CABO VERDE TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS Contributed by: Nelson Raposo Bernardo, Joana Andrade Correia, Júlio Martins Júnior and Manuel Esteves Albuquerque, Raposo Bernardo & Associados
Raposo Bernardo & Associados Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo, 35, 18ºA 1050-118 Lisboa Portugal Tel: +351 213 121 330
Email: lisboa@raposobernardo.com Web: www.raposobernardo.com
Cabo Verde: Strategic Convergence of the Blue Economy and Climate Policy A market at an inflection point Cabo Verde is entering a decisive and, in many respects, irreversible phase in its economic and regulatory evolution. Traditionally characterised as a small island economy constrained by geographic fragmentation, limited natural resources and exter - nal dependence, the country is now actively redefin - ing its development model. This repositioning is not merely rhetorical; it is being operationalised through a deliberate and increasingly sophisticated strategy that combines targeted infrastructure investment, a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, and a deeper integration into international financial and regulatory systems. What distinguishes the current moment is the degree of coherence and intentionality underlying recent policy and legislative developments. The transforma - tion underway reflects a structured policy direction in which legal reform is being used as a primary tool to shape economic outcomes and to signal credibility to international partners. In particular, three instruments stand out as pillars of this new framework: • Decree No 4/2026, which refines the legal and financial architecture supporting the “Blue Econo - my and Sustainable Ports” project; • Law No 71/X/2026, which establishes a compre - hensive and forward-looking framework for national climate policy; and • Resolution No 119/2025, which operationalises these objectives through a multi-sectoral Climate and Environmental Action Programme.
These instruments collectively establish a new reg - ulatory baseline for economic activity, particularly in sectors linked to infrastructure, energy, maritime services and natural resource management. They embed principles of sustainability, transparency and risk management into the core of the legal system, while simultaneously aligning Cabo Verde with inter - national standards typically required by multilateral lenders and institutional investors. This alignment is particularly significant in the context of global capital flows, where regulatory predictability and ESG com - pliance have become key determinants of investment decisions. For investors, this moment represents both an oppor - tunity and a structural shift in expectations. On the one hand, the country is opening new avenues for participation in strategically prioritised sectors, sup - ported by public policy and international financing. On the other, it is moving towards a more disciplined and criteria-driven regulatory environment, where project viability will increasingly depend on alignment with national development goals, environmental standards and governance requirements. In this sense, Cabo Verde is transitioning from a peripheral investment destination to a more structured and policy-driven market, where the rules of engagement are becom - ing clearer, but also more demanding. The blue economy as a platform for growth and investment The blue economy in Cabo Verde has evolved from a strategic narrative into a structured policy and invest - ment framework with tangible legal, financial and operational dimensions. Anchored in the country’s unique geographic configuration, an archipelago with
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