AGP Executive Report

State Tech & Digital Access: Lagos State topped Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index, ranking first overall and leading on revenue generation, with 69% of income coming from internally generated revenue and strong scores in internet penetration and digital access. Public Health & Data: A 2026 Data Commons review highlights Africa’s highest alcohol consumers, with Uganda at the top (11.30 litres per person annually) and other countries following, pointing to health and social risk patterns. Africa–Korea Development Push: Egypt’s foreign minister says South Korea–Africa cooperation should expand into infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer, energy, and food and water security, alongside calls for more concessional financing for African development. Debt & Development Space: An IMF-focused roundup notes several African countries carry relatively low IMF debt, giving them more room to fund services like healthcare and education amid wider regional borrowing stress. Architecture & Research Networks: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its inaugural 2026 edition in Nairobi, spotlighting African spatial research and material practices under “Shifting the Center: From Fragility to Resilience.”

Sub-national Tech & Governance: Lagos State topped Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index, scoring best overall across sectors, with standout results in internally generated revenue and strong digital access, including high internet penetration and digital reach. Public Health & Data: A 2026 Data Commons report highlights the highest alcohol-consuming countries in Africa, with Uganda leading the continent at 11.30 litres per person annually, pointing to health and social risk patterns. Africa–Korea Development Tech: Egypt urged deeper Africa–South Korea cooperation at a Korea-Africa ministerial meeting, focusing on infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer, energy, and food and water security, alongside calls for better financing terms for African development. Debt & Development Space: A roundup of African countries with relatively low IMF debt argues that smaller obligations can free budgets for healthcare, education, and other long-term investments. Architecture & Research Networks: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its inaugural 2026 edition in Nairobi, spotlighting African spatial research and material practices under “Shifting the Center: From Fragility to Resilience.”

Sub-national Tech & Governance: Lagos State topped Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index, ranking first overall and leading in internally generated revenue (IGR) per capita and per trade route, while also placing high in internet penetration and digital access—an example of how digital reach and fiscal independence can move public performance. Public Health & Data: A 2026 Data Commons report highlights the highest alcohol consumption countries in Africa, with Uganda leading at 11.30 litres per person annually and other nations following—useful for tracking health risks and targeting harm-reduction policies. Africa–Korea Development Tech: Egypt urged deeper South Korea–Africa cooperation at the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting, pushing for infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer, energy, and stronger food, water, and energy security, alongside calls to reform the international financial system for concessional funding. Economy & Policy: A separate roundup notes several African countries with relatively low IMF debt, arguing that smaller IMF obligations can free up budget space for healthcare and education during economic stress. Architecture & Research: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its inaugural 2026 edition in Nairobi, focused on African spatial practices and research collectives, with a theme of shifting from fragility to resilience.

SIDS Agrifood Innovation: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for innovators targeting agrifood problems in Small Island Developing States, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the eligible countries; 13 finalists will be selected and flown to Hangzhou for workshops, investor matchmaking, and a global pitch. Regional Climate Finance: The Blue Fund for the Congo Basin raised momentum at a May 26 financing roundtable in Brazzaville, aiming to mobilize $5.32 billion for 63 climate-resilience projects across Congo Basin countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, spanning water, blue infrastructure, research, and health risk prevention. Digital & Governance Performance: Lagos State topped Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index, scoring strongly on revenue generation and internet/digital access—an example of how governance and connectivity can move together. Africa–Korea Cooperation: Egypt urged deeper Africa–Korea partnerships focused on infrastructure, industrialization, technology transfer, energy, and food/water security. Public Health Watch: A 2026 Data Commons report highlights the highest alcohol-consuming countries in Africa, with Uganda leading—useful context for health and policy discussions.

