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Cabo Verde Digital - TechPark CV

Cabo Verde Technology Park (TechPark CV)

Cabo Verde's aspiration to transform from a tourism-dependent archipelago into a digital services hub for West Africa has found its physical manifestation in the Cabo Verde Technology Park (TechPark CV). Officially inaugurated in May 2025, this state-of-the-art infrastructure project is designed to position the country as a "Cyber Island" and a strategic gateway connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Background and Vision

The TechPark CV project was conceived as part of the government's broader Digital Economy Strategy (EEDCV) to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on external shocks that affect tourism. The vision is to leverage Cabo Verde's political stability and geostrategic location—amplified by new submarine cable connections like EllaLink—to create a marketplace for technological innovation, business incubation, and ICT service export.

The park operates under the concept of a "specialized condominium," where actors (private sector, academia, startups) operate within a high-quality ecosystem facilitated by the state rather than managed directly by it.

see also ---->  Cabo Verde Digital - the vision
see also ---->  Sea cables - Cabo Verde Digital

Infrastructure and Locations

TechPark CV operates as a dual-pole system distributed across the country's two main economic centers:

1. Praia Campus (Santiago Island): 

This is the primary hub, covering a substantial area in the capital. It features:

  • Business Center: Modular offices and a corporate environment designed to host major international tech firms.
  • Data Center: A Tier-III equivalent facility equipped with cutting-edge technology to host government and private sector data.
  • Incubation Center: A launchpad for startups and digital entrepreneurs.
  • Training and Qualification Center: Dedicated to human capital development and certification.
  • Civic and Conference Center: Includes a 400-seat auditorium for events and innovation debates.
  • Plots for Development: The campus includes 14 plots ready for future construction by private investors.

2. Mindelo Campus (São Vicente Island): 

Focused on the northern islands and the maritime economy, this hub serves as a strategic redundancy point.

  • Disaster Recovery Site: It hosts a secondary Data Center to ensure business continuity and data security for the national network.
  • Innovation Hub: It includes coworking areas, offices, and meeting rooms tailored to the "Blue Economy" and ocean-related tech sectors.

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Financing and Special Economic Status

The project represents a massive public investment in digital infrastructure.

  • Funding: The total investment is approximately €51.85 million (approx. US$56.5 million). The African Development Bank (AfDB) provided the bulk of this financing through a loan of €45.5 million, covering both Phase I (construction) and Phase II (operationalization).
  • Fiscal Incentives (ZEET): To attract tenants, the TechPark is designated as a Special Economic Zone for Technologies (ZEET). Companies establishing their headquarters within the park benefit from a reduced Corporate Income Tax rate of 2.5%, exemption from customs duties on equipment imports, and VAT exemptions.

Key Players and Governance

  • Government of Cabo Verde: The Ministry of the Digital Economy sets the strategic direction. The Operational Nucleus for the Information Society (NOSi) acted as the execution agency during construction and remains a key partner.
  • TechPark CV Agency: A dedicated entity manages the park's commercial operations, led by President Carlos Monteiro.
  • African Development Bank (AfDB): The primary financier and strategic partner.
  • Private Sector & Partners: Major global tech firms such as Microsoft, Huawei, and Intel have engaged with the park for training and infrastructure support.

Timelines and Operations

  • Inception: The project was launched around 2017, with NOSi initially designated as the execution agency.
  • Operational Start: The park began operations in November 2023, rapidly reaching occupancy milestones.
  • Official Inauguration: The formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies took place on May 5, 2025 (Praia) and May 6, 2025 (Mindelo).
  • Occupancy: By the time of inauguration, the park reportedly hosted 23 companies from seven countries (including Angola, Portugal, Germany, and Belgium) and employed over 300 professionals.

Human Resource Development and "Brain Gain"

A critical challenge for Cabo Verde is the lack of a large specialized workforce. TechPark CV addresses this through:

  • Training Centers: The park includes facilities dedicated to certification in high-demand fields like AI, cybersecurity, and software development. Training programs expanded from 6 in 2023 to 50 in early 2025.
  • Diaspora Engagement: The "Go Global" and "Brain Gain" strategies aim to attract highly skilled Cabo Verdeans living abroad to return as investors, mentors, or remote workers within the park ecosystem.
  • WebLab Integration: The park coordinates with the WebLab program, which introduces robotics and coding to high school students, creating a pipeline of future talent.

Energy Supply and Sustainability

Energy costs in Cabo Verde are among the highest in Africa, posing a risk to data center operations.

  • Renewable Integration: The park's design includes solar photovoltaic solutions to power the data centers, aiming to reduce energy costs by 30% to 40% and ensure environmental sustainability.
  • Design Efficiency: The Mindelo campus building utilizes a U-shape orientation to protect against winds while maximizing natural light, and includes specialized technical areas to house heavy refrigeration equipment discreetly.
Challenges

Despite the high-level infrastructure, the TechPark faces significant hurdles:

  • Energy Costs: High electricity tariffs remain a barrier for energy-intensive tech companies, making renewable integration critical.
  • Skill Gaps: While digital literacy is improving, there is a shortage of advanced technical skills required by international tech firms. The domestic labor market is small, necessitating heavy reliance on training and the diaspora.
  • Regional Competition: Cabo Verde competes with established tech hubs in Senegal (Dakar), Nigeria (Lagos), and Kenya (Nairobi). To succeed, it must differentiate itself through its stability, location, and the specific ZEET fiscal incentives.

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