BUSINESS NEWS
ART OF FISHING – An STP Investment Hub Project Designed To Convert the Country's Main Resource Into a Driver of Food Security, Jobs, and Sustainable Economic Growth.
COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL DETAILS AVAILABLE - Talk to us!
A project developed by STP-Investment Hub
15 min. reading
1. THE PROBLEM
Although São Tomé and Príncipe has a marine territory 160 times larger than its landmass and rich fishing grounds, the sector remains predominantly artisanal and lacks industrial capacity. This creates critical challenges:
1. Food Insecurity
The lack of suitable boats for offshore fishing creates supply-and-demand imbalances, leading to frequent shortages that threaten food security.
2. Lack of Processing Infrastructure
With no fish processing facilities in the country, much of the catch is lost or underutilized, limiting value creation and export opportunities.
3. Vulnerable fishing communities
Fishing communities face a significant challenge due to limited job opportunities, particularly impacting young people and women-led households.
4. Coastal spices threatened
Excessive catching of coastal species before they reach maturity due to harmful fishing practices.
5. Waste of Resources
Valuable fish by-products are wasted instead of being converted into high-value products.
6. Untapped Potential in the Fishing Tourism
Lack of high-value sustainable tourism offers based on local fishing traditions, targeting the growing eco- and cultural tourism markets.
2. OUR SOLUTION
An inclusive and modern, fishing and processing business designed to transform the fisheries sector in São Tomé and Príncipe, delivering value across the entire chain:
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Sustainable fishing operations – Deployment of semi-industrial fishing boats to increase efficiency and quality.
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Processing Plant – Capable of handling tuna, sardines, and other species into canned, frozen, and value-added products.
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Cold Chain & Logistics – Reducing waste and ensuring food safety from sea to market.
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Export & Local Markets – Supplying international buyers while strengthening local food security.
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Immersive Tourism Experiences – Offer eco- and cultural tourists immersive, sustainable activities that transform fishing and tradition into unforgettable experiences.
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Animal Feed Plant – Reducing waste and reliance on imports of animal feed, ensuring the market supply.
3. OUR VALUE PROPOSITION
ART OF FISHING:
An inclusive, modern, and semi-industrial fishing and processing initiative designed to transform the fisheries sector in São Tomé and Príncipe, delivering value across the entire chain by offering:
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Affordable Fresh & Frozen Fish, and Seafood – ensuring food security and access for the domestic market.
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Frozen Fish and Seafood for Export – tapping into high-demand international markets.
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Canned Fish – tailored for both local consumption and global distribution.
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Animal Feed from By-Products – maximizing resource use and supporting local agriculture.
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Fishing Tourism Experiences – leveraging cultural heritage for eco- and cultural tourism growth.
ART OF FISHING is more than a business — it’s a sustainable model that creates jobs, reduces waste, preserves tradition, and unlocks new revenue streams for the blue economy.
4. MARKET OPPORTUNITY
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Untapped Potential – São Tomé and Príncipe’s waters offer an estimated 30,000 tons annually, including high-value species, yet much is still harvested using rudimentary methods.
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Global Demand Rising – Sustainable seafood is one of the fastest-growing international markets, projected to grow from USD 12.77 billion in 2024 to USD 16.37 billion by 2033.
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Regional Supply Gaps – Neighboring markets, such as Nigeria, are undersupplied with processed fish, with an estimated 1.839 billion kg needed to meet population demand, creating significant expansion opportunities.
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Import Substitution & Exports – Strong potential to replace costly imports and develop a competitive export industry.
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Tourism Growth – São Tomé and Príncipe welcomes ~36,000 tourists per year, yet the market has a limited range of high-value, experience-based offerings, presenting opportunities for fishing tourism.
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Animal Feed Deficit – The country currently imports ~350 tons of animal feed annually due to a lack of local production, highlighting a clear value-add opportunity from fish by-products.
Modernizing the sector unlocks a profitable and scalable market while driving food security and sustainable growth.
5. THE ART OF FISHING CONCEPT
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
BUSINESS MODEL
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ANIMAL FEED FROM BY-PRODUCTS
Transforming fish by-products into high-quality animal feed, supporting local livestock farmers while reducing losses and waste.
TOURISM INTEGRATION
BUSINESS MODEL
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TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Harnessing the full fishing value chain to create unique tourism experiences.
6. BUSINESS MODEL
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Domestic Sales – Provide affordable, high-quality fish products to meet local demand and improve food security.
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Export Contracts – Supply high-value species such as tuna and sardines to markets in Europe, Africa, and Asia, capturing premium prices.
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By-Products Utilization – Convert fish waste into fishmeal and animal feed, creating additional revenue streams and reducing waste.
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Tourism Integration – Leverage the entire fishing value chain to offer immersive tourism experiences, including fishing excursions and cultural tours, adding value to both the community and the business.
8. CUSTOMER SEGMENTS
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Local market: Cooperative of fishermen and fishmongers.
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Export markets: regional (ECOWAS, Central Africa) & international (Japan, niche gourmet markets).
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Tourists: eco-tourism, gastronomy, cultural experiences.
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Agriculture sector: livestock producers purchasing local feed.
10.GROWTH STRATEGY
1. Phase 1 – Foundation (Years 1–2)
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Acquire semi-industrial vessels and modernize the fishing fleet.
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Establish the fish processing and animal feed plant.
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Build strong partnerships with local fishermen for inclusive supply chains.
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Launch initial product lines for the local market (fresh, frozen fish).
2. Phase 2 – Expansion (Years 3–4)
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Diversify products into canned fish and STP-inspired cuisine.
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Scale animal feed production to reduce national import dependence.
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Enter regional export markets (ECOWAS, Central Africa).
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Develop tourism experiences integrating fishing, gastronomy, and culture.
3. Phase 3 – Global Positioning (Years 5 and beyond)
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Penetrate international niche markets (EU, gourmet, fair-trade, sustainable seafood).
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Expand branded STP food products globally through strategic distributors.
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Position ART OF FISHING as a regional hub for sustainable fishing, processing, and culinary tourism.
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Explore impact investment opportunities, carbon credits, and ESG-linked funding.
Enablers of Growth
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Continuous innovation in fishing methods and processing technologies.
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Branding São Tomé and Príncipe as a unique, sustainable blue economy destination.
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Reinforcement of social impact: community inclusion and job creation.
11. KEY IMPACTS
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Create jobs in fishing, processing, and logistics.
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Strengthen food security and reduce imports.
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Increase fisher incomes through fair partnerships.
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Drive blue economy growth with sustainable practices.
12. SDGs ALIGNMENT
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SDG 1: No Poverty
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SDG 2: Zero Hunger
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SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
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Gender equity and youth inclusion built-in
13. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Investment Required: $5 million (Semi-industrial
boats purchase, processing facility, logistics).
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Processing Capacity: 150 tons/month.
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Revenue Streams: 50% exports, 25% domestic, 5% tourism, 20% by-products.
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Break-even: 2–3 years, with IRR of X%.
Five-year comprehensive financial details are available upon request. Please get in touch with us for more information.
Financial
details
available!
13. THE ASK
We are seeking $5 million in equity and strategic partnerships to:
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Build and equip the processing facility.
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Modernize the fishing fleet.
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Establish international distribution channels.
Together, we can transform fishing into a driver of sustainable prosperity for São Tomé and Príncipe.
14. RISKS MANAGEMENT
1. Operational Risks
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Risk: Delays in acquiring vessels, building processing facilities, or training the workforce.
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Mitigation: Phased implementation, technical partnerships, and workforce capacity-building programs.
2. Market Risks
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Risk: Fluctuations in fish prices, competition from established exporters, or limited access to international markets.
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Mitigation: Diversified product portfolio (fresh, frozen, canned, preserves, animal feed) and multi-market strategy (local, regional, global).
3. Environmental & Resource Risks
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Risk: Overfishing, climate change impacts, or depletion of fish stocks.
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Mitigation: Adoption of sustainable fishing practices, quotas, and alignment with international sustainability standards (MSC, FAO guidelines).
4. Regulatory & Political Risks
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Risk: Changes in fisheries regulations, trade restrictions, or political instability.
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Mitigation: Strong government partnerships, compliance frameworks, and legal advisory support.
5. Financial Risks
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Risk: High upfront capital costs, currency fluctuations, or delays in ROI.
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Mitigation: Blended financing (equity, grants, concessional loans), ESG investment alignment, and phased scaling to spread risk.
6. Social Risks
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Risk: Resistance from artisanal fishermen fearing displacement.
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Mitigation: Inclusive business model integrating fishermen as suppliers and beneficiaries, community engagement, and job creation.
