eBizguides
CAPE VERDE
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
CREDITS It is always good to know who worked hard for this Guide. Many talented people and many wonderful stories have gone into making it. Here is the list of those involved:
PRODUCTION Producer: Pascal Belda Executive Director: Vanessa de Sampaio e Melo Regional Project Directors: Nayra Delgado and Tatjana Vetter-Blanckenstein Local Project Director: Maria Cruz Ferreira Costa Associate Production: Hind Fakir Editorial Support: Carlos Aparicio Advertising Agency: OPAL Agency, Praia, Santiago island, Cape Verde
EDITION We appreciate the support and information provided by PWC Cape Verde and BDO Audit Cape Verde, CVI “Cabo Verde Investimentos” and Directel Written and edited by: eBizguides Design and layout: Iria Salgado Photos: All pictures by eBizguides; José Vaz Furtado and Santiago Golf Resort (surrenders of photo image copyrights).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following people for their contribution and support: Hon. Pedro Pires, President of the Republic of Cape Verde; Hon. Jose Maria Pereira Neves, Prime Minister of the Republic Cape Verde Hon. Sara Maria Duarte Lopes, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and of Qualification and Employment; Hon. Filomena de Fátima Ribeiro Vieira Martins, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Hon. Maria Cristina Lopes Almeida Fontes Lima, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Reform of the State and of National Defence; Hon. Cristina Duarte, Minister of Finances and Public Administration; Hon. Dr. Ramiro Andrade Alves Azevedo, Minister of Decentralization, Housing and Zoning; Hon. Eng° Manuel Inocêncio Sousa, Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Sea; Hon. Silvino Cesário Lopes, Counsellor of Cape Verde in Spain; Hon. Fernando Whanon, Ambassador of Cape Verde in Brussels To all the staff working at both “Sotavento” & “Barlavento” Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services as well as to everyone in CVI, “Cabo Verde Investimentos” and in Hotel Pestana Trópico, Hotel Oásis Praiamar Atlântico, Kappa, Café Casa Mindelo and Hotel Riu. We would also like to thank the heads of the following companies, for their sponsorship and support, without whom this eBizguides would not have been possible: Hotel Perola; PWC/PriceWaterhouseCoopers; Opal, Agencia de publicidad; Europcar; VAS Cabo Verde; MundialTur; Praiatur; Novatur; Directel; BDO Capeaudit; Caixa Económica; Hotel Pestana Trópico; Hotel Oásis Praiamar Atlântico; ECV, Agencia de cambio; HBC, Hidráulica, Betão e Construções, Lda; Engic; ASA, Aeroportos e Segurança Aérea; Mindel Hotel, Editur, Jean Piaget University, Bolsa de Valores de Cabo Verde. We would like as well to show our appreciation to our friends in Cape Verde, especially: Ana Cristina Hopffer Almada, Margarida, Erylsis Hernández, José Rocha, José Castillo, Brito, Luís Filipe Tavares, Scapa, Carlota, Mercedes, Mari, Pin, Dona Lucia, Mario e Mara, Daniel, José, Angela, Mongoli, Armand Fouin, Aisha, Marco Antonio, Paz, Angela Silva, Maria João Baptista Isidoro and Sol.
DISCLAIMER While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, this cannot be guaranteed and neither eBizguides nor any related entity shall have any liability to any person or entity who relies on the information contained in this publication. This publication is not a substitute for professional advice on services, and it should not be acted on or relied upon or used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect you or your business. Any such reliance is solely at the user’s risk.
World Investment News Inc Customer Service: Tel: +34 91 787 38 70, Fax: +34 91 787 3889 Email: guide.info@ebizguides.com, Website: www.ebizguides.com
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Printed by: China Printing Corporation ISBN: 84-935202-5-0
eBizguides CAPE VERDE
How to use this guide The goal of eBizguides is to offer extensive economic and
country’s economy itself. Through personal interviews
investment information on a country, with a focus on the
with the most important business people in the country,
top companies, while offering the best tourism and lei-
we then provide our readers with privileged information
sure information for your spare time. With this, we
and sector analysis, including introductions written by
believe that our readers can get fully acquainted with the
key decision-makers in the sector, such as government
country, before investing in it long term.
ministers.
This book comprises three major sections, which deal
You will also find fact files of all the major corporations,
with general information, the country’s economy and
outlining their business activities, key projects and any
leisure.
investment opportunities. We consider this to include some of the most invaluable information for business
General Information
globetrotters.
Background information on the country is coupled with the main business resources available to you.
Leisure For you to fall in love with the country, we also showcase
The Cape Verdean Economy
the best spots to visit, essential areas to discover, the top
This section of the book starts off with an in-depth look
hotels and restaurants, and much more.
at the country’s investment and legal framework, and the
Icons eBiz Recommended
Notice
These companies were particular favou-
This indicates that the information is
rites of our team during their stay; this
important and something to take notice
stamp is mostly given to restaurants,
of when planning, or during, your stay.
hotels, and so on. B.eBiz & L.eBiz eBiz Recommended Partner
These are the two mascots of eBizguides.
Our team has been interviewing the heads
B.eBiz is always thinking about the best busi-
of many companies; when they choose to
ness opportunities and L.eBiz is more relaxed
allocate this stamp to a company, it is
and wants to enjoy life. They highlight the
because they themselves have received
pages where you can find business and leisure
reliable service from the company.
information.
Legends Top Companies Proverbs
This is a listing of the top companies that eBizguides
These local phrases will help you to understand the
encountered during their time in the country.
popular culture in the country better. Perhaps you can Blue Boxes
even use them yourself.
This is useful insider information that will help you to assess the country, do business and enjoy your stay.
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
PRIME MINISTER OF CAPE VERDE
Jose Maria Pereira Neves
It is my pleasure to welcome eBizguides readers to invest and take advantage of trade opportunities in Cape Verde. The developments that have taken place in Cape Verde since the late 1990s position the country as an ideal destination for investors. I am confident that this representative guide will contribute to enhancing the awareness of foreign investors about our beautiful country.
Cape Verde is a country whose unique geography and history have played an important role in facilitating good governance. Cape Verde’s growth rate has been double that of African countries as a whole. In addition, Cape Verde enjoys political rights and civil liberties that favour the investment climate. Indeed, Cape Verde has shown its development as it has been reclassified as a ‘middle-income country’ due to foreign investments in infrastructure and tourism.
Our key goal is the modernization of our companies, our public organizations, our labour relations, and mainly our infrastructure – water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications, ports, airports, roads – and not forgetting education as one of our main objectives and achievements. Education is key for progress and as such many development actions for capacity-building through education are currently being implemented in Cape Verde. Also, Cape Verde pays particular attention to the development of an independent press.
Cape Verde was one of the first countries to sign the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and today espouses equal opportunities in many aspects of its daily work and development, such as in governance, with many women in government holding high-level positions.
Cape Verde’s attractiveness as an investment destination relies on its multiparty stable democracy, its support for direct foreign investment, its huge growth potential in the tourism industry, the improvements made in infrastructure, the strong public and private investments present in the country and, of course, its beauty.
I encourage business and leisure readers of this guide to visit us in Cape Verde and see for themselves the abundant business opportunities our country and the region have to offer.
Jose Maria Pereira Neves Prime Minister of Cape Verde
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
Contents
Did You Know? ..........................................................................................................8 Cape Verde Fact File ................................................................................................12 General Information ................................................................................................15 Business Resources ..................................................................................................31
Cape Verdean Economy ................................................................47 to 187 Investment & Legal Framework ..............................................................................47 The Cape Verdean Economy ....................................................................................63 Agriculture & Fisheries ..........................................................................................71 Energy & Water........................................................................................................81 Finance & Banking ..................................................................................................91 Industry & Trade ..................................................................................................109 Public Services ......................................................................................................119 Public Works & Housing ......................................................................................129 Tourism ................................................................................................................145 Transport & Communications ..............................................................................159
Leisure ........................................................................................183 to 228 Islands ....................................................................................................................188
Basic Vocabulary ..................................................................................223 Sources & Useful Websites ....................................................................225 Company Index ......................................................................................226
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
Did You Know? • Legend tells that the Cape Verdean islands were the crumbs that fell from God’s fingers when he brushed his hands together having finished creating the world.
• Going to Cape Verde means travelling through the history and culture of a population that is a real fusion between Europe and Africa. This cultural melting-pot is evident everywhere. It is even possible to find people who are blood brothers who seem to come from distinct races.
• Cape Verde has volcanic origins and is positioned between parallels 15 and 17 of the north latitude. They are located 1,000km from the Spanish Canary Islands, 450km from Senegal’s coast, and 3,600km from the Caribbean islands. These beautiful islands situated off the west coast of Africa still generate big debate about their discovery. It is more likely that Cape Verde’s islands were uninhabited when the Portuguese landed there in 1456. However, it is not certain whether it was really the Portuguese who discovered them. Historians believe that this discovery is rather more likely to have been by Venetian and Genovese navigators. We also know that Senegalese fishermen frequented these islands for a long time.
• Cape Verde is an obligatory stop in the middle of the ocean and is composed of 10 islands, nine inhabited and one uninhabited, and eight islets located at the crossroads of the three continents that border the Atlantic. The islands are divided into two groups: Barlavento (Windwards) and Sotavento (Leewards). In the former group are the islands of São Vicente, Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Sal and Boa Vista, along with the smaller islands of Branco and Raso; the Sotavento group comprises the islands of Santiago, Maio, Fogo, Sal and Brava.
• The name Boa Vista has its origins from the exclamation “Captain, good sight!” (“Boa vista!”) instead of the traditional “Land ahoy”. This is due to the joy of a sailor who had seen the island through the porthole of a vessel that faced a fearful tempest. Its climate is one of the most arid in the archipelago: it is like a piece of the Sahara lost in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Brava is reachable only by sea. Due to its altitude, Brava is the wettest and the greenest of all the islands. With its abundance of flowers it is also known as Ilha das Flores (Island of Flowers). It is the smallest island of the archipelago with the exception of the uninhabited Santa Luzia.
• At the beginning, Fogo was called San Filipe. Later, and quite appropriately, its name was changed to Fogo (Fire) as it has an active volcano that erupted in 1951. It is also the location of the highest peak, which rises to 9,281ft (2,829 metres).
• Portuguese navigators Diogo Gomes and Antonio di Noli discovered Maio Island on 1st May 1460. The island took the name of its month’s discovery date, Maio’ in Portuguese.
• Sal was discovered in 1640 and was first known as Llana or Plana, meaning ‘flat’. It was given its present name when a lagoon in a crater of an extinct volcano was discovered where, after the rains, salt was produced. This crater is now known as Pedra do Lume. Sal is the flattest and most touristy island because of the beauty of its white sand
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
Did You Know? beaches, its turquoise waters and the numerous nautical activities on offer. A visit to its salt mines is a must, as is a walking trip across the island.
• The first Cape Verdeans were born at Cidade Velha on Santiago Island, a meeting point for the first Europeans and Negroes coming from the west coast of Africa to settle and cultivate the islands of Cape Verde. Santiago is the island where some original African traditions remain, such as children carried on the back, the mystic faiths, the music and the batuque dances.
• Santa Luzia was inhabited and already possessed of a small agricultural community by the eighteenth century.
• Santo Antão is a mountainous island that offers great trekking opportunities through its green and dense valleys, where sugar cane and bananas are abundantly cultivated. It is also famous for its traditional feasts and Grogue, the Cape Verdean brandy. It is known as the artistic, cultural and party island. The Baia das Gatas carnival and festival in August is the most important theatrical event in the country. It is a dry, mountainous and gently elevated island. Cesaria Evora lives in its capital, the archipelago’s second most important city, Mindelo.
• São Nicolau is an island covered with old volcanoes and ancient dragon trees, wild landscapes, numerous mountains and beaches. It is famous for its high-sea fishing activity and the mysterious medicinal Tarrafal’s black sand…
• São Vicente was discovered on St Vincent’s Day – 22nd January – in 1462. The island remained practically uninhabited until the middle of the nineteenth century.
• Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and since 1991 Cape Verde has had a democratic government, which is very open and encouraging of overseas investment and developing the private sector.
• Cape Verdeans are used to saying that in their ‘ungrateful’ land, without water and with few economic resources, their major asset is themselves. They call it ‘Morabeza’, which means amiability and hospitality – fundamental features that describe this population’s way of being. These qualities define the way the people are used to sharing the few things they have.
• Repeated droughts during the second half of the twentieth century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde’s expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Remittences representing about 40% of the country GDP.
• Cape Verde’s agriculture and fishing contribute only 10% to the nation’s GDP. The government, through legislation and fiscal incentives, has been actively encouraging tourism development to diversify the economy.
• Cape Verde is home to a variety of musical styles: ‘morna’, ‘coladeira’, ‘funana’, ‘mazurka’, ‘batuko’ and ‘contradança’ are some of its most important genres. African and Brazilian music are also very much appreciated.
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
Did You Know? • Cape Verde is known across the world thanks to its music. Cesaria Evora, the ‘barefoot diva’, is the island’s principal musical ambassador. With her voice she opened the archipelago to the world.
• Approximately 3,000 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) breed in Boa Vista and Sal annually, making these areas the second-most important breeding site in the entire Atlantic Ocean.
• Cape Verde’s biodiversity is important at a global level as it includes many endemic species of plants, birds, insects, as well as marine species. Its beaches provide important breeding sites and feeding grounds for endangered marine turtles and humpback whales that are frequently seen around Boa Vista and Sal, Boa Vista’s northern neighbour.
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eBizguides CAPE VERDE
Cape Verde Fact File Land Area: Total Population: Population in:
4,033km2 475,948 (2005) Boa Vista – 5,398 Brava – 6,462 Fogo – 37 Maio – 7,506 Sal – 17,631 Santiago – 266,161 São Nicolau – 13,310 São Vicente – 74,136 Santo Antão – 47,484
Capital:
Praia
Other Main Cities:
Mindelo (S. Vicente Island), S. Filipe (Fogo Island), Assomada (Santiago Island)
International Airports:
Amilcar Cabral Airport (Sal Island), Praia Airport (Santiago Island), Boavista Airport, and S. Vicente Airport
Main Ports:
Porto Grande (São Vicente Island) and Porto da Praia (Santiago Island)
GDP:
US $1,036 million
GDP Per Capita: Inflation:
US $1,930.2 0.4%
Government System: Head of State:
Parliamentary President Pedro Verona Pires
Official Languages:
Portuguese
Climate:
Tropical dry
Average Outdoor Temperature: Weather in Praia:
24ºC Hottest month: August Coldest month: January Driest month: November to June Wettest month: July to October
Measurements:
Metric
Fiscal Year: Time:
January 1st to December 31st GMT less 1 hour
Electricity:
220V
Currency:
CVE – Cape Verdian escudos
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I N F O R M A T I O N
Kavalu di Déus ê manku, má ê ta tchiga God’s horse is lame, but it arrives Cape Verdean proverb 15
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G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
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HISTORY
Verde became an important commercial slave post with the expansion of the commercial routes.
Although there are some references to the passage of Romans, Arabs and Greeks to Cape Verde, as well as the
The slave trade became a highly profitable business, and
supposition that some African populations had some
the agricultural activities carried out in the nearest island
contact with the islands, at the time considered by many
of Fogo contributed greatly to the enrichment and the
historians as the official date of discovery of the archipe-
renowned prestige of the islands, particularly of the
lago, that is 1460, it was not inhabited. It is widely
village of Ribeira Grande, presently referred to as Cidade
accepted that in 1460 the Genovese and Portuguese
Velha, located on the island of Santiago.
navigators António di Noli and Diogo Gomes, both in the service of the Portuguese Crown, discovered and regis-
The decline of the economy of the archipelago started
tered the first five islands of the archipelago. In 1462, the
when the Portuguese Crown allowed slaves to be taken
navigator Diogo Afonso would discover the other islands.
directly to Guinea without making a stopover in Cape
At this date, the settlement of the archipelago started
Verde. In addition, the islands were frequently attacked
with free Europeans and slaves from the African coast.
by pirates and struck by long and constant droughts.
The island of Santiago was the first one to be colonized
Emigration became the solution for many Cape Verdeans, which is why the emigrant population is now
and recognized.
well above the local resident population. The community In the beginning, the settlement of the islands was very
in the diaspora maintains strong ties with the homeland,
difficult due to the poor natural resources and the unfa-
both in cultural terms and through the remittance of
vourable climate conditions. The Portuguese Crown
moneys that are an important source of incoming
offered a number of benefits so that settlement would be
currency to the country.
more appealing, a decision that proved right as Cape City of Sâo Vicente (air view)
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The affirmation of the Cape Verdean nation happened
History of the Flag
on National Independence Day, 5th July 1975, and on 13th January 1991 the multiparty system was introduced
The Cape Verde flag was adopted on 22nd September
in the country. Since then a parliamentary democratic
1992, when Cape Verde finally severed its ties with
system of government, with all the institutions of a
Guinea Bissau.
modern democracy, based on free elections, has been established in the country. Cape Verde is a politically and
Prior to 1992, the similarity between the two nations’
socially stable country, enjoying peace and the absence
flags was explained by the fact that both were derived
of any kind of conflict.
from the flag of the Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde (PAIGC), the liberation move-
The Cape Verdean nation was created from the interma-
ment which succeeded in gaining independence for both
rriage of European and African races and cultures, which
countries (Guinea-Bissau in 1974, Cape Verde in 1975).
provide the roots of an identity, characterized by parti-
PAIGC’s aim had been that the two nations should unite,
cular and unique traditions and the Creole language,
but this merger was scotched in 1980 by a military coup
with a cultural richness that constitutes one of the grea-
in Guinea-Bissau.
test assets of the country.
NATIONAL EMBLEM
NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL FLAG
GOVERNMENT The large blue rectangle of the flag represents the infinite space of the sea and sky.
The republic of Cape Verde enjoys a stable democratic
• The 10 yellow stars represent the nation’s 10 islands.
system, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of
• The circle of stars represents the Cape Verdean nation’s
government and the multiparty system. Executive power
unity.
is exercised by the government. Legislative power is
• The stripes are the road to the construction of Cape
vested in both the government and the National
Verde.
