Cabo Verde EU cooperation in 2025

The most prominent concrete interventions of the European Union (EU) and Cabo Verde cooperation in 2025 are driven largely by the Global Gateway strategy. In September 2024, the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Government of Cabo Verde signed a financing package totaling €300 million to support three strategic sectors: renewable energy, digital connectivity, and port infrastructure,,.

Here are the specific interventions broken down by sector:

1. Renewable Energy (The "Green" Transition)

The EU and EIB are heavily investing to help Cabo Verde achieve its goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

Pumped Storage and Grid Modernization (Santiago Island): A major flagship project involves the design and construction of a pumped storage facility on Santiago Island. This project, backed by €159 million in Team Europe funding (a mix of EU grants and EIB loans), aims to stabilize the grid and store renewable energy, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels,.
Cabeólica Wind Farm Expansion: In late 2024 and throughout 2025, significant progress was made on the expansion of the Cabeólica wind farm. The EIB provided a €39 million loan to finance the installation of 13.5 MW of new wind capacity on Santiago Island and 26 MWh of battery energy storage systems across four islands (Sal, São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Santiago). The new turbines and battery systems were inaugurated in December 2025,,.
Budget Support for Energy Reform: In December 2025, the EU signed a €20 million (approx. $22-23.5 million) budget support program aimed at structural reforms, specifically targeting the energy transition, increasing electricity access for vulnerable households, and strengthening the National Electricity Control System,,.

2. Blue Economy and Transport (Ports)

Significant investments are being directed toward modernizing Cabo Verde's maritime infrastructure to position the country as a logistic hub in the Atlantic.

Port Modernization Package: Under the Global Gateway, €105 million (approx. $116 million) was allocated to expand and modernize strategic ports. The specific interventions include the expansion of Porto Grande (São Vicente), Porto Novo (Santo Antão), and Porto da Palmeira (Sal),,,.
Shipyard Rehabilitation: This funding also covers the rehabilitation of the CABNAVE shipyard in São Vicente to boost the country's naval repair capacity,.
Mindelo Cruise Terminal: The new cruise terminal in Mindelo was inaugurated in June 2025. While co-financed by other partners, the EU emphasized this as a symbol of the strategic partnership, aiming to transform Cabo Verde into a cruise hub,.

3. Digital Connectivity

The EU is supporting Cabo Verde's ambition to become a "Cyber Island" and a digital hub for West Africa.

Submarine Cable Infrastructure: A €37 million financing agreement was signed in September 2024 to strengthen digital connections. This intervention focuses on connecting Cabo Verde to a state-of-the-art submarine cable system (linking Europe to West Africa) and replacing the fibre-optic submarine cables that interconnect the archipelago's islands to improve efficiency,,.
Tech Park Support: While the African Development Bank is a primary funder of the Tech Parks (inaugurated in May 2025), the EU actively supports the ecosystem through the Global Gateway to foster innovation and digital job creation,,.

4. Fisheries

New Fisheries Protocol (2024–2029): Following the expiration of the previous protocol in May 2024, a new implementing protocol was signed in July 2024. It grants access to 56 EU vessels (from Spain, France, and Portugal) to fish for tuna and associated species in Cabo Verdean waters. In exchange, the EU provides an annual financial contribution of €780,000, of which €430,000 is specifically earmarked for sectoral support to promote sustainable fisheries management and local fishing communities,,,.

5. Maritime Security

Operational Support: In late 2025, the EU delivered semi-rigid boats to Cabo Verde to help combat piracy and illicit trafficking. This delivery was part of the SWAIMS (Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security) project. Additionally, the EU conducts "Coordinated Maritime Presences" missions, where naval assets from member states dock in Cabo Verdean ports to strengthen security cooperation.

Cabo Verde EU cooperation in 2025