Cabo Verde Internet and Work Setup

Stay Connected in Cabo Verde: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Internet and Work Setup 

Cabo Verde is in the midst of an ambitious transformation. Strategically positioned in the mid-Atlantic, the archipelago is leveraging its geography to become a digital hub bridging Africa, Europe, and the Americas. For the digital nomad, this means a destination that is transitioning from a pure holiday retreat to a viable remote work base. However, the reality of working here is nuanced; infrastructure varies wildly from island to island, and "No Stress" can sometimes translate to "No Wi-Fi" if you are unprepared.

The following analysis details the technological landscape, from the national fiber-optic backbone to specific workspace options across six key islands.

Part 1: General Infrastructure and Connectivity

The Digital Backbone: Submarine Cables and Fiber Cabo Verde's connectivity is its strongest asset on paper. The country sits at the intersection of five international fiber-optic submarine cables, including the state-of-the-art EllaLink cable activated in 2022, which directly connects the archipelago to Europe and Latin America. This infrastructure provides low-latency capacity (reducing latency to Europe to ~60ms), creating a robust backbone for data traffic. Domestically, the Sistema de Cabo Submarino Inter-Ilhas connects the major islands, and a terrestrial fiber ring is expanding to reach an estimated 70% of households on major islands by 2025.

Real-World Speeds and Reliability Despite the high-capacity cables, "last-mile" distribution to individual homes remains a bottleneck. While the national fiber backbone supports gigabit speeds, the average fixed broadband download speed experienced by users hovers around 17.84 Mbps to 50 Mbps, depending on the plan and location.

• Fiber-Optic (FTTH): In urban centers (Praia, Mindelo, Santa Maria), fiber plans are available offering speeds up to 100 Mbps or even 1 Gbps, though these come at a premium.
• Mobile Data: 4G coverage is statistically high, covering 80–90% of the population, but actual market penetration is lower. The main providers, CV Telecom (Alou) and Unitel T+, offer reliable LTE in towns, with speeds averaging 13–20 Mbps.
• The Starlink Revolution: As of late 2024, Starlink is officially operational in Cabo Verde. This is a game-changer for nomads venturing to islands with poor fixed-line infrastructure (like São Nicolau or Brava). Hardware costs around CVE 39,000 (~$373) with monthly plans around CVE 5,000 (~$48), offering high-speed low-orbit satellite internet.

Power Stability and Backup Solutions A critical aspect of the work setup in Cabo Verde is energy reliability. The country has some of the highest electricity costs in Africa (~$0.35/kWh) due to reliance on imported fuels. More importantly, power outages occur, particularly during the warm season or storms. Nomads are strongly advised to carry:

1. Power Banks: For laptops and phones.
2. Mobile Hotspots (MiFi): As a backup if the fixed line goes down during a blackout.
3. Surge Protectors: To protect expensive tech from voltage spikes when power returns.

Coworking Culture The concept of coworking is growing, supported by government initiatives like Cabo Verde Digital and the "Remote Working Program". While not yet ubiquitous, dedicated hubs have appeared in the main population centers, offering ergonomic chairs, fiber internet, and backup generators—amenities often missing in standard Airbnb rentals.

Santiago (Praia)

As the capital, Praia offers the most robust digital infrastructure in the archipelago. It is the landing point for major submarine cables and hosts the headquarters of the main telecommunications companies.

• Connectivity: Praia benefits from the densest fiber-optic coverage. Most modern apartments in neighborhoods like Palmarejo and Plateau have access to fiber connections ranging from 20 to 100 Mbps. 4G coverage is excellent throughout the city.
• Coworking Spaces:
  • Prime Coworking: The leader in the market, with locations in Praia Shopping (Quebra Canela) and Palmarejo. It offers premium desks, meeting rooms, and 24/7 access for monthly subscribers. It is noted for high reliability and professional atmosphere.
  • Workin' CV: Located in the historic Plateau district, this space offers flexible plans (daily/monthly) and is popular for its central location near government buildings and banks.
  • TechPark CV: Newly inaugurated in 2025, this state-of-the-art facility includes data centers and business incubation spaces. While geared toward tech companies, it is the centerpiece of the country's digital strategy and offers world-class connectivity.
• Alternative Workspaces: For a more casual environment, Livraria Nhô Eugénio and Tambake are popular café spots with decent Wi-Fi and food, located in the Achada Santo António and Palmarejo areas respectively.

São Vicente (Mindelo)

Mindelo rivals Praia in connectivity but beats it in atmosphere. It is a hub for creatives, developers, and the "Tech Islands" initiative.

• Connectivity: Mindelo hosts a node of the TechPark and has excellent fiber connectivity. The city is compact, meaning 4G signals are strong almost everywhere in the center and the popular Laginha beach area.
• Coworking Spaces:
  • Prime Coworking Mindelo: Situated in a renovated historic house in the city center, it offers the same high standards as its Praia branches, with speeds clocking over 60 Mbps download.
  • The Don Paco Hotel: Offers a coworking package in its lobby/bar area. It is famous for having some of the fastest internet test results on the island (~82 Mbps download) and comfortable seating.
  • Simabô: An NGO that offers a unique coliving and coworking arrangement, where fees support an animal shelter. It provides a community-focused environment.
• Alternative Workspaces: Café Verde and Café Djan Djan are staples for nomads. Djan Djan is particularly noted for its quiet courtyard and reliable connection. The Floating Bar at the marina offers great views but can be noisy for calls.

Sal (Santa Maria)

Sal is the most developed island for tourism, which brings both perks (amenities) and downsides (cost). The infrastructure is good, but the environment poses specific risks to equipment.

• Connectivity: Internet in Santa Maria is generally fast, with fiber optics available in newer developments like Vila Verde and hotels. However, users often report instability during peak tourist hours.
• The Salt Threat: The air in Sal is incredibly saline. Nomads report rapid corrosion of laptops and electronics if working too close to the beach. It is highly recommended to stay/work at least 500 meters inland or inside air-conditioned (dehumidified) spaces.
• Coworking Spaces:
  • GoHub Sal: Located centrally in Santa Maria, this is the premier dedicated space. It offers fiber internet (advertised 60 Mbps), ergonomic furniture, and backup power—a critical feature given Sal's occasional power dips.
  • Ocean Café: A hybrid space that functions as a coworking hub by day (€10 pass includes lunch) and a lively bar by night. Internet speeds can be lower (~4 Mbps upload), making it better for emails than heavy video conferencing.
• Alternative Workspaces: Cape Fruit is a favorite for healthy food and a relaxed work vibe, though it gets busy. Angulo Beach Bar allows working with feet in the sand, but wind noise makes it unsuitable for calls.

Boa Vista (Sal Rei)

Quieter than Sal but with equally stunning beaches, Boa Vista is developing its digital infrastructure to catch up.

• Connectivity: While fiber is available in Sal Rei, it is less widespread than in Sal. 4G can be spotty in remote dunes but is reliable in the town center. Starlink is a valuable asset here for those renting villas outside the main town.
• Coworking Spaces:
  • GoHub Boa Vista: Located in Sal Rei, this space mirrors the Sal branch's quality. It offers fiber internet (tests show ~73 Mbps download), biometric access for 24/7 members, and a professional environment steps from the beach.
• Alternative Workspaces: Cremositos is a café known for Italian gelato and decent Wi-Fi, good for short work sprints. Sodade Casa da Cultura offers a culturally rich environment for working, though speeds may vary.

 Santo Antão

The Hiker's Retreat

Santo Antão offers a "deep work" environment amidst lush mountains, but connectivity requires planning.

• Connectivity: There is no dedicated commercial coworking space on the island. Internet can be spotty in deep valleys like Paul or remote areas like Cruzinha.
• Work Setup: Nomads here typically work from their accommodations.
  • Casa das Ilhas: A guesthouse in the Paul Valley that caters to remote workers, offering stable Wi-Fi (approx. 8 Mbps) and communal dinners, providing a coliving-style experience in the mountains.
• Recommendation: If you need high-speed reliability for large file uploads, Santo Antão is best treated as a weekend retreat from a base in São Vicente. Alternatively, bringing a Starlink kit is the only way to guarantee high-speed access in the mountains.

São Nicolau

The Frontier for Deep Work

São Nicolau is for the self-sufficient nomad. It lacks the commercial polish of Sal or Santiago but offers unmatched tranquility.

• Connectivity: This is the most challenging island of the list for conventional connectivity. Fiber is rare outside the main towns of Ribeira Brava and Tarrafal. 4G exists but drops off in the mountainous interior.
• Work Setup: There are no dedicated coworking spaces. You must rely on your accommodation's Wi-Fi.
• The Starlink Solution: For nomads wanting to work from the stunning natural pools of Juncalinho or the mountains of Monte Gordo, bringing a Starlink Mini is virtually mandatory to ensure a stable, high-speed workflow.
• Recommendation: Base yourself in Tarrafal de São Nicolau for better proximity to 4G towers if you do not have satellite internet.

 Fogo (São Filipe)

The Volcanic Workstation

Fogo offers a dramatic backdrop for work, splitting the experience between the colonial city and the volcanic crater.

• Connectivity: São Filipe has decent 4G and fixed-line internet in hotels and guesthouses. The crater area (Chã das Caldeiras), however, has historically poor connectivity, though it is improving.
• Coworking Spaces:
  • GoHub Fogo Innovation Lab: Located in São Filipe (in the old GDR building), this space provides a professional setup with fiber internet (16/8 Mbps), privacy screens, and 24/7 access. It is a vital resource for ensuring productivity on the island.
• Work Setup:
  • In Town: Colonial guesthouses like The Colonial offer atmospheric courtyards for working, though speeds may not support heavy data tasks.
  • In the Crater: For those wanting to work from the foot of the volcano, relying on 4G is risky. Accommodations with Starlink or bringing your own device is the only way to guarantee a connection capable of video calls.

Summary Recommendations:

• For High-Intensity Tech Work: Choose Santiago (Praia) or São Vicente (Mindelo). They have the redundant fiber loops, the TechParks, and the most reliable hardware support.
• For Beach Lifestyle: Choose Sal (Santa Maria), but invest in a GoHub membership to protect your gear and ensure uptime.
• For Deep Work/Disconnect: Choose São Nicolau or Fogo, but treat Starlink as part of your essential luggage.

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