AGP Executive Report

IMF Support for São Tomé and Príncipe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is hitting sub-Saharan Africa via trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions that could last months, while the IMF has already approved augmented financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. EU Election Monitoring: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the Sept. 27 legislative/local/regional elections, with a core team arriving June 14 and long-term observers joining June 26. Agro-exports and Trade Growth: A new ranking of Africa’s most profitable farm exports highlights cocoa, coffee, cashews, olive oil, tea and other value-driven commodities as key foreign-exchange earners, pointing to where global capital is flowing. Energy Deals with Regional Reach: Petrobras signed an MoU with Mexico’s Pemex to explore deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas in the Gulf of Mexico, and a related piece notes Petrobras is expanding exploration acreage including in São Tomé and Príncipe. Maritime and Shipping Rules: An ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case sets a major marker for shipowners and flag states on limits of anti-piracy enforcement and crew detention under UNCLOS. Finance Governance in São Tomé: A business explainer spotlights the Neves Licensing Authority in São Tomé and Príncipe, clarifying why licensing, supervision and regulation often sit in separate bodies. Security and Influence: Ukraine’s military intelligence alleges Russia is planning “Russian Houses” in multiple countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence push.

Agro-exports Momentum: Africa’s most valuable farm exports are driving trade growth, with cocoa, coffee, cashews, tobacco, olive oil, tea, cotton, sesame, sugar and horticultural products leading foreign-exchange earnings in early 2026. EU Election Monitoring: The EU will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the Sept. 27 legislative, local and regional elections, with a core team already in place and long-term observers joining June 26. IMF Support for Shock-Hit Economies: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still disrupting trade, energy and fertilizer supplies, and that Gulf production recovery could take months; the IMF is accelerating financing including for São Tomé and Príncipe. Maritime & Shipping Rules: A new ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case highlights limits on anti-piracy detention powers and awards damages tied to crew harm, a signal for shipowners and charterers. Oil Exploration Deal: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed an MoU to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and deepwater projects, with potential lessons for regional offshore operators. Finance Governance Focus: A new discussion spotlights how Sao Tomé and Príncipe’s licensing authority fits into broader financial governance, separating licensing, supervision and oversight roles.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will send an Electoral Observation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19, plus the legislative, local and regional elections on September 27, with MEP Sérgio Humberto leading and teams arriving from mid-June. IMF Support for Stability: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through energy and fertilizer disruptions, warning it could take months, while noting the IMF has already approved or accelerated financing including for São Tomé and Príncipe. Offshore Oil Cooperation: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year memorandum to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and deepwater projects, with Petrobras highlighting its ultra-deepwater experience and Pemex seeking new production opportunities. Maritime & Trade Rules: A major ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case awarded the highest-ever damages, stressing limits on anti-piracy detentions and the need for legitimate grounds—important for shipping operators and crews. Fisheries Partnerships: 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. Marine Protection Push: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic to be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty, highlighting the Canary–Guinea currents corridor that runs down to São Tomé and Príncipe. Financial Governance Focus: A spotlight on São Tomé and Príncipe’s Neves Licensing Authority looks at why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems.

Energy & Oil Exploration: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year memorandum to cooperate on Gulf of Mexico exploration and deepwater/ultra-deepwater projects, with a focus on revitalizing mature fields. IMF & Macroeconomic Stability (São Tomé and Príncipe): IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa, warning disruptions to trade, energy and fertilizer supplies could last months; he notes the IMF has already approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Maritime & Shipping: A major ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case awarded the highest damages ever, highlighting limits on anti-piracy detention powers and the need for legitimate grounds for crew restraint. Ocean & Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency flagged progress on the future of EU fisheries policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe. Finance Governance (São Tomé and Príncipe): A look at the Neves Licensing Authority explains why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems—an issue for banks and investors operating across borders. Currency Watch: São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra is among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, underscoring import dependence and external shocks. Maritime Conservation: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, with the Canary–Guinea Current corridor spanning to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Energy & Offshore Exploration: Petrobras and Mexico’s Pemex signed a two-year memorandum to cooperate on oil exploration and development in the Mexican Gulf of Mexico, including deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas, with a focus on evaluating mature fields and potential new projects. IMF Support for São Tomé and Principe: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa through energy and fertilizer disruptions, warning Gulf production may take 6–7 months to fully resume; he notes the IMF has already approved augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia. Maritime & Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including amendments on fishing opportunities and sustainable fisheries partnership agreements that include São Tomé and Príncipe. Ocean Protection in the Region: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty, pointing to a key migration corridor stretching to São Tomé and Príncipe. Currency Pressure: A new ranking flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, underscoring import dependence and external shocks. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including plans for São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign.

