FY 2024 Equatorial Guinea Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | February 2025 Acknowledgements The Equatorial Guinea Country Opinion Survey is part of the Country Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Equatorial Guinea country team and independent field agency, BEBOTRA. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Odilia Renata Hebga (External Affairs Officer) and Cleto Ndong Asumu Okomo (Team Assistant), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Equatorial Guinea World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Equatorial Guinea Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Equatorial Guinea perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Equatorial Guinea’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: Have the priorities changed over the past three years? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Equatorial Guinea? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Equatorial Guinea? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics does the WBG communicate that stakeholders recall? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 33% ▪ Fielded May 2024 – June 2024 ▪ 400 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly Private Sector 26% quantitative survey ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire on paper Academia / University / Research 16% Center ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the field agency Civil Society Organization 9% ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 7% ▪ 267 participants (67% response rate) ▪ 94% from Malabo Other 3% ▪ 22% currently collaborate with the WBG Media 3% ▪ Compared to Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Country Survey Parliamentarian or Member of the ▪ 165 participants (37% response rate) Office of a Parliamentarian 2% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online or on paper Office of the President/ Prime Minister 1% ▪ 19% collaborated with the WBG / Minister Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Local Government <1% What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=266) 5 6 Overall Context “The World Bank Group in the Central African sub -region has demonstrated its effectiveness in community development, education, health and other sectors. In Equatorial Guinea, we note that these areas have been transformed through the intervention of the World Bank. However, it is important to emphasize that the impact is not yet fully significant...” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? (N=183) Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Comparison of FY20 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s All Respondents 3.3 Country Survey reported consistently low levels of familiarity with the WBG, similar to those observed in the FY20 Survey. Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 4.0 ▪ Mean familiarity: FY24 = 3.3 FY20 = 3.6 Government Institutions 3.4 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Although respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s Private Sector 3.3 work, both ratings remain quite low: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 4.6 Do not collaborate = 2.9 Civil Society Organizations 3.2 Academia 3.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity Note: Government Institutions include the Office of the President/Prime Minister/Minister, government institutions, and local government groups. How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Q Equatorial Guinea? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar The sample size from the Office of a Parliamentarian and media groups was insufficient to include them in the stakeholder analysis. 7 The Private Sector and Private sector* 6.3 4.7 Academia are the Most Academia / Universities / 6.3 Trusted Groups Research centers Bank of Central African States 6.1 (BCEAO)* 5.0 Respondents in Equatorial Guinea rated the private sector and academia as the most trustworthy institutions. Levels of 6.1 National government* 4.3 trust in the WBG remained rather moderate. 6.1 Trust in the private sector, BCEAO, national government, and United Nations 5.9 civil society has significantly increased in FY24 compared to FY20. At the same time, trust ratings for the media and local World Bank Group 6.0 5.7 FY24 government were the lowest among those institutions studied. FY20 5.9 International Monetary Fund 5.9 5.9 Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs)* 4.9 5.3 Parliament / Legislative branch 5.2 Media 5.3 *Significant difference 5.1 between years Local government 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Equatorial Guinea? Mean Rating of Trust Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much 8 9 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “As a citizen and born son of this country, I believe the WBG should implement transparent policies and conduct surveys to understand the social, family, and institutional realities. It should also reorient its activities and competencies to better diversify the country's economic potential and develop strategies that can green the country's family economy.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? (N=183) Ratings for Key Performance Indicators Effectiveness in helping Equatorial 6.1 Guinea achieve results^* Respondents gave the highest ratings for the WBG’s 4.9 effectiveness in helping Equatorial Guinea achieve results, significantly improved compared to FY20 survey results. Alignment with development 5.9 The ratings of the WBG’s alignment with development priorities* 4.9 priorities and its positive influence on shaping development policy in Equatorial Guinea also significantly increased. Even though most ratings have improved in Positive influence on shaping 5.7 FY24 FY24, they remain rather moderate. development policy* 4.7 FY20 5.5 Relevant role in development 5.1 *Significant Helps end extreme poverty in 5.2 difference Equatorial Guinea between years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Equatorial Guinea. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Equatorial Guinea. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Mean Rating The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Equatorial Guinea. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping Equatorial Guinea achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Equatorial Guinea. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY20: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Equatorial Guinea. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development result s in Equatorial Guinea? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 10 6.8 Stakeholders from the Effectiveness in helping Equatorial Guinea achieve 5.9 6.2 results 5.3 Private Sector Have More 6.4 Critical Perceptions of the 6.6 6.4 WBG Alignment with development priorities 4.4 Government Institutions 4.9 Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators 6.3 Bilateral / between stakeholder groups show that respondents Multilateral Agency 6.3 from government institutions have the highest ratings Civil Society 6.5 for the WBG’s work across most KPIs. Respondents Positive influence on Organizations 6.4 from bilateral/multilateral agencies are also relatively shaping development policy* 4.8 Private Sector positive. Meanwhile, respondents from the private 5.7 sector tended to be more critical of the WBG’s work. Academia 6.3 Respondents from civil society organizations reported 6.6 the lowest ratings of the WBG’s alignment with Trust the WBG to do what is 6.7 development priorities. right for Equatorial Guinea* 5.0 6.5 6.1 5.7 Relevant role in 5.4 development 4.8 5.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 *Significant difference Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. between stakeholder groups Mean Rating 11 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.4 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among Alignment with development 5.5 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- priorities* 5.7 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 8.2 can see that the respondents with high familiarity of the Trust the WBG to do what 5.9 is right for Equatorial Guinea* WBG tended to have more positive perceptions 5.7 regarding the WBG and its work, whereas the ratings are consistently lower between those with some 7.6 Effectiveness in helping Equatorial familiarity and low familiarity. 5.9 Guinea achieve results 5.9 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue 6.7 to increase positive perceptions. Positive influence on shaping 6.0 development policy* 5.3 6.5 Relevant role in development* 5.8 5.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Equatorial Guinea? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for Equatorial Guinea? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much Q How effective is the WBG in helping Equatorial Guinea achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective *Significant difference between levels of familiarity The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Equatorial Guinea. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Equatorial Guinea. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Equatorial Guinea. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 12 Equatorial Guinea’s Key Performance Indicators are Lower than those of Other Countries in Western and Central Africa and Other IBRD Countries Surveyed in FY24 6.1 Effectiveness in helping achieve 7.0 results 7.3 6.0 Trust the WBG to do what is right 6.9 7.5 Equatorial Guinea FY24 5.9 Positive influence on shaping Other AFW 6.6 development policy FY24 7.2 Other IBRD 5.7 FY24 Relevant role in development 6.9 7.2 5.5 Alignment with development priorities 6.6 7.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Other Western and Central Africa (AFW) FY24 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo Q FY24 Other IBRD countries: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Georgia, Gulf Cooperation Council, Moldova, Morocco, 13 Namibia, Paraguay, Poland, Seychelles, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Viet Nam Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from civil society organizations had the All Respondents* 6.0 highest mean rating across the aggregated responses to the seventeen COS indicator questions, whereas respondents from the private sector had significantly lower ratings. Civil Society Organizations 6.9 Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 6.6 Government Institutions 6.4 Academia 6.1 Private Sector 5.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions *Significant difference Q All Indicator Questions were asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details on these Indicator Questions. between stakeholder groups 14 15 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “At the level of our country, Equatorial Guinea, it would be important for the WBG to support the private sector in promoting employment so that at least each family member can solve their household's problems. - Promoting education and health and strengthening the Primary Health Care program to provide quality and affordable medical services for everyone.” (Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? (N=183) Development Areas Agriculture / food security 75% Education for WBG Focus Health / pandemic preparedness 62% 55% Similar to FY20, stakeholders in this year’s survey wanted the Jobs 38% WBG to focus its resources on agriculture/food security, Water / sanitation 34% education, and health. Agriculture has notably grown as a priority in FY24, with only 19% selecting it in FY20. Youth development 30% Water/sanitation has gained significant prominence, Private sector development 26% increasing from 9% in FY20 to 34% in FY24. Environment / natural resource management 19% Skills development 18% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Public sector governance 16% Equatorial Guinea? Social Inclusion 13% “Considering that oil products are limited, it is necessary to Social protection 13% strengthen the agricultural sector for self-sufficiency and the health sector because without health there is no Climate change 12% development, the education sector to strengthen capacity and the environmental sector to improve the protection of our Digital infrastructure development 12% forests, biodiversity and combat the adverse effects of climate change, supporting the sector to market forest carbon Energy 12% credits.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Debt management 11% “In my opinion, to increase its effectiveness, it should work Gender equity 10% more in the education sector, agriculture and food security, youth development....” Urban development 6% (Academia Respondent) Transport infrastructure 6% Other 1% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in 16 Q Equatorial Guinea? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=252) Effectiveness of WBG’s Support for Statistical System Development The WBG’s national statistical system development work received a significantly higher effectiveness rating in FY24 than in FY20. Effectiveness of the national statistical 6.2 system development: supporting the FY24 country’s capacity to produce timely FY20 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the and accurate statistical data* 5.4 WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? “Focus on the national statistical system and obtain a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness bilateral agreement for its proper functioning.” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) *Significant difference between years “Analyze and produce timely statistical data that may favor the country's development.” (Private Sector Respondent) How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in the following area in Equatorial Guinea? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 17 18 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Equatorial Guinea “Collaborate with regional bank entities to obtain the results of the country's good development.” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? (N=183) The WBG Increasingly Seen as an Effective Partner Although still rather moderate, respondents' perceptions of the 6.7 Being a long-term partner to WBG as a development partner in FY24 have improved Equatorial Guinea 6.0 significantly. They see the WBG as a more responsive, accessible, open, and flexible long-term partner in the country. Responsiveness to needs in 5.9 Equatorial Guinea* 5.1 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG 5.8 could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? Access to WBG staff and experts* FY24 4.7 “The most important thing is to elevate bilateral ties to a FY20 comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership for the country's development.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Openness (sharing data and 5.8 other information)* 4.9 “Building relationships with the productive and social sectors of the country. Promoting local entrepreneurship and encouraging initiative.” (Government Principal Respondent) Flexibility when circumstances 5.7 change in Equatorial Guinea*^ 5.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY20. between years 19 The WBG Collaborates Effectively with the National Government and Other Donors 6.7 National government* Perceptions of the WBG’s collaboration with various 5.9 stakeholder groups in Equatorial Guinea have improved Other donors and development 6.4 significantly. The WBG received the highest ratings for its partners (the UN System, collaboration with the national government and other donors European Union)* 5.1 and development partners. Academia / universities / research 5.9 Collaboration ratings with civil society and the private sector centers have improved significantly compared to FY20, although they remain relatively moderate. 5.8 FY24 Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs)* Respondents gave the lowest ratings for the WBG’s 4.6 FY20 collaboration with local government and the parliament/legislative branch. 5.7 Private sector* 4.9 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial 5.2 Guinea? Local government “The WBG should implement new reform implementation strategies and bilateral collaborative approaches to improve the country's economic situation.” 5.1 Parliament / legislative branch (Civil Society Organization Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Equatorial Guinea, in terms of collaborating with the *Significant difference Q following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree between years 20 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with Academia and the Private Sector Academia / universities / research Respondents in this year’s survey indicated that the WBG 51% centers should collaborate more with academia and the private sector, in addition to its partnership with the national Private sector 36% government. Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs) 23% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? Regional development banks 21% “The rural areas should be reached in order to witness their main needs and contribute to their solution. Advise the youth, Youth organizations 17% guiding them to good terms.” (Private Sector Respondent) Local government 13% “Make more visible and active collaboration with the civil society, more presence in the country, and disseminate its knowledge” (Academia Respondent) Other donors and development partners (the UN System, European 11% Union) “Collaborating more with the education sector, universities, research centers, media (television, radio, written press and digital press).” Parliament / legislative branch 9% (Government Institutions Respondent) Media 8% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following Q should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Equatorial Other 1% 21 Guinea? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=239) 22 World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work “To increase its effectiveness, it should provide technical support to the government of EG to implement structural reforms. This could include advising in areas such as economic management, governance, and sustainable development. Regarding financial support, mechanisms should be explored to provide financial assistance to the government to promote projects and programs that foster social and economic development in the country. They should also consider emphasizing digital as a strategic area for EG. In the GBM report on mobile, affordability, and quality, broadband digital penetration could be boosted so that the country benefits, as well as enhancing infrastructure.” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? (N=183) Technical Assistance and Capacity Development Technical assistance and implementation support 49% Considered the Bank’s Greatest Value Capacity development and training 46% Mobilizing third party financial resources (incl. both public and 32% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG private) could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? Knowledge and analytical products “Increase technical assistance through training programs for civil 17% (e.g., data, reports, policy notes) servants and the private sector. More technical and financial assistance support to NGOs.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Reimbursable advisory services 14% (RAS) “Financial assistance in the health, agriculture, and environmental sanitation sectors. Support for training and capacity building programs for teachers and sanitation workers.” (Academia Respondent) Donor coordination 12% “The WBG could provide more assistance to the E.G. in HR training, eradicate poverty, to grant credits to entrepreneurial Convening / bringing together sectors willing to work towards a developed country in all areas.” 6% different groups of stakeholders (Local Government Respondent) Other 4% Q Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Equatorial Guinea? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=241) 23 Collaborating with the WBG Strengthened the Country’s Institutional Capacity Perceptions that working with the WBG increases Equatorial Guinea’s institutional capacity have improved significantly compared to FY20. Respondents are moderately satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s reimbursable advisory services in Equatorial Guinea. 