This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/15/2016

The leading sectors are oil, energy, tourism, and infrastructure.  The Sao Tomean government seeks to build a deep water port and improve the international airport.  They believe the two projects could transform the country into a central African hub for services because of its strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea.
 

Overview

STP has a significant need for investment in infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, electricity generation and transmission, water distribution, upgrading the international airport, and port facilities.  The European Union is financing some infrastructure projects in Sao Tome, including improvements to the southern part of the national road and several bridges.  The government of STP has limited funds for infrastructure investment and project financing is a main deterrent to increased spending on infrastructure.
 
The government of STP has long sought international investors for a deep water port.  The idea behind the project is to allow STP to capitalize on its location in strategic Gulf of Guinea by serving as a trans-shipment point connecting central African countries with the U.S., Europe, and Asia.  The government is anxious to identify potential investors and partners but the project’s high price tag remains an obstacle.
 
STP was connected to an undersea fiber optic cable in 2012, creating the opportunity for investment in the telecommunications field.
 

Sub-Sector Best Prospects

Port, international airport, telecommunications, education, health, and roads.
 

Opportunities

Opportunities exist for port construction, telecommunications diversification, international airport and general infrastructure upgrades.
 

Web Resources

Official Government Web Page: www.gov.st 
GUE – The Single Window (Guichê Único para Empresas): www.gue-stp.net 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.