Assembly. The judiciary is independent of the executive
• The white is the peace that the people of Cape Verde
and the legislature. The system is derived from Portugal’s
strive towards.
system.
• The red represents the effort of Cape Verdeans. The Movement for Democracy (MPD) captured a governing majority in the National Assembly in the country’s first multiparty general elections in 1991. The MPD was
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returned to power with a larger majority in the general elections held in December 1995. In 2001, the PAICV
EXECUTIVE POWER OF THE GOVERNMENT
regained power, with four parties holding seats in the National Assembly – PAICV 40, MPD 30, PCD 1, and PTS
The government of Cape Verde is led by the President,
1. Nationwide municipal elections were held on 21st
who acts as Chief of State. The President is elected by
March 2004.
popular vote to serve a five-year term. The head of government is the Prime Minister, and Cape Verde has a
There are 14 administrative districts in Cape Verde: Boa
unicameral National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional).
Vista, Brava, Fogo, Maio, Pual, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeirna Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao
The Council of Ministers, the Cabinet, is appointed by the
Nicolau, Sao Vicente, and Tarrafal.
President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister from among the members of the National Assembly.
The Cape Verde constitution – adopted in 1980 – forms the basis of government. The new constitution came into force on 25th September 1992 and underwent a major revision on 23rd November 1995, which increased the
THE LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE AND THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
powers of the President. It was last revised in 1999. The unicameral Assembleia Nacional has 72 seats, the In January 2006, Cape Verde held a successful round of
members of which are elected by popular vote to serve
parliamentary elections, followed by successful presiden-
five-year terms. The National Assembly nominates the
tial elections on 12th February 2006. The National
Prime Minister for the President’s formal appointment.
Electoral Commission (NEC) judged both elections free
The judicial system is the Supreme Tribunal of Justice,
and fair.
and is comprised of a Supreme Court of Justice – whose The judicial system in Cape Verde is based on the Portugese system
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members are appointed by the President, the National
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and of
Assembly, and the Board of the Judiciary – and regional
Qualification and Employment
courts. Separate courts hear civil, constitutional and cri-
Palacio do Gobierno, Varzea
minal cases. Appeal is to the Supreme Court. In general,
Praia, Santiago
the judicial and legal system in Cape Verde is the same as
Tel: +238-2610515
in Portugal, except for some small changes in the law which were made after Cape Verde’s independence in
Ministry of Education and Higher Education
1975.
Achada Grande Praia, Santiago
GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Tel: +238-2631016
Office of the President
Ministry of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and
Plateau, cerca de Administración Interna, C.P. 100
of the Reform of the State and of National Defence
Praia, Santiago
Palacio do Gobierno, Varzea
Tel: +238-2615555 / 2612829
Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2610520
Office of the Prime Minister Palacio do Governo, Varzea
Ministry of Finance and Public Administration
Praia, Santiago
Avenida Amilcar Cabral,
Tel: +238-26610513 / 2610900
Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2642315 / 2607501 Presidential Palace in Praia, Santiago island
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Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture Ponta Belem, C.P. 115 Praia, Santiago Tel: +238 2615713 / 2615716 Fax: +238-2615716
Ministry of Internal Administration Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2604028 / 2604020 Fax: +238-2611132
Ministry of Decentralization, Housing and Zoning Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Plateau Praia, Santiago
Ministry of Foreign Business, Cooperation and
Tel: +238-2607561 / 2607410
Communities
Fax: +238-2607497
Achada Santo Antonio Praia, Santiago
Ministry of the Economy, Growth and Competitiveness
Tel: +238-2607863
Avenida Amilcar Cabral, C.P. 15 Praia, Santiago
GEOGRAPHY
Tel: +238-2607611 Cape Verde is located in the Atlantic Ocean, at the meeMinistry of Justice
ting point of the three continents of Africa, America and
Achada Santo Antonio
Europe, approximately 450km off the west coast of
Praia, Santiago
Africa, close to Senegal, and has a total area of
Tel: +238-2623257
4,033km2, composed of 10 islands and 8 islets. Of volcanic origin, Cape Verde is characterized by mountainous
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
landscapes, except for the islands of Sal, Boa Vista and
Centre, Piquenoti Garden
Maio, which are flat with long sandy beaches. Some alti-
Praia, Santiago
tudes are well over 1,000m, mainly in the islands of
Tel: +238-2613596 / 9980318
Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Santiago. The tip of the volcano on the island of Fogo is the highest point of the
Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Sea
country, measuring 2,829m. The trade winds blowing
Plateau, C.P. 504
from the African continent that reach the country divide
Praia, Santiago
the islands into two groups: Barlavento, consisting of the
Tel: +238-2615699 / 2608302
islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São
Fax: +238-2614141 / 2611595
Nicolau, Sal and Boavista, and Sotavento, located a bit to
Ministry of Work, Family and Solidarity
Fogo and Brava.
the south, consisting of the islands of Maio, Santiago,
Monte Agarro, C.P. 453 Praia, Santiago
NATURAL RESOURCES
Tel: +238-2603265 Fax: +238-2618866
Cape Verde has few natural resources and suffers from poor rainfall and limited fresh water. Mineral resources include salt, pozzolana (a volcanic rock used in cement
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production), limestone, basalt rock, kaolin, clay and
especially in some beaches on the islands of Sal and
gypsum. As an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean, fish is
Boavista. There are projects aimed at their protection
also a significant natural resource for Cape Verdeans.
because they are considered to be endangered species.
SEASCAPE
A great variety of shellfish, crabs, lobster and rock barnacles are present and very much appreciated by tourists,
Despite the country’s small territorial area, the maritime
especially the magnificent shells and coral.
area is much larger, measuring well over 600,000km2. The sea is undoubtedly one of the main resources of the
FLORA AND FAUNA
country still to be discovered. The present maritime activity does not reach one fourth of the estimated capacity.
The cultivation of fields was the main cause for the destruction of a great part of the already poor natural vege-
The marine fauna is abundant, the sea temperatures osci-
tation. Dragoeiro (Dracaena draco) is one of the rare spe-
llate between 21º and 25º, and the sea’s purity and
cies belonging to the lily family of plants that made up
underwater coral platforms are valuable resources. There
the natural vegetation at the time of the discovery of the
are various native species of fish as well as migratory spe-
islands, and is still present today, mostly on the islands of
cies like tuna fish (which is one of the main marine pro-
S. Nicolau and Brava. It is considered a national symbol.
ducts exported, either fresh or canned). Efforts for the preservation of endemic species have been Different species of marine turtles choose the most
made throughout the country, and a national reforesta-
deserted beaches of the archipelago for laying their eggs,
tion programme has been carried out, mainly on the
Aerial view of Mindelo, capital of S. Vicente
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island of Maio, which now has the biggest reforested
Nevertheless, due to the north-east winds that blow up to the month of July, Cape Verde benefits from better
area of the whole country.
and milder climate conditions than its neighbouring The wildlife is not abundant and mainly consists of
countries located at the same latitude.
migrant and endemic birds, of which about 75 different species still exist spread throughout the country. There is
PEOPLE
still a small community of baboons inland on the island of Santiago.
According to data provided by INE (National Institute of Statistics), the resident population in Cape Verde was
CLIMATE
estimated at 475,947 inhabitants in 2005.
The climate of the archipelago is tropical and dry, with
It is a young population, 42% of whom are aged less
the standard temperatures remaining around 25ยบ, and
than 14 years old, with 17.3 years old being the average
changes that do not exceed 10ยบ due to influence from
age of the population. The density of population is 109
the ocean. The sun spreads its warmth the whole year
inhabitants per square kilometre, and 53 Cape Verdeans
round, but there are two main seasons, the rainy season
out of 100 live in the urban areas.
from August to October, and the dry or windy season from December to June. July and November are the
As far as education is concerned, many more people
months of transition. Rainfall is irregular all over the
attend schools in the urban areas, approximately 95%.
country with variations from one island to another. The
The enrolment rate for primary school (6 to 14 years of
lack of rainfall and the dry and warm winds are the main
age) is 88%, and secondary school (12 to 17 years) is
causes of the poor natural vegetation that characterizes
around 78%. The illiteracy rate fell from 37% in 1990 to
the country.
25% in 2000. Port of Sao Vicente, a privilege part of fishing
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LANGUAGES Although Portuguese is the official language, Creole is the most spoken language all over the archipelago, and is a blend of Portuguese and West African words. English, French, Spanish and Italian are reasonably understood and spoken by some of the local residents of the main urban centres as well as in the main tourist places.
RELIGION Cape Verdeans are free to worship as they wish. The dominant religion of Cape Verde is Roman Catholicism, and over the years Cape Verdeans have infused it with
The dominant religion in Cape Verde is Roman Catholicism
MONEY MATTERS
indigenous beliefs. Another major religion is the
CURRENCY
Protestant Church of Nazarene.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The national currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). There is an agreement of parity between the Cape
1st January
New Year; International Peace Day
Verdean escudo and the euro so that the exchange rate
15th January
Democracy and Liberty Day
is fixed:
20th January
National Heroes Day
1 euro = 110.265 CVE
1st May
Labour Day
5th July
Independence Day
15th August
Nossa Senhora da Graça
BANKS
(Our Lady of Grace)
Cape Verde has a number of international and local
1st November
All Saints Day
banks, including Banco Comercial dos Açores (BCA),
25th December
Christmas Day
Banco Caboverdiano de Negocios (BCN), Banco Espiritu Santo, Banco Interatlantico, and Caixa Economica de
Carnivál (Mardi Gras) and Good Friday are also national
Cabo Verde. Each of these institutions has ATM services.
holidays. Banking hours are 08.00–15.00, Monday to Friday.
BUSINESS WORKING HOURS FOREX BUREAUS Monday to Friday: 08.00–12.30 and 15.00–19.00 Cape Verde’s major cities – Praia and Mindelo – each have several forex bureaus, located in the town centre.
Saturdays: 09.00–13.00
The international airports each have exchange offices, Most shops are closed on Sundays, but some supermar-
and many hotels can also change money.
kets are open on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings. Convenience stores and petrol stations are open every day from 08.00 to 22.30, including weekends.
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CREDIT CARDS
FIXED LINES & MOBILE PHONES
Most of the larger, well-established hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and stores will accept credit cards, but
Currently the most important phone operator in the
usually only Visa. However, when using a credit card for
country is the state-owned company CV Telecom. The
payment, expect local currency to be advanced against it.
cellular network system covers the whole country, and is
Most ATM services at banks will also accept Visa for cash
also operated by CV Telecom, although a second ope-
withdrawals.
rator, T+, entered in the market in 2007.
SOME INDICATIVE PRICES Meal: (high end)
1,500 CVE per person
Bottle of water:
300 CVE (restaurant)
LONG-DISTANCE PHONE CALLS In order to make an international call, dial 00 then dial the country code (351 for Portugal, 34 for Spain, etc) and
100 CVE (supermarket) Coffee:
150 CVE
CocaCola:
300 CVE (restaurant)
Housing: (high end) Taxi fare:
then dial the phone number. To make a phone call to Cape Verde from abroad, dial the international code, and
100 CVE (supermarket)
then the country code 238 (Cape Verde), and finally dial
700 euros/month
the phone number. Prepaid phone cards as well as public
(apartment/house)
phone booths are available all over the archipelago.
200–300 CVE
Taxi to/from airport (Praia): 800 CVE
Find more addresses and phone
Taxi to/from airport
numbers in the section Business
(Sal and Mindelo):
1,500 CVE
Newspaper:
100 CVE
Internet café, one hour:
1,000 CVE
Resources
COMMUNICATIONS
BEFORE AND AFTER YOU ARRIVE
The technological evolution in the country has allowed
HEALTH AND SAFETY
for direct communication from anywhere in the archipelago to the whole world, be it by phone, fax or Internet.
Cape Verde has good sanitary standards, with no conta-
POSTAL SERVICES
nation before entering the country. Health centres and
Post offices with fast and effective express mail services
hospitals are found in the major urban and rural centres,
are spread around the country. There are also express
in case of necessity.
gious or endemic tropical diseases and no need of vacci-
pharmacies are available everywhere in the country, and
mail companies on some of the islands (see Business The Cape Verdeans are peaceful and outgoing, and the
Resources section).
country is well known for its social stability and absence
INTERNET
of any kind of conflict. As far as security is concerned,
Access to the Internet is easily available in the cyber cafés
anywhere in the world.
you should take the basic precautions that are observed
found in the islands, but there is a greater choice in the major urban centres.
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POLICE CONTACT NUMBERS/ POLICE STATIONS Santiago Island Praia: +238-2621332 Cuidade Velha: +238-2671132 Pedra Badejo: +238-2691332 Santa Catarina: +238-2651132 Tarrafal: +238-2661132
Boa Vista Island Sal Rei: +238-2511132
Brava Island Nova Sintra: +238-2851132
Fogo Island Mosteiros: +238-2831073 Sao Filipe: +238-2811132 CV Telecom is the most important phone operator in the country
Maio Island
Police – 132
Maio: +238-2551132
Detective force – 800 11 34
São Nicolau Island
ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS AND EXTENSIONS
Tarrafal: +238-2361132 Ribeira Brava: +238-2351132
To enter the country tourists must have a passport with a São Vicente Island Mindelo: +238-2314631
visa issued by a Cape Verde Consulate in the country of origin, or upon arrival at the international airport. Visa extensions can be obtained from the immigration police.
Sal Island Espargos: +238-2411132
Visas are not required for organized tourist groups if their
Santa Maria: +238-2421132
visit to the country is communicated in advance to the authorities, through one of the local travel agencies.
Santo Antão Island Ribeira Grande: +238-2211132
As requirements do tend to change
Porto Novo: +238-2221132
and vary from country to country, we strongly advise you contact your
Paul: +238-2231292
nearest Cape Verdean Embassy or
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Consulate for all entry requirements.
In case of emergency, dial the following numbers:
CUSTOMS
Hospital – 130 Fire brigade – 131
The entry of pets, plants, guns and temporarily imported vehicles is subject to the laws in force.
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Cape Verde Airports offer good connections to Europe, America and Africa
CAPE VERDE EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES GETTING THERE AND ABROAD AROUND The entry and exit of yachts to the ports is controlled by the port authorities.
Angola
BY AIR
R. Oliveira Martins 3, Luanda Tel: +244-2321765
The international airports Amílcar Cabral on the island of
Fax: +244-2320832
Sal and Praia (ADP) on the island of Santiago provide direct access from Africa, Europe, USA and South
Argentina – Consulate
America. Works have already started for an international
Bdo de Ligoyen 146, Piso 1 Dpto
airport on the island of São Vicente, and construction of
C 1072, Buenos Aires
the Boavista airport will soon start so as to make access
Tel: +541-3340524
to these islands much easier.
Fax: +541-2562514
The national airline of Cape Verde is TACV. Tap Air
Austria – Consulate
Portugal connects Cape Verde directly with Portugal, and
A-1170 Vienna Dornbacherstrasse 89
Air Senegal is another option for destinations via Dakar.
Tel: +431-5873166/0676 / 5499114 Fax: +431-4852300-14
ROADS WITHIN THE COUNTRY
Email: kv@meixner.at
The main islands of the archipelago have developed a
Belgium
network of roads, but outside the urban areas the roads
Rue Antoine Laborre 30, 1050, Bruxelles
are not always well maintained. A good taxi fleet is avai-
Tel: +322-6469025
lable (most of them equipped with taximeters), as well as
Fax: +322-6463385
small buses (locally known as HIACE) and many rental car
Email: emb.caboverde@skynet.be
companies.
