AGP Executive Report

South Atlantic Connectivity: DE-CIX and Cabo Verde Telecom (CVTelecom) signed a Letter of Intent to explore a new Lisbon–São Paulo interconnection corridor, aiming for more direct, resilient data exchange across Europe, West Africa and Latin America. EU Security Support: The EU approved €60m under the European Peace Facility to strengthen the Armed Forces of Cabo Verde, with priority on maritime security and Coast Guard maintenance, training and surveillance. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration after the West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next edition as the region tackles water insecurity and transboundary river management. Telecom Market Moves: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include Cape Verde and appointing MDA for multiple markets. Human Capital & Jobs: A World Bank-style feature highlights Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF), citing strong employment tracking and high reported job rates after training. Sports Fame With a Cost: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says World Cup stardom has brought major privacy losses, with constant requests and filming following his viral rise.

South Atlantic Connectivity: DE-CIX and Cabo Verde Telecom (CVTelecom) signed a Letter of Intent to explore a new Lisbon–São Paulo interconnection corridor, aiming to cut reliance on traditional hubs and improve resilience for networks across Europe, West Africa and Latin America. EU Security Support: The EU approved €60m under the European Peace Facility to strengthen the Cabo Verde Armed Forces, with funding focused on the Coast Guard for maritime security, training, logistics and surveillance. Skills-to-Jobs Model: A World Bank-style spotlight highlights Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF), which tracks outcomes and links training to employer co-financing, reporting strong employment results for graduates. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at a West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next edition to tackle cross-border water insecurity and climate pressures. World Cup Fame and Privacy: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says his 2026 World Cup breakout has cost him privacy and peace, with constant requests and filming—an unexpected business and brand-management challenge.

South Atlantic Connectivity: DE-CIX and Cabo Verde Telecom (CVTelecom) signed a Letter of Intent to explore a new South Atlantic interconnection corridor linking Lisbon and São Paulo, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional Northern Europe/North America hubs and improve resilience for data exchange. EU Security Support: The EU approved €60m under the European Peace Facility to strengthen the Armed Forces of Cabo Verde, with priority on maritime security and Coast Guard logistics, training, surveillance and communications—bringing total EU support to €75m. Skills-to-Jobs Finance: A World Bank-style spotlight on Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) highlights competitive grants, employer co-financing and graduate tracking, with reported employment rates above 89% for initial training. Regional Water Agenda: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a stronger regional water governance roadmap after the Abidjan forum, naming Cabo Verde as host for the next edition. World Cup Fame Fallout: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says his 2026 World Cup stardom has cost him privacy and peace, with constant requests for photos and people filming him.

EU Support for Defence: The European Union approved €60m to strengthen the Armed Forces of Cabo Verde, with funding routed via the European Peace Facility and focused on maritime security, Coast Guard logistics, training, and surveillance—bringing total EPF support to €75m. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration after the West Africa Regional Water Forum, pushing stronger shared-river governance and naming Cabo Verde as host for the next forum. Skills-to-Jobs Model: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is highlighted for linking training finance to employer co-funding and tracking employment outcomes, with reported employment rates above 89% for initial training. Border & Crime Operations: Interpol-coordinated “Operation Screen West Africa 2025” reported 62 arrests and major seizures across multiple countries, targeting terrorism links and transnational organized crime. World Cup Fame, Business Angle: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says his viral 2026 World Cup rise has cost him privacy, while his profile has opened commercial doors—though he’s set boundaries on endorsements. Diplomatic Mobility: Serbia and Cabo Verde signed an agreement exempting visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports, aiming to boost direct contacts and economic cooperation.

EU Security Support: The European Union approved a €60m package via the European Peace Fund to strengthen Cape Verde’s armed forces, with priority on Coast Guard maintenance, logistics, training, and maritime surveillance—bringing total EU support under the fund to €75m. Skills-to-Jobs Model: A report highlights how Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) links training finance to employer co-funding and tracks graduate employment, reaching 24,903 people since 2012 with reported employment rates above 89% for initial training. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional agenda at the Abidjan water forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next edition—aimed at tackling water insecurity, transboundary disputes, and climate-driven pressures. Diplomacy & Mobility: Cabo Verde’s foreign ministry engagement in New York led to a Serbia deal on mutual visa exemptions for diplomatic, official and service passport holders, aimed at boosting direct contacts and economic cooperation. Global Spotlight, Local Cost: World Cup goalkeeper Vozinha says viral fame has taken a personal toll—less privacy, constant requests, and more filming—despite major social media growth.

