Malabo history

The history of Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, is a tale of changing eras and cultures, reflected in its names and architecture. The city, situated on the picturesque Bioko Island, has journeyed from a colonial outpost to becoming the country's primary financial and political centre.

Foundation and Colonial Period

The city was founded in 1827 by the British, who established a naval base here to combat the slave trade. Initially, it bore the name Port Clarence. Although the island of Fernando Po (now Bioko) belonged to Spain, they permitted the British to use it for humanitarian purposes. In 1843, Spain restored full control over the territory, and the city received a new name — Santa Isabel, in honour of Queen Isabella II. During this period, it became the administrative centre of the Spanish colony.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the city was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the northern coast of Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea, featuring one of the deepest harbours in the region, made it a strategically important port.
• Trade and Economy: Initially, the economy was linked to the naval base. Later, the city transformed into a commercial centre, from where cocoa beans, coffee, and timber were exported.
• Political Status: Having become the capital first of the Spanish colony, and later, after gaining independence in 1968, of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the city consolidated its significance as the main political hub.

Cultural and Historical Features

Early Malabo (then Santa Isabel) was a place where cultures blended. It was inhabited by the indigenous people of the island — the Bubi people — as well as representatives of other ethnic groups, descendants of liberated slaves known as Fernandinos, and Europeans, primarily Spaniards. In 1973, as part of a campaign to Africanise names, the city was renamed Malabo in honour of a Bubi chief who resisted colonial rule. The colonial past is still visible in the architecture, for example, in the appearance of the Cathedral of Santa Isabel.

Key Dates in the History of Malabo

The history of Malabo is a chronicle of shifting eras, cultures, and names, reflecting the journey from a colonial port to a modern capital.

• 1827 — The city is founded by the British under the name Port Clarence and is used as a naval base to combat the slave trade.
• 1843 — Spain restores full control over the island, and the city is renamed Santa Isabel in honour of the Spanish queen.
• 1855 — The Spanish definitively reclaim the island of Fernando Po (now Bioko), and Santa Isabel becomes an important administrative point.
• 1906 — An uprising of the indigenous Bubi people led by Chief Malabo against Spanish colonisers.
• 1968 — On 12 October, Equatorial Guinea proclaims independence, and Santa Isabel becomes the capital of the new republic.
• 1969 — The city is officially chosen as the country's capital, surpassing the mainland city of Bata.
• 1973 — As part of a campaign to Africanise geographical names, President Macías Nguema renames Santa Isabel to Malabo.
• 1979 — On 3 August, a military coup takes place, resulting in Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo coming to power.
• 1980s — Significant oil deposits are discovered near the coast of Bioko Island, providing an impetus for the city's economic development.
• 2017 — The government of Equatorial Guinea begins the process of moving the capital from Malabo to the new, purpose-built city of Ciudad de la Paz on the mainland.

Main Stages of Malabo's Development

The development of Malabo is a story of transformation, from a colonial outpost to a modern oil and gas hub. Key milestones have shaped its current appearance and economy.

• Foundation as a Strategic Port (1827). The city was founded by the British as a base for fighting the slave trade under the name Port Clarence. Its location in a deep-water harbour predetermined its importance as a vital maritime node in the Gulf of Guinea.
• Centre of Colonial Administration (from 1843). After passing under full Spanish control, the city, renamed Santa Isabel, became the administrative centre of the colony. During this period, its architectural look was formed with recognisable colonial buildings, and the economy focused on the export of cocoa and timber.
• Capital of an Independent State (from 1968). Following the proclamation of Equatorial Guinea's independence, the city became its capital, which strengthened its political and administrative status. In 1973, it was renamed Malabo.
• Oil Boom (1980s – 1990s). The discovery of significant oil fields on the shelf of Bioko Island radically changed the city's economy. This led to rapid economic growth, an influx of foreign investment, and the beginning of large-scale modernisation.
• Large-Scale Urban Modernisation (2000s). Revenues from oil were directed towards extensive construction and infrastructure renewal. New roads, government buildings, hotels, and residential quarters appeared. The quality of the road network on the island reached a high level.
• Creation of the "Malabo II" Business District. As part of the modernisation, a new administrative and business district known as Malabo II (Malabo Dos) was built. Modern office centres, government institutions, and high-rise buildings are located here, symbolising the capital's economic ambitions.
• Development of Port Infrastructure. The Port of Malabo was significantly modernised to service the growing oil and gas industry, strengthening its role as a key logistics hub for offshore operations in the region. In 2009, the shipbuilding and ship repair company ASABA was founded.

