AGP Executive Report

Cabo Verde Aviation & Tourism: The Cabo Verde government says talks with Swiss startup Moov Airways over a strategic partnership with state-owned Cabo Verde Airlines are progressing after a “positive” first meeting, with officials set to visit Switzerland; Moov also plans to support its Atlantic Gateway network and is targeting eVTOL operations in São Vicente, Santo Antão, Sal, Praia and Boa Vista. Cabo Verde–China Development: Cabo Verde and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) signed an MoU covering energy, water, agriculture and integrated development, including thermal plant upgrades, renewables, desalination, wastewater reuse and a northern islands development corridor. Adventure Tourism Push: A World Bank-financed partnership between ATTA and the Institute of Tourism of Cabo Verde is helping position the islands for adventure travel, with AdventureWEEK Cabo Verde expected to drive over US$7.1m in visitor spending across 2026-2028. Regional Aviation Safety: BAGAIA moved to strengthen aircraft accident investigation capacity after a board meeting in Abuja, focusing on governance, staffing and funding. Sports Finance & Governance (Ghana): Ghana’s Sports Ministry denies the Black Queens are owed outstanding WAFCON per diems and says allowances were paid in advance, while bonuses remain disputed. Energy Security (Africa): A reported attack on a UAE-linked ADNOC vessel in the Strait of Hormuz raises fuel-supply and cost risks for import-dependent African economies.

Aviation & energy risk: A UAE oil vessel linked to ADNOC was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with the UAE blaming Iran and warning of wider supply-chain knock-ons for import-dependent African economies via higher freight, insurance and fuel prices. Cabo Verde aviation talks: Cabo Verde’s government says it will keep negotiating with Swiss startup Moov Airways on a potential strategic partnership involving state-owned Cabo Verde Airlines, with Moov also pushing an Atlantic Gateway plan and eVTOL ambitions tied to tourism and regional mobility. Cabo Verde–China development: Cabo Verde and China Machinery Engineering Corporation signed an MoU covering energy upgrades and renewables, water and wastewater, agriculture, and projects including a São Vicente waterfront corridor. Adventure tourism push: A World Bank-financed partnership between ATTA and Cabo Verde’s tourism institute is driving AdventureWEEK Cabo Verde, with operators projecting over US$7.1m in visitor spending across 2026-2028 and plans for new itineraries. WAFCON business angle: WAFCON 2026 is set for a first-time champion as Malawi face Cameroon, while Ghana and South Africa’s exits sharpen the race for 2027 Women’s World Cup spots. Ghana payment dispute: Ghana’s Sports Ministry denies the Black Queens are owed outstanding WAFCON per diems, saying allowances were paid in advance and bonuses are being processed—prompting a public back-and-forth with players.

Aviation & investment: Cabo Verde and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) signed an MoU in Praia to cooperate on energy (including thermal plant upgrades and renewables), water (desalination and wastewater reuse), agriculture, and a northern-islands development corridor—aimed at practical medium- and long-term projects. Air connectivity talks: The Cabo Verde government says it will keep negotiating with Swiss startup Moov Airways on a potential strategic partnership involving state-owned Cabo Verde Airlines, after a “positive” first meeting; Moov also plans to bring eVTOL aircraft into Cabo Verde as part of its Atlantic Gateway network. Tourism growth push: A World Bank-financed partnership between the Adventure Travel Trade Association and the Institute of Tourism of Cabo Verde is positioning the islands as a sustainable adventure destination, with AdventureWEEK Cabo Verde expected to drive over US$7.1m in visitor spending across Africa from 2026-2028. Sports diplomacy & brand: Coverage of Cabo Verde’s World Cup run highlights how the country’s global visibility is translating into “brand equity,” while noting that lasting gains depend on the structures built underneath.

Aviation & investment: Cabo Verde is in talks with Swiss startup Moov Airways on a strategic partnership involving state-owned Cabo Verde Airlines, with officials planning a Switzerland visit after a “positive” first meeting; Moov also links the plan to its Atlantic Gateway network and is targeting eVTOL operations across several islands. Tourism push: Cabo Verde’s adventure tourism drive got a boost from a World Bank-financed partnership between ATTA and the Institute of Tourism of Cabo Verde, with AdventureWEEK 2026 expected to spur over US$7.1m in visitor spending across Africa from 2026-2028. Energy & infrastructure cooperation: Cabo Verde and China Machinery Engineering Corporation signed an MoU covering energy (including renewables and grid upgrades), water and agriculture, plus projects such as seawater desalination and a northern-islands development corridor. Regional aviation safety: BAGAIA moved to strengthen aircraft accident investigation capacity and governance after a board meeting in Abuja, hosted by Nigeria’s civil aviation authority. Sports governance dispute (Ghana): Ghana’s Sports Ministry rejected claims that the Black Queens are owed outstanding WAFCON per diems and bonuses, saying allowances were paid in advance and any remaining bonus is being processed.

Aviation & Investment: Cabo Verde is in talks with Swiss startup Moov Airways on a potential strategic partnership tied to stabilising state-owned Cabo Verde Airlines and building an “Atlantic Gateway” network, with officials set to visit Switzerland and Moov also targeting eVTOL aircraft for inter-island and tourism mobility. Tourism Development: A World Bank-financed partnership between the Adventure Travel Trade Association and the Institute of Tourism of Cabo Verde is positioning the islands as a sustainable adventure hiking destination, with AdventureWEEK Cabo Verde expected to drive over US$7.1m in visitor spending across Africa from 2026-2028. Energy & Infrastructure Cooperation: Cabo Verde and China Machinery Engineering Corporation signed an MoU to expand cooperation in energy (including renewables and grid upgrades), water and agriculture (desalination and wastewater reuse), plus projects in São Vicente and a northern development corridor. Sports & Global Branding: Cabo Verde’s World Cup run is being credited with a major “brand equity” boost as global audiences learn the correct pronunciation, while football analysts point to longer-term development structures behind African breakthroughs. Regional Finance Watch: The AfDB warns that in parts of West Africa, external debt interest payments are crowding out healthcare spending, underscoring the need for stronger revenue and debt management.

Adventure Tourism Push: Cabo Verde is positioning itself as a leading adventure destination after a World Bank-financed partnership between the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and the Institute of Tourism of Cabo Verde (ITCV) delivered its first AdventureWEEK in February 2026, bringing 14 international tour operators and media to hike, explore culture and test community-based experiences; operator follow-up data points to potential visitor spending of over US$7.1m across Africa from 2026-2028, with most partners planning new itineraries. China-Cabo Verde Development Deal: Cabo Verde and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) signed an MoU covering energy upgrades and renewables, desalination and smart water management, agriculture, and projects including the Sao Vicente waterfront and a northern islands development corridor. Tourism & Travel Policy Watch: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, a move that could sharply reduce travel demand and raise costs for tourism and business travelers. Regional Aviation Safety: BAGAIA advanced aircraft accident investigation cooperation after a board meeting in Abuja focused on strengthening governance, staffing and funding for safer regional skies. Weather Risk for the Region: Tropical Storm Lala formed in the Central Pacific with heavy rain expected to hit Hawaii’s Big Island and spread to Maui over the weekend, raising flood and mudslide concerns.

Cabo Verde–China Deal: Cabo Verde and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) signed an MoU to deepen cooperation on energy, water, agriculture and integrated development, including thermal power upgrades, renewable energy and storage, seawater desalination, wastewater reuse, smart water management, and a northern-islands development corridor. Sports Finance Clash (Ghana): Ghana’s Sports Ministry says it owes the Black Queens no outstanding WAFCON per diems, citing advance payments on July 29 and a further allowance on August 11, while admitting a bonus is still being processed; the players dispute the timing and amounts and accuse the ministry of not engaging them first. Regional Aviation Safety: BAGAIA advanced regional cooperation on aircraft accident investigation after a board meeting in Abuja, focusing on governance, staffing, finances and implementation of prior decisions. Digital Nomads & Quality of Life: A new ranking of digital-nomad destinations highlights healthcare, safety and peace as key factors, not just affordability—useful context for Cabo Verde’s tourism positioning. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the Atlantic, and forecasters are also tracking a system moving toward the Caribbean and a potential cyclone in the Central Pacific.

Cabo Verde–China Development Push: Cabo Verde and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) signed an MoU covering energy, water, agriculture and integrated development, including thermal power upgrades, renewables and storage, seawater desalination, wastewater reuse, smart water management, and a northern-islands development corridor. Aviation Safety Cooperation: BAGAIA advanced regional aircraft accident investigation capacity after a board meeting in Abuja, focusing on governance, staffing conditions, finances and member-state implementation. Sports Finance Clarity (Ghana): Ghana’s Sports Ministry denied outstanding per diems and bonuses claims by the Black Queens, saying per diems were paid in advance (with a further payment for Morocco stay) and that the group-stage winning bonus is being processed. WAFCON Knockout Shock (Regional): Ghana and South Africa were eliminated within 24 hours in Morocco, ending automatic World Cup qualification hopes and setting up playoff routes. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the Atlantic, while forecasters also track systems near the Cabo Verde area and a Pacific potential cyclone affecting Hawaii. Digital Nomad Safety Rankings: A study ranks the healthiest and safest digital nomad destinations using healthcare, safety, peace, life expectancy and air quality, with Iceland topping the list.

