Table of Contents
São Tomé and Príncipe
HIGH-LEVEL COUNTRY MAPPING
INSTITUTIONS AND STAKEHOLDER DATABASE – São Tomé and Príncipe
REC MEMBERSHIP – ECCAS
Governance Indicators
São Tomé and Príncipe Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG)
Overall Governance score: 59.2 (/100) Rank: 12th (out of 54 countries)
Population Size and Size of the Informal Economy
The population of São Tomé and Príncipe is estimated to be approximately 235,000 people as of 2025, based on United Nations population data.
The informal economy constitutes a significant share of employment and economic activity. Estimates suggest that over 60% of employment occurs in the informal economy, particularly in agriculture, small-scale trade, fisheries, and service activities.
Nature of the Legal System and ILO Status
The legal system of São Tomé and Príncipe is based primarily on Portuguese civil law traditions, reflecting the country’s colonial legal heritage. The legal system is codified and incorporates elements of international law and regional agreements.
São Tomé and Príncipe has been a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 1982.
Through its membership in the ILO, the country participates in international labour standards relating to:
- workers’ rights
- decent work
- labour inspection
- social protection
- occupational safety and health.
Workers’ Rights in the Human Rights System, National Labour Law and Social Protection
The Constitution of São Tomé and Príncipe guarantees fundamental labour rights including:
- freedom of association
- the right to form and join trade unions
- the right to strike
- protection against forced labour
- protection against discrimination in employment.
National labour legislation establishes minimum standards relating to:
- working hours
- wages
- occupational health and safety
- social security coverage.
However, enforcement capacity remains limited and a substantial portion of the workforce operates within the informal economy, particularly in rural areas and the fisheries and agricultural sectors.
Social protection programmes are developing gradually, with increasing emphasis on extending coverage to vulnerable populations and workers outside the formal labour market.
Existing Laws, Regulatory, Policy or Institutional Initiatives Protecting Workers in the Informal Economy
See sector-specific regulation below.
PART 2 – SECTOR SPECIFIC REGULATION
Further analysis is provided in the sector pages below: