In 2022, Data-Pop Alliance (DPA) undertook Equatorial Guinea’s first Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in conjunction with UNDP Equatorial Guinea and the Government of Equatorial Guinea (GoEG). In 2024, we supported the GoEG in conducting their second VRN, which offered a critical opportunity to assess the progress made since the first VNR, analyzing the achievements and challenges the nation has faced, particularly within the context of ongoing economic, social, and institutional difficulties. Both projects fell under our Thematic Program “AI and Statistics for the SDGS”, which aims to empower individuals and organizations with data skills, systems, and standards to ensure equitable access to technology and data, fostering stronger democratic processes and effective measurement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Continue reading to learn more about Equatorial Guinea’s second Voluntary National Review, and how this African nation continues to work to meet the 2030 Agenda by putting in place plans and implementing a wide range of economic, social, health, governance, and sustainability efforts.
Economic Diversification Efforts
Equatorial Guinea is actively working to diversify its sources of income, responding to the fluctuations in crude oil prices, which has been the main contributor to the country’s GDP and government revenues. Five key areas have been prioritized for economic diversification:
- Blue Economy: Leveraging and sustainably managing marine resources.
- Green Economy: Responsible use and management of land-based resources.
- Yellow Economy: Optimizing industrial processes through innovation in science and technology.
- Tourism Economy: Promoting responsible and sustainable tourism as an alternative source of income.
- Digital Economy: Harnessing information and communication technologies to offer both public and private goods and services.
Social and Health Initiatives
The social landscape of Equatorial Guinea continues to be shaped by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the country’s recovery efforts, 4,000 jobs were created in 2022, of which 3,877 were filled, helping to reduce unemployment and integrate many young people into the labor force. The government also updated its National Health Policy and developed the National Health Development Plan (PNDS) 2021-2025, with the goal of guiding health programming over the next five years. The number of health districts has been increased to 19 to expand healthcare coverage.
In addition, the government enacted Decree No. 141/2023, which introduces measures to protect minors in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. The construction of a new campus for the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE) in Basupu is also nearing completion, addressing capacity issues at the old campus and opening up new areas of academic training.
Strengthening Governance and Institutional Capacity
The VNR highlights the creation of the National Commission for Sustainable Development Goals, the main institutional governance mechanism for fostering dialogue, commitment, and integration of initiatives from subnational entities and civil society. The commission aims to internalize, disseminate, and ensure transparency in the process of implementing the 2030 Agenda.
The report details contributions from civil society, development partners, subnational governments, the legislature, and external control institutions. Through national consultations organized in 2023, Equatorial Guinea committed to a roadmap for achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Aligning National Plans with Global Goals
Equatorial Guinea has aligned its long-term development strategy, the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2035 (Agenda Guinea Ecuatorial 2035), with both the 2030 and 2063 Agendas. This strategy, shaped by the Third National Economic Conference held in 2019, integrates the 17 SDGs into four strategic pillars:
- Poverty Eradication: Addressing basic needs such as nutrition, health, education, and access to clean water.
- Social Inclusion and Sustainable Peace: Tackling inequalities and promoting social investment through targeted policies.
- Productivity and Industrialization: Fostering investment as a driver for industrialization and economic growth.
- Environmental Sustainability: Promoting awareness of climate change and the importance of sustainable production and consumption.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the progress made, the report acknowledges several remaining challenges, such as the lack of updated data and limited engagement from all sectors of society. The absence of a centralized and digitized national database also slowed down data collection and analysis, highlighting the need for improved interoperability of information systems in future reporting efforts.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Sustainability
The 2024 VNR concludes by summarizing the progress made, the challenges ahead, and the commitments adopted during the 2023 national consultations. It provides a roadmap for the continued pursuit of the 2030 Agenda, illustrating the government’s medium- and long-term vision for overcoming obstacles and ensuring a prosperous, sustainable future for Equatorial Guinea.
As the country continues its journey towards achieving these goals, this report stands as a snapshot of the nation’s current state in 2024, reflecting its efforts to eradicate poverty and promote human development.
