China is involved in the Cabo Verde Technology Park (TechPark CV), although the nature of its involvement differs from its traditional role as the primary financier of physical infrastructure. While the construction of the TechPark itself was largely financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), China acts as a key strategic partner in the digital ecosystem, providing technical expertise, training, and foundational infrastructure.

1. Strategic Backing and Ecosystem Partnership 

China actively "backs the development" of the Technology Park in Praia, viewing it as a hub to encourage digital innovation and data-driven solutions.

• Huawei's Role: The Chinese technology giant Huawei is explicitly collaborating with the TechPark. This partnership focuses on fostering collaboration between the University of Cabo Verde and Huawei to facilitate student exchanges centered on data science and technology.
• Macao Connection: In 2018, Bringbuys Web Technology, a company based in Macao (a Chinese Special Administrative Region), signed an agreement with Cabo Verde TradeInvest to establish a technology hub. This agreement included plans for a cloud computing center, an offshore data center, and training institutes, with an estimated investment of between $20 million and $40 million,.

2. Foundational Infrastructure (Data Centers and E-Government) 

China laid the groundwork for the TechPark by building the critical digital infrastructure that the park now leverages to operate.

• National Data Center: In the first phase of Cabo Verde's e-government project (2010–2014), Huawei delivered the National Data Center in Praia.
• Expansion: In a second phase, Huawei upgraded the system to include 1,000 Virtual Machines and expanded storage to 1,000 TB, creating the "One Cloud, One Lake, One Platform" architecture that allows the government to provide secure IT leasing services.
• Connectivity: Huawei also constructed the fiber backbone ring connecting six major islands, which is essential for the TechPark's goal of making Cabo Verde a digital hub for West Africa,.

3. Distinction in Construction Financing 

It is important to note that the direct financing for the physical construction of the TechPark CV facilities (campuses in Praia and Mindelo) was provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB), not China.

• The AfDB provided an investment of approximately €45.59 million (approx. $51.6 million) to build the park, which includes data centers, business centers, and incubation facilities,.

In summary, while the AfDB funded the "bricks and mortar" of the TechPark, China (through Huawei and other enterprises) provides the "nervous system"—the underlying digital infrastructure, technical training, and strategic partnerships required to operationalize Cabo Verde's digital ambitions,.

The fiber backbone ring connecting six major islands in Cabo Verde 

The fiber backbone ring connecting six major islands in Cabo Verde. This infrastructure was a critical component of the country's first phase of e-government development.

Key Facts about the Fiber Backbone Ring:

• Construction and Partner: The fiber backbone ring was constructed by Huawei Technologies as part of the first phase of Cabo Verde's e-government project.
• Timeline: This phase of the project was initiated in 2010 and delivered in 2014.
• Scope: The project involved constructing a fiber backbone ring across six major islands of the archipelago.
• Technology: The network utilizes Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology.
• Capacity Upgrade: This infrastructure significantly upgraded the country's Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) capacity, increasing transmission speeds from an initial 622 MB to 20 GB.
• Complementary Access: To ensure broader coverage beyond the fiber ring, this backbone was complemented by the construction of WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) to provide wireless broadband access to organizations throughout the country.

This infrastructure is described as part of the "Cloud-Pipe-Device" strategy, serving as the "pipe" or transmission network essential for connecting government institutions and facilitating the country's digital transformation.

Brief overview of the Cabo Verde Technology Park (TechPark CV) 

The Parque Tecnológico Arquipélago Digital de Cabo Verde (TechPark CV) is the flagship infrastructure project of the government's strategy to transform Cabo Verde into a digital hub and a service gateway for West Africa. Financed largely by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with an investment of approximately €45 million (approx. $50 million), the park is designed to foster an ICT cluster, positioning the country as an international center for digital services, innovation, and entrepreneurship,,,.

Strategic Location and Structure

The TechPark operates on a dual-pole model located on the country's two main economic islands, leveraging Cabo Verde's connectivity via international submarine cables (such as EllaLink),:

• Praia (Santiago Island): The main hub, located in the "Castellon Vale" area, focuses on administration, government services, and general digital economy activities.
• Mindelo (São Vicente Island): Located in "Julien Vale," this pole focuses on the maritime economy and digital services related to the ocean economy (Blue Economy).

Infrastructure and Facilities

The park is designed to host major international tech firms and includes state-of-the-art facilities,:

• Data Centers: Secure facilities for data storage and processing.
• Business Centers: Office spaces for established tech companies.
• Incubation Centers: Support for startups and innovation.
• Training and Qualification Centers: Facilities dedicated to ICT certification and skills development.
• Conference Centers: Spaces for events and networking.

Key Investment Incentives: The ZEET

The TechPark hosts the Special Economic Zone for Technologies (ZEET - Zona Económica Especial para Tecnologias). Companies licensed to operate within this zone benefit from a highly competitive fiscal regime designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),,.

Fiscal Benefits for ZEET Investors:

• Corporate Income Tax (IRPC): A reduced rate of 2.5%,.
• Import Duties: Exemption from customs duties on materials, equipment (hardware/software), and raw materials essential for operations.
• VAT: Exemption from Value Added Tax.
• Property Tax (IUP): Exemption from property tax.
• Stamp Duty: Exemption on financing contracts for investment.
• Dividend Tax: Exemption from tax on dividends distributed to shareholders.

Specific Opportunities for Investors

1. ICT Services & BPO: The park aims to attract companies specializing in software development, maintenance, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) to serve the African and European markets.
2. Green Energy Solutions: There is a specific opportunity for investors to retrofit or supply the TechPark's data centers with renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, as current facilities may lack green certification, which is increasingly required by international tech giants.
3. Education and Training: Opportunities exist to provide technical assistance, equipment, and curriculum for the training centers to bridge the local skills gap,.

Status: The project includes components that were inaugurated in May 2025 (according to forecasted schedules in the reports) and is actively seeking tenants and partners.

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