Saint Helena, a small island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, presents a unique investment opportunity due to its diverse economy and favorable business environment. The main sources of income for the territory’s economy are agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and tourism. Agriculture is the primary source of income, employing 90% of the working population, and includes farming and growing food crops like potatoes, bananas, and vegetables.
The expansion of tourism in Saint Helena has had a significant positive impact on the economy, and the opening of the St Helena Airport (SHAG) in 2017 has further increased interest in conducting business on the island. The government has implemented business-friendly policies and initiatives, such as tax breaks, grants, and funding programs, to support the establishment of new businesses.
Manufacturing in Saint Helena offers several opportunities, including aluminum casting, mining and minerals processing, gold mining, and stone crushing. There is also potential for expanding the manufacturing sector to include furniture production, carpentry, and joinery.
Agriculture items with additional value, such as jams, juices, and organic fruit, are also viable options. The island has natural resources, but it also has a lot of arable land that can be used for agriculture (although much of it is mountainous). The fishing sector provides an essential source of protein.
In terms of infrastructure, the island has air access since 2017, and the government is modernizing the Company Registry. Property rental and purchase prices are excellent value, and relatively inexpensive labor means that investments can go further.
Overall, Saint Helena is an attractive destination for investors looking to establish and grow their businesses in a unique and developing environment. The island’s diverse economy, favorable business environment, and strategic location make it an ideal place for investors to explore new opportunities and expand their businesses.
The island’s strategic location in the South Atlantic Ocean, close to major shipping routes, also presents opportunities for businesses involved in maritime trade and logistics. The government has been working on improving the island’s port facilities to accommodate larger ships, which will further enhance its potential as a hub for maritime trade.Saint Helena’s unique natural environment, with its diverse flora and fauna, also presents opportunities for businesses involved in ecotourism and sustainable tourism. The island has several protected areas, including the Saint Helena National Park, which covers over 40% of the island’s land area. This park offers opportunities for businesses involved in nature-based tourism, such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
In addition to its natural attractions, Saint Helena has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of British, African, and Dutch influences. This cultural heritage presents opportunities for businesses involved in heritage tourism, such as historical tours, museums, and cultural events.
The island’s small population and limited resources also present challenges for businesses looking to invest in Saint Helena. However, the government has been working on addressing these challenges by investing in infrastructure, improving access to healthcare and education, and promoting economic diversification.
Overall, Saint Helena offers a unique investment opportunity for businesses looking to establish and grow their operations in a diverse and developing environment. With its favorable business environment, strategic location, and rich cultural heritage, Saint Helena presents a range of opportunities for businesses involved in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, maritime trade, ecotourism, and heritage tourism.
