Equatorial Guinea News

President Obiang Oversees the Inauguration of New AU Headquarters

2012-01-31T13:07:00.000-08:00

During his final days as African Union Chairman, Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo oversaw the inauguration of the new headquarters of the African Union, a conference and office complex located in Addis Ababa, alongside Commission Chairman Jean Ping. The inauguration took place on Saturday, January 28, 2012, featuring the heads of states and governments from across the region.

The building complex, a donation from the Chinese government, is the tallest building in Addis Ababa, reaching 100 metres high. It includes a 27-story tower for the organisation’s offices and according to Obiang, is “a reflection of the new Africa, and the future we want for Africa.”

Equatorial Guinea Rewards Nzalang's First Victory

2012-01-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Delivers Soccer Team's Bonus

Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, rewarded the national team, Nzalang, for its victory against Libya the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) inaugural match. Minister Nguema delivered the promised bonus in his capacity as President of the Federation of Youth of the Equatorial Guinea Democratic Party (PDGE).

"The match was very important for the people of Equatorial Guinea, because it is the first time that an event of such a magnitude was held in our country, and even more so being the inaugural match," said Minister Nguema. "All the factors came together in order to be able to transmit to you the solidarity of the people. You have demonstrated our pride in this encounter with a brilliant victory that reassured us and encouraged us to achieve further triumphs."

Minister Nguema rewarded the Nzalang with 500 million CFA francs (approximately one million dollars) for their first victory and awarded two other payments of ten million CFA francs each (around 20,000 dollars) to the scorers of the team’s two goals, one of which was annulled in a controversial decision. He continued to encourage the team and ensured the players and the nation that he will the maintain the incentives throughout the tournament. The Nzalang won its second match of the AFCON, against Senegal, yesterday and Minister Nguema will reward the team again in the upcoming days.

Bata, the country’s largest city, once again overflowed with excitement over the success of its National team, Nzalang. The team’s upcoming match against Zambia will be played this Sunday, January 29, in its capital city of Malabo.

New Telecom Company in Equatorial Guinea to Improve Wireless and Internet Connectivity

2012-01-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

Equatorial Guinea recently launched a new telecommunications company, GECOMSA (Guinea Ecuatorial Comunicaciones Sociedad Anónima), to better serve the rapidly developing country’s communications needs. This is an effort by the government to overcome the sector’s limitations, which are currently operated by two companies, GETESA and Hits.

During the launch of GECOMSA, María del Mar Bindang Eneme, GECOMSA Director, stated that the telecommunications company’s main goal is to improve and guarantee mobile telecommunications as well as Internet services for its subscribers.

“GECOMSA is a great addition to Equatorial Guinea’s telecommunications sector as we have experienced some shortcomings,” said President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. “It will expand and improve our communications’ reach and take us to a new level of telecommunications.”

GECOMSA, the third-largest mobile phone and Internet company in Equatorial Guinea, is a joint venture between the government of Equatorial Guinea, which has a 51% stake, and China, with 49%.

Equatorial Guinea Expands LNG Project

2012-01-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy Takes Step Further in the Implementation of Train II

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines, Energy and Industry, Marcelino Owono Edu, finalized new agreements on the implementation of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) Train II project on January 17, 2012 in Lisbon. The agreements distinguish the key areas of the project, taking them a step closer toward implementation.

LNG Train II follows the development of LNG Train I, which was opened in May 2007 to monetize the expansive gas reserves throughout the country. It produces approximately 3.7 million tons of LNG a year, making Equatorial Guinea the third-largest producer of LNG from the African Atlantic basin.

The success of Train I spurred the development of Train II, with the idea of making Equatorial Guinea a regional gas hub. “Equatorial Guinea is determined to continue to develop the gas industry and compete in the Atlantic Basin market,” said the Delegate Minister of Mines, Energy and Industry, Gabriel M. Obiang Lima.

In addition to Minister Owono, the agreements were also signed by SONAGAS GE (the national oil company of Equatorial Guinea), Glencore, Atlas Petroleum and Osborne Resources and the partners of Block R, among others.

The next step in the development of Train II is to define the project scope, which will include the plant size and timing of the project. The goal is to have the first production of LNG shipped by 2016.

Equatorial Guinea Center Of African Continent

2012-01-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Country boosts Cultural Development Exchange between African Youth

Equatorial Guinea opened the 28^th Edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2012) with a match against Libya in the newly remodeled Bata Stadium, where the Nzalang won its first victory. President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo boosted cultural development exchange between African youth.

“Equatorial Guinea is honored to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations 2012, as today we are the African continent’s center,” said President Obiang. “We embrace the AFCON with enthusiasm, honor and responsibility.”

Bata, the country’s largest city, was filled with excitement and support for its National team, Nzalang. The streets of Bata were a virtual sea of red throughout the day as thousands of residents donned the red jerseys of the Nzalang, and the stadium was roaring with excitement a full three hours before the start of the game. AFCON is the most important tournament the country has ever hosted.

The impressive pre-game show featured a performance by Anfibio, Equatorial Guinea’s most famous popular singer, and his group, who performed all along the perimeter of the stadium to loud cheers. They were followed by folk dancers, a multimedia tribute to African biodiversity, and a colorful performance by children in honor of the youth of Africa. The ceremonies ended with a spectacular fireworks show that enveloped the entire circular stadium.

Aniceto Ebiaka Mohete, Equatorial Guinea’s Vice Minister and Honorary President of the COCAN, noted the significant economic development that is taking place in Equatorial Guinea, and said that hosting AFCON marks another step in Equatorial Guinea’s journey toward its Horizon 2020 development goals.

Equatorial Guinea to host inaugural Africa Cup of Nations Game

2012-01-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

Co-host Equatorial Guinea will open the 28th Edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2012) with a match against Libya in the newly remodeled Bata Stadium tomorrow, Saturday, January 21, 2012 in Bata, the country’s largest city.

“Equatorial Guinea is proud to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations 2012, the continent’s most prestigious cup. This is a great opportunity to show how the country is advancing and our continuous efforts to host international events is a proof of that,” said President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. “Winning the first game is a challenge the Nzalang [national selection] is ready to take on as it will lead the rest of the Cup.”

The Nzalang National team is led in this tournament by their new coach, Brazilian Gílson Paulo. The Bata Stadium is a state-of–the-art venue and one of the many infrastructure projects in which the government of Equatorial Guinea has invested in recent years.

The country has pulled out all the stops to welcome the participating African teams, thousands of fans, and journalists from around the world. Hotels are filled to capacity, and the government has arranged overflow lodgings in private properties and subsidized housing units that are to be distributed to low-income families after the games.

Extra flights have been added to accommodate the many people who will travel between the two tournament venues, Bata and the capital, Malabo. Malabo is located on the island of Bioko, some 45 minutes by air from the mainland city of Bata.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry offers Nzalang National support and a US$1m bonus for Libya win

2012-01-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

Equatorial Guinea’s football team will earn bonus for winning opening match in 2012 Africa Cup of Nations

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, offered the national football team, nicknamed Nzalang National, a US$1m bonus if they win the opening game of the African Cup of Nations against Libya on Saturday, January 21, 2012 in Bata.
To give the team further incentive, Minister Nguema also offered approximately US$20,000 for every goal the team scores. This bonus was offered when Minister Nguema visited the team on Monday, January 16, 2012.

He did it to motivate the team. “The news has given the players an injection of enthusiasm and morale. It shows the popular support everybody has for the team,” federation spokesman David Monsuy told BBC.

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Francisco Pascual Obama and Ruslan Eyegue Obiang, CEO of the COCAN G.E., also attended the meeting. The group took pictures with the team and coaching staff to promote the incentives.

In addition to the bonus, other teams’ arrivals were also announced. The CAN program released the expected arrivals of different team:

Tuesday, January 17 at 10:00 am: Burkina Faso

Wednesday, January 18 at 15:00 pm: North Sudan

Wednesday, January 18 at 16:00 pm: Zambia

Wednesday, January 18 at 17:00 pm: Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire

Wednesday, January 18 at 20:00 pm: Libya

After the game against Libya, Equatorial Guinea will play Senegal on January 25th and Zambia January 29th in Malabo. The 2012 African Cup of Nations will end in Gabon on Sunday, February 12, 2012.

President Obiang Speaks to Equatoguinean Students in Washington, D.C.

2012-01-06T12:26:00.001-08:00

Equatorial Guinea continues to enhance national progress with new tourist complex

2012-01-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

President Obiang looks ahead to economic growth and development

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea presided over the inauguration of the new tourist resort in the mainland city of Bata on December 29. The new tourist resort, Elik Melen, is the latest project in the government’s plan to build a tourism infrastructure in the West African country.

In his remarks, President Obiang said the new tourist complex is one of many recent projects the country has supported to develop its political, economical and social sectors. He stressed his commitment to ensure Equatorial Guinea is recognized as a safe and stable country in the international community.

In his speech, President Obiang shared his plan to support additional improvements to national industries and encouraged national banks to provide needed private capital. He then congratulated Lucas Nguema Esono Mbang, who helped acquire financial support from banking institutions to build the tourist complex, and called on all citizens to carry on similar projects.

To bring the ceremony to a close, the Bishop of the Diocese of Bata, Juan Matogo Oyana blessed the resort. President Obiang followed by cutting the ribbon and inviting the guests to visit the different facilities at the hotel.

Toy giveaway sponsored by the Minister of Agriculture

2012-01-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry hosts annual toy sharing program

2012-01-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

In celebration of Christmas, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and President of the Youth Federation PDGE, is hosting his annual toy distribution. He is giving toys to children throughout the country, as he has in previous years, with assistance from Miss South Africa 2008 and Miss Equatorial Guinea.

In addition, Minister Nguema is also hosting concerts in Malabo and Bata from December 31 until today, January 3, with performances from Latino and African artists. The artists included Miki James, Cubanitos 2002, Flegor, Timaya, Don Dabany, Petit Pays, Arnold Eyelid, Boban MP3, Cabel, Chomi, tkz, Fally Ipupa, among many others.

The toy distribution tour began in Malabo on Friday, December 23, where Minister Nguema donated toys to children at the General Hospital of Malabo, Guadalupe Clinic, Hospital Loeri Combá and the Hospital La Paz.

He then continued his route in Bata Saturday, December 24, distributing toys to children at Asonga Bata, Hopital La Paz, Children’s Villages SOS and REMAR Bata Center.

On Sunday, December 25, Minister Nguema distributed toys in Mongomo, Mongomeyen, Nsang Ayong, Añisok and Ayene.

On Monday, December 26 he gave away toys in Luba, Batete, Moca, Riaba and respective hospitals.

On Tuesday, December 27 he gave away toys in Baney and at Baney’s Hospital, in Rebola and at Rebola Hospital.

On Wednesday, December 28 he gave away toys in Mbini and Kogo and at respective hospitals.

On Thursday, December 29 he gave away toys in Niefang, Nkimi, Nkumequieñ, Maan Mení, Evinayong, Misión San Jose, Bikurga and Taga Eté.

On Friday, December 30 he gave away toys in Mikomeseng, Nsok Nsomo, Nsang and Nkue.

After the concerts, Minister Nguema will continue his toy distribution program on Thursday, January 5, visiting children in Ebebiyin, Bidjabidjan and Alen Angok.

He will then bring his tour to a close on Saturday, January 7 in Annobón.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry hosts annual toy distribution over the holidays

2011-12-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

Children across the country celebrate Christmas with new toys

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, will donate up to 1,000,000 toys to children across the country in celebration of the Christmas season.

The distribution, which is an annual event, will begin December 23, 2011 in the capital, Malabo. Minister Nguema will then proceed to Bata, Mongomo and Luba and visit Bioko North and other cities throughout the nation until December 30. The social initiative will continue on January 5, when Minister Nguema travels to Edebellin, and January 7 when he goes to Annobon Island.

In between his visits, from December 31, 2011 to January 3, 2012, Minister Nguema will organize a concert in Malabo and Bata featuring up to 17 artists. The performances will be given by a range of well-known African, Latin American and American singers.

Minister Nguema hosts this week-long event to encourage progress and development for all ages. Last year, he distributed over 500,000 toys after participating in a three-day “Youth Congress” sponsored by the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea, where he was unanimously elected Chairman and President of the PDGE Youth Federation.

New Cathedral in Equatorial Guinea is a Reminder of National Progress

2011-12-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

President Obiang recalls government's restoration of religious freedom and commitment to a nationwide development program

The dedication of a new Catholic cathedral in the city of Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, on December 7 served as a symbol of the nation’s economic development and the vigorous religious life of a country where the church was once violently suppressed.

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo dedicated the new Basilica of the Immaculate
Conception in Equatorial Guinea’s easternmost city. In his remarks, he reminded his countrymen of his government’s efforts to restore religious freedom as one of its first acts upon assuming power. The previous regime had forced the "closure of churches and persecution of Christians, many of whom were forced into exile,” President Obiang said. “With our arrival, we proceeded to reopen all the churches closed by the former regime. We proceeded to release [political] prisoners, and ecclesiastical activity regained its vigor and normality."

The event was held on the eve of the feast of the Immaculate Conception in the capital of Wele Nsas province, President Obiang’s birthplace. More than 1,000 guests attended the religious ceremony, including President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic, papal envoy Francis Cardinal Arinze, and Antoinette Nguesso, wife of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The attractive new basilica, done in a variation of neoclassical style, is named for the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Equatorial Guinea. It can hold up to 8,000 people and took nearly six years to construct. President Obiang presented the plan for the basilica to Pope Benedict XVI during a state visit to the Holy See in 2005 and laid the cornerstone on December 9, 2006.

President Obiang expressed the hope that Pope Benedict would visit the country and recalled the critical role Pope John Paul II played in promoting national healing and renewal during his eight-hour visit to Equatorial Guinea in 1982.

“The Pope arrived at the airport in Malabo, kissed the earth and blessed our country with his hands raised,” President Obiang said. “The people turned out in such a way that he left with the idea that our country was where he was received with the greatest fervor.”

The population of Equatorial Guinea is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic.