Africa–Korea Cooperation: Egypt’s foreign minister urged deeper South Korea–Africa ties at a Korea-Africa ministerial meeting, pushing for more infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer, and stronger food, water, and energy security, alongside reforms to the global financial system for concessional funding. Debt & Development Space: A new IMF-based roundup highlights several African countries with low IMF debt, arguing that lighter obligations can free budgets for healthcare, education, and other development priorities—an angle that matters for tech-enabled public services. Climate Tech Funding: The Republic of Congo hosted a financing roundtable for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, aiming to mobilize $5.32B for 63 projects across member states including São Tomé and Príncipe, spanning research, innovation, water and sanitation, coastal protection, and health risk prevention. Agri Innovation for SIDS: FAO and partners launched applications for the Global AgriInno Challenge 2026, reserving finalist spots for Small Island Developing States; São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among eligible countries, with finalists heading to Hangzhou for workshops and pitching. Architecture & Research Networks: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its Nairobi 2026 edition, focused on African spatial practices and resilience—supporting research collectives and material practitioners across the continent. Citizenship Index Watch: A new Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 says the market is shifting toward governance and compliance over price, with families building multi-program “citizenship portfolios.”

Africa–Korea Development Push: Egypt’s foreign minister says South Korea–Africa cooperation should scale up in infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer, energy, and food/water security, alongside calls to reform the global financial system for more concessional funding. Debt Watch for Policy Space: New IMF-linked reporting highlights several African countries with relatively low IMF debt, arguing this can free budget room for healthcare and education instead of heavy repayment burdens. Agrifood Innovation for Small Islands: FAO and partners are opening applications for the Global AgriInno Challenge 2026, targeting agrifood solutions in Small Island Developing States; São Tomé and Príncipe is listed among eligible SIDS with reserved finalist spots. Climate Tech Funding in the Congo Basin: A donor roundtable in Brazzaville seeks $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, covering ecosystem management, coastal protection, water/sanitation, research, innovation, and health/environment risk prevention, including São Tomé and Príncipe among member countries. Architecture & Research Networks: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its Nairobi 2026 edition, focused on African spatial practices and resilience, bringing together architects, studios, and research collectives.

Africa–Korea Development Push: Egypt’s foreign minister urged deeper South Korea–Africa cooperation at the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting, calling for more work on infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer, energy, and food and water security, plus reforms to the global financial system for concessional funding. Congo Basin Climate Financing: Donors met in Brazzaville to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting 63 projects across member states including São Tomé and Príncipe, with plans spanning ecosystem management, coastal protection, water and sanitation, research, and health risk prevention. Agri Innovation for Small Islands: The FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for innovators tackling agrifood problems in Small Island Developing States; São Tomé and Príncipe is among the eligible SIDS, with finalists set to pitch in Hangzhou after workshops and investor matchmaking. Women’s Health & Education Funding: Merck Foundation launched Ghana’s “Educating Linda” with the First Lady and Lordina Foundation, funding scholarships for underprivileged girls and aiming to reduce infertility stigma while building healthcare capacity. Architecture & Research Spotlight: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its Nairobi edition (Sept 7–11, 2026), focusing on African spatial practices and resilience, and rotating the event across African cities.

Africa–Korea Tech & Infrastructure Push: Egypt’s foreign minister urged deeper Africa–South Korea cooperation at the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting, calling for joint work on infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer/localisation, energy, and food and water security, plus more concessional financing for African development. Debt Watch for Development Space: A new IMF-based roundup highlights several African countries with low outstanding IMF debt, arguing that lighter debt burdens can free budgets for healthcare and education. Climate Finance for the Congo Basin: Donors met in Brazzaville to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting projects from coastal protection and sustainable fishing to water, sanitation, research, innovation, and health risk prevention—covering Sao Tome and Principe among others. Agri Innovation for Small Islands: The FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for agrifood solutions in Small Island Developing States, with Sao Tome and Principe included among eligible SIDS teams. Architecture & Research Spotlight: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its Nairobi edition, focusing on African spatial practices and resilience through architecture, studios, and research collectives. Education & Health Funding in Africa: Merck Foundation launched Ghana’s “Educating Linda” with the First Lady, pairing girl education scholarships with broader healthcare capacity goals.

