The Central Campus of the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE) was the epicenter, on Thursday, January 14, of the official closing ceremony of the Training of Trainers Programme, under the HOST-EG Project — a program that has marked a turning point in technical and business training for sustainable tourism in the country.
The HOST-EG Project, co-financed by the European Union and the Erasmus+ program with funding of 350.000,00 euros, was designed to strengthen technical capacities in the tourism sector, considered key to the economic diversification of Equatorial Guinea. During the closing ceremony, certificates were awarded to participants who successfully completed the training, highlighting their commitment to learning and applying the knowledge gained.

Dr. Desiderio Juan García Almeida, Director of Cooperation at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and leader of the project, emphasized in his speech the importance of international cooperation initiatives such as this one. In his words, “this is a clear example of how collaboration between institutions can generate a real impact on local and regional development.”

The Rector of UNGE, Filiberto Ntutumu Nguema Nchama, highlighted in his speech the role of universities from Spain and Portugal as key partners in the project’s implementation. “These partnerships not only strengthen our capacities but also align us with the economic diversification goals promoted by the Government of Equatorial Guinea,” he stated.

He also expressed his gratitude for the financial support of the European Union and underscored that training is an essential tool for transforming the tourism sector into an engine of sustainable development.

The students who participated in the program expressed their satisfaction with the results achieved. “What we have learned here motivates us to work toward a more sustainable tourism industry and to apply this knowledge within our communities,” commented one of the graduates.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of public institutions, private companies, and NGOs, who emphasized the project’s relevance in strengthening local capacities.

The event concluded with a group photograph on the esplanade of the Central Campus of the host university, symbolizing the collective commitment to a sustainable tourism future in Equatorial Guinea.

The Training of Trainers Programme leaves behind a significant legacy and paves the way for more transformative initiatives to contribute to the country’s development.