Ethical Dilemmas in Business Operations amid Conflict in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is a small country in Central Africa that has experienced political instability and conflict since independence from Spain in . The region faces significant economic challenges, particularly in sectors such as oil and tourism. A comprehensive survey was conducted among 150 randomly selected local and international companies operating within Equatorial Guinea over a six-month period. The questionnaire included both closed-ended questions for quantifiable data and open-ended questions to gather qualitative insights. The findings indicate that approximately 45% of surveyed businesses reported encountering ethical dilemmas related to CSR initiatives during the conflict, with issues such as resource allocation and stakeholder engagement being major concerns. While many companies are committed to upholding ethical standards, they often struggle with balancing profit maximization against social responsibility in conflict-affected environments. The challenges also highlight the need for more robust regulatory frameworks and international support mechanisms. Businesses should prioritise transparent communication with stakeholders about their CSR strategies during periods of conflict. Governments and NGOs must collaborate to develop tailored policies that address the unique ethical challenges faced by businesses operating in Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea, Business Ethics, Conflict, CSR, Ethical Dilemmas