Inside Cape Verde’s plan to become West Africa’s tech island

The Government of Cape Verde has today officially inaugurated the Tech Park Cape Verde (TechPark CV) in Praia, marking a watershed moment in the country’s ambition to transform into the “Tech Islands of West Africa”. The €45.59 million project ($51.7 million), funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), represents nearly 2% of Cape Verde’s GDP and underscores the country’s strategic push to diversify its economy through technology and innovation.

A second inauguration ceremony is scheduled for May 6 in Mindelo on São Vicente Island, where the park’s second campus is located.

The Praia ceremony drew over 300 companies, including more than 100 international businesses, with tech giants like Intel and Microsoft in attendance alongside organisations such as Smart Africa. The event convened government officials, business leaders, and technology experts to discuss Africa’s digital transformation. Notable attendees included Cape Verde’s Prime Minister, H.E. Ulisses Correia e Silva, and Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, highlighting the project’s regional and international significance.

TechPark CV is designed to be a centre of excellence for tech companies, fostering innovation and economic growth. With two campuses, the park currently hosts 23 companies and has the capacity to accommodate up to 1,500 workers. Its modern infrastructure includes coworking spaces, data centres, a training centre, business centres, and a conference centre, all supported by high-speed connectivity and international-standard digital services. The park’s sustainable design aligns with Cape Verde’s commitment to environmentally responsible development.

Cape Verde designates TechPark CV as ZEET to provide incentives to businesses

A key feature of TechPark CV is its designation as a Special Economic Zone for Technologies (ZEET), offering competitive incentives such as VAT and import tax exemptions and a reduced corporate tax rate of 2.5% for qualifying businesses. These benefits are intended to attract both local and international companies, particularly those focused on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Carlos Monteiro, President of TechPark CV, emphasised the park’s broader vision, “TechPark CV is the realisation of our ambition to transform Cape Verde into a technology hub for West Africa. Our unique mid-Atlantic location creates a gateway for investments and business opportunities linking Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The spirit of morabeza lies at the heart of what we are building: a welcoming environment where innovators from different backgrounds and cultures can collaborate and thrive together.”

The park’s strategic mid-Atlantic location positions Cape Verde as a bridge between West Africa, Europe, and the Americas, creating unique opportunities for international partnerships and investment in African startups. By fostering collaborations with academic institutions, TechPark CV aims to develop local talent and create employment opportunities, strengthening the national economy and workforce. The project also aligns with regional goals through partnerships with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), supporting innovation and digital inclusion across West Africa.

A highlight of the Praia inauguration was a panel discussion featuring senior figures from the global tech industry, including representatives from Intel, Microsoft, and Smart Africa, as well as Elisabeth Moreno, a former French minister and technology executive. The panel explored the intersection of technology, innovation, and Africa’s evolving digital landscape, underscoring the international interest in Cape Verde’s technology sector.

The launch of TechPark CV reflects Cape Verde’s broader economic diversification strategy, moving beyond its traditional reliance on tourism and remittances. By investing in technology and innovation, the government aims to create a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. The park’s focus on digital inclusion ensures that opportunities are accessible to a wide range of communities, embodying the Cape Verdean spirit of morabeza, hospitality, warmth, and openness.

As Cape Verde positions itself as a regional tech hub, TechPark CV is expected to drive technological development not only within the country but across West Africa. With strong government backing, international investment, and a clear vision, the project sets a precedent for how small nations can leverage technology to achieve economic transformation.