AGP Executive Report

Blue Economy: Africa’s oceans, lakes and rivers are being treated as economic assets, with fisheries and aquaculture highlighted as a big food-security and jobs opportunity as aquatic protein availability still lags across the continent. Sports Medicine Training: In Sao Tome and Principe, the Confucius Institute and a 20th Chinese medical team trained local martial arts coaches and athletes on injury prevention, rehabilitation, first aid, and traditional therapies like acupuncture and massage. Offshore Energy Tech: TGS and ANP-STP kicked off a new 2D seismic reprocessing project for offshore Sao Tome and Principe, covering 14,651 km to improve subsurface imaging and support future exploration decisions. Climate Data: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with global temperatures running among the highest since modern records began in 1850. Investment Migration Watch: A report notes demand for “golden visa” and residency-by-investment options is shifting across Africa as EU investor-citizenship rules change, while Sao Tome and Principe is listed among countries with active frameworks. Visa Policy Impact: The US made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, and travel groups warn it could sharply reduce travel demand if expanded further.

Citizenship-by-investment shift: A Malta-based firm says “plan B” passports are moving beyond the superrich, with salaried professionals and retirees now making up 25% of its US consultation calls (up from ~15% in 2025), as demand keeps diversifying. US travel policy shock: The US made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but the US travel industry warns it could spread—during the pilot, visa issuance to targeted countries reportedly fell 83%, even as overstays dropped. Local health & sport training: The Confucius Institute at the University of Sao Tome and Principe and a 20th Chinese medical team ran martial arts injury prevention training for coaches and athletes, covering first aid, rehab, and traditional therapies. Offshore energy tech: TGS and ANP-STP kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km, aiming for clearer imaging to support future exploration decisions. Climate science: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA reporting the global average January–July 2026 as the third-highest since 1850. Investment migration watch: A report highlights growing African golden-visa and residency-by-investment programs after EU investor-citizenship ended, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among active frameworks.

Citizenship-by-investment shift: A Malta-based firm says “plan B” second passports are moving beyond the superrich, with salaried professionals and retirees now about 25% of its US consultations (up from ~15% in 2025), as EU-style investor citizenship winds down. US travel policy shock: The US made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but a Reuters-linked warning points to an 83% drop in visas issued during the pilot—raising fears of broader rollouts that could hit tourism. Offshore energy tech: TGS and ANP-STP kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km, using modern imaging workflows to improve depth clarity in a volcanic, complex basin, with priority lines in ~7 months and full results in Q3 2027. Health & sports training: The Confucius Institute and a 20th Chinese medical team ran martial arts injury prevention and first-aid training for local coaches and athletes, including rehab and traditional therapies. Climate science: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA reporting the global average temperature for Jan–Jul 2026 among the top three. Regional business signals: Nigeria’s non-oil exporters added 117 new markets (including São Tomé and Príncipe) from 2013–2025, alongside a broader push for processed exports.

Citizenship-by-investment shift: A Malta-based firm says demand for second passports is moving beyond the superrich, with salaried professionals and retirees now making up 25% of its US consultations (up from ~15% in 2025) as EU investor-citizenship rules tighten. U.S. visa bond shock: The US made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but travel groups warn it could spread—visa issuance to targeted travelers fell 83% in the pilot, raising fears for tourism and business travel. Offshore energy tech: TGS and ANP-STP kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km, using modern imaging workflows to improve depth positioning and prospect clarity, with priority lines in seven months and full results expected in Q3 2027. Health & sports training: The Confucius Institute and a 20th Chinese medical team ran martial arts injury prevention and first-aid training for local coaches and athletes, including rehab and traditional therapies. Climate science: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA reporting the global average temperature for Jan–July 2026 among the highest since 1850. Regional finance watch: July 2026 saw mixed African currency moves versus the US dollar, with some gains offset by notable declines in others.

Golden Visas & Mobility: A Malta-based citizenship-by-investment firm says demand for “second passports” is shifting toward salaried professionals and retirees, with US consultations rising to 25% of calls (from ~15% in 2025), as wealthy travelers seek easier movement even when US tax duties remain. Sports Medicine Training: The Confucius Institute at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe and a 20th Chinese medical team ran martial arts injury prevention and first-aid training for local coaches and athletes, covering rehab, acupuncture/massage/physiotherapy, and Baduanjin exercises. Visa Bond Shock for Tourism: The US made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but reported visa issuance fell 83% during the pilot—raising fears the policy could expand and further hit travel demand. Offshore Energy Tech: TGS and ANP-STP kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km, using modern pre-processing plus E-DMFWI and KPSDM to improve subsurface imaging for future exploration. Climate Tech Watch: July 2026 tied July 2024 as Earth’s hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus reporting record-breaking global temperatures. Regional Trade Signals: Nigeria’s non-oil exporters reportedly added 117 new markets (2013–2025), with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among emerging destinations.

