AGP Executive Report

Electricity Modernisation: TECMON Energy wrapped up a 29 June–2 July working visit to São Tomé and Príncipe, building on a January 2026 MoU to stabilise and modernise the national power sector. Talks with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Natural Resources, DGRNE and EMAE focused on the full electricity chain—generation, fuel supply, transmission, distribution, grid efficiency, metering, payment systems and revenue protection—aiming to boost reliability and cut technical and commercial losses. Offshore Oil Expansion: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of a 75% stake and operatorship in offshore Block 3 in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Oranto holding 15% and the National Petroleum Agency holding 10%. The move expands Petrobras’ exploration portfolio, though Block 3 remains an exploration asset with no commercial discoveries announced. Climate Signal: June 2026 was reported as Earth’s second-hottest June on record, underscoring ongoing global warming pressure that can intensify weather extremes affecting island ecosystems and infrastructure. Wildlife Fundraising: Global Birdfair (Rutland, 10–12 July) is backing “Preventing Island Extinctions” in São Tomé and Príncipe, supporting BirdLife International’s work to protect local birdlife. Travel & Environment Link: A visa roundup notes São Tomé and Príncipe among accessible destinations for Americans—useful context as tourism demand can rise alongside conservation needs.

Electricity Modernisation: TECMON Energy wrapped up a 29 June–2 July working visit to São Tomé and Príncipe, building on a January 2026 MoU with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Natural Resources to stabilise and modernise the national power sector—covering generation, fuel supply, transmission, distribution, grid efficiency, metering, payment systems, and revenue protection, with a focus on reliability, lower technical and commercial losses, and stronger financial sustainability. Offshore Oil Update: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of a 75% interest and operatorship in Block 3 offshore São Tomé and Príncipe, with Oranto holding 15% and the National Petroleum Agency holding 10%, expanding exploration plans in Africa. Climate Signal: June 2026 was reported as the world’s second-hottest June on record, just 0.09°C below the 2024 peak, underscoring ongoing global warming pressure. Wildlife Fundraising: BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” project in São Tomé and Príncipe is a key beneficiary of this year’s Global Birdfair in Rutland (10–12 July), supporting African birdlife conservation. Regional Context: A World Bank Tourism Watch update notes São Tomé and Príncipe saw a 7% drop in estimated aviation passenger arrivals in early 2026, while several West and Central African neighbors posted strong growth.

Offshore Energy Deal: Petrobras has completed its acquisition of a 75% interest and operatorship in Block 3 offshore São Tomé and Príncipe, with Oranto holding 15% and the National Petroleum Agency 10%, expanding the country’s exploration footprint. Climate Watch: June 2026 was reported as the world’s second-hottest June on record, underscoring how fast global warming signals are intensifying. Marine Conservation (Regional): Cabo Verde’s “Guardians of the Sea” marks 10 years, with 190 volunteer fishers helping deter illegal practices and track marine megafauna to support long-term sustainable management. Wildlife Fundraising (Local Link): Global Birdfair in Rutland is backing “Preventing Island Extinctions,” a BirdLife International project in São Tomé and Príncipe. Sustainable Development (Regional): Tunisia ranks 3rd in Africa and 72nd globally in the 2026 Sustainable Development Report, with progress in health and education but ongoing pressure on natural resources and territorial inequalities. Travel & Environment Context (Local Mention): A visa roundup lists São Tomé and Príncipe among African destinations with easier entry rules for U.S. passport holders, relevant for eco-tourism planning. Aviation & Connectivity (Neighbor Impact): Sierra Leone saw a 23% year-on-year rise in passenger arrivals in early 2026, while São Tomé and Príncipe recorded a 7% decrease.

Climate Watch: June 2026 landed as the world’s second-hottest June on record, just 0.09°C below the 2024 peak, with NOAA reporting the January–June period as the third-hottest since 1850—another reminder that tropical heat is staying stubbornly high. Marine Conservation (São Tomé & Príncipe): A UK-based Global Birdfair is backing BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” work in São Tomé and Príncipe, with proceeds aimed at protecting threatened island wildlife. Community-Led Ocean Protection (Cabo Verde): Cabo Verde’s “Guardians of the Sea” turns fishers into frontline monitors—190 volunteers help deter illegal practices and track marine megafauna, supporting long-term sustainable fisheries. Travel & Environment Context: A visa roundup lists São Tomé and Príncipe among accessible destinations for US passport holders, which could boost eco-tourism interest—while also raising the need for careful visitor management. Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in many countries, using freshwater withdrawals versus renewable supply—useful context for island nations facing climate-driven rainfall swings.

