Equatorial Guinea

Republic of Equatorial Guinea

Spanish, French, Portuguese Central African CFA (XAF) Mixed: Spanish civil law, customary law
AU, ECCAS, CEMAC, OPEC, AfCFTA, CPLP
Equatorial Guinea has the highest GDP per capita in continental Africa due to its significant oil and gas production relative to its small population (1.4 million). The economy is dominated by hydrocarbons, with Marathon Oil, ExxonMobil, and Noble Energy operating major fields. The country also produces methanol (one of the world's largest plants) and LNG. Oil production has declined from peak levels, prompting diversification efforts into petrochemicals, agriculture, and tourism. Challenges include heavy oil dependence, governance concerns, and limited economic diversification. The country is a member of OPEC and CEMAC.

Snapshot

Population~1.6 MWorld Bank WDI
GDP (current USD)$13.5 BIMF WEO
GDP per Capita$7,870IMF WEO
GDP Growth-5.00%IMF WEO
Inflation (y/y)~2.00%Central Bank / IMF
Policy Rate5.00%Central Bank
Internet Use~44.00%World Bank WDI
Electrification~67.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)17.0/100 (#171)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.596 (#145)UNDP HDR

Focus Sectors

Oil & Gas
Petrochemicals
Methanol
LNG
Forestry
Agriculture (cocoa
coffee)
Construction
Financial Services

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax35% standard (oil: 25-34%)
VAT / Sales Tax15% standard
Data Notes: Population, GDP, and GDP per capita are latest IMF WEO / World Bank estimates. Inflation is year-over-year. Trade data from UN Comtrade/OEC (2023). Tax rates from PwC/KPMG country guides. CPI from Transparency International. HDI from UNDP Human Development Report.
Narrative last updated: April 8, 2026.