After the inaugural Mass, which was attended by five cardinals, 45 bishops, and some 300 priests from the central African sub-region, President Obiang and the Cardinal Arinze cut the ribbon, signifying the official opening of the basilica.

The ceremony was also broadcast live on the International Channel and on Web service of Equatorial Guinea’s national television service, RTVGE.

In Visit to Washington, President Obiang Promotes African Unity and Progress

2011-12-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

Equatorial Guinea continues to invest in promotion and protection of Human Rights programs

In a speech at the Sullivan Honors Awards, President Obiang discussed the promotion of African integration by leading Equatorial Guinea toward a better future by facing its challenges and achieving the country’s desired self-improvement and progress. President Obiang has led the efforts of the African community while promoting the continent and carrying out the development of Equatorial Guinea.

“Equatorial Guinea, as a unified country, knows that in order to achieve self-improvement and progress, we have to face problems and challenges, with the support of friendly countries and the international community,” said President Obiang.

President Obiang received the Beacon for Africa award at the 2011 Sullivan Honors event last night, in recognition of his leadership of the African Union and his exemplary contributions to improving the lives of Africa’s most vulnerable citizens. The Sullivan Honors event is one of Washington’s greatest cultural highlights of the year.

Hope Masters, president of the Administrative Council of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation, praised President Obiang for his exemplary leadership and contributions to rebuilding Equatorial Guinea.

“This was a great opportunity to discuss continued development in the region and ways to collectively expand our role as part of the international community,” said President Obiang. “I believe Africa has a positive future ahead of us as long as we continue to work together.”

President Obiang joined leaders from around the world to honor African individuals who are leading and serving the international community. The honorees have selflessly dedicated themselves to humanitarian efforts on the African continent. Together they showed their appreciation for the honorees at the Leon H. Sullivan Honors event at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel.

“A commitment to ensuring that the dignity of the people they serve has been maintained is critical in determining who will be named a Sullivan Honoree. The ability to ignite that spark of hope, to provide to those less fortunate, while improving their quality of life, has been a common characteristic embodied by each of our honorees. I commend our past honorees and am confident that our new honorees will uphold their passion for championing Africans,” said Ambassador Andrew Young, former US Ambassador to the United Nations.

The Sullivan Honors has been conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated unique leadership in enhancing the lives of the underprivileged, the vulnerable, and the destitute in Africa. Previous Sullivan Honorees include former Presidents BillClinton, George W. Bush, General Colin Powell, current President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, current President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, current President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. A full list of previous Sullivan Honorees can be found on the Sullivan Foundation’s website, http://www.thesullivanfoundation.org/.

Equatorial Guinea’s government has adopted special programs for the promotion and protection of human rights with the help of the International Red Cross, which has verified the performance of state institutions by selecting and implementing programs that improve the level of social indicators.

“The positive effects of these programs have resulted in an increased school ratio, life expectancy, malaria reductions, as well as the progressive increase of technical and professional staff,” said President Obiang.

“Our country recently went through a constitutional change that strengthened the powers of the state institutions, promoted the alteration in power and regulated the strict separation of powers, as well as transparency and equity in public affairs.” This reform was approved and voted by the majority of the population.

In addition to President Obiang, numerous heads of state from Africa attended this year’s 2011 Sullivan Honors event, showing unity and cooperation among one another. They included President John A. Kufuor, former President of Ghana; President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria; Prime Minister Guillaume Soro of Côte D’Ivoire; and President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan.

President Obiang to Attend Sullivan Honors' Event

2011-12-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

Equatorial Guinea participates in one of D.C.'s biggest cultural events

President Obiang of Equatorial Guinea will attend this year’s 2011 Leon H. Sullivan Honors event in Washington, D.C. as an honored guest. The event, which is now one of D.C.’s greatest cultural highlights, pays tribute to individuals committed to improving the lives of the underprivileged and vulnerable in Africa.

“I am honored to attend this event, celebrating people who have devoted themselves to bringing peace and unity in Africa,” said President Obiang. “The Sullivan Foundation has played an essential role in promoting humanitarian development in the region, and as Chairman of the African Union, I am thrilled to share my gratitude.”

This year’s event will be attended by a number of Heads of State from Africa, in addition to President Obiang. Other honorary guests are President John A. Kufuor, former President of Ghana; President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria; Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of Southern Sudan.

“This is a great opportunity for African leaders to come together and show the international community our commitment to developing socially, politically and economically,” said President Obiang. “As a nation, we have made significant progress recently, and this is our chance to gain recognition for it.”

In previous years, Sullivan Honorees have included former President William J. Clinton, former President George W. Bush, General Colin Powell, current President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, among others.

This year’s Sullivan Honors event will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The Sullivan Foundation empowers underprivileged people worldwide by promoting social responsibility and humanitarianism.

Equatorial Guinea Participates in Private Investment Show

2011-12-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Entrepreneurs aim to promote private investment in Africa

Representatives from Equatorial Guinea promoted private investment in Africa while they attended a trade show fair in Libreville, Gabon.

“The private investment show is another example of the strides Equatorial Guinea has taken to increase industry development and international investment in the region,” said President Obiang.

Up to 50 African companies were present at the event. Together, they explored various ways in which Africa can become more involved and more competitive in the international business market. They discussed current developments and challenges affecting small and medium companies in the region.

This was the first edition of the private investment trade show, and one of many events Equatorial Guinea has recently participated in to further enhance their role in the international community. Last month, Equatorial Guinea hosted the First National Industrialization Conference, which was dedicated to increase international investment in industrialization throughout the region.

Equatorial Guinea Attends 20th World Petroleum Congress

2011-12-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

Country's Exhibit Captivated Congress' Attention

Equatorial Guinea participated in the 20th World Petroleum Congress, in Doha, Qatar, the largest and most reputable oil and gas industry gathering in the world, from 4-8 December 2011.

The triennial congress gathered over 4,000 delegates from around the world, including Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy, which showcased modern developments in the West African nation’s oil and gas industry.

“Some of the industry’s top professionals have taken an interest in our exhibit, keeping us very busy,” said Mercedes Eworo Milam, Ministerial Council of Hydrocarbons.

The delegation participated in the World Petroleum Exhibition, which featured designs from major oil and gas companies as well as international and regional service companies. They presented a modern design that captivated the attention of participants from around the world.

“The Congress gives us a chance to play a stronger role in the oil and gas sector,” said Vicente Abeso Mibuy. “We want to show the world that we are actively seeking new developments in the industry.”

The World Petroleum Congress highlighted various aspects of the industry, including technological advancements, renewable and alternative energy. It provides professionals, managers and outside stakeholders, such as governments and NGOs, a chance to share their ideas and network. The World Petroleum Council hosts an international conference every three years in one of its member countries.

The Equatorial Guinea delegation was comprised of Mercedes Eworo Milam, Ministerial Council of Hydrocarbons; Vicente Abeso Mibuy, the Director-General of Hydrocarbons and Juan Antonio Ndong Ondo, Director-General of the company SONAGAS, among others.

International Radio and Television of Equatorial Guinea Goes Live on the Web

2011-12-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

Broadcast system reaches Equatoguineans Around the World via Internet

Equatorial Guinea has officially launched its International Radio and Television broadcasting system online.

The online portal’s programs will cover the West African nation’s most important news and use live streaming to make it easier for Equatoguineans around the world to obtain information about events in their country.

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism sees this initiative as a strong contribution to the nation’s effort to reach out beyond its borders.

“There are many Guineans who live in other parts of the world,” said Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Jerónimo Osa Osa Ecoro. “We wanted to inform them, along with those interested in the country, about major events that are occurring at home like the African Summit.”

The government of Equatorial Guinea is making efforts to improve telecommunications in the country as a part of its overall plan to develop its infrastructure. The online streaming of its International Radio and Television will be carried out by the company GMS/UVEAUVEGE, which has the necessary technology for the live broadcast. The broadcast is transmitted to Spain via satellite and then relayed to a streaming server that distributes it online.

“We hope to continue to move forward in our efforts to increase public interest in Equatorial Guinea,” said Minister Osa Ecoro.

Africa- South America Forum Provides Delegations A Chance To Strengthen Partnership

2011-11-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Experts and officials from both regions promise strategic cooperation

Delegations from 55 different countries came together to further the strategic Africa-South America (ASA) partnership at the 4^th annual ASA Forum in the Sipopo Conference Center. They focused on developing methods to implement specific projects and achieve tangible results that would benefit both regions, and on the last day, November 25, they presented their final statement to the assembly.

Micha Ondo Bilé, Executive Chairman of the African Union, gave a closing speech, highlighting the success of the event. “The work of the Fourth Meeting of Ministers has concluded successfully in an atmosphere of fraternity and responsibility, marked by the momentum of strategic partnership of Africa-South America,” said Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. “The final report and the joint ministerial statement of the results are a reflection of that great work environment, which is required to boost the strategic cooperation of ASA.”

Among additional participants, the event included the ASA Representative for Africa, President of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping, Pastor Micha Ondo Bilé, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophone Affairs and honorary guest, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Antonio Patriota.

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo addressed the officials, stating that the forum is part of the preparations for the Third Summit of Heads of State of ASA, “an association of countries willing to defend their political, economic and socio-cultural interests, in the current world order dominated by the selfishness of different world powers.” He also stressed the importance of promoting security and economic development through a strong partnership.

The ASA summit will be held next year, March 15, 2012 at the Sipopo Conference Center, Equatorial Guinea’s newest facility for hosting large-scale international events.

Citizens Vote for Constitutional Reform in Equatorial Guinea.

2011-11-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

Citizens in Equatorial Guinea approved a set of constitutional reforms proposed by the government by 97%. In order to ensure transparency and fairness, the government carried out a national census and a thorough procedure.

President Obiang Highlights Foreign Investment Opportunities at Industrialization Conference

2011-11-23T07:06:00.000-08:00

During the opening ceremony of the First National Industrialization Conference, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea addressed opportunities for industry development and diversification of the economy. He encouraged international investors to support industrialization, not only in Equatorial Guinea, but throughout the continent, stating that the resources in Africa could help resolve major global issues.

“We have an opportunity for basic industrialization of the country, adapting ourselves to our needs and possibilities,” said President Obiang. “We will design an industry made to our measure and we need our creative spirit to eliminate the current situation of dependency. Reducing dependence on imports and transforming our natural resources will allow us to ensure our independence and our credit in a globalized world.”

President Obiang discussed with the attendees of the conference the need to collaborate and improve the PEGI 2020 that, according to him, should focus on the development of industries such as agriculture, tourism, mining and health. He stressed the need for international investment to help support the country’s development projects. “We have not met all the objectives of the conference,” explained the President, “but many have been achieved.”

Marcelino Owono Edu, Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy, also encouraged support for improvement as well as the need to reduce Equatorial Guinea’s economic dependence. He discussed the country’s capacity for economic development, highlighting the main objectives of the PEGI 2020.

The National Industrialization Conference took place November 21 and 22 at the modern conference city, Sipopo, outside the capital Malabo. Sipopo’s International Conference Center was built for hosting large-scale international events, such as the African-South American Summit for Foreign Ministers which will take place November 24 and 25.

Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture Program Targets Food Security

2011-11-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

Ministry Builds Model Farms to Improve Nation’s Production Capacities

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has strategically designed and built model farms throughout Equatorial Guinea, as part of an effort to improve food security and give farmers access to the technology and know-how that can help them improve their production capacities.

“Local farmers are able to visit technology reference centers to get first-hand instruction on how to improve their production,” said Director General of Agriculture Jose Juan Ndong Tomin a recent interview.

To carry out its Special Food Security Program, known by the Spanish acronym PESA, the department of the general cabinet of the Ministry of Agriculture, under the leadership of Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, works with the National Institute of Agriculture Promotion, which focuses on cacao and coffee production. Ministry technical and financial support encourages farmers to continue producing and helps them compete internationally.

The Ministry has made the food-security program one of its main priorities. “The first step toward contributing to PESA was to improve infrastructure for farmers to be able to travel from their rural communities to Bata,” said Director Ndong. “We have further improved rural transportation, and now farmers have better capabilities.”

The West African nation also hopes to decrease its dependence on imported agriculture products by making appropriate technology available to farmers to increase yields and overall production, and by taking advantage Equatorial Guinea’s fertile soils.

Equatorial Guinea Moves Closer To Constitutional Reform

2011-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

Voting for reform is almost complete

With 60% of the vote counted, Equatorial Guinea’s voters appeared to give overwhelming approval to a set of constitutional reforms proposed by the government, according to the Minister of Internal Affairs and Local Corporations and Chairman of the National Electoral Board, Clemente Engonga Nguema Onguene.

In a press conference held yesterday, Mr. Nguema said that a total of 230,930 votes had been cast in favor of reform and 2,236 against. Citizens voting overseas at Equatorial Guinea’s diplomatic missions voted 4,934 voted in favor and 36 against.

“The government did a national census this year to get the most updated population information,” said the Minister of Planning, Public Investment and Economic Development, Jose Ela Oyana, who accompanied Minister Onguene to the press conference.

The voting process was reported to be fairly typical. There were stands in every town with a printed list of names. When people arrived at the stand, they showed their documentation to poll workers, who found their name on the voter list and handed a ballot to the voter. The people voted in a private booth and then folded their ballot and placed it in a clear box in front of the table attendant. To conclude the voting process, each individual placed his or her fingerprint on a voting receipt in order to prevent anyone from voting twice.

“This procedure was done to represent the government’s transparency,” said Chairman Onguene. “We wanted to ensure that it was fair.”

The final results of the vote will be announced on November 15, 2011 after the counting of all votes is completed.

Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture Invests In Rural Development

2011-11-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Zinc Roofs Campaign Expands throughout the Continental Region

As part of Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry efforts to undertake social programs in rural communities, Minister Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue has heavily invested in the country’s rural development through a nationwide zinc roofs campaign.

“The zinc roofs campaign was launched as an initiative of Minister Nguema to change the living situation of low-income families that live under nipa roofs,” said Director General of Agriculture, Jose Juan Ndong Tom, on a recent interview. “In addition to the zinc roofs campaign, the Ministry has provided rural sustainable development programs, where rural communities receive technological, water development, health and education packages to improve their living situation. We give them the foundation to better run their communities.”

