For hours, the main hall of the Bisila Palace Hotel in Malabo buzzed with energy, creativity, and optimism. Dozens of young entrepreneurs, innovation experts, business leaders, and institutional representatives gathered to take part in the country’s first-ever World Entrepreneurship Day. The initiative, organized by the General Directorate of Youth, marked a turning point in national efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
From the opening remarks, the atmosphere was dynamic and engaging. Many of the participants — students, recent graduates, and emerging entrepreneurs — shared ideas, exchanged contacts, and benefited from the guidance of mentors and industry specialists. Workshops, hands-on sessions, and inspiring talks were among the highlights of the day.
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Among the key players was Dreams Hub, a leading innovation center dedicated to helping young people turn their ideas into reality. As its director put it: “We have created a space where young people can dream, create, and transform. Here, ideas don’t just emerge — they are nurtured and brought to life.”
The day also served to strengthen alliances. Institutions such as INPYDE, KOIA HUB, IDENTIC Foundation, WOOMAX S.L, Ozuru Group, and Dance Street Boys reaffirmed their commitment to youth entrepreneurship, actively engaging in workshops, offering mentorship, and providing valuable resources and opportunities.
Messages from authorities resonated strongly. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, President of the CAPS Partnership Committee, reminded participants that ideas outweigh initial funding: “The first step to becoming an entrepreneur isn’t money — it’s the idea. Young people are not the future; they are the present.”
Meanwhile, the Director General of Youth encouraged participants to look beyond perfection: “What our young people need is to aspire to excellence. That’s why we are here — to support them, together with partners like Dreams Hub.”
The event closed with a lively cocktail reception and a networking space where new connections were forged and existing ones strengthened. Cultural performances added a festive touch to a day that many described as the beginning of a new chapter for entrepreneurship in Guinea Equatorial. What became clear is that the ideas are there — and Equatoguinean youth are ready to drive change with creativity, innovation, and courage.
