Equatorial Guinea Country Report

Following the discovery of significant oil reserves in the 1990s, Equatorial Guinea has become one of the fastest growing economies in Africa over the past decade, although the country is vulnerable to oil price shocks. Wealth from oil has been concentrated within a small segment of the population connected with the government and there is massive wealth disparity between rich and poor in the country. Despite government support for privatization and foreign investment, high levels of corruption and myriad regulations have a significant impact on the country's business environment.

Although nominally a multiparty democracy, the government has remained autocratic under President Teodoro Obiang and his Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE). Obiang has survived several coup attempts in the past decade, including one allegedly orchestrated by Western powers, but has maintained a firm grip on power. Despite frequent claims of human rights abuses and crackdowns on dissent, civil and political unrest remain rare. Crime and other security threats to foreign travelers have been kept in check by a pervasive security apparatus and stringent laws. Nationwide infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years, although remains underdeveloped.

Although relatively low by regional standards, levels of violent and petty crime have been on the rise in Equatorial Guinea, particularly in the main cities of Malabo and Bata. Unrest is rare in the country due to strict government control of the opposition and security forces’ propensity for heavy-handed crowd control measures, although some small demonstrations do occur. Equatorial Guinea has been prone to attempted coups in recent years, some of which have been blamed on exiled dissidents backed by international interests.

Security measures at Malabo International Airport are generally considered inadequate.

The country's road network has been improved through sustained investment in recent years, although only major highways are paved and driving standards remain erratic.

The Port de Malabo is considered relatively reliable.

Equatorial Guinea has a relatively high electrification rate, with most urban centers connected to the power grid. However, the country's communications infrastructure is largely underdeveloped and the Internet penetration rate remains relatively low, with the use of satellite services still common.

The country is not widely known to sponsor cyberattacks, but its government has reported being targeted by them on an intermittent basis.

Equatorial Guinea's rainy seasons are split between the island of Bioko and the mainland but both regions receive relatively high levels of rainfall throughout the year. Flooding is relatively common during the rainy seasons, often resulting in overland travel disruption. Changes to weather patterns and associated increased flooding have the potential to threaten infrastructure and human settlements due to the country’s low-lying terrain. Deforestation has exacerbated the issue in some areas and while the government is attempting to address the problem, corruption has hindered progress. Equatorial Guinea also has one active volcano, Pico Basile located just south of Malabo, but significant earthquakes are relatively uncommon.

Malaria and other vector-borne diseases present the main health threat for foreign travelers in Equatorial Guinea. Medical treatment in the country is both limited and expensive, although a handful of reputable clinics are present in Malabo and Bata. Pharmaceuticals are generally available in urban centers, although shortages are common in rural areas. Counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals are also an issue. Tap water in the country is generally not potable and there are concerns over food hygiene standards, particularly with regard to street vendors.

Despite a history of coups, Equatorial Guinea has remained largely stable under the autocratic rule of President Obiang that has allowed for only limited dissent from the opposition and wider population. Corruption is endemic and affects all levels of government and the bureaucracy. Rule of law is weak, with widespread political interference in the judiciary and a culture of impunity among political, military and economic elites. There are currently no sanctions in force for Equatorial Guinea, although the possible ascension of Obiang’s son as president in the medium-to-long term could prompt France and the United States to impose sanctions due to ongoing corruption charges leveled against him.