotlights Sao Tome’s colonial “rocas” plantation estates, built on slavery and forced labour, now mostly abandoned but drawing private investors eyeing tourism—raising urgent preservation questions for the Gulf of Guinea archipelago. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard keeps São Tomé and Príncipe on its heightened port-security restrictions watch list, alongside nine other African countries, meaning extra security conditions for ships calling at affected ports. Oil & Gas (Regional): Petrobras has submitted an expression of interest to negotiate four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s Keta basin, continuing its Africa expansion that already includes exploration interests in São Tomé and Príncipe. Inflation (Local Signal): A regional inflation roundup flags São Tomé and Príncipe at 9.70% in June 2026, the highest since Dec 2025, with food and non-alcoholic beverages driving pressure. Aviation Connectivity (Africa-wide): A report says Africa’s 18% population share accounts for only 2% of global air traffic, keeping intra-Africa travel costly—relevant for trade and tourism access to Sao Tome and Principe.

UNESCO & Heritage Tourism: UNESCO’s World Heritage recognition of Sao Tome and Principe’s colonial-era “rocas” plantation estates spotlights the forced-labour history behind sites like the crumbling Sundy plantation on Principe, while abandoned estates are now drawing private investor interest for tourism development. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard keeps São Tomé and Príncipe on its heightened port-security restrictions watch list, meaning extra security conditions can apply to ships calling at affected ports before entering the US. Energy & Offshore Exploration: Petrobras has submitted an expression of interest to negotiate four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s Keta basin, continuing its Africa expansion that already includes interests in São Tomé and Principe. Regional Trade in Services: SADC is pushing to operationalise Mutual Recognition Agreements under Article 7, with São Tomé and Principe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol. Cost of Living: São Tomé and Principe is listed among Africa’s higher-inflation countries, with June 2026 inflation at 9.70% (up from 9.20%). Aviation Connectivity: A report says Africa has only about 2% of global air traffic despite 18% of the population, citing high costs and poor intra-continental connectivity—relevant for travel and logistics planning.

UNESCO & Heritage Tourism: Sao Tome and Principe’s colonial-era “rocas” (plantation estates) were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, but most are abandoned—creating a preservation headache even as private investors eye tourism built on painful forced-labour history. Energy & Offshore Exploration: Petrobras has submitted an expression of interest to negotiate four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s Keta basin, continuing its push across Africa that already includes exploration interests in Sao Tome and Principe. Inflation Watch: Sao Tome and Principe is listed among Africa’s highest-inflation countries, with June 2026 inflation at 9.70% (up from 9.20%), adding pressure to household costs and business operations. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard keeps São Tomé and Príncipe on its port-security advisory list, meaning extra antiterrorism-related vessel requirements may apply for calls before reaching US ports. Regional Trade in Services: SADC is moving to operationalise Mutual Recognition Agreements for service suppliers, with Sao Tome and Principe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol—relevant for tourism and professional services cross-border work. Aviation Connectivity: A report says Africa has only 2% of global air traffic despite 18% of the population, pointing to high costs and poor intra-continental connectivity—an issue for regional trade and travel.

UNESCO & Heritage Tourism: Sao Tomé and Principe’s colonial “rocas” plantation estates—built on slavery and forced labour—were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, but most sites are abandoned, creating a preservation headache even as private investors eye tourism potential. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port-security advisory list, meaning extra antiterrorism requirements for ships calling at affected ports before entering the US. Energy & Offshore Exploration: Petrobras submitted an expression of interest and received approval to enter direct negotiations for four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s underexplored Keta Basin, as the country pushes to reverse declining crude output. Aviation Connectivity: A report says Africa has 18% of the world’s population but only 2% of global air traffic, with high costs and poor intra-continental connections holding back trade and jobs. Inflation Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among Africa’s higher-inflation countries, with June 2026 inflation at 9.70% (up from 9.20%). Regional Services Trade: SADC is working to operationalise mutual recognition for service providers, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol.

Water & Infrastructure: Denmark’s ambassador visited Wa in Ghana’s Upper West to support a $5.8m Water Access and Water Efficiency Project, backed by UNICEF and Ghana Water Limited, targeting clean drinking water for about 105,000 people via 120km of pipelines and subsidised connections for 15,000 low-income households. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept São Tomé and Príncipe on its port-security restrictions watch list, alongside nine other African countries, meaning extra security requirements for ships calling at affected ports before entering the US. Oil & Gas (West Africa): Petrobras has submitted an expression of interest and received approval to enter direct negotiations for four offshore exploration blocks in Ghana’s underexplored Keta Basin, as Ghana pushes to reverse declining crude output. Regional Integration (Services): SADC progress on Mutual Recognition Agreements is moving slowly, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the few countries that have ratified the Free Movement Protocol, while work continues toward MRAs for services like legal and tourism. Inflation Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe recorded 9.70% inflation in June 2026, up from 9.20% the prior month, highlighting ongoing cost pressures for households and businesses.