Maritime Tech & Trade: A new look at the “Empires of Flow Control” theme revisits how chokepoints like the Straits of Hormuz and Malacca still steer global shipping—carrying huge shares of oil, fertilizers, and key industrial inputs—highlighting why control of sea routes remains a major technology-and-infrastructure issue. Education & Health Philanthropy: Merck Foundation, with Ghana’s First Lady and the Lordina Foundation, launched the “Educating Linda” program to fund scholarships for 40 underprivileged girls and expand healthcare capacity, aiming to reduce infertility stigma and strengthen women’s health support. Climate Finance for Research & Innovation: Congo Basin donors met in Brazzaville to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting 63 projects across ecosystem management, coastal protection, water and sanitation, and research/innovation—plus health and epidemic risk prevention. Agrifood Innovation for Islands: The FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 opened applications for innovators focused on agrifood systems in Small Island Developing States, with São Tomé and Príncipe included among eligible SIDS and finalists heading to Hangzhou for workshops and pitching. Citizenship Programs Index: Global Citizen Solutions released its Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026, saying the market is shifting toward governance quality and compliance over price, with a move from single-program choices to diversified “citizenship portfolios.” Regional Architecture Spotlight: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its inaugural 2026 Nairobi edition, centered on African spatial practices and rotating biennale programming. Debt Watch: A roundup highlighted 10 African countries with relatively low IMF debt exposure, framing it as extra fiscal room for public services and long-term investment.

Sao Tomé and Príncipe in Global Agrifood Innovation: The FAO-backed Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is now taking applications for innovators tackling agrifood system problems in Small Island Developing States, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the eligible countries; finalists will pitch in Hangzhou after workshops and investor matchmaking. Congo Basin Climate Funding: Donors met in Brazzaville to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting 63 projects across member states including São Tomé and Príncipe, spanning ecosystem management, coastal protection, water and sanitation, research, and health risk prevention. Regional Tech & Research Spotlight via Architecture: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its Nairobi edition (Sept 7–11, 2026), bringing together African architects, studios, research collectives, and material practitioners—an indirect boost for local design and research networks. Policy & Finance Watch: A report highlights several African countries with low IMF debt exposure, pointing to more room for investment in services like healthcare and education. Education & Health Philanthropy: Merck Foundation’s “Educating Linda” and related programs in Ghana focus on girl education and healthcare capacity building, with leadership recognition for its CEO.

Architecture & Research: The Pan-African Biennale (PAB) has announced the official participant selection for its inaugural 2026 edition in Nairobi (Sept 7–11), bringing together African architects, studios, research collectives, and material practitioners under the theme “Shifting the Center: From Fragility to Resilience.” Agrifood Innovation for Islands: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for applications from innovators tackling agrifood systems in Small Island Developing States, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the eligible countries; 13 finalists will be chosen for workshops and investor matchmaking in Hangzhou in August 2026. Climate Finance: Congo Basin donors met in Brazzaville to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting 63 projects across member states including São Tomé and Príncipe, spanning coastal protection, sustainable fishing, water and sanitation, research, and health risk prevention. Women’s Health & Education: Merck Foundation, with Ghana’s First Lady and the Lordina Foundation, launched the “Educating Linda” scholarships program in Ghana, supporting 40 underprivileged girls and building healthcare capacity, while its CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej received additional recognition among influential African women.

Agrifood Innovation for Islands: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is now taking applications for innovators tackling agrifood system problems in Small Island Developing States, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the eligible SIDS; 13 finalists will be picked for a trip to Hangzhou for workshops, investor matchmaking, and a global pitch. Climate Finance for the Congo Basin: Congo’s Brazzaville hosted a donor roundtable to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, backing 63 projects across ecosystem management, coastal protection, fishing/aquaculture, water and sanitation, tourism, research, and health risk prevention—covering member states including São Tomé and Príncipe. Architecture & African Spatial Research: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its inaugural 2026 edition in Nairobi (Sept 7–11), focused on African spatial practices and rotating biennial programming under the theme “Shifting the Center: From Fragility to Resilience.” Women’s Health & Education Funding: Merck Foundation and partners launched Ghana’s “Educating Linda” scholarships program (40 girls annually) alongside healthcare capacity and infertility stigma work, with leadership updates highlighting Dr. Rasha Kelej’s continued recognition. Citizenship Programs Index: A new Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 says the market is shifting from price to governance quality and compliance, with families building diversified “citizenship portfolios” rather than betting on a single program. AI Century Policy Push: An Africa-focused AI “economic manifesto” argues the next growth wave should be citizen-based, emphasizing productivity, SME scaling, and AI literacy.