The architectural appearance of Malabo is a clear reflection of its history, combining two main periods: Spanish colonial rule and the era of modern development fuelled by oil revenues. Early European styles, such as Renaissance or Baroque, are not reflected here, as the city was only founded in the 19th century.

Spanish Colonial Heritage

The historical centre of the city has preserved many buildings constructed during the period of Spanish dominion (mid-19th to mid-20th century). This style is characterised by structures with tiled roofs, intricate wooden balconies, galleries, and internal courtyards (patios), which were adapted to the hot and humid tropical climate.

The most iconic building of this era is the Cathedral of Santa Isabel (Catedral de Santa Isabel). Its construction took place from 1897 to 1916, and the architecture is executed in an expressive Neo-Gothic style. Its two tall bell towers and lancet windows make the cathedral the architectural dominant of the historical part of Malabo. Other colonial structures forming entire architectural ensembles can also be found in the old city.

Modern Architecture and the Oil Boom

The discovery of oil fields at the end of the 20th century kick-started the massive modernisation of the capital. This led to the emergence of new, modern architecture in the spirit of modernism and functionalism, oriented towards the needs of business and the state apparatus. Buildings made of glass and concrete, high-rise hotels, and office centres appeared.

The symbol of the new stage of urban development became the Malabo II (Malabo Dos) district, built to the east of the historical centre. Concentrated here are modern government buildings, headquarters of oil companies, and banks. This business quarter contrasts sharply with the old colonial development, creating a unique architectural dialogue between the city's past and present.

Notable Figures Associated with Malabo

The history of Malabo and Equatorial Guinea is inextricably linked with the activities of several key figures who have left a noticeable mark on politics, culture, and sports.

• Malabo Löpèlo Mëlaka (c. 1837–1937) — Chief of the Bubi people and King of Bioko Island. He led the resistance against Spanish colonial rule. Despite defeat, his name became a symbol of the struggle for independence. In 1973, the capital Santa Isabel was renamed Malabo in his honour.
• Francisco Macías Nguema (1924–1979) — The first president of independent Equatorial Guinea. His rule (1968–1979) was marked by the establishment of a totalitarian regime. It was he who initiated the campaign for the "Africanisation" of names, during which the capital received its modern name. He was executed in Malabo following a military coup.
• Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (born 1942) — The second president of Equatorial Guinea, who came to power in 1979. His long rule coincided with the discovery of large oil deposits, which led to the large-scale modernisation of Malabo, the construction of the Malabo II business district, and infrastructure development.
• Leandro Mbomio Nsue (1938–2012) — A prominent sculptor, artist, and public figure, often called the "Black Picasso". He served as Minister of Information, Tourism, Art, and Culture and made a significant contribution to the development of the country's art, representing it on the international stage.
• Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel (born 1966) — One of the most famous writers of Equatorial Guinea, born in Malabo (then Santa Isabel). His works, translated into several languages, are distinguished by sharp social criticism.
• Genoveva Añonma (born 1989) — The most famous female footballer in the country's history. She played for leading European clubs, including in the German Bundesliga, and was repeatedly recognised as the best female footballer in Africa.
• Eric Moussambani (born 1978) — A swimmer from Malabo who gained worldwide fame at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Despite modest results, he became a symbol of the Olympic spirit and perseverance, inspiring many with his desire to compete.