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BUSINESS NEWS 

Waves

SUSTAINABLE WATER

Sustainable Desalination for Water Security in São Tomé and Príncipe

SUSTAINABLE SALT – A national desalination initiative that transforms São Tomé and Príncipe’s vast maritime resources into a reliable, sustainable, and climate-resilient source of freshwater.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ILLUSTRATIVE, TO BE REFINED WITH FURTHER STUDIES

A project developed by STP-Investment Hub 

15 min. reading

1. THE PROBLEM

São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) is facing a rapidly intensifying water crisis:

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  • More than half of the population lacks access to treated water at home.

  • Rainfall has decreased sharply, with only two rainfall events in six months, prolonging the drought.

  • Existing water collection and distribution systems are outdated and insufficient, leading to severe supply shortages.

  • The crisis disproportionately affects low-income households, urban/peri-urban communities, farmers, hospitals, schools, and the tourism sector.

If not addressed, the situation threatens public health, food security, economic stability, and social well-being.

Image by Ajaysinh Chauhan
Water Filter Faucet

2. OUR SOLUTION

The project consists of:

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  • Deploying modular, energy-efficient desalination plants along strategic coastal points.

  • Using renewable energy (solar + hybrid systems) to reduce production costs and carbon footprint.

  • Connecting the plants to existing distribution grids, with localized micro-distribution where needed.

  • Ensuring treated water meets WHO standards for household, agricultural, and industrial use.

This solution converts one of STP’s greatest natural assets—its ocean territory, 160× larger than its land mass—into a long-term water security engine.

3. OUR VALUE PROPOSITION

  • Reliable: Ensures year-round water availability independent of rainfall.

  • Scalable: Modular plants allow phased expansion across districts.

  • Affordable: Renewable-powered desalination lowers long-term cost per litre.

  • Inclusive: Prioritises equitable access for vulnerable communities.

  • Strategic: Secures water for key economic sectors—agriculture, tourism, and industry.

  • Impact-driven: Directly improves living conditions, health outcomes, and climate resilience.

Water Filter Maintenance
Fish Market

4. MARKET OPPORTUNITY

  • National Demand

  • Population of ~220,000, with less than 45% having access to treated water.

  • Demand exceeds supply by an estimated 8,000–10,000 m³/day in drought periods.

  • Sector-Specific Growth Drivers

  • Tourism: One of the fastest-growing sectors, projected to expand water demand by 35–50% in the next decade.

  • Agriculture: Lack of irrigation contributes to food import dependency; desalination can unlock year-round production.

  • Urbanisation: Rising demand in São Tomé city and surrounding districts.

5. THE ART OF FISHING CONCEPT

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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

  • A public–private partnership (PPP) combining commercial viability with social impact.

  • Revenue streams:

  • Bulk water supply to utilities (main offtaker).

  • Direct supply contracts with hotels, hospitals, and industrial clients.

  • Agricultural water provision through subsidised schemes.

  • Carbon credits via renewable-powered desalination.

  • Pricing structure aligned with affordability thresholds while ensuring sustainable returns.

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Fish Market

8. CUSTOMER SEGMENTS

  • National water utility and local municipalities

  • Tourism operators (hotels, resorts, eco-lodges)

  • Hospitals, clinics, and schools

  • Commercial farms and agribusinesses

  • Industries requiring process water

  • Urban and peri-urban households

10.GROWTH STRATEGY

  • Phase 1 (Pilot) – Install first modular plant (1,000–2,000 m³/day) near the capital.

  • Phase 2 – Expand to 3 additional coastal regions based on population need.

  • Phase 3 – Introduce agricultural irrigation supply systems.

  • Phase 4 – Scale nationwide with renewable-powered mega modules.

  • Long-term – Position STP as a regional model for sustainable island desalination.

  • Partnerships include government, international donors, climate funds, and private investors.

11. KEY IMPACTS

  • Universal access to clean water for vulnerable communities.

  • Reduced waterborne diseases and improved public health.

  • Reliable water for farmers, boosting food security and local production.

  • Support for tourism growth to protect one of the country's main revenue streams.

  • Climate resilience through reduced dependence on rainfall.

  • Job creation in construction, operations, and maintenance.

  • Reduced environmental pressure on rivers and natural springs.

12. SDGs ALIGNMENT

The project directly contributes to:

  • SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

  • SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being

  • SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

  • SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure

  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption & Production

  • SDG 13 – Climate Action

  • SDG 14 – Life Below Water (responsible brine management)

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13. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Initial CAPEX: USD 5–12 million for phase 1 plant

  • OPEX: Optimised through solar integration (30–40% reduction)

  • Projected IRR: 12–18% depending on scale and pricing

  • Payback period: 5–7 years

  • Revenue potential: USD 3–7 million annually at full scale

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Funding mix may include equity, concessional loans, climate funds, and potential grants.

(Illustrative, to be refined with engineering studies)

13. THE ASK

We seek:

  • USD 12–15 million in blended financing for Phase 1, including:

    • CAPEX for desalination plant construction

    • Solar power integration

    • Distribution linkages

    • Technical assistance and environmental safeguards

We invite investors, climate funds, and development partners to join a high-impact, high-visibility national water security initiative.

Business meeting
Business Meeting 2

14. RISKS MANAGEMENT

  • Technical Risk
    Mitigated by using proven modular desalination technology and certified international EPC contractors.

  • Environmental Risk
    Managed through brine dilution systems, renewable energy integration, and adherence to international environmental standards.

  • Financial Risk
    Reduced via offtake agreements with the national utility and diversified revenue sources.

  • Regulatory Risk
    Minimized through PPP frameworks, government partnership, and alignment with national water strategies.

  • Operational Risk
    Mitigated by training local technicians and establishing long-term O&M contracts.

PROJECT TEAM

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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