In recent years, Cape Verde has stood out as a promising example of digital transformation in West Africa. The country has invested significantly in developing the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector with the aim of modernising public services, improving the quality of services and boosting the economy. This endeavour is part of a broader vision to make Cape Verde a digital hub in the region by 2030, as highlighted by the World Bank.
Cape Verde's digital transformation strategy, launched by the government, includes more than 300 actions to be carried out by 2025, with a budget of 60 million euros. This strategy, known as the Strategy for the Digital Governance of Cape Verde (EGDCV), aims to simplify processes and provide quality digital services, covering nine areas of intervention, including the digitisation and simplification of processes, infrastructure and security, and digital public services. This ambitious plan is detailed in sources such as the SAPO.co.uk.
One of the fundamental pillars of this transformation is process automation, which aims to replace manual procedures with automated solutions, increasing efficiency and reducing bureaucracy. The Consular Portal, funded by the World Bank Group, is a notable example of this progress, where 62% of applications are processed within one day and the time taken to issue electronic documents has been reduced by 85%.
In addition, cybersecurity and the management of sensitive content are identified as critical challenges for the success of the digital transformation, especially in the context of preparing for 5G networks. The Cape Verdean government is committed to tackling these challenges to attract foreign investment and transform the country into a digital platform, with the digital economy contributing 25% of GDP by 2030, as reported by Fewer wires.
The digital transformation in Cape Verde not only aims to improve the efficiency of public services, but also to promote digital inclusion and connect the islands with each other and with the diaspora, strengthening governance, transparency and equal opportunities. This effort is part of a broader vision to create a digital, intelligent and sustainable country, as emphasised by Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia in Balai.
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Cape Verde has made significant investments in connectivity infrastructure to support the growth of the ICT sector. One of the main projects is the installation of fibre-optic submarine cables, which aim to improve connectivity between the islands and with the rest of the world. A CV Telecom launched an international tender for the installation of a new inter-island submarine cable system, budgeted at 80 million euros. This project includes the installation of 11 submarine cable segments, guaranteeing a ring configuration that provides high resilience and equitable availability of communication services on all the islands.
The Information and Communication Technology sector in Cape Verde is booming, driven by the growing demand for digital services and connectivity. The government has been investing in digital infrastructure, including the installation of fibre-optic submarine cables, to improve connectivity with the rest of the world. This investment is attracting tech companies and startups to the country, creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and technological development (S&D Consultancy).
ICT education and training are fundamental pillars for the sustainable development of the sector. The "Weblabs" programme is an initiative that has enrolled almost 14,000 students in areas such as web development, robotics and digital marketing. This programme aims to prepare the local workforce for emerging opportunities in the ICT sector (World Bank). In addition, the integration of ICT in secondary education has been a reality since the 2009/2010 school year, with projects aimed at its use in the pedagogical context (Digital Collection).
The Cape Verdean government has outlined clear strategies for digitising public services, with the aim of having 60% of public services digitised by 2026 and exceeding 80% by 2030. The Strategy for the Digital Governance of Cape Verde (EGDCV) is a fundamental guiding document for this process, with implementation planned for the four-year period 2021 to 2024 (Government of Cape Verde).
Investment opportunities in Cape Verde's ICT sector are vast, with the government encouraging the entry of technology companies and start-ups. The installation of fibre optic submarine cables and the development of digital infrastructure are priority areas for investment. In addition, sustainable tourism and renewable energies are also growing sectors that benefit from digital transformation (S&D Consultancy).
Despite significant progress, Cape Verde faces challenges in implementing ICT, especially in terms of accessibility and availability of technological resources in schools. Ongoing teacher training and the integration of ICT into pedagogical practices are areas that need continued attention. However, with continued investment and government support, the country is well placed to become a digital hub in West Africa, boosting the economy and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The modernisation of public services in Cape Verde has been driven by the implementation of digital portals, such as the Consular PortalThis is a remarkable example of success. This portal has enabled 62% of applications to be processed within one day, with more than 68% of payments made electronically, reducing the time taken to issue electronic documents by 85%. This advance not only facilitated access to services for citizens, but also improved administrative efficiency.
The integration of public services through a single portal is one of the Cape Verdean government's main goals. This portal, scheduled for launch in January 2025, aims to centralise and simplify access to public services, offering users a more efficient and integrated experience. This initiative is part of a wider effort to replicate the success of the Consular Portal across the entire public administration, promoting a cohesive and unified approach to digital service delivery.
One of the significant challenges facing Cape Verde on its digitalisation journey is cybersecurity. With the intention of transforming the country into a digital platform in Africa by 2030, the government has identified cybersecurity preparedness as one of the main obstacles to overcome (News of the World). The creation of a robust ecosystem to deal with sensitive digital content is essential to guarantee data security and user confidence in digital services.
Cape Verde's Digital Governance Strategy (EGDCV) is a fundamental document that guides the modernisation of public services. This plan, which is broken down into nine areas of intervention and developed into 55 strategic measures, aims to ensure that 60% of public services are provided digitally by 2026 (Balai). This strategy not only promotes efficiency and transparency, but also seeks to increase citizen participation and improve standards of economic competitiveness.
