The agricultural sector in STP is small but vital, with cocoa production accounting for about 54 percent of the total exports in 2021. Other exported agriculture products are palm oil, chocolate, pepper, coconut oil and coffee. There are currently two companies exporting chocolate to international markets, including the United States. Tropical flowers are also produced in country and are currently being sold to Europe, although in very small quantities. The airport lacks adequate cold storage facilities to maximize these exports.

Palm oil is emerging as the new main export product. A Belgium investment AGRIPALMA is developing more than 1000 hectares of land in the southern part of São Tomé. Palm oil now accounts for more than 30 percent of the country’s exports.

Agricultural production has been declining due to market size and profitability challenges. However, there is still great potential in the agricultural products market because the land is fertile and the weather conducive to the harvesting of tropical products such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, peppers and trees.

Most of STP’s farming opportunities are untapped. There is no precedent for mass production, but gourmet and high-market value produce thrive in STP. 

The emerging cooperatives for organic cocoa have the potential to expand production, to increase the incomes of a significant number of Sao Tomean farmers, and to improve the country’s economy.

Products such as organic coffee and cocoa command a premium because of their perceived high quality. In addition, a number of local products such as jackfruit, guava, pineapple, bananas, breadfruit, cocoyam, cassava can be processed with added value to serve a niche market.