AGP Executive Report

Independence Salutes: Our publisher marks Africa’s independence anniversaries, spotlighting Malawi (July 6, 1964) and Comoros (July 6, 1975), and noting São Tomé and Príncipe’s independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975. Climate Watch: June 2026 was the world’s second-hottest June on record, just 0.09°C below the 2024 peak, with NOAA reporting record warmth across parts of the tropical Pacific. Digital Economy: A closer look at fintech in São Tomé and Príncipe argues that, for a small island economy, digital finance is mainly about practical development—cutting costs and improving access—rather than chasing big venture capital. Visa Rules for Travelers: Namibia has updated its visa-on-arrival list, including 28 African countries; Nigeria is excluded and must get a visa in advance. Shipping Costs: CMA CGM announced new July 2026 peak season surcharges affecting routes including West Africa, with a specific PSS for cargo to countries such as São Tomé and Príncipe. Wildlife & Oceans: Cabo Verde’s “Guardians of the Sea” celebrates 10 years, with volunteers helping deter illegal activity and protect marine life—an effort highlighted as relevant to the wider region.

Healthcare & Women’s Leadership: Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, was named among ABCD Africa’s “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026,” highlighting her work on women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and better access to equitable healthcare across Africa. Visa Rules in Southern Africa: Namibia has updated its visa-on-arrival list, allowing entry for citizens of 121 countries and territories; among African states, 28 are eligible (including Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe), while Nigeria and more than 60 others are excluded and must get visas in advance. Trade & Shipping Costs for West Africa: CMA CGM announced new peak season surcharges for July 2026, including a US$200 per TEU charge on cargo from China to the West Africa North Range covering Liberia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, Gambia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Wildlife Conservation Link to São Tomé: Global Birdfair in Rutland is backing “Preventing Island Extinctions,” a BirdLife International project in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Healthcare & Women’s Leadership: Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, was named among ABCD Africa’s “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026,” highlighting her work on women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and better healthcare access across Africa. Travel & Mobility: Namibia released an updated visa-on-arrival list covering 121 countries and territories; many African states were excluded, while São Tomé and Príncipe appears among those eligible. Trade & Shipping Costs: CMA CGM announced July 2026 peak season surcharges, including a new charge on cargo from China to West Africa North Range that covers Liberia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, Gambia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Conservation in the Region: Global Birdfair in Rutland will support BirdLife International’s project “Preventing Island Extinctions” in São Tomé and Príncipe. Innovation & IP Links: The European Patent Organisation’s president met São Tomé and Príncipe’s prime minister and foreign minister to discuss patents, innovation, and technology transfer cooperation.

Shipping & Costs: CMA CGM announced new July 2026 Peak Season Surcharges, including a $200 per TEU charge on China-to-West Africa North Range cargo covering Liberia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Gambia, and São Tomé and Príncipe (with some exclusions), plus other route-specific fees. Energy Policy: The IEA says 113 countries (and the EU) have taken steps to blunt Middle East conflict-driven energy costs, with 92 using consumer support and 55 cutting energy taxes. Marine Conservation: In Cabo Verde, a 10-year “Guardians of the Sea” effort has mobilized 190 fishers to deter illegal activity and protect marine megafauna. Aviation & Tourism: A World Bank Tourism Watch report flags São Tomé and Príncipe among the few in the region with a 7% drop in estimated passenger arrivals, while other countries like Sierra Leone posted strong growth. Culture & Trade: The 18th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking countries continues in Macau, featuring performances from São Tomé and Príncipe and others.

Energy Policy: The International Energy Agency says 113 countries (plus the EU) have already adjusted policies to blunt the impact of the Middle East conflict, with the biggest moves being lower energy taxes (55 countries) and broader consumer support, conservation campaigns, and transport measures. Marine Conservation: Cabo Verde’s “Guardians of the Sea” marks 10 years with 190 volunteer fishers patrolling their waters, reporting illegal activity and marine megafauna sightings to help protect long-term fisheries and biodiversity. Shipping Costs for West Africa: CMA CGM announced new July 2026 peak season surcharges, including a China-to-West Africa North Range charge covering Liberia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Gambia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation president visited São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on innovation, technology transfer, and patent protection. Wildlife Fundraising: BirdLife International’s island extinction-prevention work in São Tomé and Príncipe is the focus of this year’s Global Birdfair in Rutland, running July 10–12.