PROJECT TEAM
Isaú Trindade - CEO
International Business Specialist
Field Of Studies: International Business
A dynamic entrepreneur with over eight years of proven experience in creating and managing successful companies. His strategic vision has led to the establishment of the STP Investment Hub, designed to facilitate and scale foreign direct investment in São Tomé and Príncipe, while providing national companies and start-ups with growth opportunities. In 2014, he founded World Link Solutions, specializing in training and consultancy, where he defined the mission, vision, and goals, transforming the company from a concept into a financially solid entity. With a master's degree in international business, he is passionate about the business world and possesses extensive knowledge of all aspects of business Development.
Anibal Olavio - COO
Fishery Specialist
Field Of Studies: Food Security
With a Master's Degree in Quality and Food, a Postgraduate Degree in Management of Cooperatives and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (PEMES), and a qualification as a Technician in Industrial Fishing, Olavio currently serves as the National Coordinator of the FAO-FISH4ACP Coastal Pelagics Value Chain Project. He has previously held various roles at the Directorate of Fishery under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Rural Development, including Head of the Fisheries Inspection Department, Sanitary Inspector, and Advisor to the Minister Additionally, he has been the Director General of Fisheries, as well as Director of Artisanal Fisheries, Community Development, and Aquaculture within the same Ministry. As a consultant, Olavio has coordinated the STP 03/004 PNUD/Minister of Plan and Finance project (Incomeating Component), focusing on “Support for Grassroots Communities in Local Governance and Poverty Reduction,” and served as an SFLP/FAO consultant in Equatorial Guinea, training the National Coordination Unit (“UCN”) in participatory diagnostic methods and community projects.
Sulisa Quaresma - CSO
Chemical & Environmental Specialist
Field Of Studies: Chemical Engineering
Sulisa Signo Bom Jesus Quaresma holds a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering with specializations in Environment, Energy, and Processes. She currently serves as the Director-General of the Directorate General for the Environment and Climate Action. In her capacity as a consultant, she has successfully led the preparation of National Communications (NCs) and National Greenhouse Gas Inventories for the Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) and Waste sectors. Her work includes the development of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Systems related to climate change, as well as the preparation of Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) reports focused on adaptation to climate change within the Water, Coastal Zones, and Agroforestry sectors. Furthermore, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing institutional capacity for climate finance in São Tomé and Príncipe. In addition to her consulting work, she possesses substantial experience in education and awareness-raising for sustainability. She has implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting formal environmental education and informing the public about key environmental issues and sustainable development. Through these efforts, she strives to raise awareness and facilitate behavioral change concerning critical topics such as water management, waste reduction, forest conservation, climate change, and soil erosion.
Sandra Bandeira - CMO
Business Science Specialist
Field Of Studies: Business sciences
A professional with extensive experience in Administration and Strategic Management serves as the Commercial Director and Senior Consultant at RAFALI Corporation. Her primary focus lies in business development, import and export operations, and corporate communication initiatives. She holds a degree in Economics and Management, as well as a Master's degree in Business Sciences. Her profound expertise encompasses team management, commercial negotiation, and strategic planning. Currently, she plays a pivotal role in expanding and positioning her organization in the market. Core competencies include Strategic Management, Business Administration, Leadership and Team Management, Commercial Planning, Business Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Decision Making.
Rodney Fernandes - CTO
IT Specialist
Field Of Studies: Telecommunication and Electronics
Rodeney Fernandes is a Telecom and Electronics Engineer with a distinguished career that commenced in July 2009, during which he has acquired extensive experience in the realm of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). His professional endeavors are characterized by innovation, strategic leadership, and technical excellence. Currently, Mr. Fernandes serves as a Systems Administrator at the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge (INIC), which is responsible for overseeing Electronic Governance (e-Gov) and Digital Transformation (DX) initiatives in São Tomé and Príncipe. His specialized expertise plays a pivotal role in the digital modernization of the nation, facilitating the implementation of efficient and sustainable technological solutions. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr. Fernandes possesses seven years of experience as a university professor at the esteemed IUCAI and USTP institutions. In this capacity, he has committed himself to the education and training of new professionals, imparting valuable technical and strategic knowledge within the field of ICTs. His career exemplifies a steadfast commitment to innovation, significant contributions to digital transformation, advancements in education, and the evolution of emerging technologies in São Tomé and Príncipe.