6.3 Working with the WBG increases the Equatorial Guinea’s institutional capacity * 5.4 FY24 FY20 6.0 I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s reimbursable advisory services (RAS) in Equatorial Guinea 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness *Significant difference between years 24 Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree 29% of Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work, Most Recognize Its Contribution to Development Results I anticipate using the WBG’s knowledge work in 7.0 the future The WBG’s knowledge work makes a significant 6.4 contribution to development results in Equatorial Guinea* 5.5 Yes The WBG brings global expertise to Equatorial 5.9 29% Guinea as part of its knowledge work 5.8 Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 5.2 work, including knowledge work in Equatorial Guinea participating in workshops or training The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 5.2 programs? FY24 Equatorial Guinea’s context 5.9 No FY20 71% The WBG’s publications are adequately 4.8 disseminated *Significant difference 5.2 between years When I need to consult the WBG’s knowledge 4.5 work, I know how to find it 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=260) Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Equatorial Guinea? 25 Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY20. 26 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Equatorial Guinea “Work with the private sector, education, civil society, and above all create an entity at the local level to the use or management that the Government makes of the WBG financial resources.” (Government Institutions Respondent) “To analyze the real needs that exist in the country and to rigorously supervise any activity that is carried out (in the management that is involved).” (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? (N=183) How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Focus on education and youth development, provide tailored projects, engage with local stakeholders, and increase awareness of the WBG’s work • Emphasize education and strengthen the agricultural sector Focus Area and healthcare systems; promote environmental sustainability Focus areas 35%* and climate resilience. • Foster private sector growth and youth development. Provide training and technical support to young people. • Provide capacity-building programs and training to improve Knowledge Knowledge local capacity and long-term development. 18% • Collaborate with stakeholders to generate and disseminate Results data that supports sustainable development. • Conduct tailored analysis and timely reports and provide Operational practical advice to support the government. Effectiveness Engagement • Engage with local government, civil society, and other partners Financial Engagement support to ensure the projects reflect the country's realities. 16% • Strengthen ties with regional banks and national institutions Communication to support effective implementation and oversight of projects In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? Q (N=183) *All percentages are counted based on the total number of topics mentioned by the respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they cover. 27 How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Focus on education and youth development, provide tailored projects, engage with local stakeholders, and increase awareness of the WBG’s work Communication • Increase awareness and visibility using diverse channels like 9% radio and social media to engage stakeholders. Focus areas • Organize regular meetings/workshops to educate the general population on WBG’s work. Share updates on programs. Financial support • Provide support to SMEs, particularly youth and local 9% enterprises, to create jobs and reduce poverty. Knowledge • Mobilize the resources and explore affordable mechanisms Results to support development goals. Operational • Tailor WBG programs and knowledge products to the specific Operational context of Equatorial Guinea. Effectiveness Effectiveness • Focus on productivity improvement. Involve the local Engagement 8% community to maximize the impact of development. Financial support Results • Emphasize the need for transparent policies, reporting, and Communication monitoring of projects. 5% • Establish local entities to manage and oversee the use of resources effectively. In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? Q (N=183) 28 29 Communication and Outreach “The World Bank Group should make itself known through the media. It should also reach out directly to the population through young people (youth initiatives, associations, NGOs, etc.).” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) “First of all, to raise awareness among citizens about the WBG’s work, as many are unaware of its existence in our country.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Equatorial Guinea? (N=183) Events and e-Newsletter were the Most Preferred Ways for Receiving WBG Communication Respondents most preferred to receive the WBG’s communications through events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online), e- newsletters, and direct contact with staff. There is a significant difference in stakeholders’ preferences for e-newsletters. Preferred WBG Channel All Government Bilateral / Multilateral Civil Society Respondents Institutions Agency Organizations Private Sector Academia Event / conference / seminar / workshop (in 53% 66% 42% 39% 48% 56% person or online)* e-Newsletters* 40% 48% 58% 43% 27% 37% Direct contact with staff (e.g., in person, 38% 38% 26% 30% 41% 35% virtually, phone, email) Social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) 28% 19% 26% 35% 38% 26% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, 23% 13% 26% 26% 24% 30% Viber) Other 2% 4% 0% 4% 2% 0% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=126) *Significant difference between stakeholder groups 30 50% of Respondents Recalled Information about the WBG Recently, Most Often Through Television 50% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG on television, WBG websites, and social media. Significantly more respondents from civil society organizations recalled messages were through WBG websites (70%) and blogs (30%). Television (TV) 53% WBG websites 37% Social media 37% Event / conference / seminar (in person or 25% online) Direct contact with WBG staff (e.g., in 21% Do you recall person, virtually, by phone, email) seeing or hearing Radio 17% No Yes anything about 50% 50% the WBG Newspapers (print or online) 12% recently? e-Newsletters 10% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, 5% Telegram, Viber) Blogs 5% Podcasts 5% Other 2% Q Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=252) Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=126) 