Immigration & Mobility: Canada has extended its Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot for qualifying French-speaking students outside Quebec, keeping the pathway open until August 2027 (previously due to close Aug 25, 2026), with PR possible after graduation and with a lower French requirement than some Express Entry routes. Trade & Shipping: CMA CGM announced new July 2026 Peak Season Surcharges, including a US$200 per TEU charge from China to West Africa North Range (covering São Tomé and Príncipe) and other route-specific fees affecting Red Sea and Latin America-bound cargo. Aviation & Tourism: A World Bank Tourism Watch update says São Tomé and Príncipe saw a 7% drop in estimated aviation passenger arrivals in early 2026, while Sierra Leone posted strong growth, highlighting uneven regional connectivity. Innovation & Patents: The EPO president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on innovation and patent protection, including a validation agreement signed with Angola. Culture: China’s Portuguese-speaking countries cultural week continued at Senado Square with performances from São Tomé and Príncipe and other Lusophone communities.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has designated its first two protected marine sites off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting aside no-take zones to safeguard mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, turtles, seabirds and key fishing grounds. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on innovation, technology transfer and patent protection, including a validation agreement signed with Angola. Shipping Costs: CMA CGM announced new July 2026 peak season surcharges affecting routes that include São Tomé and Príncipe, with fees tied to sailing or gate-in dates depending on the corridor. Immigration Policy: Canada extended a Francophone student-to-permanent-residence pathway for eligible applicants outside Quebec until August 2027, aiming to grow the French-speaking PR population outside Quebec. Culture & Trade Links: China and Portuguese-speaking countries’ cultural events continued at Senado Square, featuring performances from São Tomé and Príncipe and others. Local Environment & Livelihoods: The new marine rules allow artisanal fishing in parts of Santana while fully protecting key areas, balancing conservation with community use.

Shipping Costs: CMA CGM announced new Peak Season Surcharges for July 2026, including a US$200 per TEU charge on China-to-West Africa North Range routes covering São Tomé and Príncipe (plus Liberia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Gambia), and a US$50 per TEU add-on for Central/North China to Senegal. Conservation: Birdfair returns in Rutland (July 10–12) with fundraising support for BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” project in São Tomé and Príncipe. Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has designated its first two marine protected areas: Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana, with no-take zones to protect habitats and species like turtles and seabirds. Innovation & IP: EPO President António Campinos visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on patent protection, innovation, and technology transfer. Aviation Demand: A World Bank report highlights São Tomé and Príncipe among countries seeing a 7% drop in estimated aviation passenger arrivals in early 2026.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting aside no-take zones and limiting industrial fishing to protect mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, turtles and seabirds. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation (EPO) president visited São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on innovation, technology transfer and patent protection, following an Angola-EPO validation agreement signed in June. Regional Aviation & Tourism: A World Bank Tourism Watch report says São Tomé and Príncipe saw a 7% drop in estimated aviation passenger arrivals in early 2026, while nearby countries posted strong growth—highlighting how connectivity shifts tourism momentum. Lusophone Cultural Exchange: China and Portuguese-speaking countries’ cultural week continued with performances at Senado Square, featuring artists from São Tomé and Príncipe and other Lusophone nations. Business Networks: WenCHAM, a global entrepreneurs network, lists São Tomé and Príncipe among active chapters, aiming to link entrepreneurs with smart finance and international partners.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting no-take zones and protecting habitats like mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, and key fishing grounds. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation’s president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on innovation, technology transfer, and patent protection, including a validation agreement with Angola. Cultural Week in Motion: The China–Portuguese-speaking countries cultural exchange continues at Senado Square, with performances from São Tomé and Príncipe and other Lusophone nations. Lusophone Crafts Showcase: “Policromia Lusófona” is running at the IAM Gallery, featuring donated handicrafts from multiple Portuguese-speaking countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe. Water Stress Watch: A new global map highlights extreme water stress worldwide, with Kuwait topping the list and major gaps remaining in access to safely managed drinking water. Entrepreneurship Network: WenCHAM’s debut in St. Kitts and Nevis links entrepreneurs across chapters, including São Tomé and Príncipe, through networking and entrepreneurial diplomacy.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones for stronger protection of turtles and seabirds. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation’s president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost co-operation on innovation, technology transfer and patent protection, including Angola’s validation agreement for European patents. Water & Health Data: A new global map highlights water stress and clean-water gaps, showing how some countries use far more freshwater than nature can replenish and where safely managed drinking water still falls below 20%. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo, with São Tomé and Príncipe included in his prior West Africa portfolio. Culture: “Policromia Lusófona” continues at Senado Square, featuring Lusophone crafts from São Tomé and Príncipe and other Portuguese-speaking countries. World Cup (Cape Verde): Cape Verde’s World Cup run stays in focus as Argentina vs Cape Verde headlines Round of 32 viewing.

