Abuja, Nigeria – Cabo Verde’s delegation has presented a largely positive report on the country’s political, security, and socio-economic situation to the ongoing session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja. The report, delivered by members Orlando Dias, Rosa Rocha, Isa Costa, Carlos Tavares, and Nelson Brito, highlighted the nation’s commitment to democratic principles, increasing economic diversification, and efforts to combat poverty.
The delegation underscored Cabo Verde’s long-standing reputation as a stable democracy, noting the peaceful conduct of recent municipal elections in December 2024. The African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde (PAICV) emerged as the main winner, securing control of 15 out of 22 municipalities. The report emphasized the transparency of the electoral process, citing the confirmation by national and international observers.
On the security front, the report acknowledged Cabo Verde’s vulnerability to drug trafficking due to its strategic location. However, it stressed the government’s ongoing investment in border security and the positive impact of international cooperation. A significant development highlighted was the inauguration in Praia of the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre for Zone G in January this year. The government believes this centre will be crucial for implementing the regional maritime security strategy. The acquisition of a multi-functional King Air 360ER aircraft to bolster the capabilities of the Coast Guard was also presented as a key step in enhancing national security, particularly in maritime safety and emergency response. Despite these efforts, the report cited 2023 data from the National Institute of Statistics indicating that over 50% of those surveyed believe the government’s actions on security are effective, suggesting room for improvement in public perception.
The humanitarian situation in Cabo Verde was described as generally positive, with the report referencing the country’s Second National Report on Human Rights (2010-2019). Achievements in democratic stability, education, healthcare, gender equality, and press freedom were noted. Cabo Verde’s strong performance in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index, ranking 30th out of 180 countries in 2025 (an 11-place improvement), was particularly highlighted. The report also detailed legislative progress in protecting children’s rights and advancements in women’s representation in politics following the 2019 Parity Act, which led to 37.5% of parliamentary seats being held by women. On the rights of immigrants, the report stated there are no significant complaints of violations and that ECOWAS citizens constitute the majority of the 10,865 immigrants recorded in the 2021 census, with 37.4% originating from Guinea-Bissau, 11.3% from Senegal, and 4.9% from Nigeria.
The socio-economic situation formed a significant part of the presentation. While acknowledging structural challenges such as a narrow domestic market and dependence on external factors, the delegation emphasized the ongoing commitment to economic diversification. Tourism remains a major driver, accounting for 25% of GDP, 75% of FDI, and 39% of jobs. However, the report pointed to growth in the digital and blue economies as key areas of focus. A notable success story is the Promotion of Electric Mobility Project (ProMEC), which aims to introduce 600 electric vehicles and has already significantly reduced CO₂ emissions, earning international recognition.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was acknowledged, with a sharp 19.3% GDP contraction in 2020. However, the report highlighted a strong recovery in subsequent years, with growth of 17.7% in 2022 and 5.4% in 2023. The forecast for 2024 is a robust 7.3%, driven by diversification in tourism, the digital economy, and the blue economy, with a projected 5.3% growth for 2025. Public debt, which peaked at 157% of GDP during the pandemic, has been on a downward trajectory, projected to reach 110% in 2024.
Efforts to promote social inclusion and combat poverty were also detailed. The absolute poverty rate has fallen from 35.5% in 2015 to 24.75% in 2023, while extreme poverty has been halved to 2.28% in the same period. The unemployment rate has also seen a downward trend, reaching 8.8% in the second quarter of 2024, attributed to the economic recovery and targeted employment policies.
Regarding the implementation of ECOWAS texts, Cabo Verde reiterated its commitment to regional integration, having ratified 47 agreements, conventions, and treaties. Challenges remain, particularly concerning the payment of the Community Levy, for which the government is seeking a solution, noting that it has paid over 1.2 billion escudos between 2008 and 2025. The delegation also emphasized the importance of improved sea and air connectivity for Cabo Verde’s full integration into the regional free movement of persons and goods. While air links have seen improvement with the arrival of ASKY airline, the delayed implementation of the Praia-Dakar maritime component of the Dakar-Abidjan road corridor was highlighted as a significant obstacle.
Finally, the report touched on the status of macroeconomic convergence criteria. While Cabo Verde has made progress in areas such as overall balance/GDP and GDP growth rate, public debt remains above the ECOWAS target. Inflation saw a significant peak in 2022 but has since fallen sharply, with a projected rate of 1.0% for 2024. The country’s net international reserves were reported to be healthy, covering over six months of imports.
The Cabo Verde delegation concluded by reaffirming its commitment to ECOWAS and its objectives, expressing gratitude to Nigeria for hosting the parliamentary session. The report paints a picture of a resilient nation making strides in various sectors while navigating regional and global challenges.
Analysis:
Cabo Verde’s report to the ECOWAS Parliament presents a generally positive outlook for the island nation. The emphasis on democratic stability and the successful conduct of elections reinforces its image as a politically mature state within the region. The focus on economic diversification beyond traditional tourism is a prudent strategy to mitigate vulnerabilities to external shocks, as demonstrated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth in the digital and blue economies, coupled with the commitment to renewable energy and electric mobility, signals a forward-looking approach to sustainable development.
The progress in poverty reduction and the declining unemployment rate are encouraging indicators of improved social welfare. However, the persistent challenge of high public debt remains a key concern, although the reported downward trajectory is a positive sign. The delegation’s frank discussion of the difficulties in implementing the ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and Goods, particularly the lack of adequate maritime connectivity, highlights a crucial barrier to Cabo Verde’s deeper regional integration. The reliance on air transport and the high per capita Community Levy burden underscore the unique geographical and economic realities faced by the archipelago.
The report’s transparency in acknowledging both achievements and ongoing challenges is noteworthy. By presenting concrete data and outlining specific initiatives, the Cabo Verde delegation has provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s current situation and its engagement within the ECOWAS framework. The call for consideration of Cabo Verde’s specific circumstances regarding the Community Levy reflects the need for a nuanced approach to regional integration that takes into account the diverse realities of member states.
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