Mindelo Tech Park Ignites Cabo Verde’s Digital Future.

Friday 16th May 2025

Par inAfrika Reporter

Cabo Verde has taken a decisive step toward becoming a leading digital hub with the inauguration of the Mindelo Technology Park, the second campus of the TechPark CV project financed by the African Development Bank. The EUR 51.85 million initiative, of which EUR 45.5 million was provided by the Bank, underscores a shared vision to connect Africa with global markets and diversify Cabo Verde’s economy beyond tourism and traditional sectors. Located on São Vicente Island, the Mindelo campus joins its sister site in Praia to create a unified platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva celebrated the park as a transformative engine for growth. He noted that the digital economy currently represents about seven percent of GDP but aims to reach twenty‑five percent through targeted support for startups, technology firms, and vocational training. Emphasizing job creation, the Prime Minister highlighted that quality employment in technology not only retains local talent but also attracts leading international companies seeking a strategic mid‑Atlantic base.

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, described the completion of both campuses as a turning point in Cabo Verde’s diversification journey. He pointed out that by 2025 the digital economy could contribute as much as USD 180 billion to Africa’s GDP, rising to USD 712 billion by 2050. Cabo Verde stands to benefit from these trends and from a global digital economy projected to reach USD 16.5 trillion by 2028. According to Dr. Adesina, the parks will “spark the spirit of digital innovation” and “spur the emergence of technology‑enabled businesses” that will drive sustainable development.

TechPark CV President Carlos Monteiro emphasized the project’s strategic and cultural significance. He said the park’s unique location makes Cabo Verde “a gateway linking Africa, Europe, and the Americas,” while fostering “morabeza,” the national spirit of hospitality and collaboration. Monteiro believes the park’s welcoming environment will encourage innovators from diverse backgrounds to work together, accelerating technology transfer and creating a vibrant digital ecosystem for local and international partners alike.

Architect Fernando Mauricio Dos Santos explained that sustainability and security guided the campus design. The U‑shaped complex features a secure, basement‑level data centre that meets national security requirements without disrupting the residential neighborhood. Its orientation harnesses southern sunlight for natural lighting and shields against northeast winds, reducing energy consumption. Heavy refrigeration and technical equipment are contained within a specialized technical box, seamlessly integrating advanced infrastructure into Mindelo’s urban fabric.

The Mindelo campus houses a business incubation hub, a training centre, and a high‑performance data facility. With ten resident companies from four countries and 125 young professionals already employed, the site’s occupancy rate stands at 80 percent of its 25 office spaces. Tenants benefit from special digital economic zone incentives, including tax breaks for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health firms. This supportive environment aims to accelerate startup growth and attract established technology companies.

Early adopters have reported significant gains in operational efficiency and market reach since establishing themselves in Mindelo. Training programs on cloud computing, software development, and digital marketing equip students and entrepreneurs with in‑demand skills, feeding talent pipelines for both local enterprises and multinational firms. By linking academic institutions, private firms, and government agencies, the park fosters a holistic approach to innovation that aligns education with industry needs.

As the ribbon was cut, Dr. Adesina offered words of encouragement to the entrepreneurs and innovators embarking on this journey. He invoked the legacy of Cesária Évora, whose voice carried Mindelo’s spirit to the world, urging the park’s participants to “keep moving on and moving up.” With robust infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and a clear policy framework, the Mindelo Technology Park is poised to amplify Cabo Verde’s presence on the global digital stage and drive inclusive economic growth for years to come.