AGP Executive Report

IMF & LDC Graduation: The IMF says the experience of recent least developed country graduates doesn’t prove that graduation alone speeds up (or slows down) growth, with average real GDP growth staying around 2.9% before and after graduation—while outcomes still hinge on factors like oil cycles, tourism dependence, disasters, and the pandemic; São Tomé and Príncipe is cited as a 2024 graduate, with Cambodia flagged as a future case. Conservation & Local Livelihoods: São Tomé and Príncipe is spotlighted for making conservation part of everyday economic life, using a new model that links biodiversity protection with sustainable development and community livelihoods—shifting people away from extractive activities like illegal timber, charcoal, and turtle or shark poaching toward lower-impact micro-enterprises. Health Supply Chains: Libya has joined the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, joining countries that already include São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to strengthen bargaining power, improve medicine availability, and support local manufacturing. Construction Equipment Distribution: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding to include São Tomé and Príncipe and other markets, while the company sets up direct support for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania. Currency Watch: A September 2026 currency ranking places the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra among the weakest by nominal exchange rate versus the US dollar, highlighting ongoing pressure that can feed into import costs and prices.

Elections & Jobs: São Tomé and Príncipe heads into a new government after Sunday’s general election, with voters pushing for action on economic hardship, employment, and turning campaign promises into real improvements as youth emigration rises (World Bank: nearly 40,000 people, ~18% of the population, living abroad). IMF & LDC Graduation: The IMF says LDC graduation doesn’t automatically speed up growth, noting São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2024 graduation among only eight countries since 1994, with growth patterns broadly unchanged before and after graduation. Conservation & Livelihoods: São Tomé and Príncipe highlights a new conservation model that ties biodiversity protection to sustainable development, shifting communities away from extractive informal activities like illegal timber, charcoal, and turtle/shark poaching toward lower-impact micro-enterprises. Health Supply Chains: Libya’s move to join the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) spotlights the regional push to strengthen access to essential medicines and support local manufacturing—São Tomé and Príncipe is already part of the group. Construction Equipment Distribution: Hitachi reshapes its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe, while direct support is planned for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania.

Biodiversity & Jobs: São Tomé and Príncipe says it’s protecting its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by tying conservation to sustainable livelihoods, shifting away from illegal timber, charcoal and turtle or shark poaching toward lower-impact micro-enterprises like harvesting and processing the búzio forest snail. Energy & Trade Links: The oil and gas sector is gearing up for Brazil’s Rio Oil & Gas (ROG.e 2026) in September, with major operators and supply-chain firms expected to converge—an indirect signal for regional shipping and logistics demand. Health Procurement: Libya has joined the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism via Africa CDC, aiming to strengthen access to essential medicines while supporting local manufacturing; São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among participating countries. Construction Equipment Market: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding to include São Tomé and Príncipe. Local Politics & Youth Exodus: In the run-up to a new government after Sunday’s election, voters are pushing for jobs and better living conditions to slow emigration, with a 2025 World Bank estimate putting nearly 40,000 people abroad.

Health Procurement & Local Industry: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, aiming to boost bargaining power for essential medicines, support local manufacturing, and improve health supply affordability; Libya also took chairmanship of the ReTAC for North Africa. Construction Equipment & Regional Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa—Movicortes expands to include São Tomé and Príncipe, while MDA takes on a wider set of markets—signaling continued investment in regional parts, service, and technical support. Currency & Import Pressure: A new ranking shows São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among the currencies needing the most local units per US dollar, highlighting ongoing FX pressure that can feed into import costs and consumer prices. Election Watch & Jobs: In São Tomé and Príncipe’s general election, voters demanded immediate action on jobs and living conditions, with many pointing to rising youth emigration and urging the next government to turn campaign promises into real opportunities. Agriculture Systems Capacity: A FAO-backed workshop in South Africa ended with officials from 16 African countries agreeing to push for more Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems sites, aiming to strengthen proposal skills and unlock funding. Leadership Change in Engineering: The 22nd Naval Construction Regiment held a change of command, underscoring ongoing engineering support for operations across Europe and Africa.

Health Procurement & Local Industry: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM), aiming to boost bargaining power for essential medicines, improve affordability, and support local manufacturing—Libya also took chairmanship of the ReTAC for North Africa. Construction Equipment & Trade Links: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with MDA expanding coverage to multiple markets including São Tomé and Príncipe, while Movicortes takes on a wider territory covering the country and nearby states. Currency Pressure Watch: A September 2026 ranking shows São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among the currencies needing the most units per US dollar, highlighting ongoing import-cost and consumer-price pressure risks for the economy. Election Focus on Jobs: In São Tomé and Príncipe’s general election, voters demanded action on employment and living conditions as youth emigration rises, with a 2025 World Bank estimate putting nearly 40,000 people (about 18% of the population) abroad.

