Thanks to the « Global Gateway » strategy, Cape Verde is on its way to becoming a regional innovation hub in West Africa. With an investment of 320 million USD, the European Union is accelerating the development of new technologies, modernizing the country’s airport, energy, and digital infrastructure, while fostering a sustainable and innovative economy.
Cape verde : Future innovation hub through new technologies
The European « Global Gateway » strategy is transforming Cape Verde into a nerve center for new technologies in West Africa. With a 320 million USD investment, funded by the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the country is modernizing its critical infrastructure and integrating cutting-edge technological solutions. This initiative mainly focuses on renewable energy, the blue economy, airport infrastructure, and digital advancements.
The EU’s ambition is to position Cape Verde as a regional leader in both digital and energy transitions. By strengthening the local tech ecosystem, this project supports the country’s economic growth while improving its competitiveness in the international market. This investment in new infrastructure also presents a unique opportunity for the private sector, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access advanced digital tools and enhance their growth.
Strategic support for infrastructure and digitalization
Out of the 320 million USD, a significant portion is allocated to the modernization of airport and port infrastructure, essential for boosting the local economy and improving the country’s connectivity. The goal is to make Cape Verde’s main ports more competitive and stimulate trade within the sub-region.
The digital sector, in turn, is undergoing a radical transformation. With this investment, Cape Verde is upgrading its telecommunications systems by deploying next-generation submarine cable networks. This project not only strengthens the connectivity between Cape Verde’s islands but also enhances links with Europe and other parts of Africa.
The establishment of this robust digital infrastructure allows Cape Verde to position itself as a technological hub in West Africa. Local SMEs and start-ups now have access to advanced services, paving the way for innovation in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. This large-scale project aligns with the Cape Verdean government’s goal of making the country a regional leader in new technologies and digital transformation.
European-supported energy transition
The European Union’s investment goes beyond the development of new technologies. One of the key pillars of this initiative is the energy transition. Cape Verde, heavily dependent on fossil fuels, is receiving European support to diversify its energy sources. By focusing on renewable energies, the archipelago is turning to solutions like solar and wind power to reduce its CO₂ emissions and improve the sustainability of its energy infrastructure.
By 2029, the country aims to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The initiative also includes projects for the production, storage, and distribution of renewable energy. This program addresses a pressing need: to create an energy model that benefits the entire West African region while positioning Cape Verde as a pioneer of the green transition.
Investments in renewable energy have a direct impact on the local economy by generating skilled jobs in the green technology sector. This dynamic not only strengthens the national economy but also addresses the environmental challenges facing Africa.
Role of new technologies in economic growth
The importance of new technologies in the « Global Gateway » strategy cannot be overstated. They play a crucial role in modernizing Cape Verde, driving economic growth, and attracting international investors. The Cape Verdean government, with support from the EIB and the EU, aims to make the country a leader in digital innovation.
Telemedicine is a concrete example of the potential offered by new technologies. Cape Verde, already recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 for its advancements in this field, continues to develop connected healthcare solutions. This European investment will strengthen this infrastructure, improving healthcare access for residents in rural areas.
New technologies not only benefit the healthcare sector but also revolutionize others like agriculture, where digital tools enable more efficient resource management, and commerce, where improved connectivity allows for the development of new trade platforms. The modernization of digital infrastructure and new technologies attracts foreign investors and creates opportunities for local start-ups.
Cape Verde : Strategic player in Europe’s vision
The 320 million USD investment in Cape Verde is part of a broader European Union project: a 350 billion USD investment plan for developing countries by 2027, with 50 % earmarked for Africa. This vast program aims to strengthen Europe’s influence on the African continent while promoting sustainable and innovative partnerships.
The « Global Gateway » strategy allows Europe to offer an alternative to China-backed large infrastructure projects. By focusing on digital infrastructure and the energy transition, the EU asserts its desire to be a key player in Africa’s economic development.
Cape Verde, with its strategic geographic location and technological advancements, plays a key role in this strategy. The archipelago is becoming a hub for technological and economic exchanges in the West African region, solidifying its status as a regional innovation hub.