Indo-Pacific Realignment: A reported U.S. move to revert Indo-Pacific Command back to PACOM is reigniting debate over how much India’s strategic value is driven by its own strengths versus China’s rise. Oil & Gas Partnerships: Pemex and Petrobras signed an MoU covering exploration, production, refining and gas, with deepwater work in the Gulf of Mexico as the headline—plus Petrobras’ broader push that includes acreage in São Tomé and Príncipe. IMF Support for Africa: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane says Middle East conflict fallout is a “difficult moment” for sub-Saharan Africa, warning Gulf energy and fertilizer disruptions could take months; the IMF has already approved/accelerated financing for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Maritime & Legal Watch: ITLOS awarded the highest-ever damages in the M/T Heroic Idun (No. 2) case, a reminder for shipowners and states about limits on anti-piracy detentions and crew treatment. Ocean Protection: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic (including waters off São Tomé and Príncipe) to be included in the first wave of high-seas marine protected areas. Currency Pressure: São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra is among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the U.S. dollar, underscoring import dependence and external shocks. Russian Influence in Africa: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” in multiple 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 through trade, energy and fertilizer disruptions, warning the shock could last months; the IMF has already agreed augmented financing for Burkina Faso, The Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and accelerated about $200m for Ethiopia, while urging countries to keep reforms to build resilience. Maritime & Shipping: A new ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case awarded the highest-ever damages, highlighting limits on anti-piracy detentions and the need for proper grounds—an issue shipowners and crews will watch closely. Financial Governance in São Tomé and Príncipe: A feature on the Neves Licensing Authority explains why licensing and supervision are often split across separate bodies, a key point for firms operating across borders. Russian Influence in São Tomé and Príncipe: Ukraine’s intelligence reports Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” in eight countries including São Tomé and Príncipe, using cultural and educational outreach to shape opinion and recruit. Ocean & Fisheries: Cyprus’ EU presidency update notes progress on the future of EU fisheries policy and mentions sustainable fisheries partnership work involving São Tomé and Príncipe. Currency Pressure: A roundup flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, pointing to import dependence and external shocks. High Seas Protection: West African states push to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty, with the Convergence Zone stretching down to São Tomé and Príncipe. Local Business & Investment: Afriland First Holding’s Paul Fokam launches Africa Diamond Invest in Togo as a licensed securities and investment management firm, expanding regional financial services.

IMF & Energy Shock: IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane warned that fallout from the Iran war is still hitting sub-Saharan Africa, with Gulf energy production expected to take about six to seven months to fully resume, while the IMF accelerates support for countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Cyprus’ EU presidency says it has advanced talks on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including funding priorities for 2028–2034 and progress on sustainable fisheries partnership agreements that include São Tomé and Príncipe. Maritime & Shipping Rights: A new ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case awarded over €2 million in fines and more than $12 million in damages, underscoring limits on anti-piracy detentions and the rights of crews and flag states. Finance Governance: A feature on São Tomé and Príncipe’s Neves Licensing Authority explains why licensing and supervision are often kept separate in modern financial systems. Ocean Protection: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty, highlighting a key corridor that runs to São Tomé and Príncipe. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign.

EU Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency says it has pushed progress on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including funding priorities for 2028-2034, updates to fishing opportunities rules, and sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe. IMF & Energy Shock: The IMF’s Africa director warns the Iran-war fallout is a “difficult moment” for Africa, with Gulf energy production likely taking 6–7 months to fully recover—prompting more IMF support discussions for countries facing higher energy and fertilizer costs. Maritime & Legal Limits: An ITLOS ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case awarded the highest-ever damages, highlighting limits on anti-piracy detentions and the need for proper authorisations in maritime enforcement—relevant for shipowners and regional maritime operators. Ocean Protection: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic—covering waters down to São Tomé and Príncipe—to be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, aiming to protect migration corridors and nursery habitats. Currency Pressure: A new roundup flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, pointing to import dependence and external shocks. Russian Influence Campaign: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence effort targeting youth. Finance Governance (Local Angle): A piece on Neves Licensing Authority Sao Tomé and Príncipe explains why licensing and supervision are often kept separate in modern financial systems—useful for firms planning compliance and market entry.

Regional Finance: Cameroonian billionaire Paul Fokam’s Afriland First Holding has launched Africa Diamond Invest, a new Togo-based securities and investment management firm capitalised at 1 billion FCFA, aiming to build a regional investment platform across the UEMOA zone. Maritime & Crew Rights: ITLOS’ Special Chamber backed the Marshall Islands in the M/T Heroic Idun (No. 2) case against Equatorial Guinea, awarding a record fine and damages and highlighting limits on anti-piracy detentions that lack legitimate grounds—an issue that matters for shipowners and crews. Ocean Protection: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary-Guinea currents and the São Tomé and Príncipe corridor—in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty. Currency Watch: A new ranking flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies against the US dollar, pointing to import dependence and external shocks. IP & Health: PATAM and Third World Network filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead patent application on HIV compounds, arguing novelty and inventive step concerns across ARIPO’s contracting states. Higher Education Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together Portuguese-speaking universities including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen academic cooperation. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign.