Health Procurement & Local Industry: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, aiming to boost bargaining power for essential medicines, support local manufacturing, and improve health supply affordability; Libya also took chairmanship of the ReTAC for North Africa. Construction & Equipment Distribution: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central West Africa, with MDA expanding coverage across multiple countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, while Movicortes takes on a wider territory and SMT exits affected markets by end-2026. Elections & Jobs Pressure: São Tomé and Príncipe voters are demanding action on employment and living conditions as young people emigrate; with nearly 40,000 people abroad (about 18% of the population), labor shortages are already hitting sectors like construction ahead of the general election. Currency & Import Costs: A September 2026 ranking shows São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among the currencies needing the most units per US dollar, highlighting ongoing pressure that can feed into import costs and prices. Energy Investment Signals: Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, and the company says Africa is a key exploration region—building on prior moves including opportunities in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Health Procurement & Local Industry: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, aiming to boost bargaining power for essential medicines, improve availability and affordability, and support local medical manufacturing; Libya also took chairmanship of the ReTAC for North Africa. Construction & Equipment Distribution: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, with MDA expanding coverage to multiple countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, while Movicortes takes on a wider territory and Hitachi sets up direct support for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania. Elections & Jobs Pressure: São Tomé and Príncipe voters are demanding action on jobs and living conditions as youth emigration accelerates—World Bank estimates put nearly 40,000 people abroad (about 18% of the population), with labor shortages already hitting sectors like construction. Oil & Exploration Push: Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, holding a 90% stake with Petroci at 10%, as the company seeks reserve replacement and continues expanding exploration beyond Brazil, including prior moves in Ghana, Namibia, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Health Procurement & Local Industry: Libya signed an MoU with Africa CDC to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM), aiming to boost bargaining power for essential medicines, support local manufacturing, and improve supply affordability; Libya also took chairmanship of the ReTAC for North Africa, strengthening its role in continental health supply chains. Feminist Funding in Portuguese-Speaking Africa: A new discussion highlights how feminist movements across Portuguese-speaking countries—including São Tomé and Príncipe—face a fragmented funding ecosystem that leaves some groups under-resourced and unseen. Construction & Equipment Distribution: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa; Movicortes will expand coverage to include São Tomé and Príncipe, while other territories shift to Machinery Distribution in Africa. Youth Exodus & Jobs in Elections: With São Tomé and Príncipe’s general election approaching, voters are pushing for real job creation and better living conditions as emigration rises—World Bank estimates put nearly 40,000 people abroad (about 18% of the population), with construction hit by labor shortages. Oil Exploration Signals Regional Interest: Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, and the company says it is expanding exploration beyond Brazil, including prior moves in Ghana, Namibia, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Dealer Network & Construction Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer setup across Northwest and Central West Africa, with MDA expanding coverage to multiple markets and Movicortes taking on a wider territory that now includes São Tomé and Príncipe, while SMT’s role ends in affected countries by end-2026. Youth, Jobs & Migration Politics: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s general election, voters are pushing for real job creation and better living conditions as youth emigration rises—World Bank estimates put nearly 40,000 people abroad (about 18% of the population), with construction hit by labor shortages. Energy & Offshore Exploration: Petrobras has signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, aiming to replenish reserves as Brazil’s pre-salt output nears peak; the company says Africa is a key growth region, including prior moves in Ghana, Namibia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Agriculture Capacity Building: A FAO- and China-backed workshop in Johannesburg ended with officials from 16 African countries agreeing to boost Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) proposals and funding access.

Dealer Network & Construction Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer setup across Northwest and Central West Africa, with MDA expanding coverage to multiple markets including São Tomé and Príncipe, while Movicortes takes on additional territory and HCME plans a direct presence for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania. Elections & Jobs: Ahead of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Sunday general election, voters are pushing for immediate action on jobs and living conditions as youth emigration rises—World Bank estimates put nearly 40,000 people abroad (about 18% of the population). Youth Exodus & Investment Priorities: Young voters and workers say “nothing has changed” and call for new businesses plus a port and airport to create opportunities, with the ruling party pointing to private investment and high-value tourism as the path forward. Currency Pressure Watch: A September 2026 currency ranking highlights that the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra remains among the weakest by units per US dollar, underscoring ongoing import-cost and price-pressure risks for households. Energy Exploration Link: Petrobras says it has signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, and notes it has already pursued opportunities including in São Tomé and Príncipe as it looks to replenish reserves beyond Brazil.

Election Pressure on Jobs: With São Tomé and Príncipe heading into legislative elections on Sunday (Sept. 27), voters across markets and taxi ranks say the top priority is stopping youth exodus by creating real work, better living conditions, and translating campaign promises into action. Youth Exodus Impact: Reporting cites a World Bank estimate of nearly 40,000 São Toméans living abroad (about 18% of the population), with labor shortages already showing up in sectors like construction. Voter Expectations: Candidates are being judged on whether they can attract investment and expand opportunities; one proposal highlighted is private investment and high-value tourism, alongside calls for a port and airport that can generate jobs. Energy Investment Signal: Petrobras says it has signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, owning 90% in each, as it looks to replenish reserves beyond Brazil and has already pursued opportunities including in São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Industry Move: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, with Movicortes expanding territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe and MDA taking on expanded coverage in multiple countries.

Construction & Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, with Machinery Distribution in Africa (MDA) taking expanded coverage in countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, and Movicortes widening its territory to include São Tomé and Príncipe as well; SMT will end its authorised dealer role in affected markets by end-2026, while Hitachi also plans a direct presence in Morocco and Mauritania to support mining customers. Elections & Jobs: As São Tomé and Príncipe heads into legislative elections on Sunday (Sept. 27), voters say the top priority is stopping youth exodus by creating jobs and opportunities, with construction flagged as already facing labor shortages; turnout concerns linger after the July presidential vote saw many abstain. Energy & Regional Oil Links: Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake for Petrobras, 10% for Petroci) and also signed an oil-and-gas cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH, signaling continued push to replenish reserves beyond Brazil. Currency Watch: In September 2026, the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra was among the currencies requiring some of the largest amounts per US dollar, even as the naira stayed off Africa’s weakest-currency list. Cultural & Education Outreach: Russia’s “Russian House” network is expanding, with new partner centres planned for São Tomé and Príncipe among other African countries, aiming to boost Russian language, education, science, and youth projects. Maritime Sanctions Scrutiny: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence flagged vessels linked to Russia’s sanctions-bypass and shadow fleet operations, listing ships operating under flags including São Tomé and Príncipe.

Election Watch (São Tomé & Príncipe): With legislative elections on Sunday, voters are pushing for jobs and real change, warning that youth emigration is draining sectors like construction; many say “nothing has changed since my birth,” while others demand investment, new businesses, and even a port and airport to create opportunities. Youth Exodus & Economic Pressure: A World Bank estimate puts nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population), and turnout uncertainty hangs over the vote after low participation in July’s presidential election. Energy & Offshore Deals (Regional): Petrobras signed production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake for Petrobras, 10% for Petroci) as it looks to replenish reserves beyond Brazil, with Africa a key focus. Mozambique Cooperation: Petrobras also signed a two-year oil and gas cooperation MoU with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting studies, development, and knowledge exchange, with Mozambique positioned as a major LNG source. Maritime Security (Sanctions): Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence flagged 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet, including ships reportedly operating under flags including São Tomé and Príncipe.

Elections & Jobs: São Tomé and Príncipe heads into its Sept. 27 legislative vote with voters focused on one urgent goal: stopping youth exodus by creating real work and opportunities at home. Market vendors, taxi drivers and students say promises must turn into action, with calls for investment, new businesses, and even a port and airport that can generate jobs. Youth Exodus Impact: A World Bank estimate puts nearly 40,000 São Toméans abroad (about 18% of the population), with emigration already linked to labor shortages in sectors like construction—leaving many young people tired of “nothing has changed since my birth.” Energy & Regional Oil Moves: Petrobras is expanding its Africa push, signing oil cooperation in Mozambique and production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, while already operating in São Tomé and Príncipe—signaling continued interest in the Gulf of Guinea’s offshore potential. Sanctions & Shipping Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet, including ships flagged to São Tomé and Príncipe, involved in exporting Russian oil and supporting military logistics. Currency Pressure: A September 2026 ranking shows São Tomé’s dobra among the currencies needing the most units per US dollar, highlighting ongoing import-cost and price-pressure risks for households.

Elections & Jobs: With São Tomé and Príncipe heading to legislative polls on Sept. 27, voters say the top priority is stopping the youth exodus by creating real work and opportunities at home. Market vendors, students, and young motorcycle taxi drivers all echo the same frustration: “Nothing has changed” since they were born, and many want investment plus practical upgrades like a port and airport to unlock jobs. Youth Exodus: A World Bank estimate puts nearly 40,000 people abroad—about 18% of the population—fueling labor shortages, including in construction, and raising fears that campaign promises won’t translate into results. Energy & Regional Oil: Petrobras is expanding its offshore search, signing production-sharing contracts for eight exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% operating stake for Petrobras, 10% for Petroci), as it looks to replenish reserves beyond Brazil. Africa Energy Cooperation: Petrobras also signed a strategic oil-and-gas cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH, targeting joint studies and development, with Mozambique positioned as a major LNG source. Russian Presence in STP: Russia’s “Russian House” network plans new partner centres, including in São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to expand Russian language, education, and cultural projects.

Election Watch (São Tomé & Príncipe): With legislative elections on Sunday, voters across São Tomé and Príncipe are demanding jobs and action to slow the sharp youth exodus, citing labor shortages in sectors like construction and frustration that “nothing has changed” since birth. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Young voters and workers want new businesses plus a port and airport that can create employment, while turnout concerns linger after low participation in the July presidential vote. Energy & Regional Oil Links: Petrobras is expanding its Africa push, signing production-sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Ivory Coast (90% stake) and separately a cooperation memorandum with Mozambique’s ENH focused on studies, development, and LNG-linked gas opportunities. Culture & Soft Power (Russian House): Russia plans to open 11 new “Russian House” partner centres, with eight in Africa including São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to boost language, education, and youth projects. Maritime Security (Sanctions): Ukraine’s intelligence says 38 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet include ships flagged in São Tomé and Príncipe, linked to exporting oil, LNG, and supporting military logistics.