São Tomé and Príncipe: economy

What is São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP growth rate?

São Tomé and Príncipe's real GDP is estimated to have grown 2.1% in 2025, more than in 2024 but below what was expected at the start of the year, according to the Governor's annual address for 2025 published by the Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe (in Portuguese).

This is an estimate. The Central Bank expects growth of about 3.9% in 2026 and 2027 and around 3.0% a year in the medium term. The address names emigration as a cost to the economy, as it reduces the workforce and adds to price pressure. The country has an IMF Extended Credit Facility programme.

Official sources: Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe: Governor's annual address 2025 (PDF, in Portuguese)

What is the dobra exchange rate?

One euro was worth 24.5000 dobras and one US dollar 22.0489 dobras (mid-rate) on 15 October 2026, according to the Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe's exchange rate bulletin no. 195/2026. The buying and selling rates for the euro were the same, 24.5000, while other currencies had a gap between buying and selling rates.

The bulletin works out the dollar rate from the euro rate and the euro to dollar rate of the day, 1.1195, so the dobra's value against the dollar moves with the euro. The Central Bank's stated aim is inflation close to that of the euro area, around 5% in the medium term.

Official sources: Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe: exchange rates (in Portuguese) · Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe: Governor's annual address 2025 (PDF, in Portuguese)

How fast is São Tomé and Príncipe's economy growing?

1.0%: that is real GDP growth in São Tomé and Príncipe for 2025, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.2% (2022) to 8.9% (2006). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 4.6%; São Tomé and Príncipe is 43rd highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 153rd of 180.

What is São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per person?

$4,084: that is GDP per person in São Tomé and Príncipe for 2025, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 10th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is $1,351. Worldwide: 122nd of 180.

What is São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per person adjusted for prices?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $6,388 in international dollars. No year since 2005 has been higher. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $4,425 in international dollars; São Tomé and Príncipe is 18th highest of 46. Worldwide: 141st of 179.

How big are São Tomé and Príncipe's exports?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 13.3% of GDP. Its high point since 2008 was 2015, at 33.7% of GDP; its low point was 2009, at 8.6% of GDP. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 26.1% of GDP, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 33rd highest of 38. Of 133 countries with 2025 data, 124th highest.

What is São Tomé and Príncipe's current account balance?

The IMF puts the current account balance in São Tomé and Príncipe at -9.3% of GDP in 2025, which is a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -49.7% of GDP (2008) to -6.3% of GDP (2024). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -3.6% of GDP, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 17th highest of 20. World rank, highest first: 118th of 132.

What is FDI in São Tomé and Príncipe?

The IMF puts net inflows of foreign direct investment in São Tomé and Príncipe at 10.5% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 42.1% of GDP in 2008 and the low 1.8% of GDP in 2023. It is 4th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.0% of GDP. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 15th highest.

How high are loan rates in São Tomé and Príncipe?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 17.7%. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 8th highest of 16 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 17.6%. World rank, highest first: 12th of 73.