AGP Executive Report

Conservation & Oceans: On Príncipe, former sea turtle poacher Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”) is now helping protect endangered turtles by patrolling nesting sites, collecting monitoring data, and supporting marine protected areas—turning local knowledge into real wildlife safeguards. Earth Science: Scientists are still chasing the cause of Earth’s faint 26-second “heartbeat” microseism, traced to the Gulf of Guinea; leading ideas point to ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both, and the constant vibrations are reshaping how researchers study crust and ocean dynamics. Health & Tech-Linked Capacity Building: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss patient care and well-being, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across underserved specialties. EU Fisheries Policy (STP Angle): Cyprus’ EU presidency reported progress on the future Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly lists São Tomé and Príncipe.

Conservation & Oceans: Manuel Gomes (“Lindo”), a former sea turtle poacher from Príncipe, is now helping protect endangered turtles—patrolling nesting sites, supporting marine protected areas, and pushing coastal communities to safeguard the species that once fed his family. Earth Science: Scientists are still debating what drives Earth’s faint “heartbeat” microseism—an ultra-weak, roughly 26-second rhythmic vibration traced to the Gulf of Guinea, with leading ideas pointing to ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Health & Capacity Building: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss patient care and social health priorities, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across dozens of specialties, including support for fertility and women’s health. Fisheries Policy (EU): Cyprus’ EU presidency update notes progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including funding priorities and sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe.

Earth Science: A new look at Earth’s “heartbeat” explains how microseisms pulse about every 26 seconds, with researchers tracing the signal toward the Gulf of Guinea but still debating whether ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both drive it—useful for understanding crust and ocean dynamics. Health & Tech Capacity: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss patient care, reporting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, including fertility and women’s health. Local Policy & Governance: Cyprus’ EU fisheries push highlights progress on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including support for fishermen and aquaculture and new partnership work that explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Security & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is planning new “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, naming São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence and propaganda effort. Global Tech Supply Chains: A Great Lakes spotlight flags how conflict minerals like coltan from eastern DRC can end up in everyday technology products via regional trafficking networks.

Earth Science: Scientists say Earth’s faint “heartbeat” microseism pulses about every 26 seconds, with the source narrowed to the Gulf of Guinea (Bight of Bonny) but the exact cause still debated—ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Health & Tech Capacity: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary (June 18–19) brought together First Ladies and health leaders to discuss improving patient care, reporting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, including support for fertility and women’s health. Local Partnerships in Fisheries: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including sustainable fisheries partnership work that explicitly mentions São Tomé and Príncipe. Digital Diplomacy & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader propaganda push. Governance & Finance: A piece on the Neves Licensing Authority in São Tomé and Príncipe explains why licensing, supervision, and regulation are separate functions in financial systems.

Seismic Science: Scientists say Earth’s “heartbeat” is a faint microseism that pulses about every 26 seconds, with the source narrowed to the Gulf of Guinea, though ocean-wave and volcanic theories still compete. Health & Capacity Building: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together 12 First Ladies and 800+ participants to push healthcare training and patient-care improvements, citing 2,600+ scholarships for providers across underserved specialties. Local Tech & Finance Governance: A Sao Tomé and Príncipe licensing authority explainer highlights why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems—an issue for cross-border compliance and oversight. Ocean Protection: West African states are urging that the Eastern Atlantic be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, pointing to the Canary–Guinea currents as a key migration and nursery corridor. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in multiple countries, including Sao Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign. Currency Watch: A report flags that Sao Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra is among Africa’s weakest currencies against the US dollar, reflecting broader economic pressures.

Earth Science: Scientists say Earth emits a faint seismic “heartbeat” about every 26 seconds, a microseism they’ve traced to the Gulf of Guinea, though the exact cause is still debated—possibly ocean waves, volcanic activity, or both. Health & Capacity Building: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies, health leaders, and policymakers to discuss improving patient care, with the group highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across underserved specialties. Ocean & Conservation: 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 the Canary–Guinea currents as a key migration corridor that includes São Tomé and Príncipe. Local Tech/Policy (Finance): A Sao Tomé and Principe licensing authority discussion explains why modern financial systems separate licensing from supervision to strengthen governance and oversight. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence claims Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign. Economy: A currency roundup flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar.

Seismic Science: A new look at Earth’s “heartbeat” microseisms finds a steady 26-second rumble that scientists trace to the Gulf of Guinea’s Bight of Bonny, but they still debate whether ocean waves or volcanic activity is driving the rhythm. Health & Capacity Building: The Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa-Asia Luminary brought together 12 First Ladies and 800+ participants from 57 countries to discuss improving patient care, with the foundation citing 2,600+ healthcare scholarships across 44 specialties. Maritime Protection: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—linking Cape Verde/Senegal to Nigeria/São Tomé and Príncipe—in the first wave of marine protected areas under the high-seas treaty, aiming to safeguard migration corridors and marine nurseries. Governance & Finance: A focus on Sao Tome and Principe’s licensing authority highlights why financial systems separate licensing from supervision to strengthen accountability across borders. Public Diplomacy Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia plans to expand “Russian Houses” influence centers to eight African countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader propaganda effort.

