Foundations Strengthening A National Future

 Policy reforms, national capabilities, and coordinated institutions reinforce long-term growth across Equatorial Guinea. 

Q. How is your ministry advancing the national development agenda across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and tourism, and what priorities guide your efforts to drive long-term economic growth and self-sufficiency? 

Hon. José Juan Ndong Tom Mekina, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment:  

Agriculture, livestock, and fishing are very important factors for development, for general development, and for rural development to avoid poverty. The ministry that I lead has specific programs to develop food security, support for small-scale farmers, assistance for artisanal fishermen, and the means so they can develop perfectly in their respective places.  

We have national food security programs so Equatorial Guinea can produce its own food with small farmers, cooperatives, training groups, and associations identified throughout the national territory, and the government has enough means to support and assist. 

We are negotiating again with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (FIDA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the African Development Bank to develop an integrated value chain project. The rice pilot has produced very rich varieties and very good quality, and we are negotiating expansion. 

We are also prioritizing corn for animal feed so we can sustain livestock. Fishing supports a lot, and the tuna factory in Annobón is progressing. The country needs food sovereignty, and to achieve food sovereignty, we must work on all these components. 

  

Hon. Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development: 

I was in GEPetrol for eight or nine years, and one priority for me was that GEPetrol enter operations. This has marked me now that I am in the ministry, because we can make changes so our companies-GEPetrol and Sonagas, become operators. 

Today, GEPetrol is the operator of Block B and the Zafiro field, and we hope Sonagas also starts its operations in the EG 27 field. We have obtained around seven contracts, we have signed the agreement on the exploitation of transboundary resources between Guinea-Bissau and Cameroon with the Yoyo Yolanda field, and signed an agreement with Nigeria for the Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline. 

We have managed to reestablish a strong relationship with the companies and started drilling again, because without new drilling, there can be no visibility regarding production.  

  

Hon. Santiago Casto Nvomo Bibanga, Vice Minister of Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure: 

I have worked in the legislative power and in the executive power, and now we are facing the challenges of the Ministry of Tourism and Tourist Infrastructure. We are fulfilling the vision of the government in the tourism sector. Since 2007, we have been talking about diversifying the economy, and among the five economies, the tourism economy is essential. 

We want a stronger economy that can face current challenges, and a tourism economy is an economy without chimneys, a modern economy that can be the engine of diversification. The strengthening of government institutions is important. Grupo Ecuatoguineano de Turismo (GETUR) is going to be a strong arm for tourism development, to promote tourism and interact with companies in the tourism sector.  

We have almost all the infrastructure needed, such as roads, telecommunications, and many elements that promote tourism. Ecotourism is important, and we are working to preserve what is attractive, with 13 protected areas, biodiversity, and sustainable ecotourism, so it can be maintained for future generations.  

Q. Building on these national priorities, how is your ministry positioning Equatorial Guinea as a competitive and attractive destination for investment, and how does this support sustainable growth in your sector? 

Hon. Mekina: The new vision currently is to try to involve the private sector in the productive area. The government is working to be able to attract private investors who can integrate into the productive phase. In parallel, the ministry is advancing concrete projects to strengthen value chains and reduce external dependence. This approach also extends to livestock and fisheries.  

Hon. Ondo: One of the priorities we have is to be competitive. We have started with the reform of the tax law and are currently reforming the hydrocarbons law so that we remain highly competitive. Competitiveness is also being reinforced through data and execution capacity. We are renewing seismic data and geophysical data, and if we are competitive in regulation, data, and our ability to execute well, we will attract investment. This framework underpins the country’s gas strategy. Equatorial Guinea is in an enviable position with respect to our ability to monetize gas, and the Gas Mega Hub is progressing in new phases. 

Hon. Bibanga: Equatorial Guinea already has physical and logistical infrastructures, including airports, ports, and a wide network of fiber optics, and we have legal infrastructures that protect foreign and national investments. These foundations are central to opening the sector to global participation. Equatorial Guinea has opened up to the international world, and we invite all investors and citizens of the world. 

Q. Beyond policy and investment frameworks, how is your ministry strengthening national capabilities, institutions, and local participation to ensure long-term resilience and inclusive economic development? 

Hon. Mekina: Our role here now is to make a rural development program that tends to re-create settlements and create wealth for these people. This would avoid rural exodus. Achieving this requires building capacity at the local level. Technology, training, innovation, mechanization, and the agricultural extension service are very important because without technology, we have very little work to do. The objective remains structural and long-term. To be able to create wealth and give means of life, especially to rural populations, food sovereignty is what this country currently needs. 

Hon. Ondo: One of the clear examples of success we have is that GEPetrol, for the first time, has become an operating company. This shift directly supports local participation and skills transfer. With GEPetrol at the start of the operations, hiring Guineans and controlling the operations, we believe that this is a path that we have to follow. Over time, this process involves increasing the capacities, the knowledge, and the technology of Guineans. The real intention is to improve the quality of life of people. 

Hon. Bibanga: Institutional strength also underpins sustainability. We are working on sustainable ecotourism so that it can be maintained for future generations. At the core of this approach is stability. Without peace, we cannot have tourism; without peace, we cannot develop a sustainable economy.