Equatorial Guinea is building a new capital city called ‘Ciudad de la Paz’ that will replace ‘Malabo’.
Equatorial Guinea is a small but oil-rich nation, located in west coast region of Africa. The country is constructing a new capital city Ciudad de la Paz which translates to ‘City of Peace’ and will replace its current capital, Malabo.
The ambitious project is designed on the mainland in the Wele-Nzas Province and marks a significant shift in the country’s development strategy. It is intended to address various logistical, economic and also symbolic needs.
As per the sources, Malabo is located on Bioko Island that has served as the capital since Equatorial Guinea’s independence from Spain in 1968.
However, with the changing time as the country grew, so did the logistical challenges of managing its government and economic activities from an island disconnected from the mainland.
Now, Ciudad de la Paz is on the mainland which will provide easier access for residents and businesses across the country.
Moreover, officials also cited security and strategic reasons for relocating the capital to a more centralized location on the mainland, also allowing for more efficient governance and administration.
Work upon the vision behind the construction of Ciudad de la Paz began over a decade ago, with roads, government buildings, and considering residential areas being developed in phases.
Equatorial Guinea has invested heavily in its infrastructure projects that are funded largely by its oil wealth, to make Ciudad de la Paz a modern administrative hub.
Definitely, the new city is designed to symbolize peace and national unity, reflecting a forward-looking vision for Equatorial Guinea’s future.
The government aims to make Ciudad de la Paz a center for commerce, culture and governance, with facilities that include government offices, housing for officials and urban amenities.
It is to be noted that the decision to build a new capital city highlights the country’s ambition to diversify its economy, moving beyond oil and focusing on sustainable growth.
By developing Ciudad de la Paz with modern infrastructure and a more efficient urban layout, Equatorial Guinea hopes to attract new businesses and foreign investment.
Furthermore, the development could also reduce pressure on Malabo, preserving it as a cultural and historical center while Ciudad de la Paz serves as the primary administrative capital.
Notably, Ciudad de la Paz not only represents a new capital for Equatorial Guinea but also sets a trend in Africa, where other nations like Nigeria and Tanzania have relocated capitals for similar strategic reasons.
The move aligns Equatorial Guinea with a broader African trend of constructing new capitals to stimulate economic growth and regional connectivity. The city is poised to become a significant symbol of national identity, regional integration and Equatorial Guinea’s aspirations for stability and prosperity.