São Tomé, 2 July 2025 — The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technical Assessments with the African Peer Review Mechanism to undertake a Targeted Review on the theme: “Tourism as an Engine of Economic Growth”. This milestone was marked during a sensitisation workshop organised by the APRM Secretariat, and it represents a significant step forward in the APRM process in São Tomé and Príncipe, 18 years after the country’s accession to the Mechanism. The solemn signing of the MoU was done by Ambassador Ahmed Araita Ali, member and Vice Chairperson of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons, responsible for Sao Tome and Principe.
The MoU was formally signed by Ambassador Ahmed Araita Ali, Member and Vice Chairperson of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons, who is responsible for São Tomé and Príncipe. The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Madam Nilda Borges da Mata, Minister of Youth, Environment, and Sustainable Tourism, and attended by a delegation from the APRM Continental Secretariat comprising Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, the Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Rachel Mukamunana, Acting Director for Country Reviews and Assessments; and Mr. Germain Tshinu, Country Coordinator and Researcher.
During the ceremony, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a participatory and inclusive review process, aligned with APRM principles and standards. Minister Borges da Mata expressed her appreciation for the APRM’s engagement, emphasising that the upcoming review will open a new chapter for economic diversification and sustainable development in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Following the signing, the APRM delegation was received by H.E. Américo Ramos, Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, who reiterated the government’s full support for the Targeted Review. He underscored the tourism sector’s critical role in driving economic growth, job creation, and inclusive development, particularly for the country’s young population.
Ambassador Rose-Quatre reiterated the APRM Secretariat’s readiness to conduct the review, stressing the importance of high-level political engagement, including the presentation of the review report at the APR Forum. Ambassador Araita Ali highlighted the socio-economic opportunities that could emerge from the review process, such as increased investment, improved institutional capacity, and the implementation of key recommendations.
The sensitisation workshop featured in-depth presentations by Dr. Mukamunana and Mr. Tshinu, who outlined the APRM’s governance framework, the methodology for conducting Targeted Reviews, and the national roadmap leading up to the field mission scheduled for August 2025.
Both the APRM Secretariat and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed their commitment to this historic review—the first of its kind for an African island state—aimed at establishing tourism as a strategic pillar in the country’s long-term development agenda.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact the APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org .
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