31 WBG’s Work on Ending Poverty was the Most Commonly Recalled Topic Respondents most frequently recalled WBG’s work or Ending poverty in developing 40% countries research on ending poverty in developing countries, followed by WBG’s work on food security, climate Food security 32% change, and WBG’s economic forecasts. Climate change 32% ▪ Respondents from civil society organizations and WBG economic forecasts 30% academia were more likely to recall topics on job creation (60% and 45%, respectively). Human capital (education, health) 27% Digital economy 23% Debt relief for developing 23% countries Job creation / employment 21% Pandemic preparedness 16% Women empowerment 14% Youth development 13% Changes to the WBG financial and 11% operational model Other 5% If you answered “Yes” for E2, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=124) 32 Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: Decreased Water Availability / Quality 69% of respondents were very concerned about decreased water availability/quality regarding the potential impacts of climate change in Equatorial Guinea. Loss of jobs followed closely. Food insecurity was also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all Decreased water availability / quality 69% Loss of jobs 67% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 65% Air pollution 60% More frequent and severe droughts 59% More frequent and severe heatwaves 58% Land and forest degradation 57% Extinction of plant / animal species 56% More frequent and severe floods 47% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 46% Increased erosion of shoreline 45% More frequent and intense wild fires 39% Climate-driven migration 26% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Equatorial Guinea? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~215) 33 34 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=251) collaborate/work Education 16% with the World Bank Yes Group (WBG) 44% Private sector development / trade 15% in Equatorial Other 12% Guinea? (N=244) No Agriculture and food security 9% 78% Generalist (specialize in multiple 6% sectors) Health / pandemic preparedness 6% Environment / natural resource 6% management Digital development 6% Social protection 5% World Bank (IBRD) 77% Legal / human rights 4% Which of the Public sector governance 4% International Finance following WBG Corporation (IFC) 28% Gender equity 3% agencies do you collaborate/work Multilateral Investment Energy 2% 15% with in Equatorial Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Urban development 2% Guinea? International Centre for (N=39) Settlement of Investment 15% Transport 2% Disputes (ICSID) Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt 1% management Water / sanitation <1% 35 Sample Demographics (continued) What’s your age? (N=263) 26-35 36% What is your gender? 36-45 35% (N=262) Other 46-55 17% <1% Prefer not 56 and above 6% to specify 3% 25 or younger 3% Prefer not to specify 3% Female 34% Which best represents your geographic location? (N=260) Male 63% Malabo 94% Bata 3% Other 3% 36 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2020 FY 2024 From May 2024 to June 2024, a total of 400 stakeholders in Equatorial Guinea were invited Government Principals: Office of the Prime 11% 3% to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey Minister, Minister, Parliamentarian (COS). A list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field Government Institutions: Employee of a agency. Participants were drawn from the Offices of the Prime Minister, Minister, and Ministry, Department, Project Parliament, government institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the Implementation Unit, Independent 37% 33% Government Institution, Judiciary, State- private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 267 participated in the survey (67% response rate). Respondents Local Government 3% 0% completed the questionnaire via an online platform. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, This year’s survey results were compared to the FY20 Survey, which had a response Development Organization, Development 2% 7% rate of 37% (N=165). Bank, UN Agency Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, but Civil Society Organization: Local and also changes in respondent samples, changes in methodology, and changes to the survey regional NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 11% 9% instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar Professional/Trade Association, response scales/options were analyzed. This year’s survey saw a greater outreach to and/or Faith-Based Group, Youth Group response from the private sector and academia but a decrease from the government institutions. These differences in stakeholder composition between the two years should be Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 14% 26% considered when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Sector Organization, Private Bank Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted Academia / Research Center 8% 16% throughout the report. Media 0% 3% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Equatorial Guinea COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Other 15% 3% Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents* 143 266 What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q *Not all respondents provided information about their professional affiliation. Therefore, the total number of respondents listed in the table is lower than the N reported in the methodology. 37 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for Equatorial Guinea? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Equatorial Guinea achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A3. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Equatorial Guinea. A4. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Equatorial Guinea. A5. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Equatorial Guinea. A6. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Equatorial Guinea To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Equatorial Guinea C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Equatorial Guinea C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Equatorial Guinea To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Equatorial Guinea, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National Government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other development partners C6. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in Equatorial Guinea? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C7_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Equatorial Guinea. C7_3. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Equatorial Guinea’ context. 38 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org