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ADVERTISE HERE!
TRANSPORT
SOME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
The transport sector plays a vital role in transforming the nation by enhancing the mobility of individuals and goods while addressing the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing this importance, a comprehensive plan is being developed to modernize the transport sector in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP). This initiative offers substantial investment opportunities in maritime and land transport. Below are some of the identified investment prospects.
Water Taxi
Discussions about various business opportunities indicate that the maritime territory, which is 160% larger than the land mass, serves as the country’s primary resource and holds significant potential for developing a blue economy, particularly in the water transport sector. Despite the extensive maritime area, transportation of people and goods between communities—and from these communities to the country's main economic center—relies exclusively on land routes. This reliance drives up costs due to several factors, including poor road infrastructure, high fuel prices, and the risk of accidents caused by the high volume of motorcycle taxis that contribute to traffic congestion. In this context, the introduction of water taxi, which operate like bus services for picking up and dropping off passengers, has emerged as a viable solution to enhance connectivity. This approach could significantly expedite the movement of hundreds of people and goods to and from the most remote regions, thereby increasing safety and efficiency while providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional vehicles that are highly polluting. Establishing a company in the water taxi sector presents a promising opportunity to drive positive change.
4. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles have emerged as a crucial component in the global effort to address climate change, leading to a significant increase in demand for these vehicles as alternatives to traditional combustion engines. The situation in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) reflects this broader trend. In accordance with its climate commitments focused on enhancing energy efficiency, the government is in collaboration with international partners to devise a strategic plan for 2050 aimed at transitioning the conventional vehicle fleet to more efficient electric vehicles. This strategy seeks to stimulate supply through the implementation of tax incentives, with an expectation of substantial annual growth in demand. However, it is important to note that local initiatives within this sector remain limited. This context, combined with the availability of tax incentives, creates new opportunities for international companies engaged in the electric mobility industry. A business model that emphasizes the advancement of innovation within the public transportation, private transportation, and electric motorcycle sectors, thereby enhancing accessibility to these vehicles, represents a promising opportunity for revenue generation. STAND DE VENDA, CONVERSÃO E REPARAÇÃO
5. EVs Charging Station
Electric cars can be an appealing investment, but their viability is diminished without sufficient charging stations. In STP, the electrification of vehicles is gaining momentum, leading to an increasing demand for charging infrastructure. This includes the establishment of charging station networks in public and semi-public areas, as well as the development of electrified routes equipped with efficient chargers and user-friendly information systems. The goal is to enhance consumer confidence and promote the growth of electric mobility.
Vehicles Inspection Center
The transport sector is currently undergoing a substantial transformation under the sustainable transport policy, which is supported by several government initiatives designed to enhance the environmental efficiency of this sector. The establishment of vehicle inspection centres, along with both pre- and regular safety certification processes, represents a crucial advancement in ensuring improved environmental protection and road safety. This transformation offers a significant opportunity for private companies within the vehicle inspection industry, eager to operate in a market with no competition. For an investment to successfully capitalize on this opportunity, it is essential to collaborate with the STP Land Transport Directorate to guarantee the implementation of periodic and mandatory vehicle assessments and inspections. Additionally, cooperation with the government concerning the fleet renewal plan is vital; this plan may include credit schemes to address the need for reducing the overall number of vehicles.
