Cape Verde has officially launched Tech Park Cape Verde (TechPark CV), a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation strategy. Positioned as a centre of excellence for technology companies, TechPark CV aligns with Cape Verde’s ambition to become the “Tech Islands of West Africa,” connecting the region with Europe and the Americas through digital services and innovation.
With a €45.59 million investment funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), representing nearly 2% of Cape Verde’s GDP, the park reflects the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its role in the global digital landscape. The initiative is expected to foster technological growth in Cape Verde and the surrounding region, housing 23 companies at present, with a capacity to accommodate up to 1,500 workers.
TechPark CV features modern infrastructure, including coworking and business centres, data and training facilities, and a conference centre, all with high-speed connectivity and international-standard digital services. It is located across two campuses: one in Praia, Santiago Island, and the other in Mindelo, São Vicente Island. Both campuses are hosting inauguration events this week — Praia on May 5, 2025, and Mindelo on May 6, 2025.
The Praia campus inauguration attracted over 300 companies, including more than 100 international firms such as Intel, Microsoft, and Smart Africa, showcasing significant global interest in Cape Verde’s growing tech sector. The event also brought together high-profile figures, including Prime Minister H.E. Ulisses Correia e Silva and Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, to discuss Africa’s digital future.
A key highlight of the inauguration was a panel of industry leaders, including representatives from Intel, Microsoft, Smart Africa, and former French Minister Elisabeth Moreno, all of whom are focused on advancing innovation and technology in Africa.
TechPark CV’s strategic mid-Atlantic location makes it an ideal hub for partnerships and investments across three continents. The park aims to advance emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). As a Special Economic Zone for Technologies (ZEET), TechPark CV offers competitive advantages, including VAT and import tax exemptions and a reduced 2.5% corporate tax rate for eligible companies.
In collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), TechPark CV is also committed to promoting regional innovation, digital inclusion, and sustainable growth. The project reflects Cape Verde’s cultural ethos, known as morabeza, which emphasizes hospitality and inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for innovation and collaboration.
Carlos Monteiro, President of TechPark CV, expressed the project’s broader vision, stating, “TechPark CV is the realization 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. 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.”