Indo-Pacific Command Shift: 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. Conflict Minerals & Tech Supply Chains: A new Global Witness report says coltan from eastern DRC is smuggled via Rwanda into global supply chains, linking the trade to M23 and major brands tied to everyday electronics. Colonial History Spotlight: Coverage revisits Edmund Dene Morel’s role in exposing King Leopold II’s Congo atrocities, with a focus on how advocacy shaped international scrutiny. Health Capacity Boost: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary 2026 brought together First Ladies and health leaders, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers, including programs relevant to São Tomé and Príncipe. EU Fisheries Progress: Cyprus’ EU presidency update points to momentum on the future Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including fisheries control, data collection, and partnerships involving São Tomé and Príncipe. Ocean Protection for the Eastern Atlantic: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas, spotlighting a key corridor from Cape Verde to São Tomé and Príncipe. Russian Influence in Africa: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including planned centers in São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence campaign. Currency Pressure: A roundup flags Sierra Leone’s leone and São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies against the U.S. dollar.

Conflict Minerals & Tech Supply Chains: A new Global Witness report says coltan from eastern DR Congo is smuggled via Rwanda and shows up in everyday technology made by major brands, with links to the M23 militia. Colonial History Spotlight: Coverage revisits Edmund Dene Morel’s role in exposing atrocities under King Leopold II in the Congo Free State, and how activism shaped global scrutiny. EU Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlights progress on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including support measures and fisheries partnerships that include São Tomé and Príncipe. Healthcare Capacity Boost: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary 2026 brought together First Ladies and health leaders, reporting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across underserved specialties. Financial Governance (Local Angle): A Sao Tome and Principe licensing authority discussion explains why licensing and supervision are often kept separate in modern financial systems. Ocean Protection: West African states push to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under a high-seas treaty, with the Canary-Guinea corridor spanning to São Tomé and Príncipe. Influence Operations: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a wider influence campaign.

EU Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency says it has advanced talks on the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including fishing opportunities for 2027, funding priorities for 2028–2034, and stronger support for fishermen, aquaculture and coastal communities—highlighting progress on sustainable fisheries partnerships that include São Tomé and Príncipe. Healthcare Capacity: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary 2026 convened First Ladies and health leaders (including São Tomé and Príncipe’s First Lady) to spotlight training and care improvements, including 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across underserved specialties. Financial Governance: A piece on Neves Licensing Authority (São Tomé and Príncipe) explains why modern finance separates licensing from supervision and oversight—aimed at clearer accountability across jurisdictions. Currency Pressure: A new ranking flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, pointing to import dependence and economic volatility. Ocean Protection: West African states push to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under a high-seas treaty, with the Canary–Guinea currents corridor spanning Cape Verde, Senegal down to São Tomé and Príncipe. 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.

EU Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency says it has advanced the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027, including updates to fishing opportunities and progress on sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with Seychelles, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Cook Islands, while pushing stronger EU budget support for fisheries control, data collection, and aquaculture for 2028–2034. Healthcare & Scholarships: Merck Foundation inaugurated the 13th Africa Asia Luminary 2026 with First Ladies from 12 countries, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, including women’s health and fertility/embryology. Public Health Policy: PATAM and TWN filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead patent application on broad HIV integrase inhibitor compounds, arguing earlier disclosures and prior science undermine novelty and inventive step. 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 economic volatility. Ocean Protection: West African states want the Eastern Atlantic included in the first wave of marine protected areas under a high-seas treaty, with the Canary–Guinea Currents corridor stretching to São Tomé and Príncipe. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to shape opinion and recruit youth via cultural diplomacy networks.

Reparatory Justice & Tech of Memory: Ghana’s Juneteenth was marked outside the US for the first time, with students reenacting the transatlantic slave trade at Christiansborg Castle as part of a three-day Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice, pushing a new reparatory justice framework from speeches toward concrete action. Health Workforce Boost: Merck Foundation says it has funded 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries in 44 underserved specialties, and it convened its Africa Asia Luminary 2026 with First Ladies from 12 countries to spotlight training that improves patient care. Local Finance Governance: A Sao Tome and Principe licensing authority explainer argues why licensing and supervision must stay separate in modern financial systems—an issue that matters for compliance, investors, and cross-border services. Ocean Protection for the Eastern Atlantic: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic’s Convergence Zone (including waters off Sao Tome and Principe) to be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under a high-seas treaty, aiming to protect 30% of ecosystems by 2030. Currency Pressure: A new ranking flags Sao Tome and Principe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, reflecting import dependence and broader economic fragility. Influence Operations: Ukraine’s intelligence claims Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including Sao Tome and Principe, to spread pro-Russian messaging and recruit students and workers. Patent Fight in HIV Medicines: 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.

