Research and consulting in Guinea-Bissau

Country Overview:

IOA has developed a data-based understanding of Guinea-Bissau through years of research into the country and by offering consulting services into a variety of its sectors. Our analysts have determined that the country remains among the world’s 10 poorest nations because of government’s half-hearted embrace of a market economy (too many major companies are state-owned). There is also a failure to sustainably exploit natural resources.

For example, IOA consultants have noted that fisheries have failed to be properly turned into export-driven enterprises, and while much of the country is covered with forests, trees are burned for cooking fuel without replanting these forests. What is required is planned, environmentally sustainable harvesting of wood for domestic use as well as for export. Cashew nuts and rice are exported but not to the full extent of these crops’ potential.

Key opportunities in Guinea-Bissau:

Commercial fishing can provide a lucrative export product
IOA analysts note that agriculture has great potential for industrial farming and export-driven crops, foremost with cashew nuts
The country’s vast forests are being wasted for firewood but can be the basis of a profitable timber export with wood value-added industries

Key concerns/risks in Guinea-Bissau:

Political instability characterises governance, with conflict founded in tension between civilian and military authorities
Wide-spread poverty is one result of an underdeveloped infrastructure and a poor education system
The mining industry is underdeveloped, and the exact extent of mineral deposits awaits investment in exploration