The nipa roofs (old roof material) in the South-Center, 119,000 and Kie-ntem, 145,000, provinces have been completely replaced with new zinc roofs. Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture is working with the Wele-mzas authorities to conduct a census to determine how many roofs need to be replaced in the region. Once they gather the census, they will process the data to determine how many zinc sheets they need according to the roofs’ dimensions. Then the factory produces the zinc sheets and the installation begins.

“As part of Minister Nguema’s efforts to contribute to rural development communities, he travels with a well-equipped team that provides free medical attention to anyone to the communities,” said Director General Ndong.

Once the zinc roofs have been placed, the Ministry of Agriculture will launch a follow up project on each province to determine the conditions of the new roofs, scheduled to start 6 to 7 months after roofs have been installed. The follow up project will ensure the new roofs are working and collect any feedback the roofs’ beneficiaries provide.

After the zinc roofs campaign is completed on the fourth province, Litoral, of the continental region, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will continue the zinc roofs campaign on the islands of Bioko and Annobon to complete the Ministry’s rural development efforts on the entire West African nation.

Constitutional Referendum Campaign Launch in Banapa

2011-11-15T00:41:00.000-08:00

Minister Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue's Speech on Equatorial Guinea's Constitutional Referendum in Banapa

Welcome to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations!

2011-11-15T00:30:00.000-08:00

23 September 2011

Anatolio Ndong Mba, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations welcomes players and attendees to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in January, 2012

President Obiang of Equatorial Guinea Celebrates the Expansion of Africa24

2011-11-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

African Union President Obiang Lauds African-Focused Network

Following meetings in Cannes where President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea met with heads of state from around the world at the G20 Economic Summit, he arrived in Paris today to inaugurate the expansion of news station Africa24's newsroom in the city.

"The creation of Africa24 has been an inspiration," said President Obiang, who is also the rotating president of the African Union. He told a gathering following the inauguration ceremony, "The station provides an objective vision and an authentic voice to African states."

President Obiang was accompanied by African Union Commission President Jean Ping who told the press, "We are proud to say that this is an African media outlet. What concerns this important television station is the sole service to the African continent. Our hope is that its African spirit will endure."

Africa24 is the first pan-African news channel and the only Africa-led global broadcasting channel that covers Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

Africa24 had the honor of having Abdou Diof (Secretary-General of "La Francophonie") and Idriss Deby Itno (President of Chad) present at the inauguration of the station on Nov. 5. President Obiang congratulated the work Africa24 has done with its media coverage of the continent.

Since its formation, the Africa24 media station has been steadily gaining influence—a progression that many leaders are commending.

President Obiang concluded, "Africa24 is the first and only global broadcasting network dedicated to Africa. I call on other African leaders to contribute to the success of this African media outlet."

Under President Obiang's leadership, Equatorial Guinea has assumed an increasingly active role in international affairs in recent months. It will host the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament in January 2012 and recently held the tournament's 16-nation draw in the nation's modern conference center, Sipopo. Sipopo will also host the events associated with the African-South American Summit, bringing together ministers of foreign affairs from 65 countries this month and heads of state next year. In June and July, Equatorial Guinea hosted the AU Summit, also in Sipopo.

Equatorial Guinea Agriculture Minister Nguema Reaffirms Local Agriculture Goals In A Global Context

2011-11-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue also Leads Constitutional Reform Campaign Efforts

Equatorial Guinea Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue focused attention today on growing and reinforcing the agriculture sector in Equatorial Guinea through economic development and coordination on the world stage. He also acknowledged government leaders from around the world who took part in an agricultural working group at the G20 Economic Summit in Cannes, France.

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo attended the summit as Chairman of the African Union. Agriculture Minister Nguema remained in Equatorial Guinea to lead a campaign to reform the nation’s constitution.

“Today is an important day in Equatorial Guinea with our president at the G20 Summit. While we in Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry are focused on our local environment and economy, we always think in a global perspective when seeking to achieve higher growth in the agricultural sector. In many ways, our success depends on our own efforts, though Africa and the greater global community can play a role.” said Minister Nguema. “We can coordinate regional agricultural policy, while our African neighbors and our global partners can share their insight and tools to expand our capacity and improve yield, exports and productivity.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Equatorial Guinea has many initiatives in place to foster agricultural growth. The Ministry has placed expert technicians in every province to provide guidance and know-how to local farmers. These efforts, led by Minister Nguema, ensure everyone in the nation has access to food and effective crop production techniques. Minister Nguema has also led a project to upgrade homes and farming facilities in rural areas with zinc roofs, in lieu of more rudimentary and less effective building materials.

During the G20 Summit, Minister Nguema remained in Equatorial Guinea to serve as national director of the constitutional reform campaign. The constitutional reform efforts are intended to increase government transparency, create a bicameral legislature, limit presidential terms and expand representational democracy which will be voted on in referendum on November 13, 2011.

Another effort of the Ministry has been the establishment of microcredit plans for farmers, allowing them to plant their crops without worrying about financial issues. The program affords farmers the opportunity to request a credit at the beginning of the agriculture season, helping them obtain the necessary materials needed to achieve a productive and fertile farming season.

“Our goals are to give the people a helping hand to achieve agricultural success,” concluded Minister Nguema. “I am pleased that President Obiang is present with the world’s major political leaders at the G20 to address economic and financial issues in this spirit.”

President Obiang at G20 Summit Addresses African Union Concerns During The Global Economic Crisis

2011-11-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Equatorial Guinea Plays Important Role for Africa at Economic Conference

In the second day of G20 economic talks, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea represented the priorities of the African Union. He stressed the need to take into account the requirements of developing emerging economies while emphasizing that Africa can be a part of a global solution to the tenuous world economy.

“The G20 must work with developing economies, especially those on the African continent, to insulate them from the current volatility in the global economy,” said President Obiang. “We, as Africans, have responsibility for our own continent, but we must work together as a global community to solve this challenging economic situation.”

President Obiang discussed with the leaders of the G20 the need to increase the speed of socioeconomic development in Africa and to build cooperation among the continent’s nations. He also stressed that Africans must work independently to build the continent’s economic capacity.

“In terms of the economy, the African Union must adopt the principle of independence with global cooperation,” continued President Obiang. “We must show that Africa has its own voice and that it is able to assume the responsibilities on the continent in the international context.”

President Obiang is also meeting directly with French President Nicholas Sarkozy. Of importance to the talks is the stability of the Central African CFA Franc, (XAF), which is pegged to the Euro (EUR), and is Equatorial Guinea’s currency. President Obiang is the only head of state of the currency’s area that is present for the for the Cannes meeting.

Equatorial Guinea has assumed an increasingly active role in international affairs in recent months. It will host the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament in January and recently held the tournament's 16-nation draw in the nation's modern conference center, Sipopo. Sipopo will also host the events associated with the African-South American Summit, bringing together ministers of foreign affairs from 65 countries this November and heads of state next year. In June and July, Equatorial Guinea hosted the AU Summit, also in Sipopo.

President Obiang Urges G20 Leaders to Pay Attention to Africa

2011-11-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

African Union Chairman Obiang Nguema Mbasogo called today on the world’s leaders gathering in Cannes, France, for the G20 Summit to pay more attention to Africa and recognize the continent’s economic potential.

“The G20 is a great opportunity to show the top Heads of State how we, as a united continent, are working toward progress and development,” said President Obiang. “The Summit attendees need to pay closer attention to our continent. We are growing at a fast pace and offer great foreign investment opportunities.”

President Obiang is attending the G20 Summit, which brings the world’s major political leaders together to address economic and financial issues, in his role as rotating Chairman of the African Union.

At the G20 Summit, President Obiang is showing the world’s major political leaders the progress that the West African nation and the rest of Africa has made in solving problems of development and political stability. During his presidency of the AU, he has consistently called on African leaders to take greater responsibility for solving the continent’s problems, and he has encouraged developed nations not to intervene in African affairs.

Equatorial Guinea has assumed an increasingly active role in international affairs in recent months. It will host the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament in January and recently held the tournament’s 16-nation draw in the nation’s modern conference center, Sipopo. Sipopo will also host the events associated with the African-South American Summit, bringing together ministers of foreign affairs from 65 countries this November and heads of state next year. In June and July, Equatorial Guinea hosted the AU Summit, also in Sipopo.

How Oil Was Discovered in Equatorial Guinea

2011-10-31T04:14:00.000-07:00

An interview with Equatorial Guinea's Ambassador to the United States, Purificacion Angue Ondo.

How Oil Was Discovered in Equatorial Guinea from Embassy of Equatorial Guinea on Vimeo.

Ambassador Purificacion Angue Ondo On Languages Spoken in Equatorial Guinea

2011-10-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

Ambassador: Like I've always said, we did not choose the Spanish language. In reality, it's a language that was imposed upon us. Every colony imposed its language. For us, without ever asking, it was our lot to be colonized by Spain. That's the reason why we're the only Spanish-speaking country on the African continent.

Nevertheless, we feel proud of our language and we will maintain it forever as our official language. Even though at the national level there are indigenous languages, the shared vehicle for communicating with each all of us in Equatorial guinea is the Spanish language. Well, some of us speak Fang. A second group are the Bubis. Then there's a third a group called Ndowe. Then there's also the Vicio and the Annobonese on the island of Annobon.

Then finally there is a tiny group we call Fernandinos who are descendants of freed slaves. Their language is 'pichin ingles' which is like a deformed English that fuses some Spanish phrases native tongues.

Ambassador Purificacion Angue Ondo On Languages Spoken in Equatorial Guinea from Embassy of Equatorial Guinea on Vimeo.

Equatorial Guinea Hosts Africa Cup Of Nations Tournament Draw

2011-10-31T03:32:00.000-07:00

Only months after Equatorial Guinea's seamless execution of the 17^th African Union Summit, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Gabon’s President, Ali Bongo Ondimba, co-hosted the Africa Cup of Nations tournament draw in the nation’s capital of Malabo. At this event, the 16 countries that qualified for the Africa Cup learned who their opponents would be.

Equatorial Guinea made its debut in the Africa Cup and was seeded with co-host Gabon in Pot 1 of the draw with four-time winner Ghana and Ivory Coast, the 1992 champions.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mangue, who has been supporting the tournament’s efforts said, “Equatorial Guinea is ready to co-host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, the continent’s biggest football tournament.”

Equatorial Guinea’s hosting of the Africa Cup comes on the heels of the nation’s hosting successful African Union Summit. “The challenges associated with hosting the Africa Cup of Nations are quite different,” said Minister of Youth and Sports Francisco Eyegue Obama Asue.

Soccer matches for the Africa Cup will based in the Equatorial Guinea cities of Malabo and Bata and the Gabonese cities of Libreville and Franceville.

Equatorial Guinea has built a modern conference city, Sipopo, outside its capital Malabo for the hosting of large-scale international events. Sipopo will also host the events associated with the African-South American Summit, bringing together ministers of foreign affairs from 65 countries this November and heads of state next year.

The Africa Cup of Nations is another chance for Equatorial Guinea to show the entire world what the country has accomplished and the progress it continues to make.

Equatorial Guinea Launches National Campaign For Constitutional Reforms

2011-10-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue Urges Citizens to Vote

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea today launched a national campaign to urge citizens to approve a package of proposed constitutional reforms. The referendum will take place on November 13.

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue was elected National Director of the campaign by the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), Equatorial Guinea’s majority party. Minister Nguema, who holds the vice-presidency of the PDGE, led the campaign launch efforts in Conference Center Banapa in Malabo, the nation’s capital.

The reforms are intended to increase government transparency, create a bicameral legislature, limit presidential terms and expand representational democracy will be voted on in referendum on November 13, 2011.

“The new constitutional reforms will preserve democracy and will make Equatorial Guinea a better country. Let’s help drive the country toward a better future together as a united nation,” said Minister Nguema. “These reforms will improve our country’s representation within a democratic framework.”

Mr. Nguema, who is also Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, has travelled throughout the country on a campaign to build awareness and support for the constitutional reform package and encourage all citizens to vote in the upcoming referendum.

“These are very important reforms for improving political, social and economic rights. Voting ‘yes’ is voting towards progress and development in Equatorial Guinea and a better future for all,” said Minister Nguema.

The constitutional reforms, proposed by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, include a proposal to create a Senate, which would convert the nation’s parliament from a unicameral to a bicameral legislature. The reforms would establish the office of vice-president and limit the president to two seven-year terms of office. The changes would also institute oversight bodies to improve the effectiveness of the economy and create Court of Auditors to oversee government programs, contracts and expenditures. A proposed National Ombudsman (Defensor del Pueblo) would give citizens increased access to appeal matters before the government.

Citizens in districts throughout the country caucused to revise and propose changes to the nation’s constitutional and fundamental law. Both government officials and political opposition parties urged Equatoguineans to take a stand and vote on the proposed constitution reforms.

Equatorial Guinea Strengthens Bilateral Relations With South Africa

2011-10-24T14:34:00.001-07:00

In a new era of cooperation between Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of South Africa, two presidents met to promise greater cooperation between their public and private sectors. President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo met with South African president Jacob Zuma to discuss investment opportunities in the energy, agriculture, mining and transportation sectors between the two countries to foster a “model of South-South cooperation,” said President Obiang.

“This official visit reaffirms the political commitment of Equatorial Guinea and South Africa and our mutual goal to achieve peace, security and international cooperation,” said President Obiang. He continued to say, “The signing of new agreements shows the strong cooperative relations our countries enjoy.”

President Obiang highlighted the progress the country has made since they met a few months ago during the 17^th African Union Summit. Equatorial Guinea has invested substantially in infrastructure, education, energy, health and agriculture, and the progress is obvious to everyone who visits the West African nation. The official visit further focused on improving the business relationships between the two countries, especially in the defense and security sectors.

President Zuma expressed his recognition for Equatorial Guinea’s government efforts toward Africa’s commitment to help the West African nation succeed and reach its Horizon 2020 development goals.