WAFCON fallout for West Africa: Ghana and South Africa were eliminated within 24 hours of each other at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, dashing automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and pushing both into playoff routes. Energy affordability support: National Grid will hold a customer assistance event in Brockton on Aug. 27, offering help with billing questions, payment assistance, arrears management and energy-saving tips. Gender and cooperatives: Senegal launched its National Cooperative Gender Platform at FORA’ESS Dakar 2026, aiming to boost women’s leadership across the co-op sector and influence national policy. Debt pressure on public budgets: The AfDB warns that in West Africa, debt-interest payments in countries like Nigeria and Ghana can rival or exceed healthcare spending, squeezing room for development priorities. Cape Verde connectivity signal: Cape Verde saw a 4% year-on-year drop in total internet subscriptions in Q1 2026, with mobile internet down 16.4% while fixed broadband rose 12.9%. Regional tax modernization: WATAF convened nearly 400 participants to push digital VAT reform across West Africa, targeting stronger domestic revenue mobilization. Trade and travel integration: Chad and the Republic of the Congo plan visa-free entry for all African nationals from Jan. 1, 2027, easing travel and trade across the continent.

Cape Verde Telecom Watch: ARME data shows Cape Verde’s total internet subscriptions fell 4% year-on-year in Q1 2026 to 511,702, with mobile internet down 16.4% while fixed broadband rose 12.9%; phone access still dominates at 86% of the market. Public Finance Pressure: The AfDB warns debt-interest costs are crowding out social spending across West Africa, flagging Nigeria and Ghana where external-debt interest can match or exceed healthcare spending. FX Snapshot: July 2026 saw mixed currency moves versus the US dollar, with the best performers including Botswana pula, Seychellois rupee and Comorian franc, while the Egyptian pound, Ghanaian cedi, Zambian kwacha and Ugandan shilling lagged. Trade & Logistics: Swissport invested in a 630 sq m cold-chain facility at Kilimanjaro International Airport to expand East Africa perishables handling, targeting up to 13,000 tons annually. VAT Modernisation: WATAF gathered nearly 400 participants across 16 countries to push digital VAT reform and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation in West Africa. Tourism Skills Pipeline (Cape Verde): A TUI Academy report highlights vocational training on Sal aimed at feeding the hospitality labour market, even as emigration remains a fallback for young workers.

Digital Connectivity Watch: Cape Verde saw a 4% year-on-year drop in total internet subscriptions in Q1 2026 to 511,702, with mobile subscriptions down 16.4% while fixed broadband rose 12.9%—phone access still dominates at 86% of the market. Public Finance Pressure: The AfDB warns that debt servicing is crowding out social spending across Africa; in West Africa, Nigeria and Ghana stand out where external-debt interest payments can rival or exceed healthcare spending. Tax Reform Push: WATAF gathered nearly 400 participants across 16 countries to advance digital VAT administration and boost domestic revenue mobilisation, with a focus on modernising how VAT is managed across the region. WAFCON Spotlight: WAFCON 2026 heads into the semi-finals with Algeria vs Malawi and Morocco vs Cameroon, as the tournament’s growing stories and coverage debates keep attention on women’s football across Africa. Logistics & Trade: Swissport invested in a new 630 sq m cold-chain facility at Kilimanjaro International Airport to expand handling of temperature-sensitive perishables, targeting capacity constraints and growing regional exports.

Internet & Telecom: Cape Verde saw a 4% year-on-year drop in total internet subscriptions in Q1 2026 to 511,702, with mobile down 16.4% while fixed broadband rose 12.9%—though phone access still makes up 86% of the market. VAT & Tax Modernisation: West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) gathered nearly 400 participants from 16 countries to push digital VAT reform and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, with Cabo Verde among the regional participants. Africa-GCC Investment Push: Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge outlined plans to turn the Africa Pavilion at AIM Congress 2026 into a deal-making platform linking African governments, investors, and entrepreneurs with the Gulf. Tourism, Jobs & Migration Pressure: A report from Sal highlights how vocational training feeds Cape Verde’s tourism labour needs, but emigration remains a fallback as the diaspora outnumbers residents. Food Standards: Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) adopted new commodity and hygiene texts, including updates on allergen labelling and guidance for emergencies. Sports & Business Angle: Coverage of Cape Verde’s World Cup run and WAFCON’s expanding footprint underscores growing regional attention that can translate into sponsorship and fan-driven demand.