Marine Conservation & Wildlife: Cabo Verde’s “Guardians of the Sea” marks 10 years with 190 volunteer fishers across seven islands, helping deter illegal practices and track marine megafauna—an approach that keeps livelihoods tied to long-term ocean health. Biodiversity Fundraising: The UK’s Global Birdfair (July 10–12, Rutland Water) is raising money for BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” work in São Tomé and Príncipe, with talks, family activities, and wildlife-focused exhibitors. Climate & Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights how many countries withdraw far more freshwater than nature can replenish, with Kuwait topping the list—useful context for island nations facing rainfall variability and water limits. Sustainable Development Tracking: Tunisia ranks 72nd globally (3rd in Africa) in the 2026 Sustainable Development Report, pointing to progress in health and education but ongoing pressure on natural resources and inequality. Energy Policy Response: The IEA says 113 countries (plus the EU) have adjusted energy policies amid the Iran war, including tax cuts and conservation measures—relevant for how climate and pollution pressures can shift with fuel costs. Local Land Governance Research: A comparative review on compensation for compulsory land acquisition underscores how weak valuation and fairness can displace vulnerable communities and worsen environmental and social losses.

Marine Conservation & Wildlife: Cabo Verde’s “Guardians of the Sea” marked 10 years with 190 volunteer fishers across seven islands, helping deter illegal activity and track marine megafauna—an approach that keeps local livelihoods tied to long-term ocean health. Climate & Energy Policy: The IEA reports that 113 countries (plus the EU Commission) have responded to the Middle East conflict by cutting energy taxes and rolling out consumer support and energy conservation measures, with implications for how quickly clean-energy and efficiency efforts can move. Biodiversity Fundraising: Birdfair returns in Rutland (July 10–12), with proceeds supporting BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” work in São Tomé and Príncipe—linking public fundraising to island species protection. Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress where withdrawals exceed renewable supply, underscoring rising pressure on freshwater systems as climate patterns shift. Land Governance & Compensation: A comparative review spotlights how compulsory land acquisition compensation varies across jurisdictions, affecting farmers and customary communities—relevant for protecting environmental and social rights where land is taken for public projects. Regional Context: A World Bank Tourism Watch update notes São Tomé and Príncipe saw a 7% drop in estimated aviation passenger arrivals, while several neighbors grew—an indirect signal for tourism-linked environmental pressures.

Marine Conservation in Practice (Cabo Verde): Cabo Verde’s “Guardians of the Sea” marked 10 years with 190 volunteer fishers across seven islands, helping deter illegal activity and track marine megafauna—an approach that links daily fishing work to long-term, sustainable ocean management. Energy Costs & Climate Policy Pressure (Global): The IEA says 113 countries plus the European Commission have responded to the Middle East conflict with measures affecting energy prices, including tax cuts (55 countries), consumer support (92), fuel subsidies (32), and conservation campaigns (40). Wildlife Fundraising (São Tomé & Príncipe): Birdfair in Rutland (July 10–12) is backing BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” project in São Tomé and Príncipe, with proceeds aimed at protecting African birdlife. Water Stress Snapshot (Global): A new UN FAO-based map highlights extreme water stress worldwide, with Kuwait topping the list (3,850.5%) and countries above 100% relying on groundwater depletion or desalination. Aviation Demand Shift (Regional): West and Central Africa’s passenger growth is uneven: Sierra Leone is up 23% year-on-year, while São Tomé and Príncipe saw a 7% decrease in estimated arrivals.

Marine Guardians: Cabo Verde’s “Guardians of the Sea” marks 10 years with 190 volunteer fishers across seven islands, patrolling for illegal activity and reporting marine megafauna sightings to support long-term, sustainable ocean management. Energy Costs & Climate Policy: The IEA says 113 countries (plus the EU) have already adjusted policies in response to the Middle East conflict, including lowering energy taxes and expanding energy conservation measures like campaigns and transport steps. Wildlife Fundraising in São Tomé & Príncipe: Birdfair returns in Rutland with proceeds backing BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” project in São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside talks, family nature activities, and wildlife exhibitors. Water Stress Snapshot: A new global map highlights extreme water stress where withdrawals far exceed renewable supply, underscoring growing pressure on freshwater as climate patterns shift. Innovation & Protection: The EPO president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on patents and technology transfer, including a validation agreement aimed at boosting innovation and investment.

