Reference Date: 22-July-2026

Production of sweet potatoes, cassava and plantains forecast at near ‑ average levels in 2026

The national economy is largely driven by the petroleum sector, while agriculture accounts for only a small share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Arable land is 850,000 ha (approximately 30 percent of the national territory). Of this area, nearly 20 000 hectares are under cultivation with staple food crops, including cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, groundnuts, and bananas, while approximately 9 000 hectares are allocated to cash crops, predominantly cocoa.

According to FAOSTAT, in 2024 (latest available data), production of sweet potatoes, cassava and plantains was estimated at about 102 000 tonnes, 77 000 tonnes and 41 000 tonnes, respectively, close to their recent average levels. Weather conditions during the 2026 growing season have been generally favourable. As a result, production of sweet potatoes, cassava and plantains is forecast at near-average levels in 2026, similar to the outturn recorded in recent years.

Food imports forecast at near‑average levels in 2026

The country relies heavily on imports to meet its food consumption requirements, with about 80 percent of domestic needs covered through commercial imports. With the population estimated at about 1.6 million in 2024, imports of wheat and rice, the main staple food commodities, are forecast at near‑average levels of about 16 000 tonnes and 12 000 tonnes, respectively.

Inflation rate increased in 2026

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the average inflation rate is estimated at 3.2 percent in 2026, up from 2.8 percent in 2025. The increase reflects stronger domestic demand and higher import prices. Nonetheless, the restrictive monetary policy of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) is expected to limit further increases in consumer prices.

Disclaimer: The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

This brief was prepared using the following data/tools:
FAO/GIEWS Country Cereal Balance Sheet (CCBS) https://www.fao.org/giews/data-tools/en/ .

FAO/GIEWS Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Tool https://fpma.fao.org/ .

FAO/GIEWS Earth Observations for Crop Monitoring https://www.fao.org/giews/earthobservation/ .

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) https://www.ipcinfo.org/ .

IFAD (2025), Project to Support the Development of Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Value Chains in Equatorial Guinea.