ABOUT EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Equatorial Guinea is one of the smallest countries in Africa by land area and population, yet it holds a strategic position in Central Africa. Its capital is Malabo, located on Bioko Island, while Oyala (Ciudad de la Paz) is being developed as the future administrative capital. Despite its small size, Equatorial Guinea is classified as an Upper-Middle-Income country by the World Bank, primarily due to its vast oil and gas reserves. The currency used is Central African CFA Franc (XAF). As of 2020, the population of Equatorial Guinea stands at approximately 1.4 million.

Equatorial Guinea is bordered by Cameroon, Gabon, and the Atlantic Ocean. The official languages are Spanish, French, and Portuguese, with Fang and Bubi being widely spoken local languages. The country predominantly follows Christianity, and the majority of the population practices Roman Catholicism.

The country has 3 international airports: Malabo International Airport (on Bioko Island), Bata Airport (mainland), and Mongomeyen Airport. These provide regular connectivity to major destinations in Africa and Europe. Equatorial Guinea also has several functioning seaports, including Port of Malabo and Port of Bata, which handle the bulk of the country’s import and export operations.

Corporate tax in Equatorial Guinea stands at 35%, and Value Added Tax (VAT) is around 15%. Investors and businesses need to follow the commercial laws of the country, and Opesh Group assists with Due Diligence, business registration, market entry strategy, and even property rental support for setting up your business in Equatorial Guinea.

According to the Investment Charter of Equatorial Guinea, foreign investors are allowed to own 100% of their companies in most sectors. You can register a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Corporation, Branch Office, or Joint Venture depending on your business goals.

Types of Businesses That Can Be Started in Equatorial Guinea:

Oil & Gas – The backbone of Equatorial Guinea’s economy. Although the market is competitive, service-based companies in logistics, drilling equipment, oilfield chemicals, etc., still offer great ROI.

Fisheries – The country has abundant marine resources. Fishing and fish processing businesses can gain from increasing domestic demand and export potential.

Agriculture – A largely underdeveloped sector despite fertile soil and favorable weather. Crops such as cocoa, coffee, and palm oil offer excellent investment potential.

Construction & Infrastructure – With large-scale government initiatives to build roads, administrative buildings, and residential housing, the construction sector is booming. Opportunities also exist in supplying raw materials and machinery.

Renewable Energy – The government is pushing to diversify the energy mix. Solar and hydroelectric projects are in focus to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Tourism & Hospitality – Equatorial Guinea has stunning beaches, volcanic islands, and rich biodiversity. However, there is a severe shortage of quality hotels, resorts, and tourism infrastructure.

Healthcare – Access to affordable healthcare is limited. Clinics, diagnostic labs, and pharmaceutical distribution have untapped potential.

ICT & Telecom – The internet penetration rate is improving, and the government is investing in digital transformation. Tech startups and ICT service providers have a promising future.

Mining – Beyond oil, Equatorial Guinea has potential in gold, uranium, diamonds, and bauxite. The mining sector is largely underexplored and open to foreign investment.

Advantages of Starting a Business in Equatorial Guinea:

• Oil-rich Economy: The country’s wealth from oil has resulted in significant infrastructure development, creating demand across multiple sectors.

• 100% Foreign Ownership: In most sectors, foreign investors can retain full ownership of their business.

• Tax Incentives: The government offers tax holidays and duty exemptions under certain conditions to foreign investors.

• Improving Infrastructure: Continuous investments in roads, seaports, and airports make logistics and trade easier.

• Multilingual Population: With three official languages (Spanish, French, Portuguese), the country serves as a gateway for Central and West Africa.

• Political Stability: Equatorial Guinea is one of the more politically stable countries in Central Africa.

• Growing Middle Class: As income levels rise, so does the demand for consumer goods, services, and technology.

Business Opportunities for Indians in Equatorial Guinea:

Indian investors and companies can explore business setup opportunities in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, mining, and pharmaceuticals. Given India’s expertise in low-cost manufacturing and healthcare, Equatorial Guinea offers fertile ground for expansion.

Key sectors for Indian businesses:

• Pharmaceuticals: Supply and manufacturing of generic medicines.

• Agriculture Equipment: Tractors, irrigation systems, and processing machinery.

• Construction Machinery: Supply of affordable machinery for infrastructure development.

• Telecom & IT Services: Software solutions, internet infrastructure, and mobile services.

Imports & Exports:

Major exports from Equatorial Guinea to India:

• Crude Oil

• Timber

• Gas

Major imports to Equatorial Guinea from India:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Machinery

• Textiles & garments

• Electrical and electronic equipment

• Rice, pulses, and spices

Manufacturing:

There is very little local manufacturing in Equatorial Guinea. Most products are imported, which creates a strong case for setting up local factories to reduce import dependence and meet rising domestic demand.

Target industries for manufacturing:

• Building materials

• Agricultural products

• Packaged food & beverages

• Electrical fittings and equipment

Mining:

Equatorial Guinea has vast untapped mineral wealth. Government plans to diversify beyond oil have opened the door for mining investments in:

• Gold

• Bauxite

• Uranium

• Iron Ore

The Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons actively welcomes foreign companies and offers concession agreements for mining licenses. Opesh Group can assist with your end-to-end mining business registration and compliance process.

Major Indian Companies Active in Equatorial Guinea:

• ONGC Videsh – Involved in oil and gas exploration.

• Sun Pharma & Cipla – Indian pharmaceutical brands have distribution networks across Central Africa including Equatorial Guinea.

GDP = $10.02 billion (2023 estimate)
GDP Growth = 2.8%
Ease of Doing Business Rank = Not ranked (data not available in recent World Bank reports)
GDP Per Capita = ~$7,700 (PPP, 2023)

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