President Ursula von der Leyen met with Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva of Cabo Verde during the 2025 Global Gateway Forum. The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the EU and Cabo Verde on renewable energy, maritime infrastructure, and digital transformation under EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
As Cabo Verde celebrates 50 years of independence, this cooperation reflects not only the country’s achievements in good governance but also its strategic importance for Europe as a reliable partner in these areas. The EU-Cabo Verde Special Partnership continues to support shared priorities, scaling up Global Gateway investments in renewable energy, ports, and digital infrastructure, and reinforcing the green and digital transitions, energy independence, and regional connectivity.
The EU and Cabo Verde are deepening their cooperation through Global Gateway. At this year’s Global Gateway Forum, the European Commission and other Team Europe actors will announce over €200 million in new investments supporting renewable energy, ports, and digital infrastructure.
Among the major initiatives:
- The Cabeólica Wind and Storage Project, supported by a €39 million European Investment Bank loan, represents a flagship investment in renewable energy. The project aims to generate 13.5 MW of wind power and increase battery storage, reinforcing Cabo Verde’s energy sovereignty and leadership in green transition across West Africa.
- Through a €148 million investment in the Blue Economy Ports initiative, Cabo Verde is modernising four strategic ports-Mindelo, Porto Novo, Palmeira, and Praia-along with expanding the CABNAVE shipyard. These upgrades enhance the country’s position as a vital Atlantic maritime hub while creating new opportunities for regional and international trade.
- €20 million programme of budget support and technical assistance by the EU, advancing reforms in energy, ports, and digital governance while reinforcing social protection. This Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, the European Investment Bank, Spain, Luxembourg, Portugal, and international financial institutions, ensures that investments are matched by policy dialogue and long-term sustainability.
Together, these projects support Cabo Verde’s long-term development goals, as outlined in ‘Cabo Verde – Ambition 2030’. In line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the partnership promotes sustainable, green, and inclusive growth by strengthening key sectors such as renewable energy, the blue economy, and digitalisation.
Background
EU-Cabo Verde partnership
The European Union and Cabo Verde are working together to build a sustainable and inclusive economy. Through Global Gateway, we are investing in energy transition with the goal of reaching 50% renewable energy by 2030, a resilient blue economy, digitalisation, social protection, and sustainable tourism.
Global Gateway Forum
The Global Gateway Forum brings together leaders from the European Union and across the globe, alongside the private sector, civil society, thought leaders, financial institutions and international organisations to promote sustainable investment worldwide.
Global Gateway
Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. Through a Team Europe approach, it aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments by 2027, closing the global investment gap and creating lasting links rather than dependencies.
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