Latest news with #CaboVerde
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Cabo Verde invests in improving the quality of care for the elderly
Ana Rita's life has improved since she started attending regular appointments at the local health unit in Assomada, on the island of Santiago. She is returning to normal life after a stroke she suffered during the covid-19 pandemic and is benefiting significantly from the country's efforts to improve care for the elderly. 'I feel welcomed at this center, where we have our own room and the attention and care we receive here has a big impact on our health,' says Ana Rita. Cape Verde's health and socio-economic progress in recent decades has had a significant and positive impact on life expectancy, which in 2020 was 75 years old. This has been increasing consistently over the last few decades, bringing with it challenges for the health system. The population aged over 60 is increasing - from 7.6% in 2010 to 10.0% in 2021. This population represents a growing proportion of the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which cause around 60% of all deaths in the country. The strategic plan for active ageing and the health of older people, horizon 2024-2028, aims to improve the health and well-being of older people by preventing, protecting and reducing dependency on care and promoting dignity of life, with community involvement, strengthening the capacities of the workforce and legislative and regulatory improvements. 'The leadership of WHO Cabo Verde has been fundamental in the implementation of the ICOPE strategy, through technical support in the adaptation and adoption of the guidelines and the development and updating of policies and plans aimed at integrated and continuous care throughout life,' says Edith Pereira, acting head of WHO Cabo Verde Since the beginning of 2022, experts from the World Health Organization at headquarters and the regional office have been working with the Ministry of Health to develop this strategy based on evidence and needs to improve the health and well-being of the country's elderly. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Cabo Verde.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
How to find the perfect African Caribbean island for your holiday - as we reveal the best ones for beautiful beaches, hiking and volcanic adventures
The Republic of Cabo Verde (as it's officially known) comprises 10 islands, of which nine are occupied. But which is right for you? To a passing spaceship, this engaging country of the west coast of Africa must look like a scattering of crumbs. Each island is golden brown, with jagged volcanic edges rimmed by surf. Yet zoom in and differences appear. The eastern islands are biscuit-flat and sifted with sand, while further west they become mountainous and greenery appears. But wherever you go, a friendly welcome awaits. It seldom rains, and the sun always shines. All you need to do is choose the right island. Here's our lowdown... Step into history To understand the archipelago's story, start in Santiago, the rugged and fertile largest island - the first to be settled (by Portugal) in 1462. In fact, Cidade Velha lays claim to being the oldest European city in the tropics. The more recent 18th century capital, Praia, was built on a pedestal of basalt out of reach of pirates. It's an intriguing, charming place with churches, fortifications, cobbled streets, bandstands and fruit-coloured mansions. There's even the odd museum. At the Praia Archaeology Museum, objects found in shipwrecks are displayed. Meanwhile, the House Museum Amilcar Cabral tells the tale of West Africa's Che Guevara, whose umbrella, beanie and Czechoslovakian combat jacket are among the exhibits. Elsewhere, fruit still goes to market balanced on heads. And you can still buy Praia's traditional cloth, panu di tera - so fine it was once used as a currency. Pause at the Café Sofia and enjoy a pastel de nata. Santiago, it seems, is not quite Africa and not quite Portugal but somewhere in between. Beautiful beaches Head to Sal or Boa Vista for beaches that stretch to the horizon, glowing silver and turquoise. Although it may appear that you have them almost to yourself, huge hotels lurk up in the dunes, cunningly designed to blend into the landscape, with some looking like Berber forts. Expect lakesized pools and tropical gardens - they're a fly-and-floppers' heaven. Two hotels is Sal deserve mention. The Morabeza, which opened in the 1960s, is charmingly retro, and comes with a library and two gargantuan billiard tables. The Hilton Cabo Verde Sol resort is more contemporary, bringing a little urban chic to the dunes, with grounds so lush and calm they're home to egrets. Sal's seaside town, Santa Maria, is a more acquired taste: great if you seek a surfboard, tattoo or boozy night out. Hiker's delight Santiago and Fogo are both good for hiking, but the best trails are on Santo Antao. It tops out at 6,493ft (1,979m), with sheer slopes rising dramatically. Yet, somehow, a cobbled road threads upwards through the craters and gorges although you'll need a head for heights; in places the roadside drops terrifyingly away around 3,280ft (1,000m). Most visitors head for the Vale do Paul, which looks like a huge crack in the planet. But there are farms clinging to the sides of this gigantic ravine, and tiny terraces of sugar cane and maize. The sudden greenness of everything is almost blinding. A good place to stop is Cabo da Ribeira. Here the road ends and the donkeys take over. It's the sounds you remember most; the trickle of water; voices singing; a blacksmith's hammer. Life is simple here. The walking is spectacular. While paths are steep - most of the mountains plunge vertically into the ocean - they're often cobbled. The Aldea Panoramica Hotel makes a good base. Musical treats Sao Vicente may seem like an odd spot for a carnival. Until the Age of Steam, it was largely uninhabited but then the British built a coaling station. Now, however, all that's left are the mansions, a Victorian fort, a few yachts and the music. Mindelo, the capital, is often described as 'the prettiest town in West Africa'. One of the world's greatest singers, Cesaria Evora was born here and there are plenty of bars where they belt out her soulful songs. Try Jazzy Bird, La Pergola, Casa Café Mindelo or - my favourite - Le Metalo. The island's annual Carnival begins each Shrove Tuesday; the stunning sound of 100 drums is utterly exhilarating. Volcanic Adventure Of all the islands, Fogo (or 'Fire') is the wildest, tallest and strangest. It's an active volcano and has erupted 27 times during the past 500 years. There have been no fatalities since 1847, and the islanders shrug off the danger. Most of them live out on the slopes of old lava flows. Take a ride up to the volcano's crater. It's five-and-a-half miles across, beautifully black and silent. From here, it's a four-hour trek up the biggest cone, Pico, at 9,281ft (2,829m). Extraordinarily, there are 600 people living inside the crater. During a 2014 eruption, both their villages were destroyed. A few buildings have been excavated since, and there's a scorched-looking bar, while the old hotel still lies under 20ft (6m) of lava. Otherwise, it's business as usual. But Fogo isn't just about lava. The main town, Sao Filipe, looks colourfully Cuban and is being lavishly restored. Stay out on the cliffs at the four-star Bamboo Xaguate Hotel and try some volcanic rosé on the town square. Sao Filipe even has its own beach (with sand as black as midnight).
E&E News
5 days ago
- Business
- E&E News
Projects in ex-colonies should count toward EU climate goal, Portugal says
BRUSSELS — Portugal wants to meet its share of the European Union's climate target with green investments in its former colonies. The demand comes as the European Commission prepares its proposal for a blocwide 2040 climate goal. Several governments already want the EU executive to let them count international carbon credits — regulated permits that pay for climate-friendly projects abroad — toward the new target. Lisbon, however, is going one step further. Advertisement Portuguese Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho said the country should also get credit for planet-warming emission cuts that result from Portugal's investments in renewable energy projects in Cabo Verde or São Tomé and Príncipe — the country's former colonies. That should occur, she added, even if those projects are not regulated under the global carbon credit regime.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Bank funds second Tech Park in Mindelo
Cabo Verde has inaugurated the Mindelo Technology Park, completing the second campus of the TechPark CV project funded by the African Development Bank ( The facility aims to establish the country as a digital hub connecting Africa with global markets. The ceremony took place on May 6 with representatives from the government, industry, and development partners in attendance. The EUR 51.85 million TechPark CV project received EUR 45.5 million in financing from the African Development Bank Group, supporting both the Praia and Mindelo campuses. In an address, Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva highlighted the transformative impact of the technology park: "Today we inaugurate this technological park hub with the conviction that we are already celebrating a special moment here. Yesterday was on the beach in Sao Vicente, a modern infrastructure important for the development of the digital economy. We want to position the digital economy as one of the key sectors for the diversification of Cabo Verde's / Cavian economy, and increase the share of the digital economy in the GDP from around 7% to 25%." He further explained the goals of the project:'It is one of the sectors that create jobs and create quality jobs, simulates entrepreneurship and makes the capacity and talent of young people happen. We want to attract leading companies. We want to develop young digital entrepreneurship, startups and create well paid jobs." Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the significance of this milestone: "These two events mark a turning point for the broader diversification of the economy of Cabo Verde and a landmark in its quest to become the digital gateway for Africa. These two technology park campuses will spark the spirit of digital innovation and spur the emergence of technology-enabled businesses that will propel the digital economy of Cabo Verde." Reflecting on the financial projections and potential impact, Dr. Adesina added, "The Technology Park will allow Cabo Verde to position itself to take advantage of the digital economy in Africa, which is estimated to add $180 billion to the GDP of Africa by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050. It will also allow Cabo Verde to benefit from the $16.5 trillion global digital economy by 2028." Carlos Monteiro, President of TechPark CV, shared his outlook on the project's cultural and economic significance: "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.' He added: 'The spirit of morabeza lies at the heart of what we're building – a welcoming environment where innovators from different backgrounds and cultures can collaborate and thrive together. Through this project, we're not just building a digital hub; we're fostering a community where technology drives economic growth and sustainable development for Cape Verde and our international partners." Project architect Fernando Mauricio Dos Santos, whose design balances technological needs with environmental considerations, noted: 'The campus features a secure, basement-level data centre that ensures national security while harmonizing with the surrounding residential area. The U-shaped building's orientation provides protection against northeast winds while maximizing southern light exposure, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient environment. A specialized technical box discreetly houses heavy refrigeration equipment, allowing the facility to blend advanced technology capabilities with Mindelo's existing urban landscape.' The Mindelo facility includes a data centre, a business incubation hub, and a training centre. The campus currently hosts ten companies from four countries and employs 125 young professionals, with 80% of its 25 office spaces occupied. The facility operates as a special digital economic zone, offering tax incentives to businesses specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health solutions. In closing remarks, Dr. Adesina offered words of encouragement to the entrepreneurs and businesses establishing themselves at the technology park: "You will make it! You will grow! You will thrive!! Just like out of Mindelo the young voice of Cesaria Evora grew until it took the world by storm, so will the Mindelo Technology Park rise to become a gateway for innovation that will resound across Africa and the world. So, keep moving on and moving up!" Both campuses of TechPark CV are now operational. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cabo Verde's Digital Transformation in full expansion with African Development Bank Support
Technology Park positioned to make Cabo Verde a global digital hub with world-class facilities AfDB President honored with Cabo Verde's highest public service award for a decade of transformative leadership Cabo Verde marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey on Monday, 5 May, with the official inauguration of TechPark CV ( a strategic infrastructure project backed by the African Development Bank Group ( The island nation's Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and African Development Bank Group head Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, led the inauguration of the facility at a ceremony attended by hundreds of government officials, international partners, entrepreneurs, and academia. The celebration, held at TechPark CV's main campus in Praia, continued in Mindelo on Tuesday. The EUR 51.85 million project, developed in two phases with EUR 45.5 million in African Development Bank financing, has rapidly evolved from concept to a thriving technology center since operations began in November 2023. Within just 18 months, the park now hosts 23 companies from 7 countries, employs 311 young professionals, and has reached full occupancy of its 52 office spaces. Prime Minister Correia e Silva emphasized the park's world-class facilities: "The tech park is a good environment to connect startups and more mature companies. I have visited many tech parks around the world, and this one is not behind any of them. In fact, it is one of the best. With 311 professionals employed here across 23 companies serving international markets, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, this speaks directly to our vision of turning Cabo Verde into a Digital Island for the globe." He outlined two main objectives – the first, to position Cabo Verde as a digital hub for Africa and the rest of the world, exporting quality digital services, and the second, to create quality jobs and attract diaspora talents. He highlighted the fact of Cabo Verde's strong diaspora, which cannot be ignored, and the government's role in leveraging its skills to build and reinforce capabilities at the Tech Park. The Prime Minister added, "We also know that the state is an important economic agent. We can either facilitate or complicate it. So, we choose to facilitate, not complicate it. We would like to build a very solid foundation to sustain this digital ecosystem, reinforcing education and strengthening our informal economy with digital commerce and skills because we know that Digital is transversal." Dr. Adesina, who led a delegation from the African Development Bank Group to the event, highlighted the strategic importance of the technology park. "This is a great day for Cabo Verde, to celebrate the success of your vision to transform the country into a 'Cyber Island,' a digital hub, a digital gateway to West Africa -- an important digital hub to attract tech businesses from around the world. The future is very bright for innovative young entrepreneurs in Africa. This is driven by the rapid expansion of the digital economy, which will add $180 billion to Africa's GDP by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050," he said. "You had doubters, with some questioning the rationale of a small country like Cabo Verde having a technology park. Some even said this was going to be a white elephant project. But you were undaunted. You stayed true to your vision. Well, time has proven you right! The white elephant is running, full steam,' he added. The TechPark CV includes fully equipped facilities such as a Data Centre, Disaster Recovery Site, Business Center, Incubation Center, Civic Event Center, and Training and Qualification Center across its Praia and Mindelo campuses. Operating as a special economic zone, it offers tax exemptions on technology imports and income tax to attract companies. The park has expanded its training programs from 6 in 2023 to 50 in the first quarter of 2025, upskilling 2,769 people in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. Since opening, the park's operational revenue has grown by more than 4,300%. The African Development Bank is the largest development partner in ICT in Cabo Verde through the Praia Technology Park, for which it has provided $57 million for Phases 1 and 2 project. The Bank's investment in Cabo Verde's Technology Park aligns with its Digital Transformation Action Plan, focusing on scaling inclusive digital infrastructure, investing in digital entrepreneurship and skills, and driving sectoral adoption of digitalization. During the ceremony Adesina was awarded Cabo Verde's highest public service medal in recognition of his decade of transformative leadership at the African Development Bank and his unwavering support for Cabo Verde's development initiatives. The three-day program will include panel discussions on digital transformation, workshops on emerging technologies, and a startup pitch competition, showcasing Cabo Verde's pioneering role in Africa's digital landscape. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Images : Contact: Natalie Nkembuh Communication and External Relations Department media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