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Brazil
Germany – Hamburg Consulate
Shis-QL 06 Conj. 04, Casa 15 Lago Sul
11 Rodingsmarkt 26, Hamburg
Brasilia DF
Tel: +49-40-364919
CEF 71620-045
Fax: +49-40-364911
Tel: +55-613-653190 Fax: +55-613-653191
Germany – Bremmen Consulate
Email: Embcaboverde@rudah.com.br
1 Wachmannstrasse 7, Bremmen Tel: +49-4213-48091/3
Brazil – Consulate
Fax: +49-4213-499373
Av. Paulista 2073, 1114 Horça 1, São Paulo Tel: +55-11-2833978
Hong Kong – Consulate
Fax: +55-12-843940
Room 916, Star House 3 Salisbury Road
Email: aguinaldorocha@uol.com.br
Tsim Sha Tswi Kowloon, Tel: +852-23753728
Canada – Consulate
Fax: +852-23753969
802 the Queensway West Suite 103 Etobicoke, Ontario M8Z 1 N5
Italy
Tel: +1-416-2521082
Viale Giosué Carducci, 4–1 Interno 3, 00187, Roma
Fax: +1-416-2521092
Tel: +39-64744678/4596 Fax: +39-64744764
Cuba
Email: elviofernandes@hotmail.com
Calle 20, 2001 Esq. A 7ma Avenida Miramar Playa, La Havana
Luxembourg
Phone: +537-242979 / 242655
46 R. Goethe, L-1637,
Fax: +537-241072
Tel: +352-26480948
Email: ecvc@ceniai.inf.cu
Fax: +352-26480949
France
Luxembourg – Consulate
Rue Jouffroy D’Abbans 80, 75017, Paris
50 Rue Albert Ier L-1117, Luxembourg
Tel: +331-42127354
Tel: +352-442641
Fax: +331-40530436 Email: ambassade-cap-vert@wanadoo.fr
Netherlands 44 Kninginnegracht, 2514 AD, The Hague
Germany
Tel: +31-703-469623
Stavanger Str. 16, 10439, Berlin,
Fax: +31-703-467702
Tel: +49-3020-450955 Fax: +49-3020-450966
Netherlands – Consulate
Email: info@embassy-capeverde.de
Mathenesserlaan 326, 3021 HX Rotterdam Tel: +31-10-4778097 / 4778760
Germany – Frankfurt Consulate
Fax: +31-10-4774553
Oberortstr 29, D 65760 Eschborn, Frankfurt
Email: cons.cverde-nl@wxs.nl
Tel: +49-6196-484373 / 444357 Fax: +49-6196-484373
Portugal Av. do Restelo 33, 1400, Lisboa Tel: +35-11-3019521
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Fax: +35-11-3015308
Fax: +1-6178599798
Email: emb.caboverde@mail.telepac.pt
Email: cgcvbost@aol.com / Agomes101@aol.com
Portugal – Consulate
FOREIGN EMBASSIES
Av. dos Aliados, 151–3 S/4, Porto Tel: +35-12-883566
Angola Achada Santo António, Praia
Russia
Tel: +238-262-3235 / 3236
Rubliovskoe Chaussé, 26 APT 180, Moscow
Fax: +238-262-3234
Tel: +7-495-4154503
Email: gab.embang@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +7-4954154504 Email: Pts287@ipc.ru
Brazil Chã D’Areia 2,
Senegal
C.P. 93, Praia
3 Av. El-Hadji Djilly, M’Baye
Tel: +238-261-5607/08
PO Box 11269, Dakar
Fax: +238-261-5609
Tel: +221-224285
Email: emb.brasil@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +221-210697 Email: acvc.sen@metissacana.sn
China Achada Santo António, Praia
Spain – Consulate
Tel: +238-262-3029 / 3028
Calle Capitán Haya 51, Planta 4, Of. 8 - 28020, Madrid
Email: emch@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +34-15702568 Fax: +34-15702563
Cuba
Email: con.geral_cv@mad.servicom.es
Praínha, Praia Tel: +238-261-9408 / 4644
Sweden
Fax: +238-261-7527
Drottninggatan, 104 ltr, 11160 Stockholm
Telex: 6042
Tel: +468-4117170
Email: ecubacpv@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +468-4119610 Delegation of the European Union Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Achada de Santo António, Praia
27 East 69th St, New York, NY 10021
Tel: +238-260478
Tel: +1-212-2887843
Fax: +238-260473
Fax: +1-212-7941398 France United States of America
Prainha, Praia
3415 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Tel: +238-261-5589 / 5591
Washington DC, 20007
Fax: +238-261-5590
Tel: +1-202-9656820
Telex: 6064 AMBFR. CV Email: fransula@cvtelecom.cv
United States of America – Consulate 607 Boston St, 4th Floor
Portugal
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Achada Santo António, Praia
Tel: +1-617-3530014
Tel: +238-262-6097 / 3925
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Fax: +238-262-3036
Tel: +238-232-1661
Telex: 6055
Fax: +238-232-1819
Email: emb.portugal@cvtelecom.cv Denmark Russia
Mindelo
Av. Oua 9, Achada Santo António, Praia
Tel: +238-232-1785
Tel: +238-262-2739 / 2740
Fax: +238-232-1726
Fax: +238-262-2738 Equator
Email: embrus@cvtelecom.cv
R. da Babilónia, Prainha, Praia, C.P. 25A Senegal
Tel: +238-261-8489
Rua Abílio Macedo, Praia, C.P. 269
Fax: +238-261-8569
Tel: +261-5621
Email:n.cabral@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +261-2838 Telex: 6085 AMBASSEN CV
France
Email: ambsenecvpraia@cvtelecom.cv
Mindelo Tel: +238-231-1838
Spain
Email: consulfranca@cvtelecom.cv
Achada de Santo António, Praia, Santiago
Sta. Maria, Ilha do Sal
Tel: +238-2604342
Tel: +238-991-9256
Fax: +238-2603108
Boa Vista Tel/Fax: +238-251-1193
United States of America Rua Abílio Macedo 6, Praia, C.P. 201
Germany
Tel: +261-5616
Achada Sto. António, Praia
Fax: +261-1355
Tel: +238-262-3100 / 3102
Telex: 60680
Fax: +238-262-3103
Email: emb.usa@cvtelecom.cv
Email: halmadasociados@cvtelecom.cv
For those countries not featured,
Great Britain
please
Mindelo, C.P. 4
contact
the
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs in your own country
Tel: +238-232-2584 / +238-230-7602
for updates on the Honorary Consul
Fax: +238-232-6629
that represents you in Cape Verde
CONSULATES
Email: elisabete.e.soares@cvtelecom.sims
Israel Mindelo
Belgium
Tel: +238-232-3353
Plateau, Praia
Fax: +238-232-3351
Tel: +238-261-3892 Fax: +38-261-6880
Italy
Email: anjos@cvtelecom.cv
Chã D’Areia, Praia Tel/Fax: +238-261-9343
Brazil
Email: italconsulato.cv@katamail.com
Mindelo
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Netherlands
Poland
Praia
Plateau, Praia
Tel/Fax: +238-261-2333
Tel: +238-261-4443
R. Tomás Ribeiro, 18X, Mindelo
Fax: +238-261-1450
Tel: +238-232-1461 Fax: +238-232-4957 / 7333
Portugal
Email: consulmindelo@cvtelecom.cv
Av. 5 de Julho, Mindelo Tel: +238-232-3130
Norway
Fax: +238-232-5355
Tira-chapéu, Praia, C.P. 105 Tel: +238-262-7555
Sweden
Fax: +238-262-7874
Plateau, Praia, C.P. 39
Mindelo, C.P. 378
Tel/Fax: +238-261-7969
Tel: +238-232-2718
Email: consulsuede@cvtelecom.cv
Mobile: +238-9966604 Tel: +238-232-3464 (casa)
Switzerland
Fax: +238-232-3471/ 231-8919
Fazenda, Praia, C.P. 876 Tel/Fax: +238-261-9868
Pakistan
Email: c.suisse@cvtelecom.cv
Av. Andrade Corvo 25, 2nd Floor, Plateau, Praia Tel: +238-261-6710
United Nations
Fax: +238-261-6750
AV. OUA, Achada de Santo António, Praia, Santiago
Email: cabofjm@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-260-9630 Fax: +238-262-1490 Email: info@unodc .org
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R E S O U R C E S
Galinha que quer honra, não põe o rabo ao vento Chicken that wants honour, don’t put your tail in the wind Cape Verdean proverb 31
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BUSINESS RESOURCES
ADVERTISING AGENCIES & GRAPHIC ARTS
e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e Tel: +238-2611485 Fax: +238-2616971 Email: tip.santos@cvtelecom.cv
Ateliers de Artes Gráficas de Vasco Castro
Visual Publicidade e Design
Alto Sentina, R. Bote, Rua 9
Av. 5 Julho
Mindelo, São Vicente
Mindelo, São Vicente
Tel: +238-2325501
Tel: +238-2328332
Fax: +238-9922512
Fax: +238-2328332 Email: visual@cvtelecom.cv
Editora & Jacquie Lda Largo ex Bombeiro C.P. 60 Mindelo, São Vicente
MARKETING AND PUBLICITY
Tel: +238-2312730 Fax: +238-2321917
Alfa-Comunicações Lda Palmarejo C.P. 690
Francisco Henrique Silos de Brito
Praia, Santiago
Serigrafia – Impressão Offset – Papelaria
Tel: +238-2628677
C.P. 148 Espargos, Sal
Fax: +238-2628505
Tel: +238-2411374
Email: alfa_com@cvtelecom.com
Fax: +238-2412184 Email: silosgrafica@cvtelecom.cv
Magazine ‘Iniciativa’ Email: iniciativa@cvtelecom.cv
GRP: Exterior media & advertising Nova Imagem: Visual communication
Climar, Marketing & Tecnologia Lda
Logojet: Large-scale printing
Rua Boîte Hi-Step
Tira Chapéu, Praia, Santiago
C.P. 283 Mindelo, São Vicente
Tel: +238-2628401
Tel: +238-2325073 / 2315512
Fax: +238-2628407
Fax: +238-2325073
Email: grpinvest@cvtelecom.cv
Email: climar@vtelecom.cv
Opal
EME – Marketing e Eventos Lda
Meio Achada Sto Antonio
Av. Santiago, Palmarejo
Praia, São Vicente
Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2624723
Tel: +238-614938/15
Fax: +238-2624724
Fax: +238-611564
Email: opalcv@cvtelecom.cv
Email: eme@cvtelecom.cv
Publicom
MGF, Investimentos, Estudos & Gestão
Rua da Capela 251,Praia, Santiago
R. António Aurélio Gonçalves, 10–2
Tel: +238-2622043
C.P. 231 Mindelo, São Vicente Tel: +238-2303010/12
Tipografia Santos
Fax: +238 230 3011
Avenida Amílcar Cabral
Email: mgf@mgf.cv
Plateau, Praia, Santiago
Website: www.mgf.cv
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AIR CHARTER
w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m Fax: +238-2613110 Email: bca@bca.cv
Air Sénégal International
Website: www.bca.cv
Rua Serpa Pinto, 8B Plateau, Praia, Santiago
Banco de Cabo Verde
Tel: +238-2617529/39
Av. Amilcar Cabral, Plateau
Fax: +238-2615483
Praia, Santiago
Email: praia@airsenegalinternational.sn
Tel: +238-2607000 Fax: +238-2614447 / 2613561
Cabo Verde Express
Website: www.bcv.cv
Espargos Sal Tel: +238-2412603
Banco Interatlântico
Fax: +238-2412600/03
Av. Cidade de Lisboa
Email: cvexpress@cvtelecom.cv
C.P. 131A, Praia, Santiago
Website: www.capeverdeexpress.com
Tel: +238-2614008 Fax: +238-2614253
BANKS
Email: bia@bi.cv Website: www.bi.cv
BCA – Banco Comercial do Àtlantico Praia, Santiago
Espargo, Sal
Tel: +238-2600900
Tel: +238-2418085/82/87
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BUSINESS RESOURCES
e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
Fax: +238-2413999
Fax: +238-2611969
Email: bi@bi.cv
Email: cecv@caixaeconomica.cv Website: www.caixaeconomica.cv
Mindelo, São Vicente Pç. Amilcar Cabral
Agência Espargos, Sal:
Tel: +238-2325585/86/87
Tel: +238-2412608
Fax: +238-2325584
Fax: +238-2413380
Email: bi@bi.cv ECV – Serviços Financeiros BCN – Banco Cabo-Verdiano de Negócios
Av. Amilcar Cabral
Av. Amílcar Cabral, Plateau
C.P. 373 C Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2617856/7849
Tel: +238-2611662 / 2617499 Fax: +238-2614006
Fax: +238-2617860
Email: bcn@cvteleco.cv
Email: elmilko@yahoo.com
Website: www.bcdenegocios.cv
CARGO Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde Agência Praia:
Agemar – Navegação e Trânsito Lda
Av. Cidade de Lisboa
Rua Visconde de S.Januário 12, Plateau, Praia, Santiago
C.P. 199 Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2614860 / 2612932
Tel: +238-2604082
Fax: +238-2613931
The Cape Verdean currency is escudos
Email: agemar@cvtelecom.cv
Mindelo, São Vicente Rua 29, Prédio Miguel Coronel 2º D.R. Tel: +238 - 2324562/2314593 Fax: +238 - 2324563 Email: agenmarsv@cvtelecm.cv
Espargos, Sal Rua Jorge Barbosa, 2 Andar, Ed. Central Tel: +238-2413266 Fax: +238-2413566
Agenavs – Agência de Navegação e Viagens Santana Lda Rua Av. Cidade de Lisboa, Fazenda, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2613536 / 2614192 Fax: +238 2615239 Email: agenavs.sv@cvtelecom.cv
Rua Coco Nº 20, Mindelo, São Vicente Tel: +238-2322718 / 2323471
Agência Marítima de Navegação – Polar Rua Serpa Pinto, Praia, Santiago
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Tel: +238- 2615223
Fax: +238-2328496
Fax: +238-2617224
Email: camara.com@cvtelecom.cv Website: www.cciasb.org
Cabo Verde Shiping Agencia Rua Visconde S. Januário 12
Canary Islands Chamber of Commerce
C.P. 501 Praia, Santiago
Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, 1st Floor,
Tel: +238-2611179
Fazenda, Praia, Santiago
Fax: +238-2611198
Tel: +238-2600478
Email: csa.com@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +238-2614165 Email: camaralp@cvtelecom.cv
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
Website: ww.camaralp.es
CONFERENCE FACILITIES
Câmara de Comercio, Indústria e Serviçios de Sotavento Av. Cidade de Lisboa, C.P. 105, Fazenda, Praia, Santiago
Hotel Oasis Praia Mar
Tel: +238-2615352
Prainha C.P. 75, Praia, Santiago
Fax: +238-2617235
Tel: +238-2614355 / 2613777 / 2614153
Email: cciss@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +238-2612972 Email: reservashpm@cvtelecom.cv
Câmara de Comercio, Indústria, Agricultura e Serviçios de
Website: www.oasisatlantico.com
Barlavento Rua da Luz 31,
Hotel Trópico – Pestana
C.P. 728, Mindelo, São Vicente
Prainha
Tel: +238-2328495
C.P. 413 Praia, Santiago Cape Verde offers excellent venues to organize conferences and business events
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Tel: +238-2614200
Clínica Dentaria O Siso
Fax: +238-2615225
Travessa Guimarães 6 R/C
Email: jorge.xavier@pestana.com
Mindelo, São Vicente
Website: www.pestana.com
Tel: +238-2328855 Fax: +238-2328847
Quinta da Montanha
Email: daniel_staubyn@cvtelecom.cv
Rui Vaz São Domingos Tel: +238-22685002/03
Rua Salinas-Santa Maria, Sal
Fax: +238-2685004
Tel: +238-2421213
Email: quintamontanha@cvtelecom.cv Consultório Buco Dentário
COURIER EXPRESS
Rua Serpa Pinto Plateau, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2615444
Correios de Cabo Verde
Fax: +238-2618301
Rua Cesário Lacerda
Email: bucodentario@cvtelecom.cv
C.P. 92, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2611049
DRY CLEANERS
Fax: +238-2613478 Email: correios cv@cvtelecom.cv
Lavandaria Kanimanbo Lda
Website: www.correios.cv
Rua. Diogo Afonso, Alto Mar Mindelo, São Vicente
DHL
Tel: + 238-2318845
Av. Oua
Fax: +238-2314770
C.P. 203A Praia, Santiago
Email: kaniamambo@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-2623124 Fax: +238-2623125
Lavandaria Mindelo Expresso
Email: dhl_praia@cvtelecom.cv
Rua St António 24 Mindelo, São Vicente
DENTAL SERVICES
Tel: +238-2327676 Fax: 238-2327676
Clínica Odonto – Estomatologica
Email: lavmindex@cvtelecom.cv
Ed Comunidades Bloco E, Achada Sto António Praia, Santiago
Lavandaria Superlimpo Lda
Tel: +238-2623500
Rua Vila dos Espargos 30, Palmarejo, Praia, Santiago
Clínica Odontoprótese Dentária
Tel: +238-2262887
Av. Holanda, 4B R/C Mindelo, São Vicente
FOREX BUREAUS
Tel: +238-2325759 Fax: +238-2325759
Correios de Cabo Verde Rua Cesário Lacerda
Clínica Dentária Odontoestética
C.P. 92, Praia, Santiago
Av. Capitão Ambrósi 1
Tel: +238-2611049
Mindelo, São Vicente
Fax: +238-2613478
Tel: +238-2310339
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Email: correios cv@cvtelecom.cv
Salão Cibel
Website: www.correios.cv
Plateu, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2612345 / 2612729
Cota Câmbios Av. Amilcar Cabral 14
Salão Gia
C.P. 402, Praia, Santiago
Rua Fernando F. Fortes 4
Tel: +238-2600591
Mindelo, São Vicente
Fax: +238-2600592
Tel: +238-2314580
Email: cotacambiocv@cvtelecom.cv Salão das Dores ECV Serviços Financeiro Agência de Cambio
Rua Hortelã, Espargos, Sal
Av. Amílcar Cabral
Tel: +238-2411020
Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2617860
Salão Monteiro Sónia M. Silva
Fax: +238-2600592
Rua 1 de Maio, Sal Rei, Boavista
Email: ecvcambios@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-2511306
Website: www.ecobank.com
HAIR AND BEAUTY
HEALTH CLUBS Mindelgian Associação de Ginástica
Cosmética Dirce
Mindelo, São Vicente
Várzea,
Tel: +238-2317605
Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2616021
Work out in one of Cape Verde´s gyms!
