Cabo Verde International Business Centers
The International Business Center of Cabo Verde (CIN-CV): A Gateway for Export-Oriented Investments
One cornerstone is the Centro Internacional de Negócios de Cabo Verde (CIN-CV), or International Business Center of Cabo Verde. Established in 2011 under the Investment Code (Law No. 89/VIII/2013) to promote international trade and attract export-potential investments, the CIN-CV spans the entire national territory. It was significantly enhanced by Decree-Law No. 57/2017 of December 6, 2017, which introduced comprehensive regulations to enable its full implementation after initial delays.
As of October 2025, the CIN-CV operates as a specialized regime offering tax and customs incentives for foreign and domestic investors engaging in export-focused activities.
Managed in coordination with Cabo Verde TradeInvest (CVTI), it aims to boost non-tourism exports—currently under 10% of GDP—by creating hubs for industrial, commercial, and service operations. This framework aligns with Ambition 2030, targeting €2.5 billion in economic growth by 2030, and has attracted preliminary interest from sectors like logistics and IT services.
For investors, the CIN-CV represents a low-risk entry point with streamlined licensing and fiscal benefits.
- Cabo Verde TradeInvest (CVTI): This investment promotion agency serves as the one-stop-shop for investors, managing the process of establishing operations within the CIN-CV.
Structure of the CIN-CV
The CIN-CV is divided into three interconnected components, each tailored to specific export-oriented activities. These centers authorize operations in industrial, commercial, or service provision, provided they are destined for international markets (at least 80% of output).
Licensing is handled through the Portal do Comércio (portaldocomercio.gov.cv), with approvals typically within 30-60 days via CVTI's Balcão Único do Investidor (BUI). The centers are physically integrated into existing infrastructure, such as industrial parks in Praia and Mindelo, but operate under a unified export regime.
Centro Internacional Industrial (CII)
The CII focuses on manufacturing and processing activities geared toward exports, such as agro-processing (e.g., canned fish from Santo Antão) or light assembly (e.g., textiles or electronics components). It leverages Cabo Verde's ports and free zones for duty-free imports of raw materials.
- Key Features: Operators receive licenses for production lines, with access to subsidized utilities and logistics. Minimum investment: CVE 5 million (~€45,000).
- Incentives: 10-year Corporate Income Tax (IRPC) exemption; VAT suspension on imports; customs duty relief on machinery.
- Facts & Figures: As of 2025, the CII hosts ~20 licensed firms, generating 500 jobs and €10 million in annual exports. Expansion plans include a new facility in the Zona Industrial de Palmarejo Grande (Santiago).
Centro Internacional de Comércio (CIC)
The CIC targets wholesale and distribution for international trade, ideal for logistics hubs handling re-exports to West Africa or Europe. It supports bonded warehouses and e-commerce fulfillment centers, capitalizing on the EllaLink submarine cable for digital trade.
- Key Features: Facilities for storage, packaging, and trading, integrated with ports like Porto Grande (São Vicente).
- Incentives: Exemption from Stamp Duty on contracts; 5-year IRPC holiday; no local content requirements for exports.
- Facts & Figures: Operational since 2018, it facilitates €15 million in trade volume yearly, with 15 operators (mostly SMEs). Growth tied to AGOA benefits, projecting 20% annual increase.
Centro Internacional de Prestação de Serviços (CIPS)
The CIPS is designed for service exports, such as IT outsourcing, call centers, or professional services (e.g., consulting for renewables). It appeals to nearshoring from Europe, with Cabo Verde's bilingual workforce (Portuguese/English) and time zone alignment (UTC+1).
- Key Features: Office spaces with high-speed fiber optics (up to 1 Gbps via CVT) and co-working hubs in Praia and Mindelo.
- Incentives: 8-year Personal Income Tax (IRPS) reduction to 10% for expatriate staff; full VAT exemption on service exports.
- Facts & Figures: Launched in 2019, it supports 30+ firms, employing 800 (40% foreign), with €8 million in service exports (2024). Partnerships with Microsoft enhance digital capabilities.
CVTI Headquarters Address:
Rotunda da Cruz de Papa, 5, C.P. 89-C, Achada Santo António, Cidade da Praia, Ilha de Santiago, Cabo Verde.
Contact Details:
Phone: (+238) 260 4110 / 11
Email: info.cvti@gov.cv
Website: www.cvtradeinvest.cv (includes the Balcão Único do Investidor - BUI portal for CIN-CV applications).
Regional Delegations (for in-person support):
São Vicente: Rua Machado, Prédio da Electra Sede r/c, Mindelo. Phone: (+238) 231 0775.
Sal: Avenida dos Hotéis, Hotel Ouril Pontão – Santa Maria. Phone: (+238) 354 28 78.
Digital Access: All CIN-CV registrations, licenses, and monitoring occur via the Portal do Comércio at portaldocomercio.gov.cv. This online system allows foreign investors to submit proposals electronically, track progress, and access incentives without needing a physical visit, though in-person consultations are available at CVTI offices.
Benefits and Incentives for Investors
The CIN-CV regime provides a competitive edge over general investments, with benefits tailored to export activities:
- Fiscal Advantages: IRPC exemption for 5-10 years; indefinite loss carryforwards; no withholding tax on export dividends.
- Customs Relief: Duty-free imports/exports; simplified clearance (24-48 hours).
- Operational Support: Access to CVTI's one-stop shop for permits; training via the National Institute for Professional Training.
- Eligibility: Open to foreign investors (100% ownership allowed); projects must demonstrate 80% export orientation and create at least 10 jobs.
These align with U.S. Department of State reports, noting CIN-CV's role in attracting FDI amid Cabo Verde's high transparency rankings (e.g., 50th globally in Ease of Doing Business, pre-2020 World Bank metrics).
Implementation and Challenges
Post-2017 regulations, CIN-CV implementation accelerated, with the first licenses issued in 2018. The Portal do Comércio now digitizes applications, reducing bureaucracy. However, challenges include limited physical infrastructure (e.g., only 20% of planned sites built) and skills gaps in high-tech services. Ongoing €20 million investments from the African Development Bank aim to address these by 2027.
summary
The Centro Internacional de Negócios de Cabo Verde stands as a beacon for export-driven growth, offering foreign investors a regulated, incentive-rich environment to tap into Atlantic markets. Whether establishing a manufacturing line in the CII or a BPO in the CIPS, the CIN-CV—via its unified framework—streamlines your path to profitability. For tailored guidance, contact CVTI at info.cvti@gov.cv or visit portaldocomercio.gov.cv to apply. As Cabo Verde eyes 5% annual GDP growth, the CIN-CV is your launchpad for sustainable success in this emerging hub.