Cabo Verde - China Strategic Partnership

The strategic partnership between Cabo Verde and China: background and key objectives.

The relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Cabo Verde is rooted in the era of Cabo Verde's struggle for independence.

• Political Foundation: Diplomatic relations were formally established on April 25, 1976, shortly after Cabo Verde gained independence from Portugal. The relationship has historically been defined by "mutual political trust" and Cabo Verde's strict adherence to the "One China" principle, recognizing Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China.
• Evolution: While initial economic interests were limited due to Cabo Verde's lack of natural resources, the relationship has evolved from simple diplomatic ties into a robust economic and technical cooperation.
• Strategic Status: In September 2024, during a meeting between Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, the bilateral relationship was formally elevated to a "strategic partnership".

Sspecific agreements, declarations, and protocols that constitute this partnership

1. The "Strategic Partnership" Declaration (September 2024)

The official elevation of the relationship to a Strategic Partnership occurred in September 2024.

• Context: This status was established during a meeting between Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
• Documentation: While the full text of a specific "Strategic Partnership" declaration is not in the snippets, official sources confirm that this diplomatic status was formally established at this specific summit.

2. Implementation Documents (2025)

The strategic partnership is operationalized through specific cooperation agreements signed recently to implement the consensus reached in September 2024.

• Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation (January 2025): Signed in Praia on January 22, 2025, between Cabo Verde's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Myrian Vieira, and the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires, Shi Leike. This document secures 200 million Yuan (approx. $27.4–$28.5 million) for projects in security ("Safe City" Phase 3), renewable energy, and digital economy.
• Health Cooperation Protocol (May 2024): A protocol covering the period 2024–2029 was signed to continue the 40-year cooperation in health, regulating the dispatch of Chinese medical teams and equipment donations.

3. Foundational Legal Framework

The partnership relies on a series of bilateral agreements signed over the last several decades. Key documents include:

• Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative (2018): Signed during President Xi Jinping's visit to Lisbon (where he met Cabo Verdean officials) or around that period, integrating Cabo Verde into the BRI.
• Bilateral Investment Treaty (1998): The "Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Cape Verde Concerning the Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investments" was signed in Beijing on April 21, 1998.
• General Defense Cooperation Agreement (2007): Establishes the framework for military and security cooperation.
• Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption (2014): Covers holders of diplomatic and service passports, signed in Beijing.

4. Chronological List of Key Agreements

Source provides a specific list of legal instruments that document the relationship's evolution:

• 1977: Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation.
• 1982: Cultural Cooperation Agreement.
• 1999: Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement.
• 2008: Framework Agreement on Concessional Loans.
• 2009: Agreement establishing the Joint Economic and Trade Commission.
• 2010: Air Services Agreement and Double Taxation Avoidance Convention.
• 2016: Cooperation Agreement for the "Safe City" (Cidade Segura) Project.

5. Multilateral Framework Documents

The partnership is also documented through multilateral action plans signed within the scope of Forum Macao:

• Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Co-operation (2024-2027): Signed in April 2024 in Macao, this document outlines the cooperation vision for the next three years between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, including Cabo Verde.

Key Objectives and Goals of the Partnership

The partnership aims to diversify Cabo Verde's economy beyond tourism and leverage its geostrategic location.

1. Infrastructure and Public Works 

China has become the principal builder of public infrastructure in Cabo Verde. The partnership aims to modernize the state's physical assets. Key completed projects include:

• The National Parliament building.
• The Government Palace and Presidential Palace renovation.
• The National Stadium.
• The new campus of the University of Cabo Verde (Uni-CV), fully financed by China.

2. Maritime Economy (Blue Economy) 

A central goal of the partnership is transforming Cabo Verde into a maritime and logistics platform in the mid-Atlantic.

• São Vicente Special Maritime Economic Zone (ZEEMSV): China funded the feasibility studies and spatial planning for this major project. The goal is to develop a deep-water port, cruise terminal, and ship repair facilities to service Chinese and international fleets operating in the Atlantic.
• Fisheries: Cooperation includes technical assistance in aquaculture (e.g., shrimp farming) and the modernization of fishing infrastructure.

3. Digital Transformation and Security 

China actively supports Cabo Verde's ambition to become a "Cyber Island" and a digital hub for West Africa.

• "Safe City" (Cidade Segura): A major project implemented by Huawei to install video surveillance and command centers in Praia, Mindelo, and other cities to improve public safety and urban management.
• E-Governance: Huawei has been instrumental in building the state's e-government network and cloud data centers.

4. Health and Social Development

• Medical Teams: China has sent medical teams to Cabo Verde for 40 years to provide clinical services and training.
• Infrastructure: China funded the construction of a new maternity ward at the Baptista de Sousa Hospital in Mindelo.
• Geostrategic Positioning For China, the partnership secures a stable partner in the central Atlantic Ocean, a region of growing strategic importance for trade routes and logistics. Cabo Verde is viewed as a critical link in the "Maritime Silk Road" connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Macao as a Platform 

The partnership utilizes the Macao Special Administrative Region (through Forum Macao) as a bridge to facilitate trade, cultural exchange, and bilingual (Chinese-Portuguese) professional training. Macao serves as a specific docking point for Cabo Verde to access the Chinese market and attract investment.

Cabo Verde China strategic partnership

Enter your text here...