The modernisation and digitalisation of public services in Cape Verde has a significant impact on the economy and society. With the digital economy projected to contribute 25% of GDP by 2030, digital transformation is seen as a driver of economic growth and sustainable development. In addition, the digitalisation of public services improves citizens' quality of life by reducing bureaucratic obstacles and facilitating access to information and essential services.
In order to sustain the modernisation of public services, it is crucial to invest in the digital training and education of the population. ICT training initiatives are essential to ensure that citizens and civil servants are prepared to use and manage new technologies effectively (World Bank). This investment not only promotes digital inclusion, but also strengthens the resilience of the workforce in the face of technological change.
The modernisation and digitalisation of public services in Cape Verde represents a significant transformation in the way the government interacts with citizens and businesses. With well-defined strategies and a focus on cybersecurity, the country is positioning itself as a leader in digital governance in Africa. The continued success of this transformation will depend on the government's ability to meet technological challenges and ensure the digital inclusion of the entire population.
Cape Verde faces a number of technological and infrastructure challenges in its digital transformation journey. One of the main obstacles is the need to improve connectivity infrastructure, which is essential to support the digitalisation of public and private services. Although the country has invested in fibre-optic submarine cables to improve connectivity, there are still areas that need significant improvement to guarantee uniform internet access throughout the archipelago.
In addition, cybersecurity remains a critical concern. As digitisation increases, so does the risk of cyber attacks, which requires the implementation of robust measures to protect sensitive data and guarantee user confidence in digital systems. The creation of a secure ecosystem is essential to the success of the digital transformation.
Capacity building and professional training are key to supporting the digital transformation in Cape Verde. The country has invested in educational programmes, such as Weblabs, which has already enrolled around 14,000 students in areas such as web development, robotics and digital marketing. However, ongoing training is necessary to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the digital skills needed to operate in an increasingly digitised environment.
The lack of technological resources in schools and the need for ongoing teacher training are challenges that need to be addressed in order to effectively integrate ICT into teaching practices. Implementing professional training programmes and strengthening ICT education are essential to prepare the next generation for the digital job market.
The integration of digital services is a crucial strategy for simplifying processes and improving administrative efficiency in Cape Verde. The government aims to digitise 60% of public services by 2026 and more than 80% by 2030, as outlined in Cape Verde's Digital Governance Strategy (EGDCV) (Government of Cape Verde).
The implementation of digital portals, such as the Consular Portal, has proven successful in reducing processing times and increasing administrative efficiency. However, the integration of services still faces challenges, such as interoperability between systems and the need to guarantee data security during the exchange of information between different platforms (World Bank).
Sustainability and energy efficiency are essential components of the digital transformation in Cape Verde. The country faces significant challenges due to its dependence on energy imports, which makes energy efficiency a strategic priority. Implementing sustainable practices, such as the circular economy, can help reduce dependence on external resources and promote a more resilient economy (African Development Bank).
In addition, the adoption of automation technologies can increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. Startups in Cape Verde are investing in automation for repetitive tasks, allowing human resources to focus on more strategic activities. This approach not only improves efficiency, but also contributes to long-term sustainability (S&D Consultancy).
Strategic partnerships and international collaboration are key to overcoming the challenges of digital transformation in Cape Verde. The country has benefited from financial and technical support from international organisations such as the World Bank, which is co-financing Cape Verde's Digital Strategy with an investment of US $20 million over five years (Ministry of Finance).
Collaboration with the Cape Verdean diaspora is also an important strategy. Programmes such as "Sikabadu" aim to attract investment from the diaspora in technology-based businesses, strengthening the innovation ecosystem and promoting sustainable economic development. This approach not only mobilises financial resources, but also harnesses the knowledge and experience of the diaspora to drive digital transformation in the country (World Bank).
In short, the digital transformation in Cape Verde faces significant challenges, but also offers opportunities for economic and social development. Through well-designed strategies and effective partnerships, the country is positioning itself as a digital hub in West Africa, driving innovation and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The digital transformation in Cape Verde is advancing significantly, driven by strategic investments in connectivity infrastructure and capacity building in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The installation of submarine fibre optic cables, such as the project led by CV TelecomThis has improved connectivity between the islands and with the world, creating a favourable environment for the growth of the ICT sector. This development is attracting tech companies and start-ups, fostering an innovative and promising ecosystem for technological development. In addition, initiatives such as the "Weblabs" programme have been crucial in preparing the local workforce for emerging opportunities in the digital sector, as highlighted by the World Bank.
Despite progress, Cape Verde faces significant challenges, such as the need to improve accessibility and cybersecurity, which are essential to guaranteeing trust in digital services. Cape Verde's Digital Governance Strategy (EGDCV) aims to digitise 60% of public services by 2026, promoting efficiency and transparency, but implementation faces obstacles such as interoperability between systems and data security. International collaboration and the support of the Cape Verdean diaspora, through programmes such as "Sikabadu", are key to overcoming these challenges and mobilising resources for the digital transformation. With a continued focus on capacity building and strategic partnerships, Cape Verde is well placed to become a digital hub in West Africa, boosting economic growth and improving the quality of life of its citizens, as reported by the World Bank.
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