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Cabo Verde Investment Opportunities in Fisheries

Cabo Verde's fisheries sector, a cornerstone of its blue economy, presents robust investment opportunities for foreign partners seeking sustainable, high-return ventures in one of Africa's most productive Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)—spanning 734,000 km² with rich stocks of tuna, swordfish, and lobster. Contributing ~8% to GDP and employing over 10,000 people (2024), the industry is poised for growth amid global demand for premium seafood, with exports valued at €50 million annually. As of October 2025, the sector attracts €25 million in cumulative FDI (2020-2023), driven by EU sustainable fishing initiatives and the government's National Blue Economy Strategy (2021-2030), targeting €200 million in investments by 2030 to modernize fleets, enhance processing, and promote aquaculture. Managed via Cabo Verde TradeInvest (CVTI), opportunities emphasize value addition and exports to Europe (via EPA duty-free access) and the U.S. (AGOA), yielding 18-25% ROI for processing plants. This article details sub-sectors, infrastructure, incentives, and outlook, highlighting Cabo Verde's shift from subsistence to industrialized fishing.

Key Sub-Sectors for Investment

Fisheries FDI focuses on capture, processing, and aquaculture, with 2023 inflows of €8 million creating 800 jobs and boosting exports by 15%. Annual catch: 10,000 tonnes (2024), targeting 15,000 by 2030.

Fish Processing and Value Addition

  • Opportunities: Canning, freezing, and filleting plants for tuna/lobster, leveraging EU quotas (2,000 tonnes/year). Integrate with tourism for premium products like smoked fish.
  • Facts & Figures: €15 million FDI (2020-2023); 20 facilities operational (e.g., São Vicente's €5 million plant). 2025: 20% export growth potential; €10 million investment yields 1,500 tonnes processed annually, serving 50 markets. Example: A €7 million cannery in Mindelo—ROI 22% via AGOA.

Aquaculture and Mariculture

  • Opportunities: Seaweed, shellfish, or finfish farms off Maio/Boa Vista; Integrated multi-trophic systems combining fish with algae for sustainability.
  • Facts & Figures: Emerging; €5 million FDI (2024); Pilot farms produce 500 tonnes/year. Targets: €30 million by 2030; 25% ROI with World Bank grants.

Sustainable Capture and Fleet Modernization

  • Opportunities: Upgrading artisanal fleets with eco-vessels; Tech like GPS/IoT for traceability, complying with MSC certification for premium pricing.
  • Facts & Figures: €5 million FDI; 200 vessels upgraded (2023); Catch value €40 million. 2025 tenders: €10 million for 50 new boats.

Supply Chain and Logistics

  • Opportunities: Cold chains, port-adjacent facilities for exports; Blockchain for traceability to EU buyers.
  • Facts & Figures: €2 million FDI; 6,000 tonnes cold storage capacity. 15% logistics cost reduction via EllaLink.

Infrastructure Supporting Fisheries

Ports and zones provide turnkey access:

  • Ports: Porto Novo (Santo Antão: 140,000 tonnes cargo, fishing pier); São Filipe (Fogo: 25,000 tonnes, cold storage); Mindelo (Porto Grande: 670,000 tonnes, 1.5 ha cold chain).
  • Zones: Industrial parks (e.g., Lazareto, 33 ha with processing sheds); ZEEIM (Maio) for aquaculture concessions.
  • Upgrades: €20 million EU funding (2024) for ice plants/desalination.

Incentives and Support for Investors

  • Tax Breaks: 10-year IRPC exemption; VAT relief on gear; CIN-CV for 80% exports.
  • Ownership: 51% local stake required, but CVTI matches partners.
  • Licensing: BUI approves in 60-90 days; Annual quotas via Ministry of Maritime Economy.
  • Funding: €50 million FAO/EU; Subsidized loans (2-3% interest).

Challenges and Outlook

Challenges: Overfishing risks (sustainable quotas enforced); 51% local rule; Logistics costs (€0.20/kg for exports). Outlook: €200 million FDI by 2030; 12% GDP contribution; 20% export growth. 2025 Forum: €30 million pipeline.

summary

Cabo Verde's fisheries, with €25 million FDI and 8% GDP stake, offer blue-gold returns in processing and aquaculture. From €7 million canneries to seaweed farms, it's sustainable seafood's future. Engage CVTI (info.cvti@gov.cv) via BUI—hook into Atlantic riches today.