Sustainable development indicators are crucial for evaluating business performance in São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea. This research aims to assess the sustainability practices among businesses operating there. A survey research method was employed with structured questionnaires distributed among businesses operating in different sectors of the economy. Data collection took place over a period of three months. The findings indicate that while there is an increasing awareness of sustainability, specific indicators such as waste management and renewable energy use are underrepresented compared to business operations' overall size and complexity. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive implementation of sustainable development practices in São Tomé and Príncipe's businesses. The findings suggest a gap between policy recommendations and actual practice, particularly in areas like waste management and energy efficiency. Recommendations include developing targeted training programmes for business owners and managers to enhance their understanding of sustainability indicators, and implementing mandatory reporting systems to track progress towards sustainable goals.