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Seven Gym
Impar
Achada Sto António, Praia, Santiago
Av. Amilcar Cabral
Tel: +238-2624243
Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2603125
HOTELS
Fax: +238-2613765 Email: escritorio.pr@impar.cv Website: www.impar.cv
See Leisure section São Vicente Pç Amílcar Cabral, Mindelo
INSURANCE
Tel: +238-2326644/45/46 Fax: +238-2326643
Garantia
Email: escritorio.sv@impar.cv
Santiago,Cha d’Areia, Praia
Website: www.impar.cv
Tel: +238-2608622 Fax: +238-2616117 / 2612555
Sal
Email: garantia@cvtelecom.cv
Espargos, Tel: +238-2411619
Sal
Fax: +238-2411786
Santa Maria
Email: escritorio.sal@impar.cv
Tel: +238-2421717
Website: www.impar.cv
Fax: +238-2421717 Email: agenciastm@garantia.cv
INTERNET POINT
São Vicente
Caber Café Sofía
Cha d’Areia, Praia
Rua Serpa Pinto
Tel: +238-2608622
C.P. 796 Praia, Santiago
Fax: +238-2616117 / 2612555
Tel: +238-2614205
Email: agenciamin@garantia.cv
Email: silvaesther@hotmail.com
IMPAR, one of the main private insurance company
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Imobitel
João Gomes
Av. Holanda
Sossego
C.P. 482 Mindelo, São Vicente
Mindelo, São Vicente
Tel: +238-2318896
Tel: +238-2317654
Fax: +238-2318000 Email: imobitel@cvtelecom.cv
WV Consultores Prainha
LANGUAGE CENTRES
Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2603670
Centro Cultural Português da Praia
Website: wvjtv@cvtellecom.cv
Achada Santo Antonio Praia, Santiago
MEDIA
Tel: +238-2623030 Fax: +238-2623058
RTC – Rádio Televisão Caboverdiana
Email: cult.portugues@cvtelecom.cv
Achada Santo António Praia, Santiago
Centro Cultural Francês
Tel: +238-2623206
Rua Andrade de Corvo, Plateau, Praia, Santiago
Fax: +238-2623054
Tel: +238-2600589 / 2611196 RTP – Africa École Internationale Les Alizés
Préd Socotril, Av. Cidade Lisboa, Várzea
Achada Sto António, Praia, Santiago
Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2614369
Tel: +238-2611280 Fax: +238-2611324
LEGAL ADVICE
Email: rtpqcv2@cvtelecom.cv
Aconsul
MEDICAL SERVICES
Morro Curral, Espargos, Sal Tel: +238-2412330
Hospital Dr Agostinho Neto Lg Mártires Pidjiguiti, Plateau
D. Hoppfer Almada e Associados
Praia, Santiago
Achada de Sto Antonio
Tel: +238-2601010 / 2612142
Praia, Santiago
Fax: +238-2612862
Tel: +238-2623100
Email: hospitaldapraia@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +238-2623103 Email: dhalmada@cvtelecom.cv
Hospital Dr Baptista de Sousa Mindelo, São Vicente
EGL – Advogados Associados
Tel: +238-2311879
Rua António Aurélino Gonçalves
Fax: +238-2310939
C.P. 394, Mindelo, São Vicente
Email: hospitalsv@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-2300029/30 Fax: +238-2323421
Hospital da Ribeira Grande R. Agua Ribeira Grande, Santo Antão Tel: +238-2211130
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Hospital do Tarrafal
Papelaria Académica
Vila Tarrafal, Santiago
Rua 5 de Julho
Tel: +238-2661130
C.P. 238, Praia, Santiago
Email: httarrafal@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-2613507 / 2633173 Fax: +238-2633175
OFFICE SUPPORT
Email: Camacho@cvtelecom.cv
Adel & Gloria
Papelaria HGI
Palmarejo, Av. Santo Antão 126
Av. Baltazar Lopes da Silva
Praia, Santiago
C.P. 428, Mindelo, São Vicente
Tel: +238-2629095 / 9934245
Tel: +238-2315701
Fax: +238-2627669 / 2629342
Fax: +238-2318862
Email: afelgloria@netcabo.pt
Email: papelariahgi@cvtelecom.cv
adelinagloria@hotmail.com Papelaria Papirus F & Ciência Lda
Av. Prof. Dr Alberto Leite
Av. Che Guevara,
C.P. 881, Mindelo, São Vicente
C.P. 250C, Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2322390
Tel: +238-2616116/2377
Fax: +238-2323798
Fax: +238-2617929
Email: papirus_sv@cvtelecom.cv
Email: fciencia@cvtelecom.cv Soproinfo Lda Infotel Santiago
Achada Sto António, em frente ao Liceu Pedro Gomes
Achada Sto António
Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2612459 / 2600558
Tel: +238-2623913 / 2621999
Fax: +238-2612459
Fax: +238-2623909
Email: infotel@cvtelecom.cv
Email: soprinf-com@cvtelecom.cv
Health care on the islands is generally free but some nominal fees can be charged
PHARMACIES Farmácia Africana Av. Amilcar Cabral Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2612776/5955 Email: farmaciafricana@cvtelecom.cv
Farmácia Jovem S. Viocente 357 R. Libertadores de África C.P. 122, Mindelo, São Vicente Tel: +238-2324530 Fax: +238-2324464 Email: f.jovem@cvtelecom.cv
Farmácia Moderna Lda Praça Alexandre Albuquerque 15A
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REAL ESTATE
Tel: +238-2612719 Ada Service Lda Farmácia Nena
Rua 10.1 1 de Junho, Santa Maria, Sal
Rua António A. Gonçalves
Tel: +238-2421331
C.P. 122, Mindelo, São Vicente
Fax: +238-2421331
Tel: +238-2322292
Email: rdcimobil@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +238-2318611 Farmácia Rama
Atelier A
Entrada de Santa Maria
Edif Pombal, 1er Isq, Av. Cidade de Lisboa 12
C.P. 10, Santa Maria, Sal
C.P. 256, Fazenda, Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2421340
Tel: +238-2613265 / 9912258
Fax: +238-2421271
Fax: +238-2614678
Email: rama@cvtelecom.cv
Email: ateliera@cvtelecom.cv
Farmácia São João Baptista
Boa Vista Construção Lda
Vila do Porto Novo, Santo Antão
Sal Rei, Boa Vista
Tel: +238-2222348
Tel: +238-2511448 Fax: +238-2617653
Farmácia Universal Lda
Email: cabopadanavista@cvtelecom.cv
Av. Santiago, Palmarejo C.P. 204C, Praia, Santiago
Editur – Imobiliaria e Construçoes SA
Tel: +238-2629398
Achada Santo Antonio, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2608200 / 2623667/3668 EDITUR S.A., the most international property agency
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Fax: +238-2617275 / 2624303
Fax: +238-2623623
Website: www.editur-imobiliaria.com
Email: agscaboverde@cvtelecom.cv
Engeobra – Engenharia e Construcoes Lda
Assomada
Av. Cidade de Lisboa,
Daniel Sanches Varela Ferreira
C.P. 163C, Praia, Santiago
C.P. 270
Tel: +238-2614881
Tel: +238-2651489
Fax: +238-2631751 Email: engeobra-pr@mail.cvtelecom.cv
Santiago
Website: www.engeobra.cv
Alfredo Carvalho Veiga C.P. 86, Praia
Imotour
Tel: +238-2614170
Rua Andrade Corvo 35, 1 Andar C.P. 7600, Praia, Santiago
João Rodrigues Pires
Tel: +238-2617652
C.P. 54, Praia
Fax: +238-2617653
Tel: +238-2615242
Email: imotour@imoturvillacabral.com / info@imoturvilacabral.com
São Vicente Alexandre C. Campos P.P. Novais
Kasa- Imobiliária Construções Lda
C.P. 164, Mindelo
Centro Historio,
Tel: +238-2321813
Mindelo, São Vicente Tel: +238-2310867
Manuel de Jesus Cabral C.P. 13, Mindelo
Simóvel – Sociedad Imobiliária SA
Tel: +238-2323409
Zona Industrial Tira Chapéu Praia, Santiago
Sal
Tel: +238-2611539
Pedro José dos Santos
Fax: +238-2618548
C.P. 31
Email: simovel@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-2411154
SOGEI – Sociedad de Gestão de Investimentos
Manuel Adolfo Pinto Osório
Achada de Santo António
C.P. 57
C.P. 452C, Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2411575
Tel: +238-2626281 Fax: +238-2622066
Fogo
Email: sogei@cvtelecom.cv
Francisco Socorro Barbosa
Website: www.sogeicv.com
S. Filipe, Fogo Tel: +238-2811912
REMOVALS & CUSTOMS BROKERS
Santo Antão Carlos Alberto Andrade Gonçalves
AGS – Cabo Verde Mudanças Lda
Porto Novo
Rua Uccla, Achada Santo António, Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2221184
Tel: +238-2623622
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RENT A CAR
w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m Europcar - VAS Cabo Verde
Alucar Chã de Areia C.P. 656, Praia, Santiago
Mr. Alain Ramos
Tel: +238-2615801
Director
Fax: +238-2614900
Zona Industrial Chapéu, Praia, Santiago
Email: alucarst@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-2629937 / 9916441 Fax: +238-2628363
Atantic Car
Email: alramos@vascaboverde.com
Av. Baltazar Lpes da Silva 27 Mindelo, São Vicente
Ifa Car
Tel: +238-2317032
Edifício Sno
Fax: +238-2317032
Santa Maria, Sal
Email: nolitobass@hotmail.com
Tel: +238-2421651 Fax: +238-2421651
Belcar, Lda
Email: hifacar@cvtelecom.
Largo 6, Monte Sogesso Mindelo, São Vicente
Intercidades
Tel: +238-2327330 / 9957101
Achada Santo António
Fax: +238-2327366
Praia, Santiago
Email: belcarda@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-2612525
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Fax: +238-2619558 Email: rentcaricidades@cvtelecom.cv
Melitur – Viagens, Turismo Rent-a-Car Av. 4 Julho-Sal Rei, Boa Vista Tel: +238-2511110 Fax: +238-2511885 Email: melitour_bvista@cvtelecom.cv
Monte Gordo Ribeira Brava Sao Nicolau Tel: +238-2351280
RESTAURANTS
Beautiful handcrafted jewellery is a Cape Verdean speciality
SHOPPING See Leisure section
Calzados Navarro Tel: +238-2624601
SECURITY SERVICES
Boutique Kids Travessa Luís de Melo 4
Ronda Empresa de Protecção Lda
Praia, Santiago
17 R. Tenen Valadin, Plateau
Tel: +238-2611032
C.P. 159, Santiago Tel: +238-2618606
Boutique Nena
Fax: +238-2613717
Rua 5 de Julho, Praia, Santiago
Email: ronda@cvtelecom.cv
Tel: +238-2617374
Sonasa – Sociedade de Segurança de Cabo Verde Lda
Butiki Nilda
Asa, Praia
Rua Andrade Corvo
Tel: +238-2623326
Praia, Santiago
Fax: +238-2623329
Tel: +238-2619889 / 9915455
Email: sonasa@cvtelecom.cv
Email: butiknilda@yahoo.com.br
Sopricav – Empresa de Segurança Privada CV Lda
Boutique Pelearte
Sal
Rua Andrade Corvo
Tel: +238-2411481 / 2412310
Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2612627
Sonasa Mindelo
Fax: +238-2612515
São Vicente
Email: pelearte@hotmail.com
Tel: +238-2316165 Exótica Boutique Palmarejo 17 C.P. 714 Praia, Santiago
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Tel: +238-2629416
Email: mouracompany@cvtelecom.cv /
Email: veraexotica@hotmail.com
alopesmoura@hotmail.com
TRANSPORT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Taxis Lopes, Mario Luís B
Foto Pingo D’Oro
Ponta D’Agua
Achada Sto António
Praia, Santiago
Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2641043
Tel: +238-2617558
T Teletaxi – Transporte Turismo
Foto Reporter
R. Manuel Tarquato
Fazenda Sucupir
Mindelo, São Vicente
Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2322001
Tel: +238-2613663
Email: agenciaturismo3t@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +238-2412459
Moura Company – Land and Sea Transport
Foto Vieira
Rua Hops. Dr Agostinho Neto
Espargo, Sal
Plateau C.P. 49A
Tel: +238-2617558
Tel: +238-9941986 / 2603091 / 2603090
Fax: +238-2412459
Fax: +238-2603097
Email: fotovieira.com@cvtelecom.cv Taxis are a safe and easy way to get around the city
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I N V E S T M E N T
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&
L E G A L
F R A M E W O R K
Pa bu alkansa bu tem ki kansa / To achieve, you have to get tired Cape Verdean proverb
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INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK
WHY DO BUSINESS IN CAPE VERDE?
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Strategically located at the crossroads of four continents – North America, South America, Africa and Europe – the geographical position of the islands creates easy access
As one of the major stops along the ancient Portuguese
by regular shipping lines and air routes.
trade route, Cape Verde’s business history runs parallel with its development as a nation. However, people are
Cape Verde’s outward-looking economy also plays a role
discovering that business opportunities in the Cape Verde
in making it an ideal place for business. Preferential trade
islands today are much more diverse, and the country has
agreements favour products made in Cape Verde, offe-
even been known as one of the ‘best-kept secrets’ of
ring easy access to the European Union, ECOWAS and
West Africa. It’s never been a better time to do business
United States markets.
in Cape Verde. The labour market is also readily and freely available to Cape Verde has a stable political and socioeconomic
businesses establishing themselves in Cape Verde. The
environment. Since 1991 there has been a parliamentary
workforce is easy to train and highly productive.
political system of free elections, with no ideology-driven conflicts, and no ethnic or religious rifts. There have been
Good public facilities and infrastructure assure high stan-
far-reaching macroeconomic changes and improved
dards for business expansion. These include two indus-
social indicators, as well as a pegged exchange rate
trial estates, international airports and ports of esta-
regime (which ties the local currency to the euro).
blished capacity; competitive and efficient information and telecommunication technologies; and shipyards, cold storage and seafood processing.
City of Praia, Santiago island
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To further entice foreign investors, Cape Verde has many
A foreign investments statute is in force which confers
fiscal incentives, general incentives and tax exemptions.
important incentives. The procedures to be followed in
Additionally, business warranties are in place, backed by
order to obtain such stature are outlined below.
the legal system.
INVESTMENT LEGISLATION
DOMESTIC LAWS Potential investors in Cape Verde must take into consideration the domestic laws in place which will govern their
FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROCEDURE
investments and business developments. According to the legislation in force, investors willing to do business in
Application Submission: All foreign or external inves-
Cape Verde must opt for one of the following legal types
tments are subject to prior authorization, following the
when founding a firm:
provisions of the law. Applicants must submit two forms,
• Partnership;
which can be obtained from Cape Verde Investments
• Incorporation;
(CI), the Cape Verde investment promotion agency, free
• Joint-stock company (limited company);
of charge. The stamped and sealed copies must be sub-
• Limited liability company (Ltd);
mitted in triplicate to the Minister of Finance, together
• Corporation.
with the following: • Copy of the identification card of each investor;
The most common form of doing business in Cape Verde
• Investor’s curriculum vitae and bank statement of
is through a limited liability company or joint stock com-
deposit of capital;
pany. Be aware that in order to start such business under-
• Location where the project will be implemented;
takings you must have a minimum share capital of
• In special cases, a specific viability study of the impact
€1,814 and €22,673, respectively.
on the environment.
Company legislation is contained in the Enterprises
Deadline for Reply: The Minister’s final decision is notified
Commercial Code.
to the investor within 30 days from the date of submisOne of the main squares of Praia (Square of the Central Tribunal of Justice)
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INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK sion. In cases where the CI requests additional information from the investor, the 30-day waiting period is suspended until the petitioner supplies the CI with the
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INVESTMENT INCENTIVES & BENEFITS
requested information. Cape Verde offers a wide range of business incentives to Investment Authorization: Upon granting of the authori-
attract foreign direct investment, export-oriented firms,
zation, the Minister of Finance issues a Certificate of
export commodities and activities performed by firms
External Investment, which the CI sends to the investor or
engaged in different economic activities.
his/her legal representative. This certificate confers to the investor access to the incentives, as stated in the Foreign
Since 2005 dividends distributed to shareholders by any
Investment Code (Law 89/ IV / 93). The certificate is
company established and doing business in Cape Verde
declared null if the investment operation does not com-
are tax exempt. Foreign direct investment initiatives are
mence within the specified deadline.
fully exempt from fiscal obligations falling on profits generated during the first five years of operations as well
Project Registration: All external investments referred to
as on profits that are invested back into the business.
in Article 5 of Law 89/IV/93 are subject to registration at the Central Bank.Three copies of the registration form
In respect of export-oriented companies, the import of
need to be submitted to the banking institution.
engines and equipment, construction materials, fuel oil,
Site Inspection: The start-up or reopening of a business is
export-oriented purposes is free from customs duty; and
lubricant and other goods to be used exclusively for
subject to prior inspection by the competent authorities,
exports are fully exempted from custom duties, according
30 days from the date of the investment application.
to Decree Law number 99/ IV/ 93 of 13th December 1999. Furthermore, Decree Law number 92/ IV/ 93 of
FREE ZONE EXPORT ENTERPRISE PROCEDURE
15th December set tax exemptions on the export of goods and total custom duty exemption, wide-ranging customs benefits, consumer tax and other taxes imposed
Application: Applicants must complete the appropriate
on export. The firm’s periodic import of raw materials, finished and semi-finished goods, used exclusively in the
form.
manufacturing of goods and services, is also tax exempt. Deadline for Reply: The same procedure as for external investment applies. The CI may request additional infor-
Additionally, specific industries benefit. The tourism
mation from the investor, in which case the 30-day wai-
industry, believed to be the energizer of economic
ting period is suspended until the requested information
growth, is the most privileged industry as regards taxa-
is provided.
tion. Law 55/VI/2005, dated 10th January, establishes the Tourist Utility regime, under which there are three main
Certificate of Free Zone Enterprise: The Minister of Finance
structures and incentives:
issues a Certificate of Free Zone Enterprise for the applicant and copies are also forwarded to the national entities
Tourist Utility for Installation – for new projects
with competence over the matter of economic labour. This
• Property tax exemption in the acquisition of buildings;
certificate confers to the investor the right to benefit from
• Customs rights exemption on importing materials and
all incentives in the applicable legislation. It should be
equipment to be incorporated in the facilities, such as
noted that only those enterprises engaged in production
civil construction materials, electric and electronic mate-
of market-oriented goods and services exclusively for
rials, sanitary equipment, vehicles for tourist transporta-
export or sale to other free zone enterprises in Cape Verde
tion, boats and materials and utilities for cultural and
are eligible to apply for such status.
sports activities.
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Municipal Council of Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Tourist Utility for Operation – for projects already
materials used exclusively in the construction or installa-
initiated whose works were completed in accordance
tion of tourism facilities;
with the architectural plans:
• Exemption from real estate transfer and property taxes;
• Exemption of corporate income tax for 15 years (100%
• 100% fiscal exemption for the first five-year period of
in the first 5 years and 50% in the remaining 10 years).
operation;
This period can be extended for two more years if the
• For the next 10 years following that period, the fiscal
tourist facility is located out of the city area of Praia, S.
burden imposed is 50%;
Vicente and Sal municipalities.
• Tax deduction on profits reinvested in similar activities; and
Tourist Utility for Rebuilding – for projects with a plan of
• Tax deduction for expenses incurred in training the
improvement or expansion whose budget is at least 25%
local workforce.
of the initial investment and with at least five years of activity if the Tourist Utility for Operation was obtained, or two years if not.
