Government formalises privatisation of Cabo Verde Handling with Swissport

On Tuesday 28 April, the Government of Cape Verde signed the contract for the sale and purchase of 51% shares in Cabo Verde Handling, S.A., formalising the transfer of the stake held by ASA to Swissport International AG, as the purchaser and strategic partner.

On that occasion, the Minister of Finance, Olavo Correia, stated that the selection of Swissport International AG as Cabo Verde Handling’s private partner had taken into account the merits of the proposal submitted, the investment plan, the value of the transaction, the commitment to the development of the aviation hub and the modernisation of the company.

“We are witnessing a partnership in which Cape Verde has succeeded in attracting one of the world’s leading and largest ground handling companies. I would like to highlight the trust that Swissport has placed in Cape Verde in establishing this long-term partnership. The Government will create the right conditions and a favourable business environment to ensure this partnership is a success, serving the Cape Verdean people, the workers and the country,” he emphasised.

According to Olavo Correia, the deal is worth a total of 36 million euros for 51% of the share capital of Cabo Verde Handling, S.A. “It is important to note that the mandate is to sell 61% of the company’s share capital. It is also planned to sell 5% to employees, encouraging their participation, and a further 5% to the Cape Verdean diaspora, enabling them too to participate as shareholders in this company,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that the process demonstrates a strong commitment to employees, ensuring that jobs are safeguarded, respect for acquired rights and the creation of better opportunities for skills development, continuous training and career progression in line with international best practice, adding that the company’s growth is expected to drive new recruitment.

He added that Swissport had presented a strategic plan for excellence, with estimated investments of around 10.5 million euros over the next five years, including a strong focus on innovation and technology and a long-term vision in line with the ambition to position Cape Verde as a competitive aviation hub.

For his part, the Chairman of ASA, Moisés Monteiro, stated that this initiative is in line with the Government’s strategic vision to promote the country’s social and economic development, in which public-private partnerships play a central role in mobilising investment, transferring knowledge and enhancing efficiency in service delivery.

“ASA is no longer the sole owner of Cabo Verde Handling’s 100% shares, nor does it hold a majority stake. However, it is proud to have prepared the company for this new phase of development, in line with the Government’s programme, which prioritises opening up to the private sector, attracting leading international operators and creating sustainable economic and social value,” he said.

Christian Zweifel, the representative of Swissport International AG, highlighted that the agreement reflects a shared mission to strengthen connectivity, support tourism and promote sustainable economic growth in Cape Verde. He emphasised that it was an honour to have been selected following a competitive process and expressed his gratitude for the Government’s trust.

“Our objective is clear: to build a resilient and future-proof ground handling operation that delivers excellence, safety and efficiency across all seven airports. We are committed to long-term investment, including in infrastructure, innovation and, above all, in people. The development of local talent will be at the heart of this partnership, with the creation of a Swissport training academy to support skills, careers and future leaders in Cape Verde,” he emphasised.

According to Christian Zweifel, the partnership aims to strengthen Cape Verde’s position as a growing aviation hub and a key destination for international travel.

For the Government, the signing of this contract marks a moment of great significance for the national civil aviation sector, heralding a new phase of institutional strengthening, modernisation and the international profile of Cape Verde’s airport services.

The signing ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Olavo Correia, and was attended by the Minister for Tourism and Transport, José Luís Sá Nogueira, the Secretary of State for Finance, Alcindo Mota, as well as representatives from ASA and SWISSPORT HOLDING SPAIN, S.L., amongst other guests.

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