Cabo Verde Unveils TechPark CV: A Bold Leap Toward Becoming Africa’s Cyber Island

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

In a historic moment that underscores its ambition to emerge as a continental digital leader, Cabo Verde officially inaugurated TechPark CV on Monday, May 5, 2025. The flagship project, located in the capital city Praia with an extension in Mindelo, marks a turning point in the nation’s digital transformation. Backed by the African Development Bank Group, TechPark CV is a strategic infrastructure initiative set to reshape the technological landscape not only in Cabo Verde but across West Africa.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. Attendees included hundreds of government officials, international development partners, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders. The celebrations continued on May 6 with events at the Mindelo campus, emphasizing the park's nationwide reach and significance.

From Vision to Reality: The TechPark Evolution

TechPark CV is the outcome of a bold vision and unwavering commitment to digital innovation. The EUR 51.85 million project, co-financed with EUR 45.5 million from the AfDB, transitioned rapidly from idea to impact. Operational since November 2023, it has reached full capacity in under 18 months—hosting 23 tech companies from 7 different countries and employing 311 young professionals.

The facility comprises two campuses in Praia and Mindelo and includes a cutting-edge Data Centre, Disaster Recovery Site, Business and Incubation Centers, a Civic Event space, and a state-of-the-art Training and Qualification Center. Operating under a special economic zone framework, TechPark CV provides substantial incentives, including tax exemptions on tech imports and reduced income tax for tenants—key levers in attracting global and regional investors.

A Platform for Global Innovation and Local Empowerment

Prime Minister Correia e Silva hailed TechPark CV as a foundational pillar in positioning Cabo Verde as a “Digital Island” capable of serving global markets. “The tech park is a good environment to connect startups and more mature companies,” he stated, adding, “It is one of the best I’ve seen globally. With 311 professionals employed and companies serving international clients, the vision of a Digital Island is materializing.”

He emphasized two core objectives: establishing Cabo Verde as a global digital hub and creating high-quality job opportunities. The role of the diaspora was a major theme of his address. “Our diaspora is a powerful reservoir of talent and innovation. We must leverage their skills to reinforce our capabilities at the Tech Park.”

He also acknowledged the pivotal role of government in nurturing innovation: “The state can either facilitate or complicate progress. We choose to facilitate. We are building a solid foundation to sustain this digital ecosystem—by reinforcing education and uplifting the informal economy through digital commerce and skills.”

AfDB President Applauds “Cyber Island” Ambition

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, leading an AfDB delegation, was effusive in his praise of Cabo Verde’s achievement, calling the inauguration “a great day for Cabo Verde and Africa.” Referring to early skepticism, he said, “Some thought a small island nation couldn’t support such a project. They called it a white elephant. But look at it now—full steam ahead.”

He reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to digital transformation in Africa, noting the continent’s digital economy is projected to contribute $180 billion to GDP by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050. “Cabo Verde is now well-positioned to be a digital gateway to West Africa,” he said, lauding the country for executing a world-class initiative.

During the ceremony, Adesina was honored with Cabo Verde’s highest public service medal in recognition of his decade-long leadership at the Bank and steadfast support for Cabo Verde’s development trajectory.

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Exponential Impact and Ambitious Growth

The park’s rapid growth is evident in its training and revenue metrics. In 2023, it launched six training programs; by Q1 2025, that number had skyrocketed to 50. A total of 2,769 individuals have already been upskilled in future-facing fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

Meanwhile, the operational revenue of TechPark CV has surged by an astonishing 4,300% since its inception, a testament to the robust demand and value being created.

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A Hub for Collaboration, Innovation, and Vision

Beyond infrastructure, TechPark CV aspires to be a nerve center for Africa’s tech future. The three-day launch celebration includes expert panels on digital transformation, hands-on workshops on frontier technologies, and a high-energy startup pitch competition, offering innovators a chance to showcase solutions poised to reshape African economies.

The park also aims to foster synergies between academia, government, and private enterprise. By acting as a nexus for research, innovation, and commercialization, TechPark CV sets a precedent for other African nations striving to embrace the digital economy.

A Model for Africa’s Digital Future

As Cabo Verde stands at the forefront of digital innovation in Africa, TechPark CV symbolizes more than bricks and bytes—it represents a future of inclusive growth, cross-border collaboration, and visionary leadership.

With world-class infrastructure, favorable policies, and unwavering support from international partners, Cabo Verde’s digital journey is now a blueprint for others to follow.