The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe, in partnership with UNDP, hosted a high-level roundtable on the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) at the Pestana Hotel, marking a key step in aligning financing strategies with the country’s sustainable development goals.
Bringing together representatives from government, international financial institutions, NGOs, and development partners, the roundtable focused on a proposed Integrated Financing Strategy designed to mobilize resources for national development. Central to the discussions were the alignment of financial flows with the country’s National Development Plan (PND), policy reforms, and the promotion of innovative financing mechanisms to attract both public and private investment.
This event builds on the momentum of the initial INFF session held in November 2024 and represents continued progress in strengthening financial governance and coordination. It also contributes to São Tomé and Príncipe’s broader efforts to prepare for the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, taking place in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, 2025.
With strong engagement from key national institutions and international partners, the roundtable reaffirmed the country’s commitment to building a more integrated and sustainable approach to financing its development priorities.
The opening session featured Ms. Lovita Ramguttee, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Eric Overvest, UN Resident Coordinator, and Mr Gareth Haddad do Espírito Santo Guadalupe, Minister of State for Economy and Finance, who emphasized the importance of this joint collaboration.
Gareth Haddad do Espírito Santo Guadalupe, Minister of State for Economy and Finance stated: “The approval of the National Development Plan (PND) as a law will mark a fundamental milestone, ensuring a stable and guiding strategic framework. In this context, we will work to present the General State Budget by PND programs, ensuring that all public investment projects are properly aligned with the 43 programs of the plan, each of which is already structured with clear objectives and expected results.”
During the event, key topics related to the main components of the proposed Integrated Financial Strategy for São Tomé and Príncipe were discussed. The session also included a panel discussion with representatives from the Government's Project Administration Trust Agency (AFAP), the World Bank, the African Development Bank (ADB), the Central Bank, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy, moderated by UNDP. The discussions focused on policy reforms, investment strategies, and innovative financing mechanisms to mobilize both public and private resources for sustainable development. Ms. Ramguttee highlighted that aligning financial resources with national priorities is crucial for attracting strategic investments.