Telecom & Connectivity: Cape Verde saw a 4% year-on-year drop in total internet subscriptions in Q1 2026 to 511,702, with mobile subscriptions down 16.4% while fixed broadband rose 12.9%; phone access still dominates at 86% of the market. Digital Tax Reform: WATAF convened nearly 400 participants from 16 countries to push modernization of VAT administration across West Africa, with a strong focus on digital tools to boost domestic revenue. Women’s Football & World Cup Stakes: Cameroon edged Cape Verde 1-1 to top its WAFCON Group D, setting up a quarterfinal with Nigeria; the winners also secure 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification. AfCFTA Awareness Gap: Afrobarometer finds only 13% of Africans have heard of AfCFTA, even as support for easier trade climbs to 62%, with Cabo Verde among the higher-awareness countries at 24%. Tourism, Jobs & Youth Migration: A report highlights how vocational training linked to tourism (e.g., TUI Academy on Sal) is trying to keep young Cape Verdeans in-country, but emigration remains a major pressure. Regional Finance Resilience: A broader Africa public finance piece points to the growing push for fiscal transparency as debt burdens rise, citing Senegal’s disclosure of previously unrecorded liabilities.

US Visa Bond Policy: The US Department of State has made its visa bond programme permanent, requiring some African travellers (including Cabo Verde) to post refundable bonds up to $20,000 for B-1/B-2 visas, with consular officers deciding case-by-case to curb overstays while keeping business and tourism travel moving. West Africa Tax Digitalization: WATAF brought nearly 400 participants from 16 countries to push digital VAT reform, aiming to modernize VAT administration and boost sustainable domestic revenue mobilization across the region. Cabo Verde Tourism & Jobs: A feature from Sal highlights how vocational training linked to tourism (like TUI Academy) is trying to keep young people employed locally, even as emigration remains a major pressure point. Cabo Verde in Regional Football: Cameroon advanced to WAFCON quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw with Cape Verde, setting up a high-stakes clash with Nigeria where World Cup qualification is also on the line. Diaspora Voting Debate (Regional): Liberia’s push for out-of-country voting ahead of 2029 elections underscores how diaspora participation is becoming a mainstream political and administrative agenda across West Africa. Weather Watch: Forecasters are monitoring tropical waves in the Atlantic, with potential development that could lead to the next named storm, Cristobal.

VAT Modernisation: West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) brought nearly 400 participants from 16 countries to Abuja to push digital VAT reform and boost domestic revenue, with Cabo Verde among the represented states. Tourism & Jobs Pressure: A new report from Sal highlights how Cape Verde’s tourism growth still isn’t stopping emigration, as young people weigh hospitality training against leaving for work abroad. Diaspora Voting Debate: Liberia’s push for out-of-country voting by 2029 is gaining momentum, underscoring how diaspora participation is becoming a live political and administrative issue across the region. US Visa Bond Rules: The US has made a permanent visa bond programme for business and tourist visas, with Cabo Verde listed among affected countries—raising the cost and friction of travel for some visitors. WAFCON Knockout Stakes: Cameroon edged Cape Verde in Group D to set up a quarter-final with Nigeria, with World Cup qualification on the line for winners.

Tourism & Jobs: Cabo Verde’s tourism boom is still not stopping emigration. A report from Sal highlights young workers training for hospitality roles (including via the TUI Academy), but notes the country has more citizens abroad than at home, with the sector now around a quarter of GDP and nearly one million visitors in 2024. Diaspora & Voting Rights: Liberia’s push for out-of-country voting ahead of 2029 is gaining momentum, with debate focused on whether the legal and electoral systems can be built in time—an issue that will resonate across West Africa’s diaspora politics, including Cabo Verde-linked communities. U.S. Visa Bond Policy: The U.S. made its refundable visa bond programme permanent for citizens of 30 African countries, including Cabo Verde, with bond amounts up to $20,000 for certain B-1/B-2 applicants—raising compliance and travel-cost concerns. AfCFTA Awareness: Afrobarometer data shows only 13% of Africans have heard of AfCFTA, though support for easier trade is rising; Cabo Verde sits among the higher-awareness countries at about 24%. Regional Aviation Safety: Nigeria hosted BAGAIA board talks, reaffirming West African cooperation to strengthen accident investigation capacity and aviation safety.