Health Scholarships: Merck Foundation says it has funded 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries in 44 underserved specialties, with 800+ focused on areas like fertility, women’s health, urology, psychiatry, and family medicine—announced alongside the 13th Africa Asia Luminary 2026 event with First Ladies from 12 countries. Reparatory Justice Push: Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai warned that a landmark UN resolution on the transatlantic slave trade must not fade after conferences, urging concrete reparatory justice steps instead of symbolic commitments. Financial Governance Basics (Local Angle): A piece on Sao Tome and Principe’s licensing authority explains why modern finance separates licensing from supervision and oversight—an issue for banks, payment providers, and compliance teams operating across borders. 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 broader economic fragility. Ocean Protection: West African states are calling to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under a high-seas treaty, highlighting a key corridor that runs toward São Tomé and Príncipe. Higher Education Links: The 35th AULP meeting in Macao brought together Portuguese-language universities, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to expand academic research and exchange. Patent Fight (HIV): PATAM and TWN filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead patent application on broad HIV integrase inhibitor compounds, arguing prior disclosures undermine novelty and inventive step. Influence Operations: Ukraine’s intelligence alleges Russia plans to expand “Russian Houses” across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of a broader influence and recruitment campaign.

Russian Influence Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including São Tomé and Príncipe, to push pro-Russian messaging and recruit students and workers, coordinated via Rossotrudnichestvo and a 2024 “people’s diplomacy” group. 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; the Convergence Zone linking the Canary and Guinea Currents runs from Cape Verde/Senegal down to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe. Health & Leadership: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary (June 18–19) brought together First Ladies and health experts online, highlighting clinic capacity, trained doctors, and women’s health support under the “More Than a Mother” campaign. Finance Governance Explained: A piece on Neves Licensing Authority Sao Tomé and Príncipe breaks down why licensing and supervision are kept separate in modern financial systems. Patent Scrutiny: PATAM and TWN filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead HIV patent application over novelty and inventive step concerns across ARIPO contracting states. Currency Pressure: A report flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, pointing to import dependence and external shocks. Higher Education Links: The 35th AULP meeting in Macao included São Tomé and Príncipe universities, focusing on Portuguese-language academic cooperation and research exchanges.

Russian Influence & Security: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding its “Russian Houses” across Africa, with plans that include São Tomé and Príncipe, using cultural and educational outreach alongside military support to shape public opinion and recruit. Ocean Protection: West African nations are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under a new high-seas treaty; the Convergence Zone from Cape Verde/Senegal to Nigeria/São Tomé and Príncipe is highlighted as a key migration corridor. Health & Capacity Building: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health experts to focus on practical improvements in care, training, and women’s health through its “More Than a Mother” work. Financial Governance (Local Relevance): A licensing authority explainer for São Tomé and Príncipe argues why licensing and supervision should be separate in modern financial systems to strengthen transparency and accountability. Currency Pressure: A report flags São Tomé and Príncipe’s dobra among Africa’s weakest currencies versus the US dollar, pointing to import dependence and external economic forces. Higher Education Links: The 35th AULP meeting in Macao includes São Tomé and Príncipe universities, aiming to deepen Portuguese-language academic cooperation and research exchanges. HIV Patents Watch: PATAM and TWN filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead HIV patent application, arguing novelty and inventive step issues that could affect access across ARIPO contracting states.

Health & Leadership: Merck Foundation’s 13th Africa Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies from 12 African and Asian countries to push practical healthcare improvements, spotlighting trained clinicians, better maternal health support, and community-level change through its “More Than a Mother” work. Finance Governance: A Sao Tome and Principe-focused explainer breaks down why modern financial systems separate licensing from supervision and oversight—an issue for banks, payment providers, investors, and compliance teams operating across borders. Geopolitics & Influence: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding “Russian Houses” across Africa, including plans for São Tomé and Príncipe, mixing cultural outreach with recruitment and pro-Russian messaging via Rossotrudnichestvo-linked networks. 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 wider economic pressures. Ocean Protection: West African states are urging the Eastern Atlantic to be included in the first wave of marine protected areas under a high-seas treaty, with the Canary–Guinea Current zone spanning to São Tomé and Príncipe. Patent & HIV Tech: PATAM and Third World Network filed a Third-Party Observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead patent application on broad HIV integrase inhibitor compounds, arguing earlier disclosures and weak novelty could block grant across ARIPO states. Higher Education Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting in Macao continues strengthening ties among Portuguese-language universities, with São Tomé and Príncipe institutions participating in research and exchange plans.