Citizenship-by-investment shift: A Malta-based consultancy says “plan B” passports are moving beyond the superrich, with salaried professionals and retirees now making up 25% of its US consultations (up from ~15% in 2025), as wealthy Americans seek easier mobility while still facing US tax duties. Travel policy shock: The US has made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, but reporting shows visa issuance fell 83% during the pilot—raising fears the cash-for-visas requirement could expand and hit tourism further. Offshore energy tech: TGS and ANP-STP kicked off a new 2D seismic reprocessing project off São Tomé and Príncipe, covering 14,651 km and using modern imaging workflows to improve depth positioning and prospect clarity, with priority lines in seven months and full results expected in Q3 2027. Health & sports training: The Confucius Institute and a 20th Chinese medical team launched martial arts injury prevention and treatment training at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, covering first aid, rehab, and traditional therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. Climate tech signal: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA reporting the global average temperature for January–July 2026 among the highest since 1850.

Sports medicine training: The Confucius Institute at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, with China’s 20th medical team, ran a martial arts injury prevention and treatment program for local coaches and athletes, covering first aid, rehab, and traditional therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. Energy & geoscience: TGS, with ANP-STP, kicked off a modern reprocessing of 14,651 km of offshore São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic data, using advanced pre-processing plus E-DMFWI and Kirchhoff prestack depth migration to improve subsurface imaging; priority lines arrive within seven months, with full results expected in Q3 2027. Climate: July 2026 matched July 2024 as the hottest July on record, according to NOAA, with global temperatures running extremely high through the first seven months. Mobility policy: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, and Reuters reports a sharp drop in visas issued during the pilot—raising fears of broader expansion that could hit tourism. Investment migration: A new wave of “golden visa” and citizenship-by-investment programs is spreading across Africa after EU changes, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among countries with active frameworks. Public health: A JAMA study says the global number of adults with elevated LDL rose from 2.5B (1990) to 4.6B (2023), shifting the burden toward more middle-income countries.

Sports medicine training: The Confucius Institute at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, with China’s 20th medical team, launched a program for martial arts coaches and athletes on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and on-site first aid, including acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy, and Baduanjin exercises. Visa policy shock for travel: The U.S. made its visa bond requirement permanent for 50 countries, with cash deposits potentially required, and reported visa issuance falling 83% during the pilot—raising fears of wider expansion hurting tourism. Investment migration watch: A new report says demand for “golden visa” style programs didn’t disappear after EU changes, and more African states are building lawful residency/citizenship routes to attract capital. São Tomé and Príncipe energy tech: TGS and ANP-STP kicked off a modern reprocessing of 14,651 km of offshore 2D seismic data, using advanced imaging workflows to improve subsurface clarity and support future exploration decisions. Climate signal: July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest month on record, with NOAA noting the global temperature surge since 1850. Health trend: A JAMA study highlights a rise in adults with elevated LDL worldwide (from 2.5B to 4.6B since 1990) even as LDL-related mortality rates fall, shifting the burden toward more middle-income countries.

Sports medicine training: The Confucius Institute at the University of Sao Tomé and Príncipe, with China’s 20th medical team, launched a program for martial arts injury prevention and treatment, covering rehab and on-site first aid, plus traditional therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. US travel policy shock: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, with cash deposits up to $20,000; a Reuters-linked report warns visas issued fell 83% during the pilot, and fears wider expansion could hit tourism and the broader economy. Golden visa momentum in Africa: A new report says demand for investment-migration didn’t disappear after EU investor-citizenship ended, and 2026 updates list African “golden visa” options—highlighting Sao Tomé and Príncipe among countries with active frameworks. Climate tech relevance: July 2026 matched July 2024 as the hottest month on record, underscoring the urgency for climate monitoring and resilience planning. Energy & geoscience: TGS started a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project (14,651 km) with modern imaging workflows to improve offshore prospect clarity. Health data: A global study in JAMA reports elevated LDL now affects more middle-income countries even as LDL-related mortality declines.

Investment Migration Shift: A new Kestrel Private report says demand for “golden passports” didn’t vanish after the EU ended formal investor-citizenship schemes; African governments are now expanding residency- and citizenship-by-investment programmes to capture the same mobility and asset-access motivations. Golden Visa Roundup: Mauritius, Ethiopia and São Tomé and Príncipe are highlighted among active frameworks, with entry costs reported from $90,000 up to $10 million, as more countries market pathways for Nigerians and other investors. Climate Tech & Risk: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus reporting record global temperatures—another reminder for climate monitoring and resilience planning. Offshore Energy (STP): TGS, with ANP-STP, kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km, using modern pre-processing plus E-DMFWI and KPSDM to improve subsurface imaging; priority lines in seven months, full dataset products expected in Q3 2027. Health Tech: A JAMA study reports elevated LDL now affects 4.6 billion adults (up from 2.5 billion in 1990), with the burden shifting toward more middle-income countries even as LDL-related mortality declines. US Travel Policy: The US made permanent a visa bond programme for citizens of 30 African countries, effective 3 August 2026, based on overstay data.

Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus all flagging record-breaking global heat. Offshore Energy Tech: TGS and São Tomé and Príncipe’s ANP-STP have started a modern reprocessing of 14,651 km of 2D seismic data, using advanced pre-processing plus E-DMFWI and Kirchhoff prestack depth migration to sharpen imaging in the country’s volcanic, shallow and complex offshore geology. Local Industry & Markets: A report on Nigeria’s non-oil exporters shows growth from $2.97bn (2013) to $6.1bn (2025) and a jump from 93 to 210 export markets, with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among new destinations. Science & Health: A JAMA study says the number of adults with elevated LDL rose from 2.5bn to 4.6bn since 1990, even as LDL-related mortality rates fell—shifting the burden toward more middle-income countries. Global Travel Policy: The US made permanent a visa bond programme for citizens of 30 African countries, effective 3 August 2026, with 24 countries exempt under the final rule. Space Science: An explainer ahead of an eclipse visible from Ireland on 12 August breaks down how solar eclipses happen and why they don’t occur every month. Heritage Tech: UNESCO added the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe to the World Heritage List, highlighting colonial plantation history tied to forced labor.

Climate Watch: July 2026 has tied July 2024 as Earth’s hottest July on record, with NOAA reporting the tie since 1850 and NASA rating July 2026 the hottest ever. Energy & Geoscience: TGS, with ANP-STP, has kicked off a São Tomé and Príncipe 2D PSDM seismic reprocessing project covering 14,651 km from older 1999–2005 surveys, using modern pre-processing plus E-DMFWI velocity modeling and Kirchhoff prestack depth migration to improve subsurface imaging; priority lines arrive within seven months and full results are expected in Q3 2027. Trade & Markets: Nigeria’s non-oil exporters expanded to 117 new markets (2013–2025), with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among the new destinations. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO added the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe to the World Heritage List, highlighting Portuguese colonial plantation history tied to forced labor.

Offshore Energy Tech: TGS has started a modern 2D seismic reprocessing program off São Tomé and Príncipe, covering 14,651 km of legacy data (from surveys acquired 1999–2005) with new pre-processing, velocity model building using dynamic matching elastic full waveform inversion, and Kirchhoff prestack depth migration—aimed at sharper imaging and higher confidence for hydrocarbon prospecting. Global Recognition & Health Tech Leadership: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej was named among “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa, spotlighting women leaders driving healthcare access and girls’ education. Tourism & Conservation Tech: A feature highlights how São Tomé and Príncipe is leaning into conservation-led, low-crowd tourism—selling “authenticity over crowds” with biodiversity and culture at the center. Heritage & Research Tourism: UNESCO added the “Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe” to the World Heritage List, preserving Portuguese colonial plantation history tied to forced labor and migration.

Women in Tech & Health: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej 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. Trade & Markets: Nigeria’s non-oil exporters expanded to 117 new international markets (2013–2025), with São Tomé and Príncipe listed among the added destinations—an example of how regional trade links can open new routes for processed goods. Heritage & Tech for Preservation: UNESCO added four African World Heritage Sites, including the “Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe,” Portuguese colonial plantations that preserve agricultural history tied to forced migration and labor. Tourism & Conservation: A feature spotlights São Tomé and Príncipe’s “Africa’s Galápagos” approach—prioritizing conservation, culture, and low-crowd experiences over mass tourism, using the local “leve leve” lifestyle as part of the draw. Health Research: A global study reports the number of adults with elevated LDL rose sharply since 1990, shifting the burden toward middle-income countries even as LDL-related mortality declines.

UNESCO World Heritage: São Tomé and Príncipe just gained UNESCO recognition for the “Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe,” six Portuguese colonial plantation sites tied to coffee and cocoa history, including forced labor—part of 25 new African listings this session. Tourism & Tech for Conservation: A new feature highlights how São Tomé and Príncipe is leaning into “leve leve” eco-tourism instead of mass arrivals, pointing to its high endemism (700+ plant species, 135 bird species) and ongoing discoveries—an angle that matters for local science, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable visitor management. Visa Policy (US): The US State Department made a permanent visa bond programme for citizens of 30 African countries, effective 3 August 2026—relevant for researchers, students, and tech delegations planning travel. Health Data: A global study in JAMA reports elevated LDL affects more middle-income countries even as LDL-related deaths fall, a reminder for regional public health planning. Trade & Markets: Nigeria’s non-oil exporters expanded to 117 new markets (including São Tomé and Príncipe) as beneficiation pushes processed goods abroad.

UNESCO World Heritage (Africa): UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe—Portuguese colonial coffee and cocoa plantations that also document forced labor—plus other African additions like the Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros and the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape in South Sudan. Tourism Strategy (São Tomé and Príncipe): A new travel feature highlights how São Tomé and Príncipe avoids overtourism by leaning on conservation, culture, community, and “leve leve” slow living—positioning the islands as an “Africa’s Galápagos” eco-destination. Health Data (Global): A JAMA study reports the number of adults with elevated LDL rose from 2.5B (1990) to 4.6B (2023), with the burden shifting toward more middle-income countries even as age-standardized deaths fell. Visa Policy (US-Africa): The US made a permanent visa bond rule for citizens of 30 African countries (bond up to $15,000), while 24 countries—including Ghana and South Africa—are exempt. Education & Research (Academic freedom): A global map using V-Dem’s 2025 index finds academic freedom is eroding overall; Czechia leads, while Myanmar and Nicaragua rank last.