An overwhelming majority of citizens in Guinea-Bissau support free trade and want African nations to have a stronger voice in global decision-making bodies like the United Nations, according to a new survey released by research network Afrobarometer.
The findings, published by researchers at the Guinean Institute of Applied Research for Development, show that 69% of respondents favor greater African influence in international governance. On trade policy, 57% of Guineans support facilitating international trade over protective tariffs, with seven in 10 preferring open global trade rather than restricting commerce strictly to regional partners.
However, public awareness of major continental initiatives remains low. Only 27% of citizens reported having heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area, highlighting a significant gap between policy implementation and public knowledge.
The report also reveals growing public skepticism toward regional bodies. Only 40% of respondents believe the African Union (AU) considers Guinea-Bissau’s national needs, while just 36% feel the Economic Community of West African States addresses their interests.
Regarding external global partners, a majority of citizens expressed positive views on the economic and political influence of China, Portugal, Russia, and the European Union. Furthermore, among citizens familiar with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, 58% stated that Guinea-Bissau should remain neutral.
–ChannelAfrica/ Afrobarometer —