EU–Cape Verde Security: The EU approved a €60m package via the European Peace Fund to strengthen the Armed Forces of Cape Verde, with priority for the Coast Guard on maintenance, logistics, training and maritime surveillance—bringing total EU support under the fund to €75m. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a common agenda at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum, aiming to improve transboundary water management, resilience and financing. Ocean Data for Climate & Safety: The OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System launched at the UN, securing over C$339m (€211m) in pledges (including €92m from the EU and C$82m from Canada) to boost ocean monitoring for weather, climate and coastal protection. UN Climate Security Warning: ECOWAS lawmakers warned that shrinking land and water are escalating security risks, intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and displacement across West Africa. Cabo Verde Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met Cabo Verde’s Manuel Amante da Rosa at the UN, signing an agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic, official and service passport holders to support economic cooperation. Tourism & Consumer Pressure: A UK report highlights a dispute involving a Leeds resident claiming a “five-star” TUI holiday in Cabo Verde was mis-sold and under-delivered, after she says compensation offered fell far short of her costs. Travel Rules: The European Commission published official guidance on Schengen visa application timing, fees and processing timelines for non-EU nationals. Business Real Estate (Diaspora): A Cape Verdean-themed restaurant property in Brockton, Massachusetts—Porton Di Nôs Ilha—is listed for $1.1m, bundling the building with restaurant, liquor and entertainment licenses.

Climate & Security at the UN: Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho backed a UN push for a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” as rising seas threaten small islands, calling for coordinated, funded action to protect maritime zones and coastal livelihoods. Regional Climate Governance: ECOWAS lawmakers in Accra warned that shrinking land and water are fueling displacement and insecurity, urging a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and faster renewable energy rollout. Ocean Economy Funding: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance to strengthen global ocean monitoring (GOOS), securing over €211m in pledges, including €92m from the EU and C$82m from Canada—aimed at safer navigation, weather forecasting and coastal resilience. Cabo Verde Diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met Cabo Verde’s Manuel Lima Amante da Rosa and signed an agreement to exempt visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports, supporting economic cooperation. Local Business/Property: Porton Di Nôs Ilha in Brockton (Cape Verdean-themed) is listed for $1.1m, with restaurant, liquor and entertainment licenses included, as regular dining service has stopped.

UN Climate & Ocean Agenda: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho warned that climate impacts are already hitting small islands, while speakers pushed cooperation on water, drought and ocean governance. Regional Security Meets Climate: ECOWAS lawmakers in Accra warned that shrinking land and water are fueling farmer-herder tensions, displacement and insecurity, urging coordinated legislative action. Cabo Verde Waste Management: In Soyo, an environmentalist says solid-waste management needs an integrated system—collection, transport, sorting and safe final disposal—warning against harmful plastic burning. OceanEye Funding Boost: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance to strengthen global ocean monitoring, securing pledges of about €211m+ to support weather, climate and coastal protection. Small-Island Statehood: A UN declaration backed by climate-vulnerable states affirms a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” even as seas rise, with Cabo Verde a co-facilitator. Diplomacy for Trade Links: Serbia and Cabo Verde signed a visa-exemption agreement for diplomatic, official and service passport holders, aiming to ease contacts and support economic cooperation.

Banking & Corporate Identity: Merchants & Marine Bank (Cabo Verde-relevant via regional finance links) will change its legal name to TownBridge Bank from 28 September, saying it’s a rebranding for a “Family of Brands” model rather than any sale or leadership change. Diplomacy & Trade Facilitation: Serbia’s foreign minister met Cabo Verde’s Manuel Augusto Lima Amante da Rosa at the UN General Assembly, signing an agreement to exempt holders of diplomatic/official/service passports from visa requirements—aimed at boosting direct contacts and economic cooperation. Climate Policy & Coastal Risk: At the UN, Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho helped secure a declaration on sea-level rise that backs “continued statehood” even if land is lost, pushing coordinated, funded action for climate-vulnerable small islands. Regional Climate Governance: ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a seminar in Accra calling for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and renewable energy—framing climate change as a security and displacement driver. Ocean Economy Funding: The OceanEye International Alliance launched at the UN with EU and Canada pledges (at least €211m total so far) to strengthen global ocean observation for weather, climate, navigation and coastal protection, with Cabo Verde listed among participating members. Public Health & Environment: In Soyo, an environmentalist warns that waste management needs an integrated chain (collection, transport, sorting, safe disposal) and cautions against harmful plastic burning, especially around children.

Ocean & Climate Diplomacy: Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho helped secure a UN General Assembly political declaration affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for countries threatened by sea-level rise, pushing for coordinated, funded action to protect maritime zones and coastal communities. Regional Climate Governance: ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a seminar in Accra calling for urgent regional steps against climate-driven droughts, floods, coastal erosion and insecurity, including a Regional Climate Resilience Fund and stronger early-warning systems; Cabo Verde was among the countries presenting. Ocean Observation Funding: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at the UN, with pledges of at least €211m (EU €92m; Canada C$82m over five years) to close data gaps and support weather, climate and coastal resilience. Banking/Corporate Update: Merchants & Marine Bancorp said its bank subsidiary will rebrand as TownBridge Bank from Sept. 28, 2026, without any ownership or leadership change. Travel & Connectivity: TUI added eight new Gatwick routes for summer 2027, including services to Spain (Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Valencia) and others (Athens, Palermo, Tangier, Djerba, Mytilene), expanding the network to 59 destinations.

Diplomatic & Trade Facilitation: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Cabo Verde’s Manuel Amante da Rosa at the UN in New York and signed a visa waiver deal for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports, aiming to boost direct contacts and economic cooperation. Climate Policy for West Africa: The ECOWAS Parliament wrapped a seminar in Accra calling for urgent regional action on climate change, recommending a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and renewable energy, with Cabo Verde among the countries reporting. Sea-Level Rise & Statehood: At the UN, Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho helped secure a declaration affirming a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for countries facing land loss from rising seas, alongside calls for coordinated, funded responses. Ocean Economy Funding: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at UNGA, with pledges totaling about €211m (at least €211m cited) to close data gaps and strengthen global ocean monitoring. Maritime & Security Capacity: A webinar on illicit drug routes between North America and Africa includes Cabo Verde Coast Guard participation, focusing on drivers, patterns and trans-Atlantic responses. Tourism & Air Connectivity: TUI added eight new Gatwick routes for summer 2027 (including Athens, Palermo, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Valencia, Tangier, Djerba and Mytilene), expanding its network to 59 destinations. Disaster Watch (Regional Relevance): Hurricanes Polo (Mexico) and Nolo (Hawaii) triggered flood alerts and emergency preparations, underscoring the wider risks of extreme weather.

Climate & Sovereignty: Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho helped secure a UN General Assembly declaration backing a “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for countries losing land to sea-level rise, while Cabo Verde’s PM also co-facilitated the push for coordinated, funded action. Regional Climate Finance: ECOWAS Parliament urged urgent implementation of climate resilience steps after a seminar in Accra, calling for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and renewable energy, plus better access to climate finance. Ocean Economy Funding: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at the UN, with pledges totaling about €211m (at least €220m cited), including EU €92m and Canada C$82m, to close data gaps and support coastal protection and the “blue economy.” Cabo Verde–Morocco Diplomacy: Cabo Verde’s foreign affairs minister reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan after UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Tourism Demand Signals: TUI reported later booking patterns and said Cape Verde is among its expected top winter destinations, even as winter bookings remain weaker overall. Business Spotlight: A Cape Verdean restaurant property in the US tied to Porton di Nos Ilha hit the market for $1.1m after shifting from regular dining to events-only.

Ocean Economy & Climate Finance: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at the UN, with pledges totaling about €211m (including €92m from the EU and CA$82m from Canada) to back ocean data platforms, close gaps and strengthen coordination. Regional Climate Action: ECOWAS Parliament urged urgent, coordinated climate resilience steps for West Africa, calling for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, early-warning systems, agroforestry and faster renewable energy adoption. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across its agencies, with vacancies spanning health, finance, energy, legal affairs and more, and said it charges no recruitment fees. Cabo Verde–Morocco Diplomacy: Cabo Verde’s foreign affairs and defense minister reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and backed Morocco’s autonomy plan after UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Travel & Tourism Signals: TUI reported improving late booking momentum (summer bookings +2% over four weeks) but weaker winter demand (down 7% UK, 4% Germany) amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty. US Immigration Rules: The US State Department published Exchange Visitor Skills Lists naming Cabo Verde and other West African countries where some exchange visitors may face a two-year home-country requirement before certain US immigration benefits.

ECOWAS Recruitment Drive: ECOWAS has opened applications for nationals from its 12 member states across 12 sectors, including health, finance, energy and legal affairs, with roles spanning bodies like the ECOWAS Court of Justice, ECOWAS Parliament, WAHO and GIABA, and ECOWAS says it charges no recruitment fees. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS met in Abidjan to review implementation of integrated water resources management resolutions and set recommendations for the next ministerial monitoring session, as West Africa pushes reforms after new water policy and code updates. Cabo Verde Property for Sale: A Cape Verdean restaurant property in the US—Porton di Nos Ilha—has stopped regular dining and is listed for sale at $1.1M, including restaurant, liquor and entertainment licenses (subject to transfer approval). Cabo Verde Finance Insight: A BCN–Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios op-ed highlights Cabo Verde’s improving financial depth versus constraints like small market size, banking concentration and limited financial instrument diversification. US Immigration Rule Hits Cabo Verdeans: The US State Department’s Exchange Visitor Skills List includes Cabo Verde, meaning eligible exchange visitors may need to spend two years in their home country before accessing certain US immigration benefits. Tourism Demand Watch: TUI reports late-booking resilience into winter, but weaker overall winter demand, while naming Cape Verde among expected popular destinations. Maritime Security & Drugs: A transatlantic maritime security symposium in Lagos focused on using technology and stronger cooperation to curb illicit drugs and arms smuggling across West African waterways. ECOWAS Court Compliance Push: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice is urging journalists to pressure member states to better implement regional judgments, citing enforcement gaps. Cocaine Route Pressure: A report says West Africa’s cocaine seizures have surged and the region is increasingly becoming a consumer market and, in some cases, a production hub, with Senegal flagged as a growing hub.

Cabo Verde Property & Licenses: A Cape Verdean restaurant property in the US, Porton di Nos Ilha, has stopped regular dining and is now listed for sale at $1.1M, with the deal including restaurant, liquor and entertainment licenses. Ocean Economy Funding: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, securing over $339M in pledges to support safer navigation, weather forecasting and the “blue economy.” Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS opened key West African water governance talks in Abidjan, reviewing implementation of regional water resolutions. Cabo Verde–Morocco Diplomacy: Cabo Verde reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. US Immigration Rule Hits Cabo Verdeans: The US State Department’s Exchange Visitor Skills List includes Cabo Verde, meaning some exchange visitors may face a two-year home-country requirement before certain US immigration benefits. ECOWAS Court & Media: The ECOWAS Community Court urged journalists to press member states on compliance with regional judgments. Travel Demand Watch: TUI reported improved late booking momentum, with Cape Verde flagged among expected winter destinations.

ECOWAS Justice & Accountability: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice is pushing for stronger media pressure on member states to comply with regional judgments, citing enforcement gaps that leave rulings short of real-world impact. Cabo Verde–Morocco Diplomacy: Cabo Verde’s foreign affairs and defense minister reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Cabo Verde Leadership & Rule of Law: Acting President Janira Hopffer Almada told the African Bar Association conference that Africa needs strong institutions, ethical leadership, and legal frameworks—linking human security, legitimacy, and stability to development. Tourism Demand Signals: TUI reported a late booking lift for summer 2026 (up 2% over four weeks) but weaker winter demand (down 7% UK, 4% Germany), with Cape Verde flagged among likely winter destinations. US Immigration Rules Affect Cabo Verdeans: The US State Department published an Exchange Visitor Skills List that includes Cabo Verde, meaning some exchange visitors may face a two-year home-country physical presence requirement before certain US immigration benefits. Cabo Verde Finance Focus: A BCN–Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios piece highlights Cabo Verde’s progress in financial depth alongside constraints like small market size and limited instrument diversification.