Agrifood Innovation for Islands: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for applications from innovators tackling agrifood system problems in Small Island Developing States, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the eligible SIDS; 13 finalists will be chosen and sent to Hangzhou for workshops, investor matchmaking, and a final pitch. Citizenship Policy Trends: A new Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 says the market is shifting from competing on price to competing on governance and compliance, with families building “citizenship portfolios” rather than betting on a single program. Climate Finance for the Congo Basin: Congo hosted a donor roundtable to mobilize $5.32 billion for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting 63 projects across ecosystem management, coastal protection, water and sanitation, research, and health risk prevention, including São Tomé and Príncipe among member countries. Girl Education & Healthcare Support: Merck Foundation launched its “Educating Linda” program in Ghana with the First Lady, offering scholarships to 40 underprivileged schoolgirls and linking education support with broader healthcare capacity building. Women’s Leadership Recognition: Merck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej was named among Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential African Women 2025, highlighting her work on women’s health and patient care across Africa. Architecture & Research Networks: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its inaugural 2026 edition in Nairobi, focused on African spatial practices and rotating biennale programming under the theme “Shifting the Center: From Fragility to Resilience.”

Sao Tomé and Príncipe in Global Agrifood Innovation: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for applications from innovators tackling agrifood systems in Small Island Developing States, with five finalist spots reserved for teams from participating SIDS including São Tomé and Príncipe; 13 finalists will be selected and travel to Hangzhou for workshops, investor matchmaking, and a global pitch. Climate Finance for the Congo Basin: Congo hosted a donor roundtable to mobilize $5.32 billion for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting 63 projects across member countries that include São Tomé and Príncipe, spanning ecosystem management, coastal protection, water and sanitation, research, innovation, and health-risk prevention. Women’s Health and Girl Education Funding: Merck Foundation, with Ghana’s First Lady and the Lordina Foundation, launched the “Educating Linda” program in Ghana, offering scholarships to 40 underprivileged girls and supporting healthcare capacity—part of the broader “More than a Mother” campaign. Architecture and African Knowledge: The Pan-African Biennale announced participants for its inaugural 2026 edition in Nairobi (Sept 7–11), focused on African spatial practices and rotating biennale programming.

Agritech Innovation for Islands: The FAO, Zhejiang University and Pinduoduo launched applications for the Global AgriInno Challenge 2026, inviting agripreneurs and startups worldwide to solve agrifood problems in Small Island Developing States, with São Tomé and Príncipe among the eligible SIDS and five finalist slots reserved for teams from participating SIDS; Climate & Blue Economy Funding: Congo Basin donors met in Brazzaville to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting 63 projects across member states including São Tomé and Príncipe, spanning ecosystem management, coastal protection, fishing/aquaculture, water and sanitation, tourism, and health/environment risk prevention; Citizenship Programs Index (Governance Shift): Global Citizen Solutions released the Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026, finding the market is consolidating around governance quality and compliance rather than price, with a move toward diversified “citizenship portfolios”; AI for Africa’s Economy: A new policy piece, “The AI Century Economic Manifesto For Africa,” argues Africa’s next growth wave should be built on citizen-based productivity, stronger SME support, and wider AI literacy and entrepreneurship.

Agrifood Innovation: The FAO, Zhejiang University and Pinduoduo opened applications for the Global AgriInno Challenge 2026, inviting agrifood innovators to solve production, processing, logistics, and market access problems in Small Island Developing States—São Tomé and Príncipe is among the eligible SIDS, with reserved finalist slots and a trip to Hangzhou for workshops and pitching. Citizenship & Governance Trends: A new Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 says the market is shifting from competing on price to competing on governance quality and compliance, and highlights a move toward “citizenship portfolios” rather than single-program choices. Climate Finance for the Congo Basin: Congo hosted a donor roundtable to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, targeting projects from ecosystem management and coastal protection to water, sanitation, research, and health risk prevention across member states including São Tomé and Príncipe. Women’s Health & Education: Merck Foundation launched Ghana’s “Educating Linda” with the First Lady, focusing on scholarships for underprivileged girls and broader healthcare capacity building, while its CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej received additional recognition among influential African women. AI & Economic Strategy: An “AI Century Economic Manifesto for Africa” argues that Africa’s next growth wave should be citizen-driven—boosting productivity, strengthening SMEs, and scaling entrepreneurship alongside AI literacy.