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The 2026 general election took place on 17 May, with more than 416,000 registered voters called upon to elect the 72 members of the National Assembly. The provisional results, with 98.1% of polling stations counted, point to a victory for the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), which received 46.7% of the votes, corresponding to 33 MPs.
O Movement for Democracy (MpD), who was seeking a third consecutive term, came second with 43.6% and 30 MPs. The Independent and Democratic Union of Cape Verde (UCID) It retains parliamentary representation with 5.1% and two MPs. These figures reflect a political alternation in a country which, since 1991, has been a model of democratic stability in Africa, with the two largest parties taking turns in government in a peaceful and institutional manner.
One fact that warrants strategic consideration is the abstentions of 53.4%, a figure significantly higher than the 42.2% recorded in 2021. This indicator suggests dissatisfaction or disengagement amongst a significant section of the population with traditional party politics, which may influence the agenda of the next government, particularly in relation to community-based policies, youth employment and the cost of living.
Cape Verde is internationally recognised as one of the most stable democratic systems on the African continent. The transfer of power, if confirmed by the final results from the National Electoral Commission (CNE), will be further evidence of the country’s institutional maturity.
For foreign businesspeople and investors, this stability is a key asset. The consultancy’s report In On Africa (IOA) points out that Cape Verde is positioned as a stable market, combining political stability, openness to trade and investment-friendly policies, ranking third place in the ranking of the most economically liberal countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
However, the victory of the PAICV, led by Francisco Carvalho, Mayor of Praia, heralds a new political cycle. During the campaign, the PAICV championed free education, access to healthcare and a reduction in the cost of inter-island transport. The MpD, for its part, advocated continuity in economic management, promising improvements to the national health service, pay rises and a strengthening of the economy.
Political change in Cape Verde rarely leads to radical economic upheavals, given the consensus on broad strategic priorities. However, the new parliamentary term brings important changes for those operating in or looking to invest in the archipelago.
O Strategic Consultation Agreement 2024–2026, a policy instrument that guides the country’s economic policy, provided for a gradual reduction in corporation tax (IRPC), with a view to achieving a a flat rate of 15% in the medium term, alongside the rationalisation of tax incentives and the consolidation of electronic invoicing. The new government is expected to continue along this path, given its international commitment to tax modernisation and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
For established businesses, this means predictability. For new investors, it represents a window of opportunity to enter a market with a falling tax burden and an increasingly digital and robust tax administration system.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cape Verde, Patrícia Portela, emphasised at the end of 2025 that the country is at a critical juncture where it needs strong support from international partners and the private sector, particularly in digital, energy and blue economy transitions. Cape Verde has been investing in the development of technology parks in Praia and Mindelo, the modernisation of digital public services and the expansion of its wind and solar power capacity, with the aim of achieving 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
For investors in the technology, renewable energy and digital services sectors, this is a favourable environment. The digitalisation of public administration, including the Tax and Customs Authority (ATCV), is creating demand for software solutions, cybersecurity and digital compliance consultancy.
Tourism remains the driving force behind the Cape Verdean economy, accounting for around 20% of GDP and fuelling growth of 7.3% in 2024. The Tourism Operational Plan (POT 2022–2026) provides for investments of around 200 million euros focusing on the revitalisation of the tourism offering, sustainability and professional training. The target is to attract 1.2 million tourists by 2026.
However, the country faces the challenge of diversification. The economy remains vulnerable to external shocks and dependent on labour-intensive sectors. The new government will need to accelerate policies that boost agriculture, fisheries, the digital economy and the creative industries, creating opportunities for niche investments.
Cape Verde serves as a strategic link between the European Union and West Africa, providing access to the market of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The procedures for setting up a business have been streamlined and can be completed within 24 hours at the Citizen Service Centres. This efficiency, combined with the country’s recently reaffirmed political stability, reinforces its position as a gateway to African markets.
Based on the post-election political and economic landscape, we have identified the following areas of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors:
| Sector | Opportunity | Political and Economic Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism and Hospitality | Requalificação da oferta, turismo rural, nómadas digitais | POT 2022-2026, regime de utilidade turística, programa Remote Working |
| Energias Renováveis | Eólico, solar, armazenamento de energia | Meta 50% renováveis até 2030, investimento em infraestruturas |
| Tecnologia e Digital | Serviços públicos digitais, fintech, e-commerce | Transição digital acelerada, parques tecnológicos, inclusão financeira |
| Pesca e Economia Azul | Aquicultura, processamento, exportação | Foco na economia azul, blue bonds, fundo climático e ambiental |
| Imobiliário e Construção | Habitação, infraestruturas turísticas, escritórios | Custo de vida e habitação foram temas de campanha; demanda por stock habitacional |
| Consultoria e Serviços Empresariais | Fiscalidade, compliance, gestão de projetos | ATCV operacional, exigência crescente de conformidade fiscal e digital |
Apesar do cenário favorável, investidores e empresários devem estar atentos a determinados riscos e desafios:
A alternância governativa, mesmo num contexto de estabilidade, gera sempre incerteza operacional para quem gere negócios. Novas prioridades ministeriais, reconfigurações de secretarias de Estado e alterações na gestão de programas de apoio exigem um parceiro local que conheça o terreno institucional.
A S&D Consultoria posiciona-se como esse parceiro. Compreendemos que o investimento em Cabo Verde não depende apenas das taxas de juro ou do regime fiscal, mas da capacidade de navegar com sucesso nas estruturas administrativas, nos programas de financiamento e na conformidade regulatória.
As legislativas de 2026 confirmam Cabo Verde como um caso raro de maturidade democrática em África. A alternância pacífica de poder, a estabilidade macroeconómica consolidada (com reservas externas a superarem os mil milhões de euros e o país classificado como de rendimento médio-alto), e a aposta estrutural na digitalização, energias renováveis e economia azul criam um ecossistema favorável ao investimento.
Para o empresário e o investidor estrangeiro, a mensagem é clara: Cabo Verde oferece estabilidade política, previsibilidade institucional e um quadro fiscal em melhoria. O sucesso depende, contudo, de uma entrada no mercado bem preparada, com conhecimento local, conformidade desde o primeiro dia e uma estratégia adaptada às especificidades do arquipélago.
Fale connosco hoje mesmo. A S&D Consultoria está pronta para ajudá-lo a interpretar este novo ciclo político e a transformar oportunidades em resultados concretos para o seu negócio em Cabo Verde.
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