The discovery of important oil reserves led to a transformation of the economy as oil became the largest income earner and export provider. The expansion of the petroleum sector has led to increased GDP growth. The country has a fledgling mining industry although it claims it has considerable mining potential. Farming and fishing in Equatorial Guinea contribute to the country's GDP with subsistence farming dominating. The cocoa industry is an important employment provider.
Industrial activity includes small scale food and timber processing.
The infrastructure in Equatorial Guinea is in need of development. Most roads are in need of repair. There is an airport at Malabo and one at Bata is being rebuilt. Visas are required by all, except US nationals, to enter Equatorial Guinea. Businesses in Equatorial Guinea are mostly owned by government officials and their families.