The European Commission’s “Global Gateway” strategy, which contributes to the development of the EU’s emerging and developing partner countries, particularly in the digital, energy and environmental fields, by mobilizing the private sector, is redefining Cape Verde’s role in West Africa, positioning it as a key player in the field of new technologies. With joint funding from the European Union and the European Investment Bank (EIB), this project focuses on renewable energies, the blue economy and digital transformation.
The main objective is to make Cape Verde a model for digital and energy transition. By strengthening local technological capabilities, this initiative will stimulate economic growth and boost the country’s international competitiveness. This framework also represents a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which will benefit from easier access to cutting-edge digital tools, thus fostering their development.
Modernized infrastructures for enhanced connectivity
A large part of the USD 320 million is earmarked for improving airport and port infrastructures. These upgrades are designed to boost local economic activities and strengthen Cape Verde’s position in regional trade. In the digital sector, the investment includes the installation of a state-of-the-art submarine cable network. This technology strengthens connectivity between the various islands of Cape Verde and improves international links, notably with Europe and other African regions. Thanks to these advances, Cape Verde is positioning itself as a strategic technology center in West Africa. Local start-ups and SMEs are benefiting from innovative services, enabling the emergence of solutions in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and education. These developments are perfectly aligned with the country’s ambitions to become a regional leader in digital transformation.
High-tech is at the heart of the “Global Gateway” strategy, playing a key role in Cape Verde’s economic transformation. In collaboration with the European Union and the EIB, the Cape Verdean government aims to make the country a leader in digital innovation. Telemedicine is a good example of the benefits of these technological advances. Already recognized in 2019 by the WHO, this connected solution is helping to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. This new European investment further strengthens this infrastructure.
Other sectors are also benefiting from this modernization: in agriculture, digital tools are enabling optimized resource management, while in commerce, increased connectivity is facilitating the development of new trading platforms. These transformations are attracting foreign investors and stimulating the creation of local start-ups.
A shift to renewable energies
In addition to technology development, the European project focuses on energy transition. Heavily dependent on fossil fuels, Cape Verde is gradually diversifying its sources through initiatives in solar and wind energy. These efforts aim to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve the sustainability of the country’s energy infrastructure. By 2029, the archipelago aims to significantly reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The plan also includes projects linked to the production, storage, and distribution of renewable energies, contributing to the construction of an energy model applicable to the entire West African sub-region. At the same time, this booming sector is creating skilled jobs in green technologies, boosting the national economy while providing concrete solutions to the continent’s environmental challenges.
With its favorable geographical position and ambitious technological initiatives, Cape Verde is becoming a key element in this strategy. By focusing on digital connectivity and energy transition, the European Union is offering an alternative to the massive projects supported by China. The country is asserting itself as an essential platform for economic and technological exchanges in West Africa, consolidating its role as a regional innovation hub.
