São Tomé and Príncipe and the UAE-based tech agency IOPn have partnered to launch a blockchain powered citizenship-by-investment (CBI).
Anchoring Digital Sovereignty within the UAE
The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe has partnered with United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based sovereign expertise ecosystem IOPn to launch a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program powered by blockchain. The pioneering collaboration, executed by means of the federal government’s unique implementing companion STP Service Advisory (STPSA), establishes the UAE as a essential exporter of sovereign digital infrastructure.
As acknowledged in a media launch, the brand new CBI program will leverage superior applied sciences—together with blockchain, synthetic intelligence (AI), and cloud providers—all constructed and managed within the UAE. IOPn’s OPN Chain and its cutting-edge ATLAS platform will ship a clear, environment friendly, and totally safe system for dealing with citizenship functions and approvals.
The venture positions the UAE on the middle of a worldwide shift in how governments handle id and funding.
“This partnership is actually historic,” mentioned Mojtaba, Chief Government Officer of IOPn Ltd. “By introducing the world’s first Citizenship-by-Funding program on blockchain, São Tomé and Príncipe is setting a worldwide benchmark for digital sovereignty, and the UAE is proudly on the coronary heart of this transformation.”
Disney Ramos, Director of the Citizenship-by-Funding Unit of São Tomé and Príncipe, highlighted the fast advantages: “Our collaboration… ensures transparency, effectivity, and worldwide credibility — whereas opening new doorways for cooperation with the Emirati innovation ecosystem.”
The initiative is seen creating new demand for Emirati expertise and enterprises in key sectors like AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. By means of IOPn’s increasing community, UAE-based startups and specialists may even achieve alternatives to export homegrown applied sciences, take part in worldwide tenders, and contribute to digital nation-building initiatives throughout Africa and Asia.
The implementation of this digital-first framework from Abu Dhabi displays the UAE’s dedication to sustainable and tech-driven progress in growing economies, strengthening its position as a bridge between expertise and diplomacy. The preliminary settlement is about for a interval of 5 years underneath a joint governance framework established by the Authorities of São Tomé and Príncipe, STPSA, and IOPn to make sure compliance and supply.
🧭 FAQ
- Which nations are concerned within the new blockchain-powered CBI program? The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is partnering with UAE-based expertise agency IOPn for this system.
- What expertise is getting used for the São Tomé and Príncipe CBI? The world’s first blockchain-powered CBI will leverage AI and cloud providers constructed and managed within the UAE.
- How does this partnership profit the UAE’s expertise sector? The deal establishes the UAE as a significant exporter of sovereign digital infrastructure, creating new demand for Emirati tech expertise throughout Africa and Asia.
- What’s the purpose of São Tomé and Príncipe’s new digital citizenship system? This system goals to set a worldwide benchmark for digital sovereignty by guaranteeing a clear, environment friendly, and safe utility course of.