Wildlife & Biodiversity Fundraising: Global Birdfair returns in Rutland (July 10–12) with proceeds backing BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” project in São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside talks, exhibitors, and family nature activities. Climate & Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in many countries, using freshwater withdrawals versus renewable supplies—an issue that matters for island ecosystems as climate patterns shift. Sustainable Development Tracking: Tunisia ranks 3rd in Africa and 72nd globally in the 2026 Sustainable Development Report, with progress in health and education but ongoing drag from natural-resource pressure and territorial inequalities. Innovation & Patent Cooperation: The European Patent Organisation’s president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen innovation, technology transfer, and patent protection, including a validation agreement signed in June. Regional Travel & Connectivity: A tourism-focused report notes that São Tomé and Príncipe saw a 7% drop in estimated aviation passenger arrivals in early 2026, while other countries in the region posted strong growth.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has formally designated its first two coastal marine protected areas, Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana, building toward a national network of eight MPAs in the Gulf of Guinea; the sites protect mangroves, nesting beaches, rocky reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones limiting industrial fishing and other extractive activity to safeguard marine turtles, seabirds and other threatened biodiversity. Wildlife Fundraising: The Global Birdfair returns in Rutland (July 10–12) with proceeds supporting BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” project in São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside talks, wildlife exhibits and family nature activities. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on patents, innovation and technology transfer—an indirect boost for future environmental and sustainability solutions.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two of eight planned marine protected areas in the Gulf of Guinea, covering Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé (55.8 km², with 8 km² fully protected) and Santana (7.4 km², including a 1 km² no-take zone), to safeguard mangroves, nesting beaches, rocky reefs, key fishing grounds, and threatened species like marine turtles and seabirds. Wildlife Fundraising: Global Birdfair returns to Rutland Water (July 10–12) with proceeds supporting BirdLife International’s “Preventing Island Extinctions” project in São Tomé and Príncipe. Sustainability Rankings: Tunisia placed third in Africa and 72nd globally in the 2026 Sustainable Development Report, highlighting progress alongside pressures on natural resources and territorial inequalities. Water Stress Data: A new global map spotlights countries facing extreme water stress where withdrawals outstrip renewable supplies, underscoring rising risks as climate patterns shift. Innovation & Patents: The EPO president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on innovation, technology transfer, and patent protection.

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—covering mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones protecting habitats for marine turtles, seabirds and other threatened marine life. Water Stress Watch: A new global map highlights how some countries use far more freshwater than nature can replenish, with withdrawals exceeding renewable supply in many places—an issue likely to intensify as climate patterns shift. Sustainable Development Ranking: Tunisia placed third in Africa and 72nd globally in the 2026 Sustainable Development Report, scoring 71.3/100, with progress in health and education but ongoing setbacks from natural resource pressure and territorial inequalities. 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 signed with Angola. Regional Context: World Bank data shows São Tomé and Príncipe saw a 7% drop in estimated aviation passenger arrivals in early 2026, while several West and Central African neighbors posted strong growth.

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—covering mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones to protect threatened species like marine turtles and seabirds. Water Security: A new global map highlights how far safe drinking water still is from reach, showing that more than 2 billion people lack safely managed services and that access stays below 20% in several low-income countries. Water Stress: Another data visual ranks countries by water stress (freshwater withdrawals versus renewable supply), showing extreme overuse in places like Kuwait and the UAE, and underscoring how climate shifts and rising demand can intensify shortages. Sustainability Rankings: Tunisia placed third in Africa and 72nd globally in the 2026 Sustainable Development Report, with progress in health and education but ongoing pressure on natural resources and territorial inequalities.

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—covering mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs, and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones protecting marine turtles, seabirds, and other biodiversity. Water Security: A new global map highlights how far safe drinking water still is from reach, noting that over 2 billion people lack safely managed services, with access near-universal in many wealthy regions but far below 20% in several low-income countries. Water Stress: Another data visual shows extreme water stress worldwide, where some countries use 10–30x more water than nature can sustain; Kuwait tops the list, while the U.S. ranks 58th. Innovation & Patents: The European Patent Organisation president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen cooperation on patents, innovation, and technology transfer, including a validation agreement with Angola. Climate Context: Coverage also revisits El Niño and La Niña patterns since 1979, helping frame today’s shifting weather risks.

Marine Protection Milestone: 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, rocky reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take protection in parts of both sites to safeguard marine turtles, seabirds and other biodiversity. Water Access Reality Check: A new global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing that over 2 billion people lack safely managed services and that access remains below 20% in several low-income countries. Conservation Spotlight: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”) now protects nesting sites and helps build community support for marine protected areas, tackling threats like illegal hunting, habitat loss and plastic pollution. Innovation & Patents for Growth: The EPO president visited Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on innovation, technology transfer and patent protection—an indirect boost for sustainable development planning. Sustainability Rankings: Tunisia placed third in Africa and 72nd globally in the 2026 Sustainable Development Report, with progress in health and education but ongoing pressure on natural resources and territorial inequalities. Culture with Environmental Roots: The “Policromia Lusófona” crafts exhibition in São Tomé and Príncipe showcases textiles from natural fibres and other handmade works tied to local environments across Portuguese-speaking countries.

Marine Protection: São Tomé and Príncipe has officially designated its first two marine protected areas off the coast—Ilhéu das Rolas–Malanza–Jalé and Santana—covering mangroves, nesting beaches, reefs and key fishing grounds, with no-take zones protecting marine turtles, seabirds and other biodiversity. Wildlife Protection: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel “Lindo” Gomes is now helping safeguard endangered turtles, supporting marine protected areas and working with coastal communities to stop hunting. Water Access: A new global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing that more than 2 billion people lack safely managed services and that gaps remain huge between countries. Cultural & Local Environment Crafts: The six-day Policromia Lusófona handicraft exhibition opened at IAM Gallery in São Tomé, featuring textiles, instruments, sculptures and everyday objects made from natural fibres and local materials across Portuguese-speaking countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe.