Sao Tome e Principe

flag of Sao Tome map of Sao Tome

On November 9, 2007 the MCC and São Tomé and Príncipe signed a three-year, $8.7 million threshold program designed to target the policy areas measured by MCC’s Fiscal Policy and Business Start-up eligibility indicators. Specifically, the program will help the government of São Tomé and Príncipe to improve its performance on the Fiscal Policy indicator by increasing revenue as a result of improved tax and customs administration and enforcement. It also seeks to improve performance on the Days to Start a Business and Cost of Starting a Business indicators by streamlining business registration procedures.  The program is due to conclude in April 2011.  São Tomé and Príncipe was originally selected for the threshold program in FY2005. Learn more about the MCC's threshold program.

For comparison, review São Tomé and Príncipe's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and a PRSP Progress Report.

Country Eligibility

In the FY2011 selection process, São Tomé and Príncipe scored above the median on all six Ruling Justly indicators, three of five Investing in People indicators, and one of six Economic Freedom indicators. São Tomé and Príncipe is a low income country (LIC).

Review São Tomé and Príncipe's performance on the FY2011 selection indicators

Review São Tomé and Príncipe's performance on the FY2010 selection indicators

Review São Tomé and Príncipe's performance on the FY2009 selection indicators

Review São Tomé and Príncipe's performance on the FY2008 selection indicators

Review São Tomé and Príncipe's performance on the FY2007 selection indicators

Review São Tomé and Príncipe's performance on the FY2006 selection indicators

Review São Tomé and Príncipe's performance on the FY2005 selection indicators

Review São Tomé and Príncipe's performance on the FY2004 selection indicators

Learn more about the MCC's country selection process 

Country Facts

Data are for 2009 (or most recent available)

 Per capita income (GNI, current USD)

$1,140

 Poverty rate ($2 a day)

56.6%

 GDP growth (annual)

4.0%

 Population, total

162,755

 Rural population (% of total)

39%

 Life expectancy

66 yrs

 Literacy rate

88%

Source: World Development Indicators 2010 

São Tomé and Príncipe Country Brief from the World Bank

Other U.S. Policies

Review the USAID West Africa Mission page

Review USAID's strategy in West Africa

Other Donors

The top three donors to São Tomé and Príncipe in 2009 were:

Donor
Gross ODA,
2008-2009 average
(USD millions)
 Portugal

14

 France

8

 World Bank IDA

5

Source: OECD/DAC database
*ODA is official development assistance

Other Resources

MCC São Tomé and Príncipe webpage 

U.S. Department of State country profile providing background on São Tomé and Príncipe's history and U.S.-São Tomé and Príncipe relations

World Bank projects São Tomé and Príncipe