CAPE VERDE INVESTMENTS (CI)
• During the rebuilding period, property tax exemption on the acquisition of buildings;
This public entity, created by the Government of Cape
• Customs rights exemption on importing materials and
Verde, is responsible for investment promotion by foste-
equipment to be incorporated in the facilities (also during
ring local and foreign investment, promoting the export
the rebuilding period).
of local products, developing and managing free zones, and providing all necessary assistance and information to
Other Incentives for Tourist Utilities
investment promoters.
• Exemption from general customs duties on imports of
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Among others, CI provides the followings services:
Democracy has flourished since 1991, and there has
• Assists investors in securing permissions, exemptions,
never been any civil war or political conflict in the terri-
authorization, licences, access to land and other require-
tory in the past. The country enjoys economic stability,
ments for establishing companies;
and foreign investors’ private property rights are legally
• Administers the incentive packages;
upheld. Privately managed foreign currency accounts are
• Administers and manages free zones;
legal. (See the sections Why Do Business in Cape Verde
• Administers special tourism areas such as Integrated
and The Economy of Cape Verde for further information.)
Tourism Development Areas and Tourism Reserve and Protection Areas;
The external investment law (Law 89/IV/93 of 12th
• Assists investors with the preparation of project propo-
December) establishes the following main guarantees:
sals. • Non-discrimination: The State guarantees fair and equal
INVESTMENT GUARANTEES
treatment to the foreign investor and to ventures that have foreign investment participation. Foreign investors of a nationality other than the Cape Verdean nationality
In sub-Saharan Africa, Cape Verde is regarded as one of
are entitled to the same treatment, without prejudice to
the safest countries in which to invest. Cape Verde offers
specific conditions established in treaties and agreements
to its investors a peaceful and safe environment.
signed between Cape Verde and other States.
Port of Mindelo
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• Security and protection: The State guarantees against
The ECOWAS is a regional group of initially 16 countries
expropriation and nationalization, the security and pro-
founded in 1975. Its mission is to achieve economic and
tection of assets and rights, understood within the fra-
monetary integration, creating a single large trading
mework of foreign investment, unless the expropriation
bloc, where the flow of people and goods is free bet-
is justified on the ground of public interest, in accordance
ween its member states.
with the law, which always grants to the foreign investor the right to be fairly compensated in an amount based on
CPLP was founded in 1996 in Lisbon. It is composed of
the real and present value of the investment on the date
the following member states: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde,
public interest was declared.
Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Principe and East Timor. It is a multilateral forum for
• Foreign currency transfer: Foreign investors have the
mutual friendship between the Portuguese-speaking
right to transfer abroad, in a freely convertible currency
nations across the world, whose main objective is to
and at the exchange rate prevailing in Cape Verde on the
strengthen friendship and improve economic, social and
date the request is made, all amounts resulting from
cultural relations among the member states, and develop
foreign investment operations duly registered, namely
projects to teach the Portuguese language.
the dividends and profits, capital derived from alienation, liquidation or extinction of enterprises, branches or other
In respect of double taxation Cape Verde has entered
forms of representation, any amounts earned as a result
into bilateral double taxation avoidance treaties with
of contracts, sums referring to amortization and interest
Portugal to avoid taxing non-residents twice.
rates resulting from financial operations and income derived from the exercise of management functions.
Another relevant agreement the country has entered into is the EC-backed partnership agreement with the ACP
• Accounts in foreign currency: Foreign investors are per-
group (African, Caribbean and Pacific States), signed in
mitted to hold foreign currency accounts in national finan-
Cotonou in 2000. This agreement governs cooperation
cial institutions authorized by law, through which they can
links between Cape Verde and those countries.
make all necessary banking operations. Those accounts may only be fed with foreign currency coming directly
Of relevance as well is the special trade status under the
from abroad or from other accounts in foreign currency
US-backed African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
held in the country in institutions authorized by law.
The purpose of this legislation is to assist the economies of sub-Saharan Africa and to improve economic relations
• Foreign workers: Guarantees on hiring foreign workers.
between the United States and the region. The legislation offers trade preferences for quota-free and duty-free
INTERNATIONAL LAWS AND AGREEMENTS
entry into the United States for certain goods, expanding the benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme. As an eligible country, AGOA has expanded market access for a certain number of Cape
Cape Verde is a member state of the African Development
Verdean products, namely textiles, into the US.
Bank (ADB), the African Union (UA), and the United Nations (UN) and most of its specialized institutions.
In 2007, Cape Verde became a member of WTO, after seven years of negotiations during which the country
Because of its geographic location, the country is also a
brought its legislation in line with WTO standards, parti-
member of the Economic Community of West African
cularly regarding value-added tax, commercial code and
States (ECOWAS) and, on account of its history and offi-
the tariffs on imports.
cial language, it is a member of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP).
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This integration presents an important opportunity for
Additionally, the following rates apply to corporate tax:
the country to extend its commercial links and also
• 10% rate retained on payments related to profits;
symbolizes the transition of Cape Verde from a LCD to a
• 20% tax rate retained on the bank deposit interest
MCD.
earned; • 15% tax rate retained on capital gains tax.
DOMESTIC TAX SYSTEM
VALUE ADDED TAX
The main taxes imposed in Cape Verde are Corporate
The VAT rate in Cape Verde is 15% (6% for restaurant
Income Tax (Portuguese acronym: IUR), Value Added Tax
and hotel activities) on value added services.
(VAT), Property Tax, Stamp Duty, Social Insurance, and Personal Income Tax. Property Tax: Property (land or buildings) transactions are
CORPORATE INCOME TAX
subject to property tax at 3% of the registration value. The tax becomes due at the moment of registration.
The corporate tax rate is currently set at 30.6% (30% + 2% surtax). It falls on the gross income generated by
Once the property is registered, there is a five-year
companies headquartered in or with fiscal domicile in
exemption. After the exemption period, 3% property tax
Cape Verde and on income obtained in Cape Verde by
should be paid annually over 1/20 of the registration
companies without a field office or fiscal domiciliation in
value less 15%. The registration value is subject to
Cape Verde.
periodic revision by the authorities based on inspections.
Payment of corporate tax is made in three instalments. By
STAMP DUTY
31st January of each year, 30% of the corporate income tax is paid based on the preceding year; by May 31st,
A stamp duty is charged on certain transactions and sales
50% of the corporate income due for the current year is
and services rendered. The rate is 0.7% and it is usually
paid; and by 31st September the final payment (20%) of
levied on documents. Typically, a physical stamp (a tax
corporate tax must be made for the following year.
stamp) must be attached to or impressed upon the document to denote that stamp duty has been paid before the
The financial statements covering a five-year period are
document becomes legally effective. Its payment delay is
delivered to the fiscal authorities for assessment. Losses
set for the date 15 days starting from the end of the
incurred in one year can be computed to compensate
month the transaction is made.
profits earned for the next three years. Compulsory Social Insurance Programme: In order to pay In regard to withholding income tax, 20% of the income
for the social welfare service, a social insurance tax of 8%
tax is retained on the payment of income tax made by
is charged to employees and a 15% rate is charged to
non-residents and related to services rendered (except
employers. This is incorporated into the taxation system
residents in Portugal, provided evidence is shown that
and is inseparable from income tax. In order to avoid
the corporate income tax has been paid, thus avoiding
double taxation, exemption is available provided expa-
double taxation). For income earned by individuals, a
triates furnish evidence they are contributing to a com-
10% to 24% income tax is retained on the payment
pulsory social insurance system in their country of resi-
made by individuals.
dence. Expatriates and local employees are required to register with the social welfare services.
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PERSONAL INCOME TAX
• Obtain registration with the Chamber of Commerce in order to start business.
Employees residing in Cape Verde must pay personal income tax, arising on a universal basis at marginal rates
Share capital: The minimum share capital required for a
ranging from 15% to 45% on incomes over CVE
joint-stock company is CVE 2,500,000 (equivalent to
1,890,000 (around €17,140), while non-residents are
€22,673) and for a limited liability company is CVE
taxable on income earned in Cape Verde; income earned
200,000 (€1,814).
by non-residents is taxed at a 20% flat rate. By law, the governing body of a joint-stock company is Employers must withhold personal income tax and social
composed of a general assembly, a board of administra-
insurance tax levied on the remuneration they pay to
tion and a supervisory entity.
their employees; resident employees are subject to changing tax withholding rates, depending on the level of
Companies must submit the annual accounts to the sha-
their income. Such rates range from 0% to 33% (on
reholders no later than three months after the closing
monthly income above CVE 300,000). Local employees
date of the operation and they must be available for the
and resident expatriates are required to file a tax return
shareholders at the head office of the company 10 days
form disclosing the gross total employment-generated
before the annual general meeting.
income, including amounts paid or benefits granted. The board of administration or the directors must present
ESTABLISHING TRADING COMPANIES
meeting, including a balance sheet, profit and loss
In order for an investor to register a company in Cape
application of results as well as the auditor’s report and
Verde, the following requirements must be met:
supervisory body’s report, if applicable.
the annual accounts to the shareholders in a general
account, management report and the proposition for the
• Obtain a certificate, issued by the Registry Office, stating that no other company has been registered under
Final accounts must be filed with the tax authorities and
the same name;
with the Conservatory of Commercial Register and be
• Provide by-laws, drawn up by the founders, and corpo-
published in a newspaper.
rate charter or memorandum of association to a notary public – the memorandum of association should include the name of the company, its registered place of business
TRANSFER OF CAPITAL AND PROFITS
(head office and branches or delegations if applicable), the legal type, its objectives, the share capital with the
There are no restrictions on the transfer of capital and
amount subscribed and realized by each shareholder, the
profits, inter-company financing, or transfer of income
governing bodies and the closing date of annual
earned by expatriates.
accounts, if not coincident with the civil year, and the application of the results; • Attach an official bank account statement as evidence that a bank deposit in an amount equivalent to the
IMPORT AND EXPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS
legally authorized joint-stock sum has been opened; • Obtain certification from a notary public for publication
In order to perform any external trading activity a prior
in the Official Gazette;
authorization is required. The government department
• Register with the Ministry of Finance for taxation pur-
responsible for commerce is charged with issuing such
poses;
authorization. Meanwhile, that power has also been entrusted to the Chamber of Commerce.
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INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK To get said permit the following requisites must be fulfilled.
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The essence of such agreement must be incorporated in a statement and an educated guess of the value of the business stated in an invoice. That done, the importer in
Overall requisites: • Have ability to trade;
a collaborative venture with a customs clearing agent fills
• Show that there is no legal restriction regarding trading
in a form provided by the external trade department,
as a result of bankruptcy or insolvency;
which is returned to the official department charged with
• Show that the investor has not been convicted for frau-
trade for prompt processing.
dulent crime against property, public health or the national economy for the last five years;
The government department responsible for trade keeps
• Hold a mandatory minimum academic certificate;
a copy of the form, which is used as a valid document in
• In the event of a collective body (e.g. corporation or
support of payment to the supplier via a commercial
partnership), a definitive registration must be furnished;
bank. The Customs department keeps a copy as well in
• Show compliance with all fiscal obligations.
its import division files for customs clearance procedures.
Specific requisites for the importer:
Certain perishable goods such as agricultural produce
• Have a minimum of CVE 5 million in capital committed
(fruits, vegetables and animal by-products) require that a
to the business;
phytosanitary or zoological certificate be issued. Such
• Own an adequate warehouse for the type and size of
certificate is issued by a responsible entity of the country
the business;
of origin of the commodities.
• Have its accounting system organized according to the National Accounting Plan guidelines, and have hired an
List of import-related documents:
accountant.
• BL or AWB (bill of lading or air way bill), depending on
Law 29/2002 affects the import of staple food and
postal parcel, as a proof the merchandise was shipped;
requires a trader to:
• Certificate of origin, when required;
whether the merchandise was shipped by sea or air or
• Be registered prior to commencing any import operation;
• Zoo or phytosanitary certificate for agricultural produce
• Show evidence that he/she has appropriate facilities for
or products of animal origin;
the storage of goods;
• An estimate (not mandatory) is required to obtain the
• Show evidence that he/she can allocate 30% of the
title ‘external trader’ whenever payment to the supplier
annual import volume from the islands of Santiago and
or customs clearance procedures are needed. This condi-
São Vicente to the other islands.
tion applies whenever the importer has not been given a definitive dispatch note;
The Customs Nomenclature Department is charged with
• Definitive trading dispatch note. This is needed for cus-
issuing import permits. An import permit is valid for one
toms clearance procedures and, eventually, for obtaining
year but can be renewed provided a renewal fee is paid.
external trader status and to pay the supplier through a commercial bank, in the event such status has not been
The value of the fee varies with the type of permit.
obtained with the estimate of business volume. Prior to the issuance or renewal of a permit to undertake any business activity the entrepreneur should pay the
There are specific formalities to comply with when impor-
annual taxes, such as set in the ministerial ordinance
ting food products. Food and pharmaceutical products
31/86 of 6th September.
entering Cape Verde must comply with certain international sanitation norms. It is mandatory that imported
The process of importing commodities starts with the sig-
products bear an invoice containing their date of manu-
ning of an agreement between a willing buyer/importer
facture and validity time as well as composition, trade-
and a willing seller/supplier.
mark and manufacturer’s identification, whenever such
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Ports of Cape Verde assure high standards for business
information is deemed reasonable. The information must
There are no restrictions on export volumes. No export
be furnished in Portuguese, French or English.
duties are levied on exports from Cape Verde. A stamp
Agriculture or animal products must be accompanied by
ment.
duty of CVE 100 is levied on each export shipment state-
a certificate of origin. Based on this certificate, the competent national authorities will issue a statement testif-
CUSTOMS DUTIES
ying that the products pose no risks of spreading pest or disease in Cape Verde which may cause potential harm
Custom duties fall into five categories:
to the domestic agriculture and livestock businesses.
• Import rights (on all goods); • VAT – Value Added Tax (on all goods);
Export Regulations: Export and re-export operations can
• Special Consumption Tax (on specific goods like alcohol
be performed freely and require no prior authorization.
and tobacco);
However, an export permit is required. There are no spe-
• Ecological Tax (on non-biodegradable packages);
cific requisites to comply with except the overall requi-
• Community Tax (ECOWAS).
sites required for external trade. Decree-Law 5/99 of 1st February – on the general guidelines on the juridical
LABOUR PROVISIONS
regime on trade – and the Act 92/IV/93 of 15th February grant special benefits to export and re-export goods and services.
The country’s workforce is readily available, easy to train, and productivity potential is high. No official minimum wage has been set yet.
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INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK The domestic legislation specifies two kinds of labour
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In respect of trading and industrial undertakings, the
contracts, unlimited time contract and provisional con-
government of Cape Verde passed a law in 1998 which
tract. Nonetheless, the legislation does not establish a
authorizes the establishment of free trade areas, defined
deadline for a temporary labour contract and typically
as a duty-free import and export area (Law 83/V/98 of
these contracts are flexible and maintained for quite
21st December). Cape Verde has recently opened a Free
some years. But, by its very nature, this kind of contract
Trade Area in São Vicente Island (governed by the
should be time-limited.
Decree-Law 3/2001).
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 21 working days
Any legally established national or foreign company can
of vacation per year of effective work and cannot work
be classed as a free trade company provided it manufac-
for more than 8 hours a day or 44 hours a week. An
tures, trades goods or services for export or sales to other
employee can be fired on the grounds of non-proroga-
free trade enterprises in Cape Verde. Provided they get
tion of the contract or just cause.
suitable authorization, free trade enterprises may sell to the domestic market provided the total volume of such
Non-prorogation of the contract: In the event of termina-
sales does not exceed 15% of the enterprise’s output for
ting the services of an employee, the worker has the right
the preceding year. Once in the domestic market the
to a minimum of (i) 21 days’ pay if the contract term is
goods are subject to regular taxes and other duties.
one year; (ii) 15 days’ pay per each year of effective work following the first year; or (iii) 1.75 days’ pay for each
Free trade enterprises benefit from specific incentives
month if the contract term ranges from 6 months to one
under Law 99/IV/93 of 31st December, which sets a list
year. The employer must communicate to the fired
of fiscal and customs incentives.
employee the reason for non-prorogation of the labour contract no later than 10 days from the date of termination of the contract. A legitimate reason for the firing
INVESTMENT DIRECTORY
may be disruptive behaviour, unsuitable skills for the task on hand, or termination of the task.
COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATIONS
ACCESS TO LAND (INCLUDING FTA)
Rua Serpa Pinto, 23-1º
Associação Comercial de Sotavento
B.P. 78, Praia, Santiago The easiest way to acquire real estate property and build
Tel: +238-2612991
a house in Cape Verde is to contact the real estate
Fax: +238-2612964
agents.
Email: acs@.cvtelecom.cv
If the land is to be used for an industrial or tourism
Associação Comercial e Agrícola de Barlavento
undertaking, it is highly recommended that investors
Avenida 5 de Julho 1º e 2º andar-
contact the Cape Verdean Investment Agency (CVI) in
C.P 62, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
order to get advice on conditions and incentives avai-
Tel: +238-2313281
lable, according to the project site.
Fax: +238-2323658 Email: aciab@mail.cvtelecom.cv
In respect of the tourism industry, the government has identified some specific sites of national interest for tou-
Cabo Verde Investimentos
rism development it calls the ZDTI (Integrated Tourism
Agência Cabo-verdiana de promoção de Investimentos
Industry Development Area).
Sede, Rua Cruz do Papa, nº5 C.P. 89 c, Achada santo António, Praia, Santiago
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Tel: +238-2622621 / 2622689
Tel: +238-2616446
Fax: +238-2622657
Fax: +238-2613658
Email: cvinvestiment@cvtelecom.cv
Email: iefp@iefp.gov.cv
A PROMOTORA (Sociedade de Capital de risco)
INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatísticas)
Plateau, Rua Andrade Corvo
Plateau, Av. Amílcar Cabral
C.P. 753, Praia, Santiago
C.P. 116, Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2617703 / 2611703
Tel: +238-2613960
Fax: +238-2617702
Fax: +238-2611656
Email: a promotora@cvtelecom.cv
Email: inecv@ine.gov.cv Website: www.ine.cv
IEFP (Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional) Plateau, Rua Serpa Pinto C.P. 14, Praia, Santiago The Cape Verdean property market offers unique investment opportunities
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INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK MINISTRIES
e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
Tel: +238-2614773/74 Fax: +238-2611960
Ministério da Económia Plateau, Av. Amílcar Cabral
BANKS
C.P. 15, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2607401 / 2607600
Banco de Cabo Verde
Fax: +238-2607613 / 2617299
Plateau, Av. Amílcar Cabral
Email: marisef@ gov1.gov.cv
C.P. 101, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2615530
Direcção Geral de Comércio e Concorrência
Fax: +238-2611914
Avenida Amílcar Cabral Prédio Finanças, C.P. 146
Website: www.bcv.cv
B.P. 105, Praia Tel: +238-2607600
Banco Comercial de Atlântico
Fax: +238-2613659
Plateau:
Email: José@gov1.gov.cv
Tel: +238-2612400 / 2613015 Fax: +238-613848
Direcção Geral da Indústria e Energia
Fazenda:
Praia
Tel: +238-2616890
Tel: +238-2607641 / 2614800 / 2617622
Fax: +238-2616891 ASA:
Direcção Geral de Desenvolvimento Turístico
Tel: +238-2621348
Várzea: Palácio do Governo Tel: +238-2610316
Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde
Fax: +238-2610317
Plateau: Tel: +238-2603560
Ministério das Finanças e Planeamento
Fax: +238-2614465
Plateau, Av. Amílcar Cabral
Fazenda:
C.P. 114, Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2615561
Tel: +238-2615846
Fax: +238-2615560
Fax: +238-2613897
ASA: Tel: +238-2624225
Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas
Fax: +238-2624301
Plateau, Ponta Belém C.P. 115, Praia, Santiago
Banco Totta & Açores
Tel: +238-2615716
Plateau:
Fax: +238-2614054
Rua Justino Lopes, C.P 593 Tel: +238-611662
Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Fax: +238-614612- 614006
Achada Santo Antonio
Email: btcv@telecom.cv
C.P. 60, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2615733
Banco Interatlântico
Fax: +238-2615728
Plateau: Tel: +238-618430
Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Várzea:
Plateau
Tel: +238-614008
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Fax: +238-614752
Fax: +202-9744332
ASA:
Web: www.ifc.org
Tel: +238-622291 UN - NAÇÕES UNIDAS Multilateral Financial Institutions Sede:
UN-NADAF (Programa das Nações Unidas para o
Rua Joseph Anomam, 01 BP 1387
Desenvolvimento de África)
Abidjan 01, Côte D’Ivoire
Website: www.un.org/esa/africa/
Tel: +225-20204444 Fax: +225-20204959
UNIDO (Organização das Nações Unidas para o
Email: afdb@afdb.org
Desenvolvimento Industrial em países em desenvolvimento)
Website: www.afdb.org
Sede de Nova York - USA:
Unidade de Comunicação:
New York, N.Y. 10017, USA
01 BP 1387, Abidjan 01, Côte D’Ivoire
Tel: +212-9636890
Tel: +225-20204118
Fax: +212-9644116
Fax: +225-20204006
Email: office.geneva@unido.org
Email: comuadb@afdb.org
Website: www.unido.org
Website: www.afdb.org
Sede de Genebra – Suíça: Palais des Nations, Le Bocage, Pavillion I
BM (Banco Mundial)
CH-1211 Geneve, 10
Sede BM for Cape Verde
Rue de Pregny, 8 – Suíça
Mr Madani M. Tall, Country Director
Tel: +4122-9173367 / 9173364
Dakar, Senegal:
Fax: +4122-9170059
Tel: +221-8495000
Email: office.geneva@unido.org
Fax: +221-849-5027
Website: www.unido.org
Email: mtall@worldbank.org Washington, USA:
COMISSÃO EUROPEIA
The World Bank, 1818 H Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20433 USA
Direcçao da Comissao Europeia
Tel: +202-4731000
Achada de Santo António, CP 122, Praia
Fax: +202-4776391
Tel: +238-621392 /93/34
Website: www.bancomundial.org
Fax: +238-621391
Secção África do Banco Mundial:
Email: Delegation.Cape-Verde@cec.eu.int
Website: http://Inweb18.worldbank.org/afr/afr.nsf Direcção Geral de Desenvolvimento IFC (Corporação de Financiamento Internacional)
Rue de Genéve,12
IFC base in Abidjan, Ivory Coast:
B – 1140, Bruxelas
APDF, Immeuble CCIA, 17e étage
Tel: +32-22993002
BP 8669, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Website:
Tel:+225-20219697
www.europa.eu.int/comm/development/index_es.htm
Fax: +225 20 21 61 51 IFC Sub-Saharan Africa Department:
CDE – Centro para o Desenvolvimento da Empresa
2121 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Email: info@cde.ws
Washington, DC 20433 - USA
Website: www.cde.ws.
Tel: +202-4730319
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THE CAPE VERDEAN ECONOMY
Galinha ki ta garbata tchéu, ta atcha osu na sê dona A chicken that roots around too much finds its own bones Cape Verdean proverb 63
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
light manufacturing industries and fisheries, and the development of transport, communications and energy.
The Republic of Cape Verde is an African country formed by 10 islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the wes-
In 1998, Cape Verde signed a cooperation agreement
tern coast of Africa, nearly 640km to the west of Dakar,
with Portugal, which allowed the implementation of a
Senegal. Other neighbouring countries are Mauritania,
fixed exchange rate with the Portuguese escudo, and
Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. The country – an archipelago
subsequently with the euro, and this agreement remains
of volcanic origin – was discovered by Portugal in the fif-
in effect.
teenth century and became independent in 1975. Nowadays, it is a parliamentary republic, with a multi-
Along with greater freedom in the flow of foreign
party system.
currency, this policy has promoted the economic confi-
Having a poor natural resource base, the country is lar-
the introduction of Value Added Tax (IVA – Imposto sobre
gely dependent on imports to respond to the basic needs
o Valor Acrescentado) and a higher rigour in the collection
dence. Together with the reform of the tax system, such as
of the nearly 470,000 inhabitants (2005) and to obtain
of Income Tax (IUR – Imposto Único sobre o Rendimento),
raw materials for its economic activities. External inves-
as well as the reforms of the 90s, this has enabled an eco-
tment contributes 42% of the country’s GDP of €827.7
nomic growth rate of 9% in the past decade. The GDP
million (2004: €749.5), with 30% from external interna-
growth rate from 1996 to 2005 is presented below.
tional aid and 12% from remittances from emigrants. This chart demonstrates the good economical period The economy of Cape Verde has developed significantly
experienced by Cape Verde in the past decade.
since the end of the last decade with an average annual
Nevertheless, in the past six years, there has been a slow-
growth of more than 6%, and is now considered a
down in Cape Verde’s economic growth, related to inter-
‘lower-middle-income economy’.
national change in this period.
Cape Verde obviously reduced its fiscal deficit. In 2000, it
With the increases in direct foreign investment and tou-
represented 20% of GDP, and in 2004-06, the state
rism income and good agricultural prospects in light of
maintained an average of 4% of GDP.
good rains, the forecast for GDP growth by the IMF has been reviewed, rising to nearly 6% in 2006 and 6.7% in
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ECONOMIC REFORM STRATEGY
2007.
The economic reforms launched in 1991 were aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the country’s economy, with the government taking the role of promoter and regulator of economic activities. Since then, successive governments have pursued the objectives of attracting foreign investors and creating a favourable atmosphere for business through the simplification of the diverse fiscal and customs procedures as well as a far-reaching privatization programme. Top development priorities are the promotion of a market economy, the development of tourism,
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GDP
w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m in the next year a real growth of these items is not expected, as a result of restrictive policies imposed by the
On a more in-depth analysis of GDP, the considerable
national and international authorities.
weight of imports in the structure of the aggregate demand is clear; in practical terms this results in a deficit
The gross fixed capital formation has grown 7% in 2005,
of the balance of payments.
highly influenced by the construction sector, with the collaboration of investment in equipment. Investment in
As far as the aggregate demand is concerned, the
transportation material registered a drop as a result of
increase in household expenditure stands out, with an
the fall in the imports for this sector.
annual growth of around 5%, influenced by the increasing availability of credit, and stimulated by the less res-
Exports presented a growth compared to the previous
trictive nature of the monetary policy adopted by the
year, which was due to the increase in the export of
Central Bank (BCV). For the next two years, it is predicted
goods and services.
that private expenditure will be one of the energizers of aggregate demand since both the real growth of GDP
The islands of Cape Verde have few natural resources
and access to credit will keep contributing favourably to
and regularly experience drought, which is harmful to
its development.
agriculture. This activity is restricted to four of the islands
With regard to public expenditure, there has been a 10%
natural that the primary sector represents only 6.1% of
(Santiago, Santo Antรฃo, Fogo and Brava). It is therefore
growth in 2005, following a 9% drop in 2004; this is a
the GDP (agriculture, cattle industry, forestry: 5.2%; fis-
result of public sector expansion, including personnel
hery: 0.9%). Industry has a modest weight in the Cape
costs and the acquisition of goods and services. However,
Verdean economy. The few modern industrial enterprises
The Prime Minister and his team studying possible renewable energy sources
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focus on the food industry (fishing conservation, alco-
INFLATION
holic beverages and coffee), clothing and footwear industry and construction materials (extraction of pozo-
In the past decade, the behaviour of prices has been irre-
lana). The secondary sector is responsible for 15.3% of
gular, with alternation between periods of inflation and
the existing wealth in the country (industry: 7.1%, cons-
deflation, with an overall decreasing trend. According to
truction: 8.2%), while the tertiary sector accounts for the
some analysts, this is conditioned by the excessive weight
largest part of the Cape Verdean economy representing
of food and the rural zones in the products and services.
approximately 70.2% of the GDP (services: 59.8%, tou-
Nevertheless, inflation has been controlled, usually in a range from 1% to 3%, influenced by the low budget
rism: 10.4%).
deficit and the exchange cooperation with Portugal, In conclusion, despite the fact that the recent macroeco-
which compels Cape Verde to respect tight macroeco-
nomic indicators reveal a favourable progress, the pro-
nomic criteria, similar to those of the European Union, to
ductivity of the industry remains fragile and dependent
assure fixed exchange parity between the euro and the
on the exterior. The poor internal market, the imbalance
Cape Verdean escudo.
of external commerce, the weak competitiveness of its products, the insular conditions and the geographical dis-
Even though the forecasted inflation for 2006 is 5%, due
persion of the islands, as well as the climate conditions,
to the impact of high oil prices, the forecasts for 2007 are
are characteristics that Cape Verde will have to overcome
more favourable, with a prediction of a fall in inflation to
to reach a sustainable development. The structural pro-
values in the region of 0%.
jects in place may be important to this transformation, namely the Project for Development and Reduction of
COST OF LIVING
Poverty (Projecto para o Crescimento e Redução da Pobreza) and the Millennium Challenge Account.
The cost of living in Cape Verde may be considered as being medium to high when compared with countries
Economic growth reflects on daily consumption
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with the same level of development, due to the shortage of natural resources, the insular condition and the geographical dispersion of its islands.
Water and energy is supplied exclusively by the company Electra, SA with the prices being regulated by the national authorities. As far as fuels are concerned, the supply is provided by the enterprises Enacol and Shell, with the prices being regulated by a government authority.
Liberalization of the telecommunications sector was due to be established in January 2007, with Cabo Verde Telecom keeping a monopoly situation until then.
EMPLOYMENT Fishing boats in the port of Praia, Santiago island
The unemployment rate in Cape Verde is in the order of
million Dollars US), which represents an inversion com-
25% and there is no minimal national wage. Salaries are
pared to the previous year.
established by agreement between employer and employee. Merely as an indication, a graduate salary is
The main reasons for the surplus in the Balance of
approximately €750, a secretary €300 and an assistant
Payments of 2006 are the significant diminishing of the
€180 per month.
balance of the current account, the slowdown of the import/export of goods deficit, which is a result of the
Labour laws are fairly inflexible, with difficulty, for
stabilization of the import of goods and the considerable
example, in terminating work contracts.
increase of exports, as well as a substantial increase in remittances by emigrants.
Cape Verde is characterized by social stability and good labour quality, which is considered competitive in terms of
The expansion of the services account is also enhanced,
cost, but also offers considerable qualifications when com-
particularly with tourism-related services. This allowed the BCV to enlarge the liquid international reserves,
pared to countries with the same level of development.
which represented at that time approximately 3.4 Employers and employees have to pay a monthly contri-
months of imports.
bution of 15% and 8% respectively from their salaries Cape Verde’s external accounts equilibrium variables
into the social insurance fund.
have been emigrant remittances and the official transfers There is also an obligation to take out insurance against
resulting from external partner aid.
work-related accidents and health risks, which costs about 2% of salary for administrative roles and 6% for
The observed increase in the level of emigrant remit-
other roles.
tances may be explained by the higher interest rates in
BALANCE OF TRADE
of the economy, a higher diffusion of online financial ser-
According to the BCV Annual Report, 2006 closed with a
compared to the US dollar, which favoured the transfer
positive balance on the Balance of Payments (-40.654
of remittances from emigrants living in the United States
foreign countries, confidence in the global performance
vices and the appreciation of the Cape Verdean escudo
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of America. Nevertheless, the diaspora’s ageing and the
These projections, associated with the natural difficulties
natural loss of identification of future generations with
in decreasing imports and increasing exports, force Cape
the country may lead to a progressive diminishing of
Verde to rely more on services, particularly tourism.
these remittances.
The official transfers resulting from external partner aid
FOREIGN TRADE AND STOCK EXCHANGE
are expected to decrease in the medium term, due to the development of the economy in the past decade, as well
The dependency level of Cape Verde is evident in the
as the achieving of the condition of ‘lower-middle-
values from the external commerce of 2005, with a value
income economy’.
of €402.4 million for imports, and a value of €122.3 million for exports, which, unsurprisingly, leads to a high Tourism is economically one of the major incomes of the country
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value of the Effective External Debt (approximately 50% of GDP).
PRIVATIZATION PROCESS
Notwithstanding the weak productive structure, the
Cape Verde became politically independent on 5th July
balance of imports and exports has progressed positively
1975. Between then and 1991, Cape Verde was
in the past two years. Nonetheless, the vulnerability of
governed by a one-party political system, with a state-
the external economy is still evident, measured by the
based economy, with private companies being only small
weight of goods and services in GDP of 96%.
and medium-sized economic agents.
Portugal is Cape Verde’s main commercial partner provi-
The commercial policy during this period was essentially
ding 46% of its imports, with the Netherlands being the
focused on the internal market, through the policy of
next biggest supplier to Cape Verde with 15.7%.
substitution of imports and the control of the economy by the government. State-owned and mixed companies
SOURCE AND DESTINATION OF CAPE VERDE’S FOREIGN TRADE
were formed in the financial services, transportation,
Exports highlight the weakness of the Cape Verdean eco-
needs sectors.
fuels, agriculture, agro-pastoral, fishery, pharmaceuticals, electricity production, telecommunications, construction, hospitality and imports and commercialization of basic
nomy, essentially composed of food industry companies in the sector of fish processing, with exports mainly to
The first signs of economic reform appeared at the end
Spain, as well as the typical production of brandy
of the 1980s and were the basis of the political reforms
(grogue), wine and coffee. The clothing and footwear
of 1990, which led to free elections in 1991. From that
industry, comprising offshore companies that work for
date, policies of liberalization and opening of the eco-
the exterior market under the protection of AGOA
nomy to the exterior have taken place, with the govern-
(African Growth Opportunity Act), rely on this important
ment having the role of promoter and regulator of the economic activity, and the transferring to private national
market.
and foreign investors of the role of economic agent. There are no funding programmes or systems for export grants. Cape Verde promotes its exports and re-exports
Law 47/IV/92 of 6th July, later replaced by Law 41/V/97
through Cabo Verde Investimentos, which is the institute
of 17th November, defined the general process for priva-
responsible for the promotion of tourism, investment and
tization and state participation in societies with an eco-
exports under the auspices of the Ministério da
nomic nature.
Economia, Crescimento e Competitividade (Ministry of Economy, Growth and Competitiveness).
Since then, the main state-owned companies have been privatized, and this has been one of the most important
It also needs to be pointed out that Cape Verde belongs
and more effective means of reforming the enterprise
to the ECOWAS (Economic Community of Western Africa
sector. This has been an instrument of economic policy
States) and Cape Verdean companies therefore have
necessary for modernization, increase in competition,
access to the markets of this community.
increase in the Cape Verdean economic efficiency and economic and social growth and stabilization of the macroeconomic indicators.
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AGRICULTURE
&
FISHERIES
ร guas correm sempre para o mar / Waters always flow to the sea Cape Verdean proverb
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INTRODUCTION
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture in Cape Verde is an important sector in the
Cape Verde has a surface area of 403,330 hectares of
economy, contributing to the creation of jobs and the
which 219,000 hectares are uncultivable lands unsuited
subsistence of a great number of agricultural families
for any agricultural activity. This is due to the very
(about 43% of family units, according to the census of
accented slopes, ground erosion and the fact that they
2000). However, its contribution to GDP represents only
are marginal lands. In addition such land is generally poor
6% in 2007.
in nutrients and with weak retention of water capacity,
The reduced amount of arable land, sparse vegetation,
of ecosystems and constantly accelerates the desertifica-
and irregular rainfall, along with strong pressure on cul-
tion process.
which accentuates the ground erosion, the degradation
tivable lands and the fragile agrarian structure mean that development of a modern agriculture to service the
Traditional families mostly practise dry-land agriculture,
external market is difficult. Most agricultural production
on an average surface of 1.15ha. The main crops are corn
is therefore intended for the domestic market, with the
and beans (95% of cultivated lands). The corn produc-
production of corn and beans covering only 40% of
tion, the only cereal produced in Cape Verde, covers only
domestic need.
about 10% of the cereal consumption needs.
Cultivated land in Sรฃo Domingos, Santiago Island
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According to the 2004 census, the irrigated parcels of land cover a surface of between 335.2 hectares in the cool season and 3,190.9 hectares in the hot season. Introduced in 1993, micro-irrigation (drop irrigation) is a good solution for Cape Verde’s agriculture. The 2004 census identifies 1,395 areas equipped with drop irrigation. Of these, 942 use only this technology and 453 use both systems of irrigation.
Grapes and coffee are other crops that have a potential for exportation. They are cultivated in significant quantities on Fogo Island. Bananas and sugar cane have a
The Agricultural industry makes excellent use of its water resources
potential too and are mostly produced on Santiago and Santo Antão Islands.
average density of 400 trees/ha. The estimation of the
CATTLE BREEDING
the territory. The highest rates are in Santiago (51.3%),
wooded area in Cape Verde is evaluated about 21.1% of
Brava (34.7%), Fogo (23.7%), Maio (14.8%) and S. Families combine cattle breeding with crop production. It
Antão (11.3%). The annual domestic consumption of
represents an important component of their incomes and
firewood was estimated at about 112,000 tonnes/year in
allows the subsistence of about 41,000 families, 60% of
2000, with 50% on Santiago Island.
the total population.
FISHERIES As they are dependent on agriculture and natural pastures, farmed ruminants have a weak productivity of both
Fishery activity constitutes a weak contributor to the GDP
milk and meat. The number of ruminants farmed exceeds
of the country (2% in the 1990s and hardly 1% in 2000).
fodder resources. The annual fodder production is esti-
However, it plays an important role in the economy of
mated at about 36,841 tonnes of dry substance.
the country. It largely contributes to employment, the balance of payments and food security.
Pig breeding (77,316 animals in 2004, with 63.5% in Santiago) is practised in more than 73% of family farms.
Cape Verde has 1,020km of coastline, with an annual potential of 36,000 to 44,000 tonnes of aquatic
The cattle production is wholly destined for national con-
resources.
sumption and is estimated at about 6,163 tonnes of meat (21.5kg/capita), 10,800 tonnes of milk equivalent
The last general survey in 1999 indicates that there are
(110kg/capita), 35,000,000 units of eggs (90kg/capita),
about 5,280 fishermen in Cape Verde, of which 80% are
according to the latest cattle survey.
artisanal fishermen. There were 1,500 fishmongers in 1990 and 3,500 in 2000. The number of artisanal fleet
FORESTS
boats fell from 1,400 in 1990 to 1,257 in 2001. The rate of motorization is estimated at about 73%. The industrial
Cape Verde has forest spots in all the islands, especially
fleet constituted 69 active boats in 2001.
in the lowland plains, mainly composed of American Locust trees (Prosopis julflora). At higher altitudes, other
The current catches do not exceed 9,000 to 10,000
forest species predominate, such as the Cupressus spe-
tonnes a year, resulting 64% from artisanal fishing and
cies. In 2002, the number of plants was surveyed and,
36% from industrial fishing. The main species caught by
thanks to this study, we know that Cape Verde has an
artisanal fishing are: larger pelagic species (41%), smaller
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e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e Since 2006, Chinese companies are experimenting fishfreezing operations in Cape Verde and are projecting to develop exports to the Chinese market.
MODERNIZATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR From the 1980s to the 1990s, a great national effort for the modernization of agriculture was initiated, with a Fisheries is a sector that still needs much foreign investment
particular emphasis on horticulture. This initiative
pelagic species (40%), demersal species (13%) and lobs-
allowed Cape Verde to double, even to triple, the national production and to practically supply the national
ters (0.5%).
market. These efforts included the mobilization of water Different types of boats make up the industrial fleet, var-
resources and introduction of modern irrigation systems,
ying from 6 to 25 metres with crews of between 5 and
the construction of reservoirs, and the development of
14 fishermen. In 2000, there were 167 industrial boats,
drop irrigation technology; the protection and conserva-
with only 75 of these active.
tion of ground and water; the selection and introduction of horticultural varieties adapted to the agro-climatic
The fish processing industry in Cape Verde consists
conditions; the multiplication and plantation of fruit
essentially of production of canned food and its bypro-
trees; the creation and implementation of agricultural
ducts. This remained relatively stable during recent years,
extensions; the training of agricultural development tech-
varying between 217 to 390 tonnes.
nicians; the introduction and development of biological treatments; and the decentralization of technical assis-
The marketing for artisanal fishing products is mainly
tance services.
internal. Products from industrial fishing are intended to In 2004 the Strategic Plan for Agriculture for 2005–2008
be processed or exported.
was elaborated and implemented. It sets out the main The principal marketed products are tuna, frozen fish,
goals for the development of the sector including arti-
fresh fish, and in fewer quantities canned fish and lobsters.
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sanal fishing. In 2005 the National Action Plan for the Environment was elaborated and implemented, setting up the guidelines for the Environment Policy.
PRINCIPAL CROPS Corn and beans. The annual yields are unpredictable and depend on rainfall. Since 1988 they have varied from 1,300 tonnes to 21,000 tonnes for corn, and from 1,600 tonnes to 7,300 tonnes for beans. The average yields are very small: about 300kg/ha for corn and 90kg/ha for beans.
Horticultural production. Horticultural production grew by 14% per year during the past 10 years, reaching in 2000 an estimated total of 18,500 tonnes. In 2000 the
holic beverage from sugar cane saccharin. It is entirely
total production of roots and tubers was estimated at
destined for national consumption.
about 10,700 tonnes, distributed between sweet potato, manioc and common potato.
The yields of these cultures are not significant, and prac-
Other cultures. Cape Verde also has some specialized
tion of the production process, these cultures may be
production, such as coffee, with 30–50 tonnes per year,
able to reach an international market.
tically are not exported. However, with the moderniza-
wine with 45,000–60,000 litres/year and grogue with 12,500hl/year. Cape Verdean people produce this alcoIsland of Santiago
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In the recent past, Cape Verde exported bananas to
bad for customers; and 2) To promote the country’s eco-
Portugal, just before the country entered the European
nomic planning and regional supplies in basic food pro-
Union. The countries have talked about exporting again,
ducts and assure a permanent follow-up of the market to
but the right transport conditions have not been found.
guarantee a normal supply for the country without any break.
MAIN COMPANIES Two further important functions are collecting, analysing
ANSA
and disseminating information about markets to deci-
Helder Foncesca Lopes
ging food aid.
sionmakers, including the private operators; and mana-
Managing Director
Tel: +238-2626290/95
INPD (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DAS PESCAS)
Fax: +238-2626297/98
(The National Institute for the Development of Fisheries)
C.P. 262A, Encosta de Chã de Areia, Praia, Santiago
Email: helder@govl.gov.cv Mr Jorge Nascimento Activity: National agency for food safety
President
Date of Creation: July 2002
INDP Headquarters, C.P. 132, Mindelo, S. Vicente Email: nni00273@mail.cvtelecom.cv
ANSA, created in July 2002, is the regulation agency for
Tel: +238-2321370/1373/1374
the essential food goods market. It aims to improve the
Fax: +238-2321616
food safety of the country. It is also the government
Sotavento Regional Direction,
agency specialized in operational management of food
C.P. 545, Praia, Santiago
aid.
Email: nni00857@millton.cvtelecom.cv Tel: +238-2612865
ANSA has full autonomy in administrative, financial and
Fax: +238-2612502
ownership issues. Relations with the government are established through the members of the government res-
Activity: Fisheries
ponsible for the agricultural and financial areas.
Date of Creation: 1992
ANSA operates under standards of management and pri-
The National Institute for the Development of Fisheries
vate accountability and submits itself to inspection by the
(INDP) was founded in 1992 and operates under the
exchequer.
Ministry of Infrastructure, Transportation and Sea.
The mission of ANSA is to contribute to the increase in
The mission of the INDP is to promote the fishing industry
the population’s satisfaction level regarding food safety,
in Cape Verde. With regard to fisheries science, its mis-
by the identification of opportunities and constraints and
sion is to promote and coordinate all the research efforts
the best ways to manage the systems that contribute to
made in the country devoted to the development and
the improvement of quality of life and provide the best
exploitation of fisheries resources. INDP’s research pro-
conditions regarding quantity, quality and price.
gramme is centred on the pelagic species, demersal spe-
The main functions of ANSA as a regulating agency are:
and protection of the marine environment. In respect of
1) To assure the correct functioning of the market and its
training, the higher education Institute of Engineering
cies, lobster and aquaculture, as well as on management
transparency according to rules and established stan-
and Marine Sciences (ISECMAR) trains a variety of profes-
dards, avoiding any anti-competitive practice that can be
sionals in different sea-related fields.
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The fisheries industry is a significant contributor to the
Activity: Research and development in agriculture
balance of payments. 1997 export values reached CVE
Date of Creation: 1992
250 million. Since then, and for reasons attributed to
Employees: 245
external factors, decreasing export values were recorded. Fish is a very important food for the local population and
The main agricultural research institute in Cape Verde is
is the main source of animal-derived protein. Per capita
the Instituto Nacional de Investigaçãoe Desenvolvimento
consumption of fish has increased from 16.7kg in 1996
Agrária (INIDA).
to nearly 40kg in 2007. INIDA is headquartered in São Jorge, Santiago, and has
INIDA (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE INVESTIGACION E DESARROLLO AGRARIO) (National
Institute
for
Agriculture
Development)
Research
and
five substations, three on the island of Santiago, one on São Nicolau, and one on Santo Antão. INIDA’s research focuses mainly on crop and animal production, as well as forestry, natural resources and, recently, farming systems.
Mr António Luis Évora President
The institute is organized into five departments, namely
C.P. 84, São Jorge, Santiago
agriculture and livestock, environmental sciences, social
Tel: +238-2711127
sciences, training, and finance and administration. The
Fax: +238-2711133
Department of Agriculture and Livestock conducts rese-
Email: inida@inida.gov.cv
arch on corn, legumes, roots, tubers, horticultural crops, bananas, sugarcane, irrigation, water harvesting, inteHeadquartes of INIDA in São Domingos, Santiago island
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grated pest management, biotechnology, industrial crops, food technologies, animal health and forestry. The Department of Environmental Sciences conducts research on vegetation, wildlife, soil science, agroclimatology and hydrology. The Department of Social Sciences conducts farming systems research and research related to socioeconomic issues. In addition, the Department of Training provides training for extension workers. The training is conducted by the INIDA staff, which is composed of 245 employees, including 28 researchers.
INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ENGENHERIA RURAL E FLORESTAS (INERF)
Frescomar is undertaking modernization steps, which requires numerous investments
Frescomar SA produces canned tuna fish, melva, mackerel and sardines using high-quality control standards.
Luísa Emília da Lomba Morais C.P. 115, Praia Tel: +238-2647536
Frescomar catches its supplies in the clear waters around
Fax: +238-2647549
the Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The fish
Email: luemimorais@cvtelecom.cv
supplies are canned from fresh in a non-automated production line. The final product is also packed by hand.
Activity: Agriculture Since 2001, Frescomar has been certified by US Food and The Instituto Nacional de Engenheria Rural e Florestas
Drug Administration (FDA), and exports to the US regu-
(INERF) was created as part of the restructuring that took
larly. Exports come under the AGOA (African Growth and
place in 1992 by combining sections that were formally
Opportunities Act) programme.
administered by the Direção Geral de Conservação de Solos e Agua, Florestas e Engenheria Rural (DGCSAFER)
Frescomar also exports to the European Union, namely to
and INIA. INERF conducts research on soil and water con-
Italy, Holland and Portugal. Frescomar has the sanitary
servation, forestry and rural engineering and is divided
authority number CV002.
into five divisions: rural engineering, renewable energy, soil and forest conservation, studies and planning, and
About 200 employees work for Frescomar. From the
administration.
island of S. Vicente they work to offer the best taste of
FRESCOMAR SA
Cape Verde communities.
Jorge Nacimento
MILOT HYDROPONICS LDA
the ocean to all who appreciate it, and especially to the
Technical and Social Director C.P. 619, Área Industrial do Lazareto, São Vicente
Emilio Lobo
Tel: +238-2326742 / 2329144
Director
Fax: +238-2326741
C.P. 73, Palha Verde, Sal
Email: info@frescomar-cv.com
Tel: +238 2412693
Website: www.frescomar.cv
Fax: +238 2412526 Email: info@milothydroponics.com /
Activity: Tuna fish, melva, mackerel and sardine produc-
emiliolobo@milothydroponics.com
tion
Website: www.milothydroponics.com
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Activity: Agriculture
operations via increased production, improved distribu-
Date of Creation: 2001
tion networks and storage facilities. This will lead to
Employees: 19
increased annual sales and job creation. The increase of the company’s production is helping Cape Verde to
Milot Hydroponics (MHL) is a small enterprise that grows
reduce its reliance on imported produce.
a variety of high-quality produce in greenhouses in Sal. It uses hydroponics techniques to produce fresh vegetable
MHL is the only fresh vegetable producer on the island of
products, including tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers,
Sal and its goal is to maintain its position as the leading
lettuces and aubergines.
producer.
A pioneer in the production and sale of hydroponics vegetables, MHL is using USADF funding to expand its Daily Market in Mindelo, São Vicente island. It’s worth a visit!
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E N E R G Y
&
WA T E R
Fora da àgua não se aprende a nadar / You don't learn to swim when you are out of the water Cape Verdean proverb 81
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OVERVIEW
According to the government’s energy strategic plan the ultimate goal is: ‘To guarantee the satisfaction of the
The provision of energy services is central to Cape
energy needs of the population, the economy and the
Verde’s economic and social development activities.
country, making energy available in sufficient quantities and at a cost that contributes to improving the wellbeing
Cape Verde is deprived of fossil fuel resources. The bur-
and the quality of life of the population and for the com-
ning of imported oil and oil byproducts is, in essence, the
petitiveness of the national economy, without creating
sole source of production of electrical power. For that
macroeconomic or environmental imbalances or else
reason, the country’s dependence on imports to meet its
aggravating the dependence on the outside.’
energy requirements is high, the macroeconomic impact is significant as scarce financial and economic resources
On account of its weak financial clout the country cannot
are thus drained, and thus support to the energy supply
make the needed investments to guarantee supply. Thus, the opening of the sector to foreign direct investments
market is deficient.
through the development of strategic partnership agreeAlternative renewable energy sources such as wind and
ments was inevitable.
solar energy have been studied. In the city of Mindelo (S. Vicente Island) wind energy production has been injected
Nevertheless, the energy sector needs real reforms to
into the public electrical grid and accounts for around
ensure progress. The country has suffered a severe crisis
10% of the total energy consumed in the city.
over the past two years, mainly due to underinvestment and lack of infrastructures. Cape Verde is still victim of
An impressive dam holds back the waters, island of Santiago
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frequent power cuts as the national energy company,
ELECTRICITY
Electra, is unable to match infrastructures with the increasing demand, which grows 15% yearly.
The generation and distribution of electric power across the country has been fully assigned to Electra SA. The
To palliate to this situation the Government decided to
company’s list of shareholders comprises two Portuguese
develop its wind energy potential and plans to build
companies, EDP – Electricidade de Portugal and ADP –
twenty news wind farms during the upcoming years: six
Àguas de Portugal, which together own 34% of the total
on Sal, eight on Santiago, and another six on Sao
joint stock; the remaining shareholders include the state
Vicente. The Government announced an invitation to
of Cape Verde, the major shareholder (51%), and some
tender for these constructions that aim to ensure, in
municipalities of Cape Verde (15%).
2011, 25% of national needs. The From its independence day (1975) until 1991 (political
generation
of
electric
power
rose
to
236,057,298KWh in 2005. Of this, 97.1% was derived
opening followed by multiparty elections), the economy
from the burning of diesel fuel, 2.7% was wind energy
was under the control of the state. Some public utilities
harvested and 0.2% was derived from other thermal
rendered services as state monopolies until mid 1990.
sources.
Following the introduction of a democratic political regime, a subsequent opening of the economy to private
According to the Economic Growth and Poverty
initiative was inevitable; the economic liberalization
Reduction Strategy, access to electric power is a privilege
policy adopted led to the partial privatization of state-
of the non-poor in most of the islands. The majority
owned companies in the water and electricity and fuel
(85%) of households use electricity as their main source
supply markets. Portuguese private companies are the
of lighting, while 27% use kerosene for lighting pur-
major owners of the privatized companies and providers
poses. The energy consumption pattern differs among
of investment capital, technology and access to interna-
poor families: about 51% use kerosene as their main
tional markets.
source of energy for lighting and only 32% use electricity for lighting purposes. On the other hand, 62% of poor Electric installations under construction
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families use firewood for cooking, thus putting perma-
ties. The regulatory agency charged with regulating the
nent pressure on the scarce vegetative cover. About 74%
energy sector is ARE – Agência de Regulação Económica.
of non-poor families use butane gas for cooking pur-
The trade price of liquid fuel is set and disclosed by this
poses and as a source of energy.
agency following negotiations between the agency and said companies.
GAS /OIL AND OILDERIVED PRODUCTS
WATER RESOURCES
Oil and oil-derived products and gas are imported, stored
Cape Verde has few natural resources; rainfall is scarce
and distributed across the country by two private compa-
and widely scattered over the islands; there is no inland
nies, Enacol and Shell.
water; and the fresh water resource is limited. Potable
There is no refinery and all the oil byproducts must be
involves desalination of seawater and treatment of brac-
water production and distribution costs are high as this
kish water. The main sources of drinking water for
imported.
domestic use are drilled and farm wells, springs and deThe legal and regulatory framework has undergone
salinated seawater.
major developments. A framework law sets the legal environment for regulating economic and financial activiCape Verde is working hard on water desalinization
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Electra is entrusted with the production and distribution
RENEWABLE ENERGY
of drinking water in the main islands (S. Vicente, Sal and Boavista) and urban centres (city of Praia). Most of the
Renewable energy development programmes have
water thus produced is desalinated.
prompted widespread use of this source of energy across the country. Some ongoing projects aim at boosting existing
In the remaining islands and the hinterland of Santiago
wind power production capacity, which is set at 2,300KW.
Island the supply of potable water is entrusted to the
This capacity is distributed as follows: the cities of Praia
municipal authorities. In major towns and villages tapped
(Santiago Island) and Mindelo (São Vicente) 900KW each,
water, drinking fountains and standing pipes are the
Sal Island 600KW and Boavista Island 125KW.
main systems of distribution of drinking water. Watertanks mounted on trucks also deliver potable water to
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
the residents of these places and to high-altitude areas. The Millennium Challenge Account is a programme creDesalinated seawater represents 89% of the total pro-
ated in Cape Verde to assist the country to its reach its
duction capacity. In 2005 production was 4,262,601
development goals in the agricultural, financial and
cubic metres, of which 87% were from seawater and
transport sectors. MCA – Cape Verde does not foresee
13% from groundwater tables.
any investment in the wind power generation project.
According to the Ministry of Finance and Planning’s
Shell and Enacol are currently negotiating a joint-venture
Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy paper,
undertaking. It is expected that the new logistics entity
despite considerable progress in water supply, coverage
under negotiation will significantly decrease the costs of
rates and service levels fall short of what is needed as a sig-
storage operations and conveyance of fuel between
nificant percentage of the population still has no access to
islands. The resulting project will be vital for the country’s
a regular water supply. About 3/4 of families have access
energy sector. A reshuffling of these oil companies’
to a drinking water source. However, only 1/3 of families
infrastructures is acknowledged as an alternative capable
are connected to the public water distribution network,
of bringing in increased efficiency and efficacy to the
while 8% get their water from water-tank trucks and 5%
domestic system of distribution of fuel. In such event,
own a reservoir. Thus, about half of families do not need
consumers will also benefit from it.
to leave their houses to get a water supply. As regards poor families, only 11% are connected to a public water
MAIN COMPANIES
distribution system, while 41% of non-poor families are so connected. Public drinking fountains or standpipes are the
ELECTRA SARL
main source of water supply for the poor (51%). Mr António P. Pina The government’s main policy goal for the sector is to
Director
provide universal easy access to a drinking water source
Tel: +238-2603450/3460/3470
at all times. Policy measures include the closure of a wide
Fax: +238-2618048
number of existing public drinking fountains in the main
Email: electra.praia@cvtelecom.cv
urban centres and connecting some of these facilities and
Website: www.electra.cv
a sizable number of households to a public water grid. In such event, a significant change of the actual situation
Activity: Electricity and Water Company
will occur as the number of households connected to a
Capital: US $7,170,500
grid will increase and the need for public water fountains
Date of Creation: 1982
and water tanks decreases.
Employees: 686 workers (year 2000)
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ELECTRA, National Electric Station
At its creation, Electra was a public company created
businesses are managed under a concession contract
from three different bodies: EAM – Mindelo Electricity
signed between the company and the government that
and Water Company, CEP – Praia Central Electricity
will last till 2036. These three businesses are the sole pro-
Company, and EAS – Sal Water and Electricity Company.
viders of: electricity transport and distribution through all
It became Electra Sarl in 1998 and was privatized in
the national territory; water transport and distribution in
1999. The Cape Verdean state handles 51% of the com-
S. Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista and Praia; wastewater retrac-
pany’s capital with a golden share; the EDP Group, a
tion and treatment for reuse in the city of the Praia.
Portuguese electricity company, has 34% of the capital and Cape Verdean municipalities have 15% of the com-
Two businesses are under government licence until 2030:
pany’s capital.
electricity production in all the domestic territory and water desalination production in S. Vicente, Sal, Boa
Electra produces and distributes electricity across the
Vista and the city of Praia.
whole the country. It also produces and distributes water for human consumption in São Vicente, Sal and Boa Vista and in the city of Praia. The company collects and treats
ENACOL (EMPRESA NACIONAL DE COMBUSTÍVEIS)
wastewater in the city of Praia as well. C.P. 1, S. Vicente Electra’s mission consists in providing electrical energy,
Tel: +238-2306060
water and services that add value and comfort to Cape
Fax: +238-2323425
Verdean citizens. In this way, it aims to contribute to the
Email: enacolsv@enacol.cv
development of society. Its working team does its best to deliver the maximum satisfaction to customers, sharehol-
Activity: Oil distribution
ders and collaborators.
Employees: approx. 170
Following the privatization process, Electra developed its
Enacol is a Cape Verdean registered company whose
activities and manages five separate businesses. Three
main objective is the importation and distribution of
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petroleum and its derivate products. The areas of aviation
Since 2003, Enacol has increased its net income substan-
supplies, gas butane, maritime banks, wholesale and
tially and increased its market share by more than 11%
sales posts are the core business areas where increases in
due to a consolidation of its market strategy.
the sales volumes are expected. The company, with over 165 effective workers and 36 In 1996 the Cape Verdean Government approved legisla-
under specific labour contracts, registered improvements
tion for the privatization of Enacol, which established the
in its performance indexes, namely: gross added value,
divestment of 90% of shares and the remaining 10%
average annual productivity, sales operating margin,
were kept by government as golden shares. After a pro-
capital gains, financial capability, and total solvability.
cess of direct sales to strategic partners, private subscrip-
general public, the share distribution of the company is
INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE GESTIÓN DE LOS RECURSOS HÍDRICOS (INGRH)
currently as follows:
(The National Institute for Water Resource Management)
tion by company workers and competitive bidding to the
State 29.50% Sonangol 32.50%
Mr António Pedro Borges
Petrogal 32.50%
President
General public 1.91%
Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, Chã de Areia,
Workers 3.59%
C.P. 567, Praia Tel: +238-2613974 ENACOL, was the first modern petrol station in CV
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Fax: +238-2613047
legislation for water resources management, and is also
Email: apborges@ingrh.gov.cv
responsible for the coordination between other entities under the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture (MPAAR,
Website: www.ingrh.cv
Ministério das Pescas, Agricultura e Animação Rural). Activity: Water resources If considered necessary, INGRH may make agreements
Date of Creation: 1992
for cooperation with national, foreign or international The National Institute for Water Resource Management
entities or associations
(INGRH) was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Praia. Its main mission is to control the water manage-
SHELL CABO VERDE SARL
ment policy as well as water quality aspects. Mr Carlos Cruz Among its activities, the INGRH is responsible for the dif-
Regional Director
fusion of new techniques that respect the natural envi-
Avenida Amilcar Cabral,
ronment of Cape Verde.
C.P. 4, Mindelo, São Vicente Tel: +238-2307600
INGRH gives technical assistance to the National Council of
Fax: +238-2326629/5888
Water (CNAG Conselho Nacional das Aguas) by planning
Website: www.shell.com
SHELL Petrol Station
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w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m information; Development of sustainable development
Activity: Oil and petrol products
principles; and Clarity on treatment of facilitation payShell Cabo Verde Sarl aims to meet the energy needs of
ments.
society in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally viable, now and in the future. Shell Cabo
A principled approach to business is defined as the key to
Verde is part of Shell, the global group of energy and
Shell’s long-term success.
petrochemical companies.
SONANGOL Shell has been in the business of developing fuels and lubricants for more than a century. Its technical part-
Manuel Domingos Vicente
nership within the high-performance world of Ferrari
Chairman of the Board
motor-sport has led to exceptional fuels and lubricants
Rua 1 Congresso do MPLA 8–16,
for everyday road use. Shell supplies oils, fuels, financial
C.P. 1316, Luanda, Angola
services, dynamic business solutions and more to busi-
Tel: +244-2334448
nesses of all sizes in the country of Cape Verde, but also
Fax: +244-2391782
all around the world.
Email: secretariageral@sonangol.co.ao Website: www.sonangol.cv
The company provides a world-class range of products
In Cape Verde:
and services for business customers. The company excels
Mr. João da Silva Neto
in the exploration of natural resources, the production of
Sal
oil and chemical products and the provision of dynamic business solutions. It offers a complete range of services
Activity: Oil, transport and communications
from the exploration for natural gas through to distribution and end use. Shell is heavily involved in renewable
Created in 1976 through the nationalization of Angol,
energies issues, and offers environmentally sustainable
the company’s activities include prospecting, research,
commercial opportunities in hydrogen, solar energy and
development, sales, production, transportation and the
wind energy. Shell also has a range of specialist products
refining of hydrocarbons and their derivatives. Sonangol
and solutions targeted to help improve business perfor-
is working to become a leader in the international market
mance and cut industry costs, regarding lubricants, fuels
and, in particular, the African market.
and bitumen, for example. In Cape Verde, Sonangol has since 1997 been a shareShell Cabo Verde has Eight Principles, which apply to all
holder in Empresa Nacional de Combustiveis Sarl (Enacol)
its business affairs and describe the behaviour expected
in Cape Verde. This company is marketing oil products
of every employee. The Principles are based on core
and providing related services. Sonangol has also
values of honesty, integrity and respect for people. They
acquired a stake in Cabo Verde Telecom.
also indicate how employees promote trust, openness, teamwork and professionalism, and pride in what they
Sonangol wants to take part in the Cape Verde govern-
do. As part of a global group of companies, Shell Cabo
ment’s project to set up an oil refinery and is looking into
Verde has a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen
the possibility of oil and gas exploration on the archipelago.
and to listen and respond to all points of view. These principles are: The emphasis on compliance; Growing
The Angolan giant is building new headquarters in Sal
concern about security; Emphasis on social performance
Island to carry out its operations in Cape Verde.
and engagement with communities; Diversity and inclusiveness; Shell’s Enterprise First values and behaviours; A focus on dialogue as opposed to the dissemination of
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F I N A N C E
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B A N K I N G
ร tarde pรก economiza, oras ki bolso sta basiu It is too late to spare when the pocket is already empty Cape Verdean proverb 91
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OVERVIEW The country’s macroeconomic stability has helped to build a strong financial sector in Cape Verde. Since its independence in 1975, Cape Verde has not experienced any financial crisis. As the economy grows steadily, quality has become central to all sectors of the economy. The local currency, Cape Verde escudo, is pegged to the euro; inflation is kept at a low rate; and since the shift from a state-owned one-bank system to a private-led banking structure in the 1990s, four banks have entered the market and are active.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Cape Verde is considered a good case study in terms of public finance mana-
Ministry of Finance's Headquarters
gement and good governance. The size of the local banking system is small and highly Sound monetary and exchange rate policies and
concentrated and foreign-owned in essence. The finan-
improved financial regulations have contributed to
cial industry is comprised of the central bank, BCV, four
strengthening the financial sector in Cape Verde. Price
commercial banks, seven offshore banks, two insurance
stability and growth of international reserves remain the
companies, one venture capital society, two foreign
main objectives of the monetary policy of the central
exchange bureaus and a public stock exchange.
bank, the Bank of Cape Verde (BCV). The commercial banks are Banco Commercial do The Bank of Cape Verde is charged with setting regula-
Atlântico (BCA), Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde (CECV),
tion and controlling the activities of commercial banks,
Banco Interatlântico (BIA), and Banco Cabo-verdiano de
offshore banks and non-banking financial institutions. All
Negócios. With the exception of BCN, owned by
commercial banks are subject to regulatory requirements,
domestic private investors, all the others are branches of
to an annual on-site examination, and regular monthly
Portuguese banks. Banking services are offered in all the
reporting as part of the off-site reporting system.
islands.
The government perceives the financial industry as pla-
The banking sector is highly concentrated. The largest
ying an important facilitating role in the economy, a sup-
commercial bank, BCA, holds the largest share (66.3%)
porter of economic growth and development support.
of the total deposits and assets as well as the largest
The banking industry dominates financial intermediation.
share (55.6%) of the total loans offered by the commer-
Although there are a limited number of companies ope-
cial banks.
rating in the financial industry (they all need to improve their efficiency), financial indicators are sound, and above
The securities market trades Treasury bills with varying
the average for African countries. The ratio of non-per-
maturities of up to one year. BCV is charged with issuing
forming loans (net after provision for capital) declined in
Certificates of Monetary Intervention and Certificates of
recent years. However, the share of non-performing
Monetary Regulation with the purpose of injecting liqui-
loans relative to gross total loans remains high by inter-
dity into the market in the short term.
national standards. Cape Verde’s financial market organizational structure is undergoing development. At present it consists of an
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automated payments system and an inter-bank payment
One of the main objectives of the government is to build
market. The BCV has undertaken measures to strengthen
a strong and competitive financial system, capable of pla-
the financial institutional arrangement and has set regu-
ying the role of a financial market hub for the global
lations on banking, securities trading and corporate
market.
governance. The BCV has also fostered the development of the Cape Verde Stock Exchange and the development of the secondary market for Treasury bills.
The legal and regulatory framework strongly upholds competition and is attractive compared with other countries’ legal and regulatory frameworks.
There is a partnership programme agreement with Visa International to offer Visa cards for automated payment
Cape Verde emerges as an attractive destination, which
services. Thus, it is possible for Visa card holders to pay
is already drawing in individual dealers and businesses
for purchases made in Cape Verde. This fact helps the
from Portugal, Angola and elsewhere.
development of international financial markets in Cape Verde. The automated payment system will boost the
The institutional framework gained strength with the
development of the tourism industry and will provide
reopening of Cape Verde Stock Exchange, fully refur-
business opportunities and thus draw hard currency to
bished and with a different modus operandi compared
the country.
with the preceding model. The internationalization of its activity is highly regarded. Monument dedicated to "Serpa Pinto"on front of the Praia Municipal Authority Building
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BANKING
financial, monetary and exchange policies goals;
In accordance with the Law no. 03/V/96 of 1st July,
• Hold a fully realized joint stock not less than CVE
which governs the activities of the banking system inclu-
300,000,000;
ding credit, this system can be categorized into three
• Be backed by sound investors and managers, thus gua-
groups as follows:
ranteeing the institution is run properly;
• Be established as a limited liability company;
• Financial institutions, namely banks, specific credit ins-
• Furnish a work programme, site location, institutional
titutions and all other entities as defined in the law;
structure, human, technical and material resources and
• Para-banking institutions;
means necessary for its running; and provide provisional
• International financial institutions (IFI), or offshore
financial statements for each of the first three years of
banks.
activity;
The conditions for the establishment and running of
holder structure for the stability of the institution;
financial institutions are stipulated in the above Law and
• Furnish the statutes of the company;
rely on a special permit issued by the government official
• Submit a list of its personnel and the CVs of its backers.
• Provide a statement on the adequacy of the share-
responsible for the area of finance, pursuant to a favourable opinion of the central bank.
In addition to the central bank the Cape Verdean financial system is comprised of four commercial banks with a
Among others requisites, the main conditions for the
total of 42 branches:
establishment of a bank are that the institution must: • Bring in increased efficiency to the domestic financial
• Banco Comercial do Atlântico Sarl (BCA): Its joint stock
system and identify itself with the country’s economics,
amounts to CVE 1,000 million and it has branches in all
Banco Interatlântico contributes to raising the standards to international levels
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e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m
the islands of the archipelago. Its chief shareholder is
A permit to conduct an IFI company can only be granted
Caixa Geral de Depósitos, a major Portuguese bank.
to renowned and financially wealthy national or foreign bodies.
• Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde Sarl (CECV): Its joint stock amounts to CVE 348 million and it has branches in
At present 10 IFIs operate in the country:
the main islands of the country and has cooperative agre-
• Banco Insular, with a total joint stock of CVE 780
ements with official field post offices, thus it is a savings
million; it is owned by Insular Limited Holding;
banks associated with the national postal systems. Its
• Banco Internacional Fiduciário, with a total joint stock
principal
of CVE 150,000 million (around €1,360,000);
shareholders
are
Instituto
Nacional
de
Previdência Social (31.4%) and Montepio Geral (27.4%),
• Banco Sul Atlântico, with a total joint stock of CVE
a Portuguese branch bank.
150,000 million; • Banco Internacional de Investimento;
• Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios: Its joint stock
• Banco Internacional Trading;
amounts to CVE 308 million and it has four branches.
• Montepio Geral – Cape Verde, with a total joint stock of CVE 150,000 million;
• Banco Interatlântico: Its joint stock amounts to CVE 600
• Caixa Central Crédito Agrícola Mútuo;
million and it has some branches. It is owned by Caixa
• Banco Português de Negócios, with a total joint stock
Geral de Depósitos (70%), a Portuguese bank, and
of CVE 150,000 million;
domestic entrepreneurs (30%).
• Banco Privado Internacional; • Banco Espírito Santo (Cape Verde).
Para-banking institutions are not financial institutions, but they offer credit lines and perform some other bank-
The minimum joint stock sum required is CVE 150
like activities, which can influence the running of the
million. Where there is no relevant (minimum of 15% of joint stock) financial institution among shareholders, the
monetary, financial or exchange markets.
joint stock should exceed CVE 300 million. IFIs must be Different kinds of para-banking institutions are permitted
physically present in Cape Verde, meaning they must
under the Law 3/V/96 of 1st July, such as:
hold accounts and have supportive documentation in
• Investment societies;
Cape Verde; have at least an authorized representative
• Venture capital societies;
entrusted with management and administrative powers;
• Leasing societies;
own their headquarters by the third year in operation;
• Regional development societies;
and they must contract local accountants and recruit an
• Exchange banks;
auditor who is accredited with the Bank of Cape Verde.
• Credit sales financing societies;
CAPITAL MARKETS
• Factoring societies; • Mutual funds; • Credit card service companies;
Although the legal framework for Cape Verde’s stock
• Other entities as permitted in law.
exchange was completed in 1999, the Bolsa de Valores de Cabo Verde opened for trading in December 2005.
At present only one venture capital company and some exchange banks have been established in Cape Verde.
The securities market is governed by the code Código do
International financial institutions (IFI) are governed by
May), which sets the guiