The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe has taken another step toward overhauling its electricity sector, holding high-level talks with TECMON Energy on a comprehensive programme to improve power generation, transmission, distribution and financial sustainability.

The discussions followed a four-day working visit by a TECMON Energy delegation, led by the company's Vice-President for Business Development, Dr Rajesh Ramchandra Kashyap, from June 29 to July 2, 2026. The visit builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2026 between the country's Ministry of Infrastructure and Natural Resources and the energy firm.

On July 1, the delegation met with the Minister of Infrastructure and Natural Resources, Nelson Cardoso, to discuss the government's priorities for stabilising, modernising and transforming the country's electricity sector.

According to a statement, discussions focused on improving the entire electricity value chain, including power generation, fuel supply, transmission and distribution networks, grid efficiency, metering systems, payment mechanisms and revenue protection.

The proposed programme is intended to increase electricity availability and reliability, reduce technical and commercial losses, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the financial sustainability of the sector.

The delegation also held technical meetings with officials of the Directorate-General for Natural Resources and Energy (DGRNE) and the management of the Water and Electricity Company (EMAE) to assess the operational realities of the national power system.

TECMON Energy proposed a phased roadmap spanning two to four years. The plan includes a fast-track transitional power solution to be delivered within 12 to 18 months, reinforcement of transmission and distribution infrastructure, deployment of advanced and prepaid metering systems, and the introduction of structured fuel supply and revenue protection mechanisms.

The government stressed that any intervention must align with São Tomé and Príncipe's national energy strategy and existing sector programmes, while supporting the gradual integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower and strengthening the operational capacity of EMAE.

"São Tomé and Príncipe requires a practical, integrated and bankable response to its electricity challenges," said Dr François Sodji, President of TECMON Energy.

He said the company's proposal extends beyond increasing electricity generation to include fuel supply, grid efficiency, metering, revenue protection and long-term financial sustainability, adding that thermal power should serve as a transitional solution while the country expands renewable energy capacity.

The visit also builds on earlier engagements involving NAB Consulting, which is supporting the development of financing models aimed at reducing reliance on sovereign guarantees while ensuring revenue security and stakeholder alignment.

President of NAB Consulting, Dr Ismael Kamara, said São Tomé and Príncipe has the institutional and financial credibility to support a well-structured electricity-sector programme if it is developed transparently, sustainably and with clear revenue mechanisms.

Government officials welcomed the discussions and invited TECMON Energy and NAB Consulting to submit a detailed technical and financial proposal for review by the relevant authorities.

The government reaffirmed that stabilising electricity supply remains a national priority and said any short-term interventions should complement the country's long-term goal of building a more resilient, diversified and renewable energy-based electricity system.