By AfricaHeadline | Mindelo, Cabo Verde
In a landmark step toward digital transformation, Cabo Verde has officially inaugurated the Mindelo campus of TechPark CV, the second of its kind in the country, with funding from the African Development Bank. The initiative reinforces the archipelago’s ambition to become a strategic digital hub bridging Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on 6 May 2025, brought together senior government officials, international development partners, and tech industry leaders. Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina jointly presided over the opening in a celebration marked by optimism and ambition.
The TechPark CV project, valued at €51.85 million, received €45.5 million in financing from the African Development Bank Group, covering both the Praia and Mindelo campuses. The new Mindelo facility boasts a state-of-the-art data centre, an incubator for startups, and a training hub, all designed to cultivate talent, attract investment, and fast-track Cabo Verde’s entry into the digital economy.
A Vision for Digital Growth and Economic Diversification
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Correia e Silva framed the opening as a pivotal moment in the nation’s development:
“Today we inaugurate a technological hub with the firm belief that we are witnessing the birth of a new era. From São Vicente’s shores to global markets, this infrastructure is crucial to positioning Cabo Verde’s digital economy as a major contributor to national GDP—growing from 7% to a projected 25%.”
He underscored the park’s role in job creation and innovation:
“This sector doesn’t just create jobs—it creates quality employment. It drives entrepreneurship and harnesses the potential of our youth. We aim to attract global firms and empower startups. The future lies in digital skills, and the Mindelo park is our launchpad.”
AfDB: Powering Africa’s Digital Leap
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, head of the African Development Bank, called the moment “a turning point” in Cabo Verde’s path toward economic diversification:
“These technology parks mark a bold leap forward. They will ignite digital innovation and fuel a new wave of tech-driven enterprises, not just in Cabo Verde but across the region.”
He added that Cabo Verde is now strategically placed to benefit from Africa’s expanding digital economy, expected to contribute $180 billion to continental GDP by 2025 and soar to $712 billion by 2050.
“By 2028, the global digital economy will be worth $16.5 trillion. With these parks, Cabo Verde is claiming its place in that future,” he said.
Where Culture Meets Code
Carlos Monteiro, President of TechPark CV, described the venture as a cultural and economic turning point:
“TechPark CV is the manifestation of our dream to turn Cabo Verde into a digital bridge between continents. Mindelo is more than just a tech zone—it’s a beacon of opportunity, powered by the spirit of morabeza, our warmth and hospitality.”
He emphasized the project’s inclusive vision:
“This isn’t just infrastructure; it’s a living ecosystem where entrepreneurs from across cultures converge, collaborate, and co-create sustainable progress.”
Architecture Aligned with Innovation
Project architect Fernando Mauricio Dos Santos revealed the design’s blend of functionality and sustainability:
“The U-shaped campus structure not only optimizes sunlight and resists Atlantic winds—it integrates seamlessly with Mindelo’s urban fabric. We’ve embedded national security infrastructure while maintaining environmental balance and aesthetic harmony.”
The facility currently houses 10 companies from four nations and employs 125 young professionals—80% of office spaces are already occupied. Designated as a special digital economic zone, the park offers attractive tax incentives to firms working in AI, cybersecurity, digital health, and fintech.
A Gateway to Africa’s Digital Renaissance
The Mindelo campus is now fully operational, joining the Praia site to complete the TechPark CV project. Together, the two campuses represent more than just physical spaces—they symbolize Cabo Verde’s leap into a knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Adesina closed the event with a powerful message:
“You will make it. You will grow. You will thrive. Just as the voice of Cesária Évora rose from Mindelo to captivate the world, so too will this Tech Park shine as a lighthouse of innovation, echoing across Africa and beyond. Keep moving forward.”
With both campuses now active, Cabo Verde steps into a new chapter—one where innovation meets ambition, and where a small island nation becomes a digital force with global reach.
