With a confident stride into the future, Cape Verde has officially opened the doors to TechPark CV, a sprawling €45.59 million technology complex that the island nation hopes will rewrite its economic story and place it firmly on the map as West Africa’s digital gateway.
The new tech park, which straddles the islands of Santiago (Praia) and São Vicente (Mindelo), is more than just a collection of sleek buildings and high-speed cables. It’s a bold economic pivot, one that eats up nearly 2% of Cape Verde’s GDP and a clear message to the world: the archipelago isn’t just a tropical paradise, it’s a serious player in the digital age.
A Vision Backed by Ambition (and Serious Investment)
At its core, TechPark CV represents Cape Verde’s intent to diversify beyond tourism and fisheries by tapping into the limitless potential of digital innovation. With critical backing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the park is already housing 23 companies and has capacity for up to 1,500 tech professionals. And it’s not stopping there.
The facilities, outfitted with coworking zones, high-speed internet, training centres, and conference halls are designed to foster innovation and attract global talent. Tax incentives sweeten the deal: companies operating under the Special Economic Zone for Technologies (ZEET) can enjoy a corporate tax rate as low as 2.5%, along with exemptions from VAT and import duties.
The launch wasn’t a quiet affair. Representatives from over 300 international firms, including heavyweights like Intel and Microsoft, descended on Cape Verde to witness the unveiling. It’s a clear sign that the world is paying attention.
Among the key speakers were Cape Verde’s Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. They were joined by notable voices like former French Minister Elisabeth Moreno and several top executives from the global tech ecosystem — all echoing a shared optimism for what this new venture means, not just for Cape Verde, but for Africa as a whole.
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What makes TechPark CV stand out isn’t just the infrastructure. It’s the ambition behind it. The initiative is laser-focused on emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, fintech, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). And with strong support from ECOWAS and a collaborative public-private approach, the groundwork is being laid for a digital transformation that could ripple across the region.
Carlos Monteiro, President of TechPark CV, summed up the spirit of the project: “We’re not just building a digital hub; we’re fostering a community where technology drives economic growth and sustainable development.”
Cape Verde’s Digital Dream
With its central Atlantic location — comfortably bridging Africa, Europe, and the Americas — and a national identity rooted in morabeza (the warmth and hospitality Cape Verdeans are known for), the country is uniquely positioned to serve as a launchpad for African startups and a connector in the global tech supply chain.
TechPark CV isn’t just a milestone; it’s the start of a new chapter. One where an island nation known for its beaches and music could soon be just as famous for its code, data centers, and innovation labs.