Maritime & Trade: ITLOS’ Special Chamber backed the Marshall Islands in the M/T Heroic Idun (No. 2) case, ordering damages over $12m plus a €2m fine tied to a tanker detention near Nigeria’s Akpo terminal—an outcome that matters for shipowners, flag states, and crew treatment under UNCLOS. Ocean Conservation: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary/Guinea currents and the São Tomé and Príncipe corridor—in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, with new regional MPAs announced by several countries. Financial Governance: A Sao Tomé and Príncipe-focused explainer highlights why modern finance separates licensing from supervision and oversight—key for banks, payment firms, and compliance teams operating across borders. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to shape opinion and draw students and workers—coordinated via Rossotrudnichestvo. Health & IP: PATAM and TWN filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead HIV patent application, arguing prior disclosures undermine novelty and inventive step across ARIPO contracting states. Education Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together Portuguese-speaking universities including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen higher-education cooperation.

Maritime & Trade: ITLOS delivered its biggest-ever ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun (No. 2) case, ordering damages of more than $12m and a €2m fine after a crew was detained without proper grounds near Nigeria’s Akpo terminal—an important signal for shipowners, flag states, and charterers on limits of anti-piracy enforcement and freedom of navigation. Ocean Conservation: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary-Guinea currents and a key corridor from Cape Verde/Senegal down to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—in the first wave of marine protected areas under the new high-seas treaty. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, with planned centres including São Tomé and Príncipe, to shape public opinion and draw students and workers. IP & Health Industry: PATAM and TWN filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead HIV patent application, arguing prior disclosures undermine novelty and inventive step across ARIPO contracting states. Education & Networks: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together Portuguese-speaking universities including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen higher-education cooperation.

Maritime & Trade: ITLOS delivered its biggest-ever ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun case, ordering damages of more than $12m and a €2m fine linked to a detention dispute near Nigeria’s Akpo Offshore Terminal—an outcome that matters for shipowners, flag states, and crew rights under UNCLOS. Ocean Governance: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic (Canary–Guinea Current convergence zone, including waters off São Tomé and Príncipe) in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty, aiming to protect migration routes and marine nurseries. Public Diplomacy & Security: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa—including plans for São Tomé and Príncipe—to influence youth and support pro-Russian recruitment alongside broader geopolitical efforts. Health & IP: PATAM and TWN filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead patent application on HIV compounds, arguing prior disclosures undermine novelty and inventive step across ARIPO contracting states. Education & Cooperation: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together Portuguese-speaking universities including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen higher-education links.

Maritime & Trade Law: ITLOS delivered its biggest-ever ruling in the M/T Heroic Idun (No. 2) case, ordering damages of over $12m plus a fine after crew detention linked to loading near Nigeria’s Akpo terminal—an important signal for shipowners and states on limits of anti-piracy powers and freedom of navigation. Ocean Protection: West African governments pushed to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty, highlighting the Canary–Guinea currents corridor stretching to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe. IP & Health Industry: PATAM and TWN filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead patent application on broad HIV compounds, arguing prior disclosures undermine novelty and inventive step across ARIPO contracting states. Finance Governance: A look at São Tomé and Príncipe’s licensing debate explains why licensing and supervision are often kept separate in modern cross-border financial systems. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa—including São Tomé and Príncipe—to shape opinion and recruit students and workers, coordinated via Rossotrudnichestvo.

Russian Influence & Security: Ukraine’s military intelligence says Russia is expanding its “Russian Houses” network across Africa—including plans for São Tomé and Príncipe—to push pro-Russian messaging and recruit students and workers, coordinated via Rossotrudnichestvo and a 2024-linked public diplomacy group. Currency & Trade Pressure: A new roundup flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, pointing to import dependence and external shocks that can raise costs for local businesses. Ocean & Maritime Protection: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary-Guinea Current zone that includes São Tomé and Príncipe—to be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under a high-seas treaty, aiming to safeguard fisheries and migration routes. Higher Education Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together Portuguese-speaking universities including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen academic cooperation. Health IP & Access: PATAM and TWN filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead patent application on broad HIV compounds, arguing prior disclosures and questioning novelty—potentially affecting patent rights across ARIPO’s contracting states. Financial Governance: A piece on the Neves Licensing Authority Sao Tomé and Príncipe explains why licensing and supervision are separate functions in modern financial systems, a key compliance issue for cross-border operators.

Financial Governance: Neves Licensing Authority Sao Tome and Principe is spotlighted for a key industry point: licensing, supervision, registration, verification, and regulation are not the same job, and separating them helps firms and investors manage compliance across borders. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s military intelligence says Russia is expanding its “Russian Houses” network across Africa to shape public opinion and recruit students and workers, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among planned locations coordinated via Rossotrudnichestvo and a 2024-linked public diplomacy group. Currency Watch: A new ranking flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, pointing to import dependence and wider economic pressures. Ocean & Trade Security: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering the Canary-Guinea Current zone from Cape Verde/Senegal down to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high seas treaty. IP & Health Industry: PATAM and Third World Network filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead patent application on broad HIV compounds, arguing prior disclosures and questioning novelty and inventive step across ARIPO contracting states. Education & Regional Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened at the University of Macau, bringing together Portuguese-speaking universities including São Tomé and Príncipe to deepen higher-education cooperation.