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ECONOMY
Agriculture
Apesar do seu tamanho reduzido, com implicações diretas na disponibilidade de terras arráveis, São Tomé e Príncipe faz parte de uma lista restrita de países, cujo Sistema Agro-Florestal do Cacau, constitui Sistema Importante do Património Agrícola Mundial (SIPAM), por combinar elementos como paiságens, conhecimentos e valores tradicionais, a biodiversidade e ecossistemas resilientes, contribuindo assim para 33% de todas as exportações do país e a preservação do meio de vida da população sobretudo, rural. Entretanto, ainda existe enorme espaço para aumentar a exploração deste patrimônio, bem como de outras formas de agricultura orgânica, que constitui o principal potencial do país.
O sector da agro-indústria é particularmente virgem, com enorme potencial de entregar ao mercado nacional e estrangeiro bens de consumo de valor 100% orgânicos sem representar grandes custos de investimento. Este potencial pode acelerar ainda mais o desenvolvimento socioeconomico, se a ele forem aplicados os princípios da economia criativa.
Fishery
As pescas constituem um pilar fundamental para a economia de São Tomé e Príncipe e as razões são óbvias. O território marítimo é 160 vezes maior que o massa territórial, a localização geográfica no golfo da guiné é generosa e as condições climáticas favoráveis a uma diversidade de recursos marinhos vivos. O sector das pescas apesar de contribuir com 33% do PIB, e empregar cerca de 5% da população, é um sector ainda considerado sub-explorado. A frota pesqueira nacional é sobretudo artesanal e semi-industrial, baseiada em técnicas de pesca tradicionais, em pequenas embarcações de pesca.
Estima-se que o potencial anual de captura seja de aproximadamente 37.000 a 45,000 toneladas e a captura anual ronde por volta de 15,000 toneladas.
Para que o sector das pescas venha a desempenhar um papel ainda mais relevante na economia local, a industrialização do sector das pescas e a transformação de produtos a nível local é imprescindível, para a melhoria da cadeia de valor da pesca e reduzir as perdas pós-colheita
Tourism
São Tomé and Príncipe is characterized by its lush, unexplored natural environment, surrounded by pristine waters and dense rainforests. It holds a significant position as one of the most biodiverse nations globally, which provides a substantial competitive advantage in the development of nature-based tourism compared to other destinations. Presently, tourism constitutes approximately 33% of the nation’s GDP and supports around 15,000 jobs, contributing an annual income of roughly USD 5 million. However, the sector's potential remains underutilized, particularly concerning the diversification of tourism offerings.
The tourism industry possesses considerable capabilities to foster socio-economic development within the islands, provided that it is developed sustainably. The available resources for such development are abundant. The expansive maritime territory, along with the crystal-clear, warm waters that border the coastlines, presents favorable conditions for water-based recreational activities, which are currently minimal in the country.
The tropical rainforests, known for their pristine attributes, boast rich and unique biodiversity, making them ideal for the advancement of nature-focused tourism. Additionally, the islands' diverse gastronomy and culture, shaped by the legacy of various populations, contribute to the potential for gastronomic and cultural tourism.
Furthermore, the establishment of a creative economy anchored in sustainability could enable the innovative application of creativity and knowledge to generate novel value propositions. This approach presents a viable alternative for the socio-economic transformation of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Trade
São Tomé and Príncipe functions primarily as an importing nation, reliant on international trade to meet its economic needs. According to the World Integrated Trade Solution, the principal partners in both imports and exports for São Tomé and Príncipe include Portugal, Angola, Togo, China, Cameroon, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands. The primary import categories encompass capital equipment, food products, and fuel. On the export side, cocoa is the most significant commodity, constituting approximately 90% of total exports, followed by palm oil, copra, coffee, bananas, and cassava.
Product Exports
$57.1M
(2024)
Product Imports
$185M
(2024)
Exports Per capita
$185M
(2024)
Imports Per capita
$185M
(2024)
Imports Growth
$185M
(2024)
Exports Growth
$185M
(2024)
The trade sector, akin to other critical industries such as fishing, agriculture, and tourism, is currently underperforming and presents opportunities for enhancement. To enable the trade sector to fulfill a more significant role in the nation’s economic equilibrium, it is essential to invest in prospective areas, particularly agro-processing and export-oriented fishing.
Services
The service sector, often known as the third sector, is a crucial component of the economy in São Tomé and Príncipe, providing jobs for most of the workforce and accounting for about two-thirds of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). This sector includes public services, consumer services, and commercial services. The service sector in São Tomé and Príncipe is marked by its complexity, with many individuals participating in informal activities. While this sector shows potential for expansion, the private sector is still relatively small and fragile, mainly consisting of informal businesses, micro-enterprises, and a few underfunded medium-sized formal companies. Although the private sector is vital for the country's sustainable growth, it faces significant challenges, such as inadequate financing, a lack of foreign investment, and poor infrastructure.
GEBERAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS
$
M
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) :
Consumer Price Index
Total Export :
527
450
$
39
M
160
$
M
Total Import, 2022
17
Real Interest Rate :
326
Tax Rate
Prospects
São Tomé and Príncipe has encountered significant economic challenges in recent years, which are characterized by a shortage of currency and stringent budget consolidation measures that have restricted per capita income. While economic growth has been nearly stagnant over recent years, primarily due to the absence of an extended credit facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund—an agreement that has now been finalized—the anticipated reforms are expected to catalyze growth, projecting an increase of 3.1% by the end of 2025 and 4.8% in 2026. This improvement is attributed to advancements in the energy sector, a rise in exports, tourism development, and investment in essential infrastructure. Although inflation remains in double digits, it is forecasted to decline to 5% in the medium term, which will positively impact local purchasing power. São Tomé and Príncipe possesses substantial potential for economic growth, and the government is actively implementing policies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), generating new employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable economic development.