Marine Conservation: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off the coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting no-take zones and protecting habitats like mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation’s president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost co-operation on innovation, technology transfer and patent protection, including a validation agreement signed with Angola. Culture & Lusophone Links: The China–Portuguese-speaking countries cultural week continued with performances at Senado Square, while the Policromia Lusófona handicraft exhibition opened at IAM Gallery, featuring traditional works from multiple Portuguese-speaking countries including São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, with prior experience covering São Tomé and Príncipe among other countries. Sports (Regional Interest): Malawi kicked off the CUCSA Games in Botswana with a 1-0 win over hosts Botswana, targeting a historic run to the final.

World Cup 2026 (Round of 32): Cape Verde’s unbeaten run ends today with a blockbuster against Argentina, while Australia faces Egypt amid injury worries for the Pharaohs—here’s where to watch the matches for free. Marine Conservation (São Tomé and Príncipe): São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—protecting mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds, including no-take zones. Innovation & Patents (EPO visit): The European Patent Organisation’s president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on innovation, technology transfer and patent protection, including a validation agreement with Angola. Culture & Portuguese-speaking ties: The “Policromia Lusófona” handicraft exhibition opened in Macau, featuring donated works from São Tomé and Príncipe and other Portuguese-speaking countries. Regional Finance (Afreximbank): Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, with experience that includes client relations covering São Tomé and Príncipe. Entrepreneurship (WenCHAM): WenCHAM launched in St. Kitts and Nevis, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among active national chapters.

Cultural Diplomacy: The 18th China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Cultural Week continues in São Tomé with the six-day “Policromia Lusófona” handicraft exhibition at the IAM Gallery in Largo do Senado, featuring donated works from Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste, organized around textiles, musical instruments, sculptures and everyday objects. Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, nesting beaches and reefs, including no-take zones to protect turtles, seabirds and other marine life. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation’s president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to boost co-operation on innovation, technology transfer and patent protection, including Angola’s recent validation agreement with the EPO. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, with prior experience covering São Tomé and Príncipe among other Anglophone West African markets. Sports (Context): Tunisia’s World Cup collapse is discussed, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among Group H qualifiers.

Cultural Diplomacy: The six-day “Policromia Lusófona” handicraft exhibition opened at IAM Gallery in Largo do Senado, part of the 18th China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Cultural Week, featuring donated works from Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste across textiles, musical instruments, sculptures and everyday objects. Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has formally designated its first two marine protected areas—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—setting no-take zones and protecting habitats for turtles, seabirds and other marine biodiversity. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on patents, innovation and technology transfer, including Angola’s validation agreement with the EPO. Elections Watch: The EU will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe for the July 19 presidential vote and the September 27 legislative elections, with a core team already in-country. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering 13 countries including São Tomé and Príncipe.

EU Election Watch: The European Union will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe for the 2026 presidential vote on July 19 and other elections later in the year, with a team led by MEP Sérgio Humberto to assess the process against international standards. Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off its coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—aimed at safeguarding habitats and threatened species, including a no-take zone for Santana. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on innovation, technology transfer, and patent protection, including an Angola validation agreement milestone. Culture Links: The China–Portuguese-speaking countries cultural week continues in Macau with performances that include artists from São Tomé and Príncipe, while a Lusophone handicraft exhibition runs through July 5 featuring crafts from multiple Portuguese-speaking nations including São Tomé and Príncipe. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, overseeing a region that includes São Tomé and Príncipe through his previous West Africa client-relations role. Sports Note: Malawi opened its CUCSA Games campaign in Botswana with a 1-0 win over hosts Botswana, setting up its next group match.