Equatorial Guinea

USAID has several small regional projects, but does not have a presence within the country. Equatoguineans visit the U.S. under programs sponsored by the U.S. Government, U.S. oil companies, and educational institutions. U.S. companies have very active corporate social responsibility programing in education, health, and the environment, and support efforts to combat malaria and address maternal health.

Equatorial Guinea’s hydrocarbon riches dwarf all other economic activity; the country’s oil reserves are located mainly in the Gulf of Guinea. U.S. oil companies are one of Equatorial Guinea’s largest investors, and they have a lead role in oil and gas exploration and extraction. Equatorial Guinea’s exports to the U.S. are dominated by petroleum products. In an effort to attract increased U.S. investment, U.S. passport-holders are entitled to visa-free entry. Imports from the U.S. include machinery, iron and steel products, optic and medical instruments, and inorganic chemical and rare earth minerals. The U.S. is following closely Equatorial Guinea’s discussions with The International Monetary Fund on a possible program aiming to reduce the fiscal deficit, increase non-oil revenue, address public financial management weaknesses (while protecting social spending), and improve governance and transparency in public administration and the hydrocarbon sector.