CABO VERDE TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS Contributed by: Nelson Raposo Bernardo, Joana Andrade Correia, Manuel Esteves de Albuquerque and Mafalda Contumélias Batista, Raposo Bernardo & Associados
and technology companies, with the creation of governance structures that streamline the implementation of the Digital Strategy. A notable component of the Morabeza Project is that the disbursement of funds will be indexed to results, meaning it will depend on the fulfilment of pre-defined performance targets. This results- oriented approach aims to ensure the effective - ness of interventions and alignment with ongo - ing reforms, encouraging disciplined execution of digital initiatives. It is important to emphasise that the AfDB’s sup - port through the Morabeza Project complements investments that are already underway in Cabo Verde in the area of ICT and innovation. Among these is the construction of the Technological Parks of Cabo Verde, with hubs in the cities of Praia (Santiago Island) and Mindelo (São Vicente Island) – an infrastructure project financed by multiple partners (including the AfDB) in a total amount of approximately CVE53 million. Offi - cially inaugurated in May 2025, the technology parks integrate state-of-the-art data centres, facilities for technology-based companies, inno - vation laboratories and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs. The Data Centre in São Vicente, for example, is part of this complex and reinforc - es the country’s data storage and processing capacity, a critical element for attracting inter - national companies and providing reliable digital services. The Mindelo hub, installed in a requali - fied infrastructure, has the capacity to incubate around 20 companies. These technology parks function as physical anchors of the digital hub, not only offering space and high-performance connectivity but also concentrating talent, train - ing and networking, which are essential ingredi - ents for a vibrant innovation environment.
The expected economic and social impacts of consolidating Cabo Verde as a digital hub are equally transformative. In terms of economic growth, the digital sector has the potential to significantly increase productivity in various branches (from agriculture with e-commerce of local products, to tourism with digital service platforms, and banking with fintech solutions). The announced target of 25% of GDP from the digital economy illustrates the importance attrib - uted to digital as a new engine of wealth, placing it on a par with other traditional sectors. In addition to the direct contribution to GDP, a dynamic digital ecosystem will help diversify Cabo Verdean exports, allowing the country to export digital services, software, creative con - tent and knowledge, reducing dependence on imports and fluctuations in traditional tourism. Areas such as software development, data analysis, digital marketing, cybersecurity and ICT infrastructure maintenance will increas - ingly demand professionals. Regarding human capital development, there are plans to create a Centre of Technological Excellence, an institute dedicated to advanced training in fields such as artificial intelligence and programming. With regard to the business environment and investment climate, consolidating a digital hub implies important institutional improvements. Cabo Verde already stands out in Africa in e-governance and govtech maturity indicators (it was the continental leader in the 2021 GovTech Maturity Index and ranks among the top ten Afri - can countries in the UN e-government develop - ment index). The continuation of reforms to dematerialise processes, simplify bureaucracy and guarantee legal certainty in cyberspace makes the country
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