Johannesburg, South Africa – Equatorial Guinea is progressing with the construction of Ciudad de la Paz (formerly Oyala), a modern capital designed to replace Malabo as the country’s administrative and political hub. Strategically located on the mainland between Bataand Mongomo, the city spans 81.5 square kilometres and is planned to house up to 200,000 residents.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com
The development, estimated at over $8 billion, includes government buildings, residential areas, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure such as a six-lane expressway and bridges connecting it to the nearby Mengomeyén International Airport.
Despite its ambitious goals, the project faces challenges, including its heavy financial burden, which consumed nearly 50% of the national budget by 2016, prompting the government to seek IMF assistance. By 2022, the city’s population remained at only 2,000 residents, raising concerns of Ciudad de la Paz becoming a “luxury ghost city”.
However, completed facilities like a university campus, a luxury hotel, and an 18-hole golf course reflect ongoing efforts to position the city as a centre for governance, business, and sustainable urban planning.
Ciudad de la Paz symbolises Equatorial Guinea’s ambition to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil. Supported by Portuguese designers and international partnerships, the project integrates renewable energy and sustainability principles.
Recent events, such as hosting a high-level summit on UN Security Council reforms, highlight the city’s growing regional significance. Despite setbacks, the government remains committed to its vision of transforming Ciudad de la Paz into a symbol of modernisation and a key driver for the nation’s economic future.
