Nigerian investors are expected to dominate at the “Investour Sao Tome e Principe Seminar 2011” scheduled to take place in Sao Tome, the capital of Sao Tome e Principe from September 1-6 this year, expected to attract government agencies, policy makers and private sector participants.
The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe lie in the Gulf of Guinea , some 500km south of Nigeria . The country is blessed with substantial reserves of hydrocarbons, fertile vegetation and lush sandy beaches making it both a haven for investment and an exotic travel destination. Other neighbouring countries to Sao Tome and Principe include Cameroun , Equatorial Guinea , Gabon and Angola .
The investment seminar, which is jointly organized by National Petroleum Agency of Sao Tome and Principe (ANP-STP), Sao Tome and Principe Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Services (CCIAS) and Emerald Concierge – a Nigerian based travel management company, will focus on partnership opportunities in various sectors of Sao Tome and Principe’s economy including Oil and Gas, Agriculture, Tourism, Telecommunications, Real Estate, Transport & Logistics, Fisheries and more.
The country’s Minister of Public Works and Natural Resources, Engr. Carlos Vilanova, the Executive Director of National Petroleum Agency, Mr. Luis dos Prazeres, and the Director of the Regulatory and Licensing Agency for Water, Power and Telecommunications, Engr. Deolindo Costa are some of the dignitaries expected to speak at the event.
Cosme Rita, Secretary General of Sao Tome and Principe ’s Chamber of Commerce believes the investment seminar will be a great vehicle to showcase the potential of his country.
“These are exciting times for Sao Tome e Principe . We have recently completed our first oil licensing round in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and towards the end of the year, we shall invite tenders for a new GSM operator as we are presently installing submarine telecommunications cables,” he said.
“Construction plans are also underway on a Deep Sea Port due to Sao Tome e Principe ’s unique positioning in West Central Africa and this country is poised to be one of the most important hubs for intra-African trade in the next few years.”
Adaeze Ekwueme, Managing Director, Emerald Concierge, says, “Without a shadow of a doubt, Sao Tome and Principe is one of the most beautiful places on this earth, it is the definition of paradise.”
She said, “apart from the obvious which is investing in Oil and Gas, potential, investors should explore opportunities in Agriculture, Fisheries and Tourism as the country is blessed with fertile soil, abundant sea life and uniquely unspoilt exotic beaches.”
The Invest in Sao Tome and Principe Seminar 2011 will give investors all they need to know to be successful in Sao Tome e Principe .
