São Tomé and Príncipe

The EU partners with São Tomé and Príncipe on initiatives to protect the environment while ensuring the economic potential of agriculture, fishing, and tourism is developed sustainably. 

• Managing forest landscapes and promoting sustainable agricultural initiatives: Enhancing forest landscape management to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change while promoting sustainable agricultural practices that ensure food security and environmental sustainability. 
• Developing agri-business and improving export capacity: Connecting farmers with agricultural value chain support and improving cooperative infrastructures. Providing expertise and technology with bioresources for food (TecBioFood).  
• Supporting regional renewable energy projects and infrastructure: Developing a regional research centre for renewable energy and contributing to the operationalisation of regional markets to develop renewable energies. 

São Tomé and Príncipe has vast maritime resources. Our collaboration prioritises sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity conservation, and strengthening regional cooperation to ensure the sustainable use of these resources. 

• Promoting sustainable fisheries and conserving marine biodiversity: Supporting efforts to manage marine resources responsibly and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture, in line with the Sustainable fisheries agreement. 
• Strengthening international ocean governance and fostering regional collaboration: Encouraging coordinated efforts to manage marine ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and address shared challenges in the region. 
• Enhancing maritime security and providing vocational training: Building local capacity to ensure safer waters, e.g. through the Gulf of Guinea Network. 

Access to clean water and adequate sanitation remains a pressing issue, with significant implications for public health and quality of life. Our shared efforts aim to improve public finance management, investments and technical assistance to improve water supply and sanitation.  

The EU partners with São Tomé and Príncipe’s sustainable to strengthen institutions, tackle illicit financial flows, advance human rights, promote gender equality, and empower civil society to play an active role in the country’s transformation. The country also participates in Africa-EU programmes to foster cultural cooperation and intercultural dialogue. Specific initiatives include: 

• Reforming the justice sector to strengthen governance: Supporting judicial reforms to enhance the rule of law, promote accountability, and build trust in democratic processes. 
• Advancing gender equality and combatting domestic violence: Addressing systemic gender inequalities by empowering women, creating safer environments, and promoting equal participation in economic and political life. 
• Empowering civil society and fostering youth entrepreneurship: Strengthening the role of civil society in governance and providing young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to innovate and succeed. 

Our partnership supports the country’s regional integration and investment capacity, amongst others through the following actions:  

• Improving business and investment environments: Facilitating São Tomé and Príncipe’s integration into regional trade networks by improving market access and fostering economic opportunities. 
• Capacity building: Equipping organisations and businesses with skills and resources to effectively participate in regional and global markets. 

The EU also supports São Tomé and Príncipe in building a strong and inclusive education system while empowering young people to take leadership roles and contribute to national development. The county participates in the Africa-EU Youth Lab, the Africa-EU Youth Academy, Erasmus+ programmes and the Intra Africa Academic Mobility Scheme.