Sao Tome and Principe, where the prime meridian meets the equator, holds a unique position as “the center of the Earth.”

This small island nation, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa, is known for its lush landscapes, rich biodiversity and a history tied to cocoa cultivation.

Once dubbed the “Chocolate Island” for being the world’s largest cocoa producer, Sao Tome and Principe’s economy has faltered in the past decades. However, its fertile volcanic soil, tropical climate and high-quality cocoa have been guiding the country toward recovery, with a focus on global partnerships and South-South cooperation for new opportunities.

Today, Sao Tome and Principe is focused on expanding organic cocoa production while nurturing emerging industries like tourism, which shows great potential as a key driver of economic growth.
 
 REVIVAL OF “CHOCOLATE ISLAND”
With a land area of about 1,000 square km and located 200 km off Africa’s coast, Sao Tome and Principe consists of two main islands -- Sao Tome and Principe -- along with several islets.

 Back in the 15th century, Portuguese colonizers arrived and discovered the islands’ fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate, perfect for cocoa cultivation, which they introduced to the region.

 Large numbers of enslaved Africans were brought to work on the cocoa plantations in Sao Tome and Principe over the following centuries. By the 19th century, cocoa production expanded rapidly, and by the early 20th century, the country had become the world’s leading cocoa producer, earning it the nickname “Chocolate Island.”

 In the 20th century, chocolate’s global popularity soared, with major sales during holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas. However, when Sao Tome and Principe gained independence in 1975, much of the wealth from cocoa had been taken by colonizers. Combined with the dismantling of the industry’s management system, this led to the collapse of its cocoa industry.

 Meanwhile, as cocoa cultivation thrived in West Africa, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, with their larger cultivation areas and greater labor forces, surpassed Sao Tome and Principe to become the world’s leading cocoa producers. Today, these two countries account for two-thirds of global cocoa production.

 As a result, Sao Tome and Principe’s economy faltered, and it is now designated as one of the world’s least developed nations by the United Nations (UN).

 In response to these challenges, Sao Tome and Principe sought solutions to revive the country’s pillar industry. Capitalizing on the island’s ideal growing conditions and its long-standing reputation for high-quality cocoa, they turned to organic cocoa production and partnered with global chocolate manufacturers, trying to secure a place for the island in the competitive global market.

 Amid increasing foreign investment in cocoa production, local chocolate brands have emerged and gained popularity both at home and abroad, helping steer the nation toward a higher-value chocolate manufacturing industry.

 Today, the tropical rainforests of Sao Tome and Principe remain lush and vibrant. Banana trees provide shade for young cocoa plants, while coconut trees shield the mature cocoa trees from the sun. Various fruits that fall from the rainforest provide natural nutrients to the soil for cocoa cultivation. This natural environment continues to nurture the cocoa industry, offering hope for the economic revival of the once-famous “Chocolate Island.”
 
 PROMISING FUTURE OF TOURISM
Beyond the revival of cocoa, tourism holds great potential as a key driver of Sao Tome and Principe’s economic growth. The country boasts stunning volcanic landscapes, pristine coastlines, vibrant tropical rainforests and rich marine life, as well as a monument marking the center of the Earth, where the prime meridian and the equator meet, on Ilheu das Rolas island, making the country a popular tourist destination in Africa.

 Millions of years ago, tectonic shifts caused islands like Sao Tome and Principe to rise from the sea, forming dramatic volcanic landscapes. Steep mountains, winding streams and deep valleys create breathtaking natural scenery. Due to its long isolation from the African mainland, the islands are home to many endemic species. In 2012, the Principe Island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

 Due to the absence of large-scale modernization construction, Sao Tome and Principe’s beaches, rainforests and other landscapes have preserved their untouched natural beauty. From November to February, sea turtles come ashore to nest, and conservationists, working alongside local communities, develop eco-tourism initiatives that protect endangered species while offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience nature in harmony.

 Ilheu das Rolas island, located south of Sao Tome, attracts tourists due to its proximity to the center of the Earth monument, allowing visitors to experience the rare sensation of standing in two hemispheres simultaneously.

 Despite its rich tourism potential, the industry faces challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure, limited facilities and health issues such as malaria. In the first half of this year, Sao Tome and Principe received only about 17,000 visitors, primarily from Portugal, France and Angola, according to local media. By comparison, the Seychelles, a much smaller island nation, attracted 358,000 tourists in 2023.

 Lucio Magalhaes, Sao Tome and Principe’s minister of the Presidency and Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Affairs and Sustainable Coordination, said the country needs improved infrastructure, including higher-quality roads and healthcare facilities, to enhance the tourism experience and provide a sense of security for foreign visitors and local residents alike.

 “To achieve our development goals, we need to work with partners, including China, to plan a path for future growth and ensure a more prosperous life for the people of Sao Tome and Principe,” he said.

 SUPPORT FROM SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

 In late September, a tourist group from Beijing arrived in Sao Tome and Principe for its beautiful island scenery. Lai Xiaojuan, a tourism professional with over 10 years of experience in Sao Tome, said that she had already hosted 19 Chinese tour groups this year, bringing in a total of 60 visitors.

 Sao Tome and Principe is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists, with more groups and backpackers adding it to their African itineraries. Meanwhile, over 200 students from the country went to China for study, ready to return home and contribute to the country’s development. A shared vision for a brighter future has deepened the mutual desire for closer ties between the two nations.

 Since resuming diplomatic relations in 2016, Sao Tome and Principe and China have strengthened cooperation across a range of sectors. The Confucius Institute has established a presence at the University of Sao Tome and Principe, while Chinese medical teams and malaria experts have been providing high-quality healthcare to the local population. Chinese agricultural experts have also supported the island’s efforts to improve farming techniques, establish demonstration villages for agricultural poverty reduction, and address food security challenges.

 In September, Sao Tome and Principe’s Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, where both countries announced the elevation of their relationship to a strategic partnership. The leaders of the two countries discussed advancing cooperation in tourism, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure, encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in Sao Tome and Principe to support the country’s economic diversification.

Abel da Silva Bom Jesus, Sao Tome and Principe’s minister of agriculture, fisheries and rural development, said China is the country’s “key partner in helping us reach the level of agricultural development we aspire to achieve.”

 “Opportunities have been opened for direct trade between Sao Tome and Principe and China, allowing local businesses to gain access to the vast Chinese market,” said Abel Tavares da Veiga, director and founder of Tela Non, a leading newspaper in the country.

 “This cooperation, which the people view as foundational, can effectively propel the country toward broader integration into the global economy,” Veiga said.

  Xinhua