With a new presidential election on the horizon, human development challenges are emerging as a national priority in Guinea-Bissau. In a country where more than two-thirds of the population live in economic hardship, citizens hope that campaign promises will translate into concrete actions capable of bringing about lasting improvements in their daily lives.
In Guinea-Bissau, nearly 67% of the population lives below the poverty line, according to UNICEF data published in 2024. In the streets of Bissau and in rural areas alike, voters are waiting for candidates to put forward concrete proposals to improve their living conditions. Education, health, employment: the needs are immense, and the promises, often repeated, are still slow to materialise.
We want the issue of urbanisation to be one of the government’s priorities, not only in terms of housing, but also in collaboration with other development partners. We believe that it can become an engine of economic growth and help to solve housing-related problems.
Edinilson Augusto Da Silva, UN-Habitat National Coordinator
Faced with this reality, presidential candidates are making numerous commitments. Some promise a thorough reform of the education system and public health programmes, while others emphasise job creation through agricultural development and foreign investment.
Recently, the national development policy and programme were drawn up, in which, to a certain extent, these elements were put in place. Obviously, we wanted to obtain more information… because it was a compromise that was signed.
Edinilson Augusto Da Silva, UN-Habitat National Coordinator
Beyond campaign rhetoric, Guinea-Bissau voters expect concrete action. The real challenge for the next president will be to translate human development ambitions into tangible policies that can improve citizens’ daily lives and restore confidence in the country’s future.
