The government of Cape Verde has officially launched Tech Park Cape Verde (TechPark CV), described as a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation strategy.
Designed as a centre of excellence for technology companies, the park is part of Cape Verde’s broader ambition to establish itself as the Tech Islands of West Africa – a regional hub connecting West Africa, Europe, and the Americas through digital services and innovation.
TechPark CV includes fully equipped facilities such as a data centre, a disaster recovery site, a business centre, an incubation centre, a civic event centre and a training and qualification centre across its two campuses, one located in Praia on Santiago Island and the other in Mindelo on São Vicente Island.
A central goal of the park is to advance emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These efforts are backed by strong government support and competitive tax incentives.
As a Special Economic Zone for Technologies (ZEET), TechPark CV offers benefits including VAT and import tax exemptions, and a reduced 2.5% corporate tax rate for eligible companies.
The EUR51.85 million (US$58.78 million) project, developed in two phases with EUR45.5 million (US$51.6 million) in African Development Bank financing, has evolved from concept to a thriving technology centre since operations began in 2023.
The park reportedly now hosts 23 companies from seven countries, employs 311 young professionals, and has reached full occupancy of its 52 office spaces. It has the capacity to host up to 1,500 workers. Equipped with advanced infrastructure, the park is designed to nurture technology enterprises, foster collaboration with academic institutions, and create job opportunities for local talent.
The park has expanded its training programmes from six in 2023 to 50 in the first quarter of 2025, upskilling 2,769 people in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development.
The TechPark CV inauguration drew more than 100 international firms and major global players such as Intel, Microsoft, and Smart Africa, as well as hundreds of government officials, entrepreneurs, and academia.
Aligned with its regional strategy, TechPark CV will also work with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote innovation across the region.