Equatorial Guinea To Vote November 13 On Constitutional Reform

2011-10-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

The government of Equatorial Guinea has set November 13, 2011, for a national referendum on a package of proposed constitutional reforms.

The proposed reforms include the creation of supervisory bodies to improve the effectiveness of the economy and government, such as a Court of Auditors to oversee government programs and expenditures and an Ombudsman (Defensor del Pueblo) to give citizens greater redress in matters before the government. The package includes a proposal to create a Senate, which would convert the nation’s Parliament from a unicameral to a bicameral legislature, and establishes the office of vice-president. Finally, it limits the president to two seven-year terms of office. Currently, the president serves a seven-year term with no limit to the number of terms he can serve.

President Obiang traveled the country extensively in August and September to rally support for the reforms and consulted closely with the nation’s legally constituted political parties. A blue-ribbon panel consisting of representatives of most of the country’s political parties met this past summer in the city of San Antonio de Pale, the provincial capital of Annobón, to study the constitution and recommend reforms.

In a decree issued on October 14, the government announced that the referendum campaign would begin on October 28 and conclude on November 11, two days before the vote. President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo will continue to speak around the country during the campaign period to urge citizens to approve for his proposed reforms.

Equatorial Guinea Adds Portuguese As The Country’s Third Official Language

2011-10-14T12:51:00.001-07:00

The unicameral Assembly of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea recently made Portuguese the West African nation’s third official,language following Spanish and French. This is an effort by the government to improve its communications, trade, and bilateral relations with Portuguese-speaking countries.

The government expects this designation to contribute to Equatorial Guinea’s greater economic integration with neighboring countries that are members of Community of Portuguese Language Countries (PALOP), including Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau. It is “a political decision which is justified by cultural and strategic ties that bind Equatorial Guinea with Portuguese-speaking countries,” said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Francophonie, Eustaquio Esono Nseng.

Ninety-nine out of 100 members of parliament approved the Portuguese language proposal, which was submitted by Deputy Minister Esono Nseng. French became the country’s second official language in 1997 as part of a successful effort to improve Equatorial Guinea’s relations and foster economic integration with the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). Equatorial Guinea hopes to enjoy similar success from the Portuguese language addition as from the improved relations with French speaking countries in Africa.

Equatorial Guinea Identifies Obstacles To Keeping Girls In School

2011-10-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

The government of Equatorial Guinea has issued a report identifying the principal obstacles to keeping the country’s girls in school until graduation. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Advancement of Women conducted the research and issued the report.

The report found that the student-teacher- ratio is high, especially in Bata and Malabo, where 77.7% of secondary-level students live. The report also found that there are inadequate school furnishings in many schools and external problems such as inadequate diet, poor health and an increase in sexually transmitted diseases, among others, keeping girls out of school. The country is already discouraging teen pregnancy through a public awareness campaign.

The report also pointed out factors in the socio-cultural environment that work against girls getting a complete education. Traditionally, parents assign specific roles to girls such as marriage, housekeeping, and cooking, and view education as less desirable or necessary for girls than for boys.

The government is expected to use these findings to direct educational and social resources toward a renewed effort to ensure that the country’s female population is not left behind economically and that women can contribute equally to the country’s development. It is the government’s goal to improve public education in the country and to offer more workshops to improve teaching skills and encourage teachers to follow a detailed curriculum and develop learning strategies to keep students motivated.

Government officials say that education is essential to developing the human capital the nation needs to manage its resources and transform its economy. The government of Equatorial Guinea has made education a top priority of the Horizon 2020 development plan, which was set in motion by President Obiang to move the country toward a sustainable and emergent economy. The West African nation was the first nation in Africa to establish a cabinet ministry devoted to women’s affairs.

Equatorial Guinea Launches Program To Boost Agricultural Production

2011-10-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Modern Farming Will Reduce Poverty, Encourage Consumption of Local Products

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has launched a program to encourage production and consumption of locally produced agricultural products by creating modern farms. Equatorial Guinea has been investing substantially in agriculture projects, including projects aimed at increasing agricultural production and encouraging conservation, throughout the country.

A new network of paved roads is improving rural communities’ access to markets and will encourage domestic trade in agricultural products. The eradication of hunger and poverty is one of the government’s priorities to improve the country’s standard of living,” said Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sergio Osa Mongomo. He continued, “The government is implementing numerous projects in the agriculture sector to provide opportunities for the rural labor force and establish rural trade.”

The Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry has been inspecting farms throughout the continental region to assess the progress of farming. He was able to meet with farmers and assess labor and farm maintenance needs.

The country produces a diversity of crops today, including coffee and cacao and other products such as lumber and coconut oil. The country also has extensive coastal fisheries and untapped mineral resources.

Equatorial Guinea Will Continue to Offer Funds for Medical Research

2011-10-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

UNESCO Prize Will Help Find Cures for Sicknesses Affecting Africa

The government of Equatorial Guinea has announced that it will maintain its offer to UNESCO to create a prize to encourage research into illnesses and health problems on the African continent. The government of Equatorial Guinea donated $3 million to UNESCO in 2008 for the creation of an annual Obiang Nguema Mbasogo-UNESCO Life Sciences Prize. UNESCO initially accepted the donation but then declined under pressure from human rights organizations and other critics of the government.

In a statement issued on September 30, the government of Equatorial Guinea said the prize’s “sole purpose is to encourage research on diseases and health problems on the African continent.” The government said that through this proposal, “Equatorial Guinea wishes to share a part of its wealth with other less fortunate states on the continent.”

Equatorial Guinea has made defeat of endemic diseases a priority and has achieved great success in combating malaria, according to the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership. Equatorial Guinea has reduced the incidence of malaria by 57% in four years, according to the most recent report by RBM.

In an address before the United Nations General Assembly in September 2010, Equatorial Guinea’s foreign minister, Pastor Micha Ondo, said the prize was “aimed at the international scientific community and has as a goal the search for solutions and remedies for the great pandemics and diseases that today assault the world in general and the African continent in particular.”

Equatorial Guinea was once one of the poorest countries in Africa, but since oil was discovered offshore in the 1990s, it has experienced significant economic growth and has used its oil income to improve infrastructure, education, health facilities, and housing in the country.

President Obiang’s Horizon 2020 development plan established sustainable development goals for Equatorial Guinea to be completed by the year by 2020 in the areas of potable water, education, health, food, security, communication, infrastructure, tourism development, and environmental conservation.

Equatorial Guinean Native on National Education

2011-09-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

Matinga Ragatz Meets with President Obama

Matinga Ragatz, a teacher with roots in Equatorial Guinea and the 2010-11 Michigan Teacher of the Year, is on a national education tour in the U.S. giving talks about the direction of education in the U.S. and school development in the 20^th century.

Matinga Ragatz is a Social Studies and World Language teacher at Grand Ledge High School. She is the founder and Project Management Director of Interface Global Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes economic development in underprivileged communities through project-based education. The proud Equatoguinean has been using a hybrid classroom platform to teach, and creating innovation in technology-assisted learning for over ten years. “My audience includes officials in the departments of education. The main focus of my educational models starts from the economic development through education,” said Ms. Ragatz in a recent interview with Guinea Ecuatorial Press.

During her national tour, she met with President Barack Obama where they talked about the coincidence of their international backgrounds and how they've developed very similar characteristics and philosophies about this.

This summer, Ms. Ragatz became a NASA Certified Educator. She has lectured at Princeton University in New Jersey and was recently in New York to participate in the documentary Why I Teach. Ms. Ragatz has also participated in Education Nation, a television program that will air soon on NBC.

“We are very proud of Ms. Ragatz, one of our own, for her achievements in the field of teaching and for earning this prestigious award in the United States,” said Minister of Education, Science, and Sports Filiberto Ntutumu Nguema. “Matinga is leading by example. Her innovative spirit and contributions, both to her students in the United States and in Equatorial Guinea, are to be commended and praised. She is making an impact in the lives of youth in both countries that shall pay great dividends as these students move toward advanced studies and eventually join the workforce.”

Ragatz travels frequently to Equatorial Guinea, where she is working on various education projects, particularly foreign-language education, and is working on a proposal to open a teaching center in the capital, Malabo, for students who want to learn English. She is also the daughter of author and university professor Morgades Trinidad, the first woman from Equatorial Guinea to earn a college degree. “Going back to Guinea is the dream of Guineans all over the world... The people, music, food, culture, the sea... all this is in your blood and you feel it even thousands of miles away. My family is in Equatorial Guinea and I hope to return to serve my country.”

The government of Equatorial Guinea has made education a top priority of the Horizon 2020 development plan, which was set in motion by President Obiang to move the country toward a sustainable and emergent economy.

Equatorial Guinea Leading African Energy Production

2011-09-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

In just ten years, Equatorial Guinea has become one of the major regional powers in hydrocarbon extraction and processing, leading to an unprecedented economic boom and transformation and a case study in the world, according to a recent report in the ICE Economic Bulletin. The development of the country’s energy sector plays a significant role in taking the country closer to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

ICE Economic Bulletin (Información Comercial Española) is published by Spain’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism.

The country has a leading role in the African energy production environment. Two years ago, “Equatorial Guinea was the third largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, the second on the continent in gas liquefaction (and one of only three in the Atlantic basin, along with Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago) and is also a producer of liquefied petroleum gas and methanol,” said the report.

The ICE Bulletin describes several initiatives the government is taking in the petroleum sector that will pay dividends in the future. First, Equatorial Guinea’s decision to stop burning off natural gas at the well and build a natural gas pipeline and terminal facility on the island of Bioko will provide several options for use of the gas, including liquefaction and electricity generation. A second liquefied natural gas (LNG) train in Malabo would make the country a regional hub for the product.

Plans to build a new refinery on the continent in Mbini and a petrochemical plant on the island of Bioko will end the country’s complete dependence on imports for refined petroleum products.

Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has established the strengthening of the energy sector in Equatorial Guinea as a national priority. Last month, Equatorial Guinea partnered with Energy Allied International to develop the petrochemical sector in the country. Continuing the efforts surrounding energy improvement, President Obiang unveiled plans for nationwide electrification at a National Electrification conference. He predicted that with wise use of the country’s natural resources, Equatorial Guinea would enjoy full electrification and energy self-sufficiency.

United Nations General Assembly Speech President Obiang

2011-09-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Mr. President,
Majesties,
Distinguished Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Delegates,
Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We participate in these discussions at the General Assembly of the United Nations in our dual capacity as rotating president of the African Union and at the same time President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, with the full conviction that with the years and the experience gained in this world organization in its 66 years of life, the International Community should feel morally invigorated, socially in solidarity and politically united by universal principles and criteria to deal with any contingency or threat that affects the planet.

On this conviction, I congratulate the wise choice as President of the sixty-sixth session of
General Assembly, His Excellency Nassir Abdulaziz NASSER, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, who represents an ancient culture that has contributed greatly to the development of mankind, as well as belonging to peaceful and supportive country that contributes to the maintenance of peace, stability and development in the world.

We trust that under his leadership, the United Nations will be able to solve the serious problems affecting our states.

We also want to congratulate the Secretary General of the United Nations, His Excellency Ban Ki Moon, for his re-election to continue to lead this World Organization, as an expression of appreciation for the work he has done over the last five years, despite the various crises of political, economic and social crises that our planet has known and currently knows.

Based on this conviction, the United Nations must remake itself today, in the face of the current trend to convert itself into a club of the powerful, in order to reestablish its character of more equitable and just representation in the world, in which those whose problems it tries to resolve have a voice and participate. In this way, the democratization of all Organs of this universal institution is imposed.

Majesties,
Excellencies,
Dear Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
,
On the subject of peace and security, Africa, which is the scene of various fratricidal conflicts, caused in most cases by internal factors and third party interests, has expressed itself strongly in favor of peaceful resolution of conflicts, wherever they are, through dialogue, mediation and negotiation.
,
Africa, a continent whose countries and peoples have been exploited for centuries by foreign powers, faces a new neocolonialist version of armed intervention for reasons and principles both humanitarian and of liberal democracy.

Likewise, Africa must make good use of its international political personality
so that the African Union is respected, laying aside the internal divisions caused by undeclared interests.

Armed intervention force, both internal and external, has never given a definitive solution to the conflicts since the creation of the United Nations, as seen from the different conflicts have occurred in the last 50 years.

Unfortunately, we observe that the United Nations are being used fraudulently, under the pretext of humanitarian interventions, when such interventions only served to further violate human rights of the affected peoples. The use of force in conflicts does not promote agglutination, but only division and destruction. The African Union recognizes the victory of the National Transition Council of Libya in its struggle against totalitarianism, and recommends that the government undertake a transition program to carry out free and transparent elections in which, for legitimacy, all groups that comprise the community of the Libyan people must participate. With regard to the situation in Tunisia and Egypt, we also urge their governments to adopt legal and administrative structures that guarantee democratic processes in state institutions.”

Moreover, the international community must act jointly to combat terrorism, piracy and mercenaries, which are contrary to the principles of freedom and human dignity and impede the exercise of democracy and the right of peoples to true development.

Majesties,
Excellencies,
Dear Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The world today is suffering a financial and economic crisis of unforeseeable consequences. This crisis is the result of the irrationality of the current political, economic and social order, which has strayed from the social and humanitarian principles of equality, justice and fairness.

On the political side, we cannot transplant the cultural values of a country or a group countries for those of another, just because of globalization and the politics of globalization. Rather, we must promote dialogue and the cohabitation of cultures and civilizations, because if we do not, the principle of free self-determination of peoples would be automatically suppressed.

“Democracy is noble, and it applies to any cultural value practiced and accepted by the people. Anything else would betray the spirit of democracy, which must evolve consistent with the cultures of the peoples concerned.

On the other hand, in economic matters, the social dimension of man must be evident in his productive activities for the benefit of mankind. Within this context there is no justification for the barriers, embargoes, and discrimination that are currently practiced in economic, technical and scientific exchanges among nations, to perpetuate the impoverishment of some and increase even more the enrichment of others.

Well, the African continent's share in the market is ridiculous, and does not exceed one percent, despite the economic and human potential of the continent that scholars describe as the future salvation of mankind. Africa calls for the solidarity of the developed countries to activate its economy, as part of this planet.

Africa does not request a handout. Africa needs economic and technological support capable of transforming its vast resources that contribute to economic stability. This requires profound changes in the philosophy of the system and a readjustment of current methods and procedures in international economic exchanges.

The social order is determined by the political order. But the political order can’t develop ell without the economic- development component.”

In this sense, Africa is making great efforts to develop national democracies, and many of its
States have conformed their made political, legal and basic administrative structures to the demands of democracy.

However, going from theory to practice requires some basic requirements that must meet man’s man's material needs. Hence the failure of many countries that, rather than obtaining positive results from their plans, find themselves stuck and involved in fratricidal conflicts because they could not satisfy those needs.

In addition to the economic crisis, the African continent is coping with the devastating effects of climate change, natural disasters, drought, famine and diseases that cause millions of victims.

For its part, the African Union recently organized a Donors Conference to support victims in the Horn of Africa, Somalia being one of the countries most affected.
The African Union has taken up its commitment to confront this emergency, but you need the friendly hand of the International Community is still needed.

We believe that the developing countries that are responsible for the warming of the atmosphere because of their industries must meet their Kyoto Protocol obligations and compensate developing countries for damages arising from the effects of global warming.

The most disadvantaged groups in this crisis are the Children, Women and Youth. But a younger generation without a physical, intellectual and moral development cannot guarantee a generational change that will ensure the future of Nations, and there lies the need to provide moral and material assistance necessary for youth to ensure the development of the continent in the future.

In this regard the summit of the African Union in Sipopo, Equatorial Guinea, adopted a program to promote employment of youth and women--combat their underemployment--and
professional and intellectual training, a program that needs support of the international community.

Majesties,
Excellencies,
Dear Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

In terms of my country, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is committed to the Millennium Goals set at the year 2025. During the National Economic Conference organized in 2009 to plan the rational use of oil and other resources, the Government adopted the Economic Development Program Horizon 2020, with the goal of gaining emerging natin status for Equatorial Guinea by that time.

Parallel to this program, the Government is enacting political, legal and administrative reforms
to optimize the development of democracy, to ensure control, transparency, good economic and political governance, and ensure maximum respect for human rights.

The political environment in my country is optimal, for peace, stability and reconciliation of all the political forces of the nation, which work in harmony with a unity based on political consensus.

In short, Mr. President and Dear Heads of State, Equatorial Guinea participates with some optimism in these debates, because it believes that, as opposed to the egocentrism that prevents many states work together in synergy, to act against the adversities that affect our world, every day the international conscience and ethos grows so that the United Nations can be a real center of unity and cohesion of the international community.

Indeed, yesterday Africa was isolated, but today the associations of countries that trust in Africa and its States are multiplied, because of the contribution they make to world development.

We wish every success to the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly.

Thank you very much

OBIANG CALLS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS KEY TO DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA

2011-09-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

AU President criticizes armed intervention, even for “noble” purposes, urges democracy in AU members Libya, Egypt, Tunisia

Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo called on the world to support Africa’s economic and technological development, which he described as an important underpinning for the development of democracy on the continent. President Obiang, who is also the rotating president of the African Union, addressed the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly today in both capacities.

“The use of force [to resolve] conflicts is not a factor of agglutination but of division and destruction,” President Obiang said, adding that it often adds to the suffering of the people affected.

Turning to the situations in Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia, he said, “The African Union recognizes the victory of the National Transition Council of Libya in its struggle against totalitarianism, and recommends that the government undertake a transition program to carry out free and transparent elections in which, for legitimacy, all groups that comprise the community of the Libyan people must participate. With regard to the situation in Tunisia and Egypt, we also urge their governments to adopt legal and administrative structures that guarantee democratic processes in state institutions.”

President Obiang urged nations to respect local traditions as they promote the spread of democracy, arguing that for democracy to succeed it must respond to the wishes of local communities.

“On the political side,” he said, “we cannot transplant the cultural values of a country or a group of countries for those of another, just because of globalization and the politics of globalization. Rather, we must promote dialogue and the cohabitation of cultures and civilizations, because if we do not, the principle of free self-determination of peoples would be automatically suppressed.

“Democracy is noble,” President Obiang said, “and it applies to any cultural value practiced and accepted by the people. Anything else would betray the spirit of democracy, which must evolve consistent with the cultures of the peoples concerned.”

President Obiang argued that economic development and technological advancement will be critical to establishing stable democracies in Africa, which he said had been driven by “fratricidal conflicts.”

Calling Africa’s one-percent share of the world market “ridiculous, he noted “the economic and human potential of the continent that scholars describe as the future salvation of mankind.”

“Africa calls for the solidarity of the developed countries to activate its economy, as part of this planet,” President Obiang said. “Africa does not request a handout. Africa needs economic and technological support capable of transforming its vast resources that contribute to economic stability. This requires profound changes in the philosophy of the system and a readjustment of current methods and procedures in international economic exchanges. The social order is determined by the political order. But the political order can’t develop all without the economic- development component.”

He said that many countries had become enmeshed in fratricidal conflicts because their governments had failed to address themselves to fulfilling the basic needs of their citizens.

Turning to the situation in his own country, the Horizon 2020 Program, which has established concrete objectives infrastructure development, education, health, and sustainability by the year 2020. Equatorial Guinea hopes to attain the status of “emerging economy” by the year 2020. At the same time, Equatorial Guinea is pursuing legal and constitutional reforms that will guarantee more transparency, better public administration, and broader participation in the political system.

PRESIDENT OBIANG CALLS FOR LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO FIGHT MALARIA

2011-09-20T12:01:00.001-07:00

Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 21, the opening day of the session. President Obiang, who is also the current president of the African Union, will participate in several other events in New York during the week September 19-23.

As Chairperson of the African Union, President Obiang will serve as a key note speaker at a high-level reception to celebrate the achievements of the UN decade to Roll Back Malaria. Equatorial Guinea has one of Africa’s most successful programs to fight the spread of malaria and has reduced the incidence of the disease by 57% in just four years. The anti-malaria project is currently focused on the island of Bioko, where more than half the population of Equatorial Guinea lives, and has been extended to 2013 to develop local capacity and enable the campaign to reach the mainland. The project has won numerous high-profile awards for social responsibility and good citizenship, according to a report by Roll Back Malaria. The program to control malaria is part of a broader effort by the government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to improve public health in the West African nation.

While in New York, President Obiang will also officially inaugurate the newly remodeled (and newly purchased) offices of the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Victoriana Nchama Nsue Okono, held preparatory meetings in Equatorial Guinea with the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in the country, Leo Heileman. The government reviewed with UN representatives progress on the development goals set out in President Obiang’s Horizon 2020 Plan.

The Horizon 2020 development plan established sustainable development goals for Equatorial Guinea to be completed by the year by 2020 in the areas of that means potable water, education, health, food, security, communication, infrastructure, tourism development, and environment conservation.

The government has supported the UN and its efforts to help improve the country. Equatorial Guinea has provided technical assistance to the local United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to improve the effectiveness of its Assistance Program as well as the implementation of a host of health programs geared towards improving the health of Equatorial Guineans.

PRESIDENT OBIANG TO SPEAK ON FIRST DAY OF UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2011-09-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

President Will Also Keynote Malaria Event

As Chairperson of the African Union, President Obiang will serve as a key note speaker at a high-level reception to celebrate the achievements of the UN decade to Roll Back Malaria. Equatorial Guinea has one of Africa’s most successful programs to fight the spread of malaria and has reduced the incidence of the disease by 57% in just four years. The anti-malaria project is currently focused on the island of Bioko, where more than half the population of Equatorial Guinea lives, and has been extended to 2013 to develop local capacity and enable the campaign to reach the mainland. The project has won numerous high-profile awards for social responsibility and good citizenship, according to a report by Roll Back Malaria. The program to control malaria is part of a broader effort by the government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to improve public health in the West African nation.

While in New York, President Obiang will also officially inaugurate the newly remodeled (and newly purchased) offices of the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

Equatorial Guinea Reduces Maternal Mortality

2011-09-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Nation to Reach WHO Millennium Development Goals

Equatorial Guinea has significantly reduced maternal mortality across the country, according to a report by the Regional Bureau for Africa of the World Health Organization (WHO). President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has heavily invested in public health in Equatorial Guinea as part of the government-wide effort to meet the goals of the Horizon 2020 development program.

“Equatorial Guinea is among the seven countries that are on track to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce maternal mortality,” said Regional Director for Africa of the World Health Organization, Luis Sambo, in the 61st Session of Ministers of Health held in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, on September 1.

Mr. Sambo expressed how 46 countries in the African continent still experience difficulties in meeting the Millennium Development Goals and stated that “Only seven of them are able to achieve these objectives with regard to child health.” He continued to say that Equatorial Guinea is one of the two countries on track to reach the Millennium Development Goals on maternal mortality.

Equatorial Guinea has also decreased the prevalence of the malaria parasite in children by 57% in just four years and has increased the number of children protected by bed nets or indoor spraying of insecticides. The government has donated $1.5 million and a headquarters facility to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support research for global health. It has also provided technical assistance to the local United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to improve the effectiveness of its Assistance Program as well as the implementation of a host of health programs geared towards improving the health of Equatorial Guineans.

President Obiang Continues His Advocacy for Constitutional Reforms

2011-09-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

Equatorial Guinea Invests Substantially in Infrastructure Projects

Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo concluded his national tour to win support for his proposed constitutional reforms on the island of Bioko, home to the nation’s capital.

In a speech delivered before a capacity crowd at the National Stadium, President Obiang characterized the reform proposals as an effort to systematically and progressively pursue greater democracy and pluralism as the nation develops.

“The reforms reinforce the current Constitution by creating a Senate and Economic Council, which will be responsible for overseeing the way resources are used; and also create the figure of the Ombudsman, who may supervise the performance of judges and members of government; and a National Court of Accounts,” said President Obiang.

He also reminded the crowd that the proposed reforms will limit the term of office for the President to two terms of a maximum of seven years. Currently, the president serves a seven-year term with no limit to the number of terms he can serve.

President Obiang compared the nation’s troubled past, which included slavery, colonization, and eleven years of crushing dictatorship in the period immediately following independence, with its prospects for the future, saying, “Sometimes people think that peace is the absence of war, when there is a lack of military confrontation, but there is another kind of peace that is more important, which is peace of social coexistence. When people do not get the freedom and rights they deserve, people do not live in peace, they live in a social war.”

He challenged each citizen to contribute “his grain of sand to the common good,” and warned that the country will not be able to continue to develop without an environment of social peace.

The president also dedicated several public works projects in the capital city and surrounding area, including potable-water facilities, construction and rehabilitation of the Lampert district, new asphalting of the streets of Malabo, and construction of a Blood Transfusion Center. The government of Equatorial Guinea has substantially invested on infrastructure projects this year.

The reforms were approved in July by the national parliament. Following the nation’s constitution, the reforms must now be approved in a national popular referendum, which is scheduled for the end of the year. The constitutional reforms are part of Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to drive the country to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

Equatorial Guinea Strengthens Bilateral Relations With Nigeria

2011-09-01T14:12:00.001-07:00

As part of Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to strengthen ties with its West African neighbors , Equatorial Guinea hosted a delegation from Nigeria to discuss cooperation in a number of areas. The Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Angel Mokara Moleila, headed the Equatoguinean delegation, and the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Nigeria, Martin Omeoby Uhomoibhi, and his delegation discuss cooperation and progress in the country.

“This meeting reaffirms the political commitment of Equatorial Guinea president Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan and their mutual goal to achieve peace, security, international cooperation and sustainable development,” said Secretary Moleila.

He continued to highlight the progress the country has made since they met two years ago. Equatorial Guinea has invested substantially in infrastructure, education, energy, health and agriculture, and the progress is obvious to everyone who visits the West African nation.

Martin Omeoby expressed his country’s appreciation for putting together a successful African Union Summit early this summer. “We are geographical neighbors and we must be allies. There are many ways to build our relationships working in the interest of our two countries,” said Martin Omeoby.

Equatorial Guinea to Build New Oil Storage Terminal

2011-08-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

Facility Will Improve National Oil Distribution

Equatorial Guinea recently partnered with Dutch storage-facilities giant Royal Vopak to develop a crude oil storage terminal that will optimize distribution on the island of Bioko, home of the nation’s capital.

Royal Vopak is the world’s leading independent provider of conditioned storage facilities for bulk liquids, operating in 31 countries worldwide and providing storage and transshipment services at 80 terminals worldwide.

The continuous investment in the oil sector plays a significant role in the government’s efforts to drive the country closer to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

“This partnership will increase the importance of Equatorial Guinea as a strategic economic and energy distribution hub in Central Africa and the Gulf of Guinea,” said Delegate Minister for the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy, Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima. He continued to say “the investment and continuous development of the oil sector is a top priority of the Government.”

The partnership will allow the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy to distribute crude oil from Equatorial Guinea to other countries and vice versa. This project will improve the storage, processing and distribution of oil in the country, starting with the island of Bioko.

Earlier this month, Equatorial Guinea partnered with Energy Allied International to develop the petrochemical sector in the country.

Equatorial Guinea Supports Education Efforts Throughout The African Continent

2011-08-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

As part of Equatorial Guinea’s (República de Guinea Ecuatorial) efforts to boost education in the country and support the African continent, the Vice Minister of Public Works and Infrastructures, Alejandro Micha Nsue, recently announced the West African nation will host the board of directors meeting for the African School of Architecture and Urban Planning in November.

“We will host the African School of Architecture and Urban Planning board of directors meeting to show support for the African organization and our fellow Africans,” said Vice Minister Micha.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has invested heavily in basic, secondary, and higher education in recent years. Two university campuses, modern hospitals, and a robust program of international exchanges have been particularly important in preparing professionals to take on the nation’s challenges.

Equatorial Guinea joined the African School of Architecture and Urban Planning in 2003 as a member state to provide better education resources in this field to its citizens. The board of directors meeting agenda will review the 2012 budget, academic affairs study and analysis of the contribution of member countries. President Obiang has frequently pointed out the need for African nations to take greater responsibility for their own destinies.

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo recently inaugurated a new school in Mongomo, which was fully funded by the government with a contribution of 150 million CFA francs.

Equatorial Guinea Makes Progress In The Oil Sector

2011-08-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Equatorial Guinea recently partnered with Energy Allied International, from Houston, Texas, to develop the petrochemical sector in the country. The development of the country’s local sector will play a significant role in meeting the petrochemical and industrial needs of Equatorial Guinea and the entire West African region. The new partnership will also bring more jobs and will drive the country closer to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

“The fast-tracked development of Equatorial Guinea’s petrochemical sector is a top priority of the Government and is of great national importance for the efficient utilization and value added to the State’s natural resources and most importantly for the creation of large scale jobs opportunities,” said Delegate Minister for the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy, Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima.

The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy will work with Energy Allied to assemble the financial, technological, operational and managerial resources needed to design, engineer and implement sustainable projects for the petrochemical sector. Energy Allied will identify and recommend the selection of strategic investors and partners for the petrochemical sector projects.

Mike Nassar, Chairman and CEO of Energy Allied International praised the Ministry’s strong leadership and the country’s potential to become a leader in the petrochemical sector. He stated that “Energy Allied is honored to partner with the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy to develop the country’s petrochemical sector for the long-term benefit of the citizens of Equatorial Guinea.”

Earlier this month, President Obiang unveiled plans for nationwide electrification at a National Electrification conference. He predicted that with wise use of the country’s natural resources, Equatorial Guinea would enjoy full electrification and energy self-sufficiency.

Equatorial Guinea Shows Solidarity Toward Somalia Famine Victims

2011-08-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Equatorial Guinean President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo organized a charity dinner, at the Hotel 3 de Agosto, to help raise funds toward Somalia famine victims. President Obiang continued to call for united international community help and encouraged his fellow citizens to contribute to the relief effort.

“This is the first time Africa is showing solidarity toward an African cause,” said AU chairman and president of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the AU international conference held yesterday in Addis Ababa.

President Obiang called on individuals in the private and public sectors of his country to contribute to this cause. The government has established a system for citizens to make contributions at local banks. The government has already contributed two million Euros to help the severe famine affecting the lives of over eleven million people in Somalia. This is another effort from the government to show Equatorial Guinea’s policy of promoting unity and solidarity.

Equatorial Guinea’s effort toward a unified and prosperous nation is one of the development goals established by President Obiang in his ambitious Horizon 2020 program.

The First Deputy Prime Minister of Economic and Financial Affairs, Minister of the National Security, Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency, Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vice minister of Information, Tourism and culture, NGOs and public institutions were among the attendees.

Equatorial Guinea Welcomes Foreign Investment In Agricultural Sector

2011-08-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Equatorial Guinea's Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Sergio Osa Mongomo, recently met with economic consultant of Triarius Foundation, G. J. Wales, to discuss cooperation with the agricultural sector in the country.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, led by Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, has been working with the private sector to establish cooperatives to help farmers develop agriculture by providing technical assistance from the government and other countries. Triarious Foundation, located in Malta, aims to increase awareness of societal, cultural and political norms and practices in the West of African and Islamic States. The Foundation is interested in investing in the agriculture sector in Equatorial Guinea because of the country's tropical climate and fertile soil, which can support high-yield agriculture. The country produces a diversity of crops today, including coffee and cacao and other products such as lumber and coconut oil. The country also has extensive coastal fisheries and untapped mineral resources.

Equatorial Guinea has been investing substantially in agriculture projects, including production and preservation of domestic products, throughout the country.

“The production, preservation and processing of domestic products in the country is one of the government’s priorities, not only to supply the markets, but also to enhance the rural labor force and establish rural trade,” said Vice Minister Osa Mongomo. He continued, “The government is implementing numerous projects such as building roads, providing drinking water and electricity to the population.”

The Ministry has also launched a project to replace traditional housing by installing zinc roofs on more than 30,000 houses, in order to upgrade homes in rural areas throughout the national territory.

The new infrastructure projects are part of Equatorial Guinea’s multiyear program to enhance the infrastructure of the country. The government’s Horizon 2020 development plan, put in motion by President Obeying, has made agriculture a central goal, which will drive the country to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

President Obiang Stumps for Constitutional Reforms

2011-08-24T13:19:00.001-07:00

Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been traveling the country speaking to citizens about proposed constitutional reforms. The national parliament approved the reforms in July. By the nation’s constitution, they must now be approved in a national popular referendum, which is scheduled for the end of the year.

President Obiang has characterized the reform proposals as an effort by the government to systematically and progressively pursue greater democracy and pluralism as the nation develops.

“The main purpose of the constitutional reforms is to create broader opportunities for citizens to participate in the management of the country. The reforms will benefit the entire population,” he said.

The proposed constitutional reforms include the creation of a Senate, which would convert the nation’s parliament from a unicameral to a bicameral legislature. They would also limit the president to two five-year terms of office. Currently, the president serves a seven-year term with no limit to the number of terms he can serve. President Obiang proposed the presidential term limits in a meeting last March with representatives of the country’s legally constituted political parties.

Other institutions to be created by constitutional reform are a National Court of Accounts to supervise and audit the activities of the government, a Council of the Republic and an Economic and Social Council.

While visiting the districts of Bata Cogo, Mbini, Niefang, Evinayon and Akurinam during the presidential national tour, President Obiang inaugurated several infrastructure projects to better serve the nation. The constitutional reforms are part of Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to drive the country to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

Equatorial Guinea Excels In Infrastructure Development

2011-08-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Infrastructure Projects Reach the Districts of Evinayong and Acurenam

Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo continues to invest substantially in infrastructure projects, including highways, electricity networks and schools, throughout the country. While on a national tour to inform citizens about the new Constitutional Reform Act Draft, President Obiang inaugurated several projects to better serve the nation.

“The new infrastructure projects are proof of the government’s effort toward improving infrastructure in our nation,” said President Obiang. He also noted that Equatorial Guinea has implemented constitutional reforms, which establish a Senate, Council of the Republic, Economic and Social Council, and a Court of Auditors.

The city of Evinayong now has drinking water, sanitation supplies, and new highways. The power grid of Djibloho was updated, as was the extension of the electricity grid of Bicurga.

In Acurenam, President Obiang laid the foundation for the construction of the road that extends from the village council of Ngolosok to Midjobo Amvomto in the district of Cogo. In addition, six schools were constructed in the towns of Mbam Efak, Akanabot Efak, Shoa, Oveng Concentrado, Acurenam Campo and Oveng Jerusale. The government is also responsible for the modernization, extension and adaptation of the city’s electricity networks to the Djibloho system. The road that goes from the city of Evinayong to Acurenam is also under construction.

The new infrastructure projects are part of Equatorial Guinea’s multiyear program to enhance the infrastructure of the country. The government’s Horizon 2020 development plan, put in motion by President Obiang, has made infrastructure development a central goal, which will drive the country to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

Equatorial Guinea to Host Confederation Of National Non-Governmental Organizations In Africa Headquarters

2011-08-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Country’s Effort toward Supporting the African Continent

The government of Equatorial Guinea has signed an agreement to host the headquarters of the Confederation of National Non-Governmental Organizations in Africa as part of its growing leadership role on the African continent. President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo also officially offered to host the headquarters of the African Union voluntary Youth Corps in a speech at the recent African Union Summit held in Malabo June 23 – July 1, 2011.

“The opening of the new headquarters of the Confederation of National Non-Governmental Organizations in Africa shows Equatorial Guinea’s support and solidarity toward our African neighbors and our nation’s commitment to President Obiang Nguema Mbasosgo’s call for African governments to take greater responsibility for the future of Africa,” said Minister of Missions Alejandro Evuna Owono Asangono.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has invested substantially in infrastructure, including airports, highways, and conference facilities, and Equatorial Guinea now offers significant advantages to organizations that locate their headquarters in the country.

The confederation will hold an international forum of civic organizations on climate change in the new world order in March 2012, its first official activity in Equatorial Guinea.

Lucien Tape Mambo, representing the Confederation of National Non-Governmental Organizations in Africa, at a signing ceremony in Malabo August 18, shared the goals and objectives of the agency, which are to limit the effects of climate change and to educate civil society and governments on the importance of this issue and the clearing of forests in Africa.

Equatorial Guinea Opens Fish Trading Center

2011-08-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Country’s Effort toward Ensuring Food Security

Equatorial Guinea opened its first fish trading center in the nation’s continental region as part of an effort to ensure food security for the country’s population and to increase trade with neighboring countries.

“Opening the first fish trading center, in Bata, ensures food security to our citizens and moves us one step closer to achieving our development goals under the Horizon 2020 plan,” said Anastasio Asumu, Minister of Fisheries and Environment.

The fish-trading center, built by General Work, has modern facilities. The production and fish-conservation rooms, consisting of some 100 m² with capacity for 20 tons of stock, are the center’s main spaces. The center also contains administrative offices of 250 m², consisting of five offices and a meeting room.

The fish-trading center also has ice-making equipment producing three tons of ice daily, two refrigerated trucks with five tons of capacity, two generators, and a series of artisanal fishing materials.

The new fish-trading center, which is funded by the government, is the latest completed project in the country’s efforts to ensure food security for the population, which is one of the development goals established by President Obiang in his ambitious Horizon 2020 program. President Obiang, has made food security a central goal to drive the country to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

Equatorial Guinea Is Ready To Host 2012 Africa Cup of Nations

2011-08-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Infrastructure Projects Are 97% Complete

Equatorial Guinea has completed 97% of the infrastructure projects needed to host 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), which will open in Malabo on January 21. In an interview with BBC, Minister of Youth and Sports Ruslan Nsue Obiang, who is also chairman of the organizing committee, pointed to the country’s success in delivering infrastructure projects for the recent African Union Summit, and said that Equatorial Guinea continues its efforts to upgrade and enhance infrastructure in the country as it gets ready to co-host the 2012 African Cup of Nations (CAN) with neighboring Gabon.

Minister Obiang pointed out that Equatorial Guinea is experienced in holding events of this magnitude. “With the African Union Summit that was held last month, you could see the hotel capacity we have in Malabo.” He continued to say Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have always enjoyed good bilateral relations and the two parties have been working well together to host the CAN 2012.

Equatorial Guinea’s soccer coach, Henri Michel, has been leading the team throughout this yea’s competitions and will continue to train the team for the upcoming CAN 2012.

The new infrastructure projects put in place for CAN 2012 are part of Equatorial Guinea’s multi-year program to upgrade and enhance the infrastructure of the country. The government’s Horizon 2020 development plan, put in motion by President Obiang, has made infrastructure development a central goal to drive the country to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.

Equatorial Guinea Donates 2 Million Euros To Somalia Famine Victims

2011-08-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Obiang Calls for United International Community Help

Equatorial Guinean President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo donated two million Euros to aid victims of the famine in Somalia. President Obiang also encouraged his fellow citizens to contribute to the relief effort, and the government has established a system for citizens to make contributions at local banks.

“This aid is a humanitarian donation to help the severe famine affecting the lives of over eleven million people in Somalia,” President Obiang said on Wednesday. He called on individuals in the private and public sectors of his country to “help the brothers, sisters, mothers and children of Somalia.”

National media reported that citizens’ donations collected in Equatorial Guinea will be deposited in banks in the capital city of Malabo. The African Union members, led by Chairman Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, will meet at an international conference to be held in Addis Ababa on August 25^th to review progress on aid to Somalia.

While addressing the African Union delegations at the African Union Summit, held in Malabo last month, President Obiang stressed the need for unity and solidarity among African nations. He told member countries that even though they are “often exposed to pressures created by external nations,” they must work together to strengthen the resolve and influence of the union.

Following Equatorial Guinea’s policy of promoting unity and solidarity, the country donated $500,000 to Japan after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Equatorial Guinea’s effort toward a unified and prosperous nation is one of the development goals established by President Obiang in his ambitious Horizon 2020 program.

Obiang Reveals Plans For Nationwide Electrification

2011-08-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

National Energy Conference Highlights Progress Toward Horizon 2020 Goals

Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo unveiled plans for nationwide electrification at a National Electrification conference held in this mainland city. In his address to the conference, President Obiang predicted that with wise use of the country’s natural resources, Equatorial Guinea would enjoy full electrification and energy self-sufficiency.

President Obiang cited the conference as an example of the importance of transparency in the country’s development and of keeping the citizenry informed of development projects because they are “the true beneficiary of all these projects.” He encouraged officials at the conference to seek, above all “solutions to satisfy the population,” but he also stressed the need for energy conservation and encouraged his fellow citizens to be responsible consumers of energy. “It is important that citizens take responsibility for the country to be transformed as we all desire,” he said. “We need to sensitize the population to assume their obligations, because if we want development, we must match the means to do so.”

The conference, titled “Light for All,” was organized by the Ministry of Mining, Industry and Energy to provide information about the electrification projects that are being carried out throughout the country. Nationwide electrification is one of the development goals established by President Obiang in his ambitious Horizon 2020 program.

“The Government, just in the last five years, has invested [substantially] in the construction of infrastructures and provisions of basic equipment” within the electrification plan,” said Delegate Minister for Mining Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima. “Today, we have a production infrastructure composed of the Djibloho plant, the expanded Turbo Gas plant, backup batteries on the island and the mainland, the remodeled plant of San Joaquin, and the mini-plants of Riaba-Musola, among others. An important fact to note is that we have opted for generating clean, renewable energy.”

Equatorial Guinea Opens New School In Mongomo as Part Of The Horizon 2020 Goals

2011-08-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

As part of Equatorial Guinea’s (República de Guinea Ecuatorial) efforts to boost education in the country, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo recently inaugurated a new school ‘María Mbasogo Ngu’i in Mongomo. The government fully funded the school with 150 million CFA francs.

“The goal of the country is to promote children as their most important asset,” said the director of the new center. The new school will admit 240 students from kindergarten to secondary school and will accommodate 54 of them, as there are available bedrooms for those students who need to remain in school because of the remoteness of their homes. The new school also counts with eight classrooms, industrial kitchen, offices, study room, theater, and other areas.

The construction of the new school comes from the initiative of the First Lady, Constancia Mangue de Obiang, who is also Chairwoman of the Child Support Committee of Equatorial Guinea (CANIGE). The new school inauguration, attended by Minister of Education, Joaquin Mbana Nchama, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mangue, and the Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea, and Lucas Nguema Esono, is part of Equatorial Guinea’s Horizon 2020 goals.

Education is one of the priorities outlined in Equatorial Guinea’s Horizon 2020 development plan, which was set in motion by President Obiang to move the country toward a sustainable and emergent economy. The plan includes the development of new schools and teacher training.

Since beginning the large-scale export of oil from Equatorial Guinea, and in cooperation with international organizations, the country opened its first national university, the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE), and has graduated more than 13,000 students since its founding in 1995. The level of education in Equatorial Guinea is improving, and the country enjoys an enrollment rate of nearly 5,000 students at the college level.

Equatorial Guinea To Host 3rd Africa-South American Summit

2011-07-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Equatorial Guinea’s capital of Malabo will host the 3^rd Africa-South American Summit this fall. President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, along with African and South American leaders will meet to expand cooperation, create opportunities for promotion, and strengthen political and economic ties between the two regions. This is another effort by the government to strengthen its cooperation ties with the international community.

President Obiang, who is the current rotational chairman of the AU, will welcome world leaders once again to the newly built city of Sipopo. The international conference center is an excellent facility to host international events this size. Sipopo offers state-of-the-art buildings and private villas, entertainment, high-end hotels and cuisine. Thousands of people have already visited the magnificent facilities around Sipopo for the 17^th African Union (AU) Summit that took place earlier this month. The AU Summit was the first event held in the newly developed area, which the country is developing as a center for tourism and international conferences.

During the African Union Summit, President Obiang made a push for his country to host the headquarters of the African Union (AU) Youth Corps, an institution the AU agreed to establish a year ago at its summit meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. “As the city in which this subject was discussed, and with the goal of overcoming obstacles to its financing,…we ask that the headquarters of the Youth Corps be located in this new City of the African Union,” President Obiang said. He had previously announced that the area in which the Summit took place, in the Malabo suburb of Sipopo, would be named in honor of the African Union.

In offering to host the 3^rd Africa-South American Summit, President Obiang committed the resources of his government to the effort to harness the success of the summit.

Equatorial Guinea Offers to Host African Union Youth Corps Headquarters

2011-07-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

Proposal is part of AU chairman’s push for Africa to provide the resources, talent, and commitment to resolve its problems.

Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, made a push yesterday for his country to host the headquarters of the African Union (AU) Youth Corps, an institution the AU agreed to establish a year ago at its summit meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.

President Obiang, who is the current rotational chairman of the AU, made the offer yesterday in remarks opening the 17^th African Union Summit in this city. Youth empowerment is the main theme of this year’s summit meeting.

“As the city in which this subject was discussed, and with the goal of overcoming obstacles to its financing,…we ask that the headquarters of the Youth Corps be located in this new City of the African Union,” President Obiang said. He had previously announced that the area in which the Summit took place, in the Malabo suburb of Sipopo, would be named in honor of the African Union. The AU Summit was the first event held in the newly developed area, which the country is developing as a center for tourism and international conferences.

The offer was consistent with calls President Obiang has made throughout his AU presidency for Africa to act more assertively to resolve its own problems, including accepting greater financial responsibility and thereby retaining greater control and sovereignty.

“Without rejecting financing from outside Africa, our states must assume the responsibility to finance our common institutions if we want to strengthen their capacity,” he said in his address.

“It is a fundamental matter of pride, if we want to avoid the interference that we are subject to and obtain equal treatment in international economic relations.” He reminded his African counterparts, “There is a saying: ‘He who divides and shares always takes the bigger share.’ There for, he who pays calls the shots."

In offering to host the African Youth Corps headquarters, President Obiangcommitted the resources of his government to the effort to harness the energy of youth and provide youth with greater opportunity.

“In Equatorial Guinea, we believe that young people are the determining factor in the development process of a society,” President Obiang said. “They are a live force capable of creating innovation and spurring development in the country in general.”

“In order to adequately take advantage of the capabilities of young people,” he advised, “governments must establish systems and mechanisms that allow young people access to training, new technology, employment, participation in public life, and social integration without any kind of discrimination.”

Welcoming Address by President of Equatorial Guinea and Chairman of the African Union Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the 17th African Union Summit

2011-07-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

African Union Village, Sipopo

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

June 30, 2011

The following speech was delivered to delegations to the 17th African Union Summit by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, chairman of the African Union.

"It is with great pride and deep satisfaction that the people and the government of Equatorial Guinea, for the first time in their history, welcome the conference of the African Union that has brought into our country so many distinguished political and diplomatic personalities, representing the African continent in particular and the rest of the world in general, who have gathered here to participate in the 17th Summit Conference of the Heads of State and Government of Africa.

It is a favorable opportunity for dialogue and compromise to find adequate solutions to the issues that concern Africa and the world in general. This is a venue where everybody can feel secure and free to express what he or she thinks. This is also an appropriate place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Bioko Island.

Therefore, we want to welcome our distinguished guests to this beautiful corner of Sipopo that we have named 'The City of the African Union,' so that they can enjoy the best of our hospitality and feel at home, while we apologize for any deficiency that you might observe.

We realize that in this 17th Summit of the African Union, Africa's message will make its impact on the international community, because we affirm that this is no longer a simple regular summit of the African heads of state, but rather, a valuable forum that has called all the world to participate, turning it into a meeting of African leaders with the rest of the international community represented here.

Therefore, this is an occasion that offers great opportunities for a broader dialogue, a direct sharing of views among leaders of the world and a dialogue and communication without intermediaries.

In Equatorial Guinea we have a saying or principle that 'Unity makes strength and strength makes us greater.' The African Union must adopt this principle, which belongs to it, to show that it has its own voice and that it is able to assume responsibilities on the continent and in the international context. We hope that this conference will be more beneficial and inspiring because of the wisdom of its leaders gathered here.

With faith in our common principles, which must unify our standards, and considering the past history of our people, despite the heterogeneous makeup of our cultures, Africa must show itself today more unified and in solidarity when making decisions about important problems that affect the continent, many of which have been placed on the agenda of this summit.

Indeed, this conference takes place at a critical moment for Africa, a situation that tests our unity and cohesion, the solidarity of our states and the leadership of our authorities.

We are aware of the fact that our states and governments are often exposed to pressures created by other countries and personal extra-African interests as well as our own differences, which often reduce the African Union's ability to effectively solve the problems of the continent.

In this regard, I would like to invite all my African colleagues to reinforce our discussions by expressing our firm will.

Principal Themes of the Summit

For the 17th Summit of the African Union, discussion of the following problems of concern, among others, is proposed:

a.) The integration of African youth in the process of sustainable development,

b.) The situation of peace and security on the continent,

c.) The equitable participation of Africa in international institutions and organizations,

d.) The strengthening of the capabilities of the African Union,

e.) Cooperation of Africa with other world partners.

Peace and Security in Africa

The latest decisions concerning conflict resolution, adopted by the 16th Ordinary Summit of the African Union in January of this year, have remained a dead letter and in complete oblivion. Africa has always been and is once again being replaced by extra-African agents that have no intention whatsoever of engaging in dialogue to recognize and appreciate the spirit and will of Africa.

We welcome the fact that, as we pointed out earlier, dignitaries from many states of the international community are participating in this summit. Politically, Africa is no longer a dependency of any international organization.

Africa does not aspire to resolve the problems of Europe, Asia, or America but to solve its own problems. Africa has never been a conquering continent or colonizer, let alone an exploiter. Its struggle has always been to shake off and reject these political trends of which it has been victim and that subjugate peoples.

Nevertheless, as an international political entity, Africa contributes, together with others, in cooperation for development and the maintenance of peace and security in the world.

As a result of these imposed policies, interventions for humanitarian reasons are currently causing a massive scourge to humanity in some parts of the world. The many victims, among them women and children, the displaced people, and the destruction of economic infrastructures do not justify these interventions. The result is that instead of resolving the conflicts of the world, we are complicating and worsening them.

Africa desires that countries and organizations from outside Africa that have the power to use force not intervene to resolve African conflicts without a previous consensus with Africa, because presumably they could violate international law and the sovereignty of states.

The African Union has never advocated war, but rather, dialogue for the solution of international conflicts, because war results in destruction and calamity.

In this context, we celebrate the fact that the parties involved in the conflicts in Sudan and Somalia have accepted negotiated solutions, and we appeal to them to respect the terms of these agreements.

The peace and security of states is not only guaranteed with theoretical formulas of democracy, freedom of expression, and other ideas that supposedly guarantee political rights. In fact, the stability of a country depends fundamentally on the availability of economic resources that sustain the lives of its people, that enable access to education, health services, potable water, environmental development, and other conditions that give dignity to man.

We regret having to recognize that most African countries are still built on inflexible foundations that do not give citizens access to these indispensable services, to guarantee peace and stability on the continent. 'An empty sack cannot stand on its own,' a situation that we together, Africa and the developed world, must resolve as a shared political and moral obligation, offering sincere assistance to economically weak states.

However, underdevelopment does not allow African leaders to exempt themselves from the responsibility to adopt effective mechanisms to guarantee the peace and security of their nations, one more thing to keep in mind when they make decisions that affect them.

Integration of Youth

With regard to the topic related to the rapid integration of youth in the process of sustainable development, undoubtedly our young people, as legitimate inheritors of the future of our continent, should have access to all knowledge, technology, and experience to prepare them as the successor generation, a role that they must naturally assume.

For us, young people are not a problem for society, although according to many negative theories, the increase in the youth population constitutes an economic and human problem, and others swear that the young are a danger for the preservation of cultural values.

But in Equatorial Guinea, we believe that young people are the determining factor in the development process of a society. They are a live force capable of creating innovation and spurring development in the country in general.

That is why, in the First National youth Conference, held in Bata in July 2010, which acquired international recognition, the government was advised to adopt policies that facilitate access for young people to all of the political, economic, social, and cultural rights that all human beings have.

Within this framework, and in order to adequately take advantage of the capabilities of young people, governments must establish systems and mechanisms that allow young people access to training, new technology, employment, participation in public life, and social integration without any kind of discrimination.

We support the efforts of the African Union as it deals with the issue of the integration of African youth. The need to create an African Union Voluntary Youth Corps was agreed at the last summit in Abuja as an instrument to mobilize youth in order to reach the Millennium goals adopted by the United Nations.

This Youth Corps should now be institutionalized in order to structure its actions.

With regard to such institutionalization, the government of Equatorial Guinea proposes the creation of a headquarters for the institution.

As the city in which this subject was discussed, and with the goal of overcoming obstacles to its financing, with your indulgence, we ask that the headquarters of the Youth Corps be located in this new City of the African Union.

In another area, the Arab Spring, reproduced in some European states, with revolutions claiming rights against the regimes in power, cannot be considered a negative attitude of young people when those claims are just and necessary.

It is a natural positive attitude that characterizes youth, as opposed to the passivity or pact of silence that the adult population frequently adopts in similar cases.

Nevertheless, it's worth keeping in mind here the agents accustomed to manipulating the innocence of and good faith of youth and of inexperienced people, to unnecessarily provoke sterile revolutions that have no other end but realizing personal political ambitions.

This is the case of my country, Equatorial Guinea, which is victimized and besieged by a systematic campaign of disinformation by these agents. It is clear that we are not perfect, but we are perfectible, and we are doing all that we can possibly do.

Cooperation with Other World Partners

Today, Africa maintains different kinds of cooperation with various partners in the four other continents of the world, to the point that today Africa has become the 'apple of discord' or the beautiful girl that everyone wants to get to know.

If Africa does not firmly maintain its political personality and economic capacity, we believe the result of all this cooperation would inevitably be a new impoverishment for its people.

Upgrading the Institutions of the African Union

Africa's development should begin with Africans. Partners from the international community are just cooperators that in the end have as a reward the fulfillment of their own interests in cooperation. Therefore, without rejecting financing from outside Africa, our states must assume the responsibility to finance our common institutions if we want to strengthen their capacity.

It is a fundamental matter of pride, if we want to avoid the interference that we are subject to and obtain equal treatment in international economic relations. There is a saying: 'He who divides and shares always takes the bigger share.' Therefore, he who pays calls the shots.

In conclusion, esteemed Chiefs of State and Heads of Delegation, we are sure that the past provides valuable lessons for the present and the future. The African Union Summit should be a new starting point that leads to a maturation of our institution, to the unity of Africa, and to the solidarity for the governments and their peoples.

I wish you great success at this summit, and may God protect Africa."

President Obiang Urges Unity and Solidarity in Africa

2011-07-01T01:52:00.000-07:00

AU Chairman Stresses the Need to Further Strengthen the Continent's Youth

In a speech which called on all Africans to work together to solve problems facing the continent, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, addressed leaders from Africa's 54 nations and around the world. President Obiang, who is also chairman of the African Union, told member countries that even though they are "often exposed to pressures created by external nations," they must work together to strengthen the resolve and influence of the union.

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea continues to host leaders from across the African continent and around the world at the 17th African Union Summit in Malabo. Following the theme "Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development," the conference held a Symposium on Youth Employment, organized by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Department of Social Affairs and other institutions. The conference's goal is to highlight the steps recommended by the African Youth Forum held in Addis Ababa on the African Union Summit held earlier this year.

Building upon the theme of strengthening youth to foster positive growth on the continent, President Obiang stressed in his speech to the delegations, that the Union must invest in its young people to build the capacity of the continent. In such, President Obiang proposed hosting the new headquarters of an African Union Voluntary Youth Corp in Equatorial Guinea's new Sipopo development project.

The African Union Voluntary Youth Corp would work expeditiously to address development deficiencies and to overcome the limitations of Africa's leadership evolution and transition among the continents growing youth population.

President Obiang stressed the need for young people to play an active part in the betterment of the entire continent. The involvement of youth in the institutions of government, the economy and culture must be embraced.

Regarding the Arab Spring, "with revolutions claiming their rights against regimes in power," President Obiang said, "these claims cannot be considered as an negative force of youth, when the claims are just and necessary."

"The African Union Summit should be a new starting point that drives Africans together and strengthens the Union," concluded Obiang. This can only be achieved "through the unity of Africa and solidarity of African governments and their people."

President Obiang also participated in the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), at the 25th Orientation Committee of Heads of State and Government.

Heads of State and of Government continued to the 15th meeting of the forum of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) led by the Ethiopian Prime Minister and Chairman of the Forum of the APRM, as well as Jean Ping, Chairman of the African Union Commission.

Equatorial Guinea Hosts 17th African Union Summit

2011-06-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

AU Chairman Welcomes Delegations from 54 Nations

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea, welcomed leaders from across the African continent and around the world, as it opened the 17th African Union Summit in Malabo. With the theme “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development,” the conference served as a frame for showcasing the nation’s efforts to improve opportunities for its young people. The country’s call to support African youth supports the African Union goals to create an affluent and peaceful Africa.

As the African Union Summit host, Equatorial Guinea received heads of state and delegations from the 54 AU member countries and other delegations from outside the continent that arrived in Malabo for the summit. Since President Obiang’s nomination as African Union chairman, the country has worked diligently to build infrastructure to support so many world leaders and it has proved to be ready for an event of this magnitude.

The African delegations are hosted at the newly-built Softel Sipopo Le Golf Hotel, delegations are also staying in individual villas in Sipopo which makes it an easy commute to the newly opened International Conference Center where the summit is taking place. The conference center displays several infrastructure projects the country is currently undertaking to improve conditions for its citizens.

Equatorial Guinea has also provided other hotels and accommodations in Malabo for members of the media. As the media interested in covering the summit kept increasing, the government made sure to streamline the country’s entry process to ensure international reporters are able to cover the event. The heads of state and government will gather for the 17th ordinary assembly June 30 – July 1, concluding the summit.

Equatorial Guinea Opens African Union Summit

2011-06-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Country Promotes Unity and Solidarity Among African Nations

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea called on African nations to promote a spirit of solidarity and unity to achieve a strong and prosperous Africa at the opening of the 17^th African Union Summit. The same message that was delivered by Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, African Union (AU) chairman and President of Equatorial Guinea on his AU chairmanship nomination speech in Addis Ababa.

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophone Affairs and Executive Chairman of the Permanent Committee of the AU, Pastor Micha, reinstated the need to keep a unity front to promote a spirit of solidarity and unity. “We can never hope to achieve our aspirations for development if we do not present a spirit of cohesion and solidarity,” said Minister Micha.

He went on to say that Africa is responsible for finding the appropriate solutions to their problems, as they live in a time when the continent suffers social setbacks in some regions. “For this we need the support of our partners who enable the development of Africa,” said Minister Micha. A roadmap and an action plan have been adopted to overcome these challenges and it is important to carry them out.

The African Union Summit opened with the 22^nd ordinary session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREP) taking place at the International Conference Center of Sipopo until July 1^st.

Early this week, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Promotion of Women launched a Pre-Summit on Gender and Development as a kick-off of the 17^th African Union Summit.

Equatorial Guinea Launches Official Government’s Website In French

2011-06-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea recently added the French language to the official government’s website. The government’s portal can now be accessed in Spanish, English and French, which is the country’s second official language. This is an effort by the government to improve its communications, add to the resources offered by the country, and increase its information delivery for the 17^th African Union Summit taking place in Malabo June 23-July 1 with the theme “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.”.

This is a strong contribution to the country’s progress and to improve its ties to its neighboring countries members of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), where French is the official language.

Since the government website’s launch nearly two years ago, the online portal has reached 458,641 views this past month. The French language will increase the government’s website outreach to a wider community.

President Obiang Improves Equatorial Guinea’s Political System

2011-06-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

President Pardons and Releases 22 Prisoners

Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, signed a presidential decree last week, granting full pardon to 22 persons, who were convicted last year for State security and conspiracy crimes; the prisoners were released today. President Obiang has taken several steps to improve the political system, such as calling for legal reform and a revision of the constitution. This is an effort by the government to systematically and progressively pursue greater democracy and pluralism as the nation develops.

President Obiang said the decision was taken freely for humanitarian reasons under the Pardon Law that the Fundamental Law confers on him, which states that “the ideals of peaceful coexistence, civility and reconciliation that encouraged the actions and legitimized the change in policy operating in the country since August 3, 1979, are still valid on the activities of the public powers that constitute the foundation of peace, order and harmony prevailing in the country.” He went on to say the benefactors of this pardon know the people of Equatorial Guinea expect them to go through social rehabilitation to ensure a peaceful coexistence and political stability, both essential predications for the development of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

In March, President Obiang recommended the creation of a Senate, which would convert the nation’s Parliament from a unicameral to a bicameral legislature, and proposed limiting the president to two four-year terms of office.

To read the complete Pardon Decree, please visit http://guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=1638

17th African Union Summit

2011-06-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Take a closer look at the 17th African Union Summit taking place in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea Dedicates Public Works to Host Visitors, Provide Drinking Water, Fight Corruption

2011-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea dedicated 11 new facilities on the island of Bioko on Saturday. The public works projects were designed to improve infrastructure, help combat corruption, and bring potable water to communities. Some of the projects expanded the city’s ability to host visitors and major international events, and were completed in time for the African Union Summit and related meetings, which will take place in Malabo June 26-July 1. President Obiang is the current rotational chairman of the AU.

The new infrastructure projects include a passenger terminal expansion at Malabo International Airport, which was completed in a record time of six months. The airport is now fully equipped to receive flights from all over the world.

“With these changes the Malabo airport is sufficiently outfitted to accommodate guests who arrive in the country for the African Union Summit,” said the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Demetrio Eló Ndong Nsefumu.

Other facilities were dedicated in Malabo II, a newly developed area of the capital, where President Obiang opened the Hotel Iris and two new government facilities, the new Documentation Center and the Palace of Conferences. President Obiang declared that the Documentation Center will help his government combat the falsification of official documents and reduce corruption, “which has caused us many problems internationally.”

Toward the end of a busy day, the President dedicated new potable water systems for the district of Baney and the city of Riaba, a new police camp in Baney, and a new road connecting the cities of Riaba and Moca. The cost of all projects in Baney and Riaba, including the Palace of Conferences, exceeded $44 million (U.S).

Infrastructure development has been one of the major focuses of the government of Equatorial Guinea. President Obiang has launched an ambitious program called Horizon 2020, which is aimed at using the nation’s revenues to improve health, education, and the economy in the country.

The administration has made rapid progress in improving and expanding Equatorial Guinea’s island and mainland infrastructure. The Annobón airport and trade port, opened last October, are two massive, state-of-the-art infrastructure projects that brought an end to the isolation that used to characterize the island province. The government has also opened two modern hospitals, one in the capital, Malabo, which is located on Bioko Island, and one in the mainland city of Bata. The Israeli-operated hospitals provide modern medical care and serve as teaching and training centers for Equatorial Guinea’s medical professionals and technicians.

Equatorial Guinea Launches 17th African Union Summit Website

2011-06-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

The Summit will be held in Malabo June 23^rd – July 1^st

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea recently launched the 17^th African Union Summit website. It is an online portal for the next African Union summit that will take place in Malabo at the end of the month. The site contains information about the summit, Africa and Equatorial Guinea. It is a strong contribution to the resources for the upcoming summit.

17^th African Union Summit website can be viewed at http://africanunionsummit.com/

The online portal provides information on the African Union member countries, latest news from the African Union, its chairman and Equatorial Guinea President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who will lead the summit in Malabo with the theme “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.”

Equatorial Guinea Strengthens Bilateral Relations With United States

2011-05-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

U.S. Breaks Ground on a New Embassy in Malabo

The United States government broke ground last week on a new embassy compound in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. The new complex, located close to downtown Malabo in a neighborhood planned for other diplomatic missions and United Nations agencies, will make a strong contribution to the city’s increasingly modern urban landscape.

Equatorial Guinea’s Second Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Political Affairs and Democracy, Demetrio Eló Ndong Nsefumu, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on May 17 on behalf of President and African Union chairman Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

“Equatorial Guinea has always considered the U.S. as an ally, for believing in the values of justice, freedom, democracy, unity and economic prosperity, the path that Equatorial Guinea is determined to follow,” said Deputy Prime Minister Ndong.

Mr. Ndong highlighted the cooperative relations between Equatorial Guinea and the United States, stating that American investment, especially in the oil and gas sectors, has significantly helped the government’s efforts to carry out major public works projects and develop social infrastructure that has improved the standard of living for Equatorial Guinea citizens.

The U.S. Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, Alberto Fernandez, and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Susan Page were also present at the ceremony. “Just like there is a place in Equatorial Guinea called ‘Campo Alba’ (Field of Dawn) so we hope that this new embassy will be the dawn of a deeper and stronger relationship, not just with the government, but with all the people of Equatorial Guinea,” said Ambassador Fernandez.

The new embassy complex, to be built by Caddell Construction Company of Montgomery, Alabama, will occupy a 12-acre site close to downtown Malabo. It will include housing for diplomats and staff and provide work space for approximately 67 embassy employees. The estimated cost of the new embassy, which is expected to be completed by 2013, is $53 million.

Equatorial Guinea Launches Rural Roofing Program

2011-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Minister of Agriculture says new Zinc Roofs will Improve Health and Living Standards

The government of Equatorial Guinea has launched a project to replace improve traditional housing by installing zinc roofs on more than 30,000 houses. Roughly 100,000 Equatorial Guineans will benefit from zinc roofs, which will replace traditional roofs made of the fronds of the nipa palm.

The project, which arose as a result of a survey carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, under Minister Teodoro Nguema Obiang, is aimed at upgrading homes in rural areas and will be carried out throughout the national territory.

Zinc roofs last longer than nipa roofs and allow better protection from the elements. Nipa roofs also can harbor rats, insects, and other vermin and can pose a health hazard to residents, particularly children.

“This is an important project that will quickly improve the standard of living in rural areas,” said Minister Nguema. “Through efforts like these, Equatorial Guinea is rapidly developing its infrastructure. Improving health and opportunity in rural areas is a top priority for the Ministry of Agriculture. We hope this will serve as an example for other countries to follow.

Ambassador Says Equatorial Guinea Has Reached Major Development Goals

2011-05-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Equatorial Guinea’s United Nations permanent Representative, Anatolio Ndong Mba, said last week that the country has achieved some of its major development goals by eradicating malaria in more than a third of the population, and making significant improvements in the country’s infrastructure, education and public health. Moving the country toward a sustainable and emergent economy is part of the ambitious goals set by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in his Horizon 2020 development plan.

“The goals of the Horizon 2020 development plan were put in place to establish sustainable development for Equatorial Guinea by 2020 that means potable water, education, health, food, security, communication, infrastructure, tourism development, environment preservation in the country,” said Ambassador Ndong on an interview with South South News.

Ambassador Ndong highlighted how Equatorial Guinea has one of the highest alphabetization levels in Africa, has worked with HIV advocacy, and how it has collaborated with international NGOs on endangered species preservation. He also pointed out how the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, is working with the private sector to establish cooperatives to help farmers develop agriculture by providing technical assistance from the government and other countries. Ambassador Ndong went on to highlight how important is it to invest in training and education in order to move toward a more sustainable economy.

Next month, Equatorial Guinea is hosting the African Union Summit, where 57 head of states will attend and be able to see the significant progress the country has made in infrastructure and other areas.

Equatorial Guinea Dramatically Reduces Malaria In Children

2011-05-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Government Partnership Develops $15.8 Million Initiative to Reduce Malaria

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea has decreased the prevalence of the malaria parasite in children by 57% in just four years and has increased the number of children protected by bed nets or indoor spraying of insecticides from 4% to 95% in that same period, according to a report by Roll Back Malaria. Research carried out on the Island of Bioko, funded by the government of Equatorial Guinea and a private consortium led by Marathon Oil Corporation, showed a reduction in infant mortality in nearly one third of the population. The program to control malaria is part of a broader effort by the government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to improve public health in the West African nation.

The anti-malaria project is currently focused on the island of Bioko, where more than half the population of Equatorial Guinea lives, and has been extended to 2013 to develop local capacity and enable the campaign to reach the mainland. The project has won numerous high-profile awards for social responsibility and good citizenship.

The sixth report on Business Investing in Malaria Control: Economic Returns and a Healthy Workforce for Africa showcases how malaria control investment has significantly improved in Africa. “Companies in Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Mozambique, and Zambia have worked to prevent malaria among their workers and workers' dependents and have seen an excellent return on investment, with significant reductions in malaria-related illnesses and deaths, worker absenteeism, and malaria related spending.”

The Malaria Control Project is a fundamental part of the government-wide effort to meet the goals of the Horizon 2020 development plan set by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Equatorial Guinea has heavily invested in public health. The government has donated $1.5 million and a headquarters facility to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support research for global health. It has also provided technical assistance to the local United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to improve the effectiveness of its Assistance Program as well as the implementation of a host of health programs geared towards improving the health of Equatorial Guineans.

Equatorial Guinea Launches Educational Program As Part Of The Horizon 2020 Goals

2011-05-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea launched its first workshop, on May 4-7, aimed at developing a system to analyze teaching strategies and assess children’s progress at the elementary-school level. The workshop, attended by teachers and regional administrators, is part of the ‘Equatorial Guinea, My Country’ project, whose broader aim is to evaluate the current education system and institute policies for improvement.

The project will evaluate general elementary-school strategies and will develop training to enable teachers to more effectively assess children’s progress. The new programs will be implemented by the Educational Development Program of Equatorial Guinea (PRODEGE), which is supported by the Ministry of Education. “Elementary School education should be given special attention as it is the pillar of children’s education,” said Crisantos Ondo Asumu Mia, PRODEGE Deputy Director.

South South News: Interview with Anatolio Ndong Mba UN Ambassador of Guinea Ecuatorial

2011-05-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

South South News interviews Anatolio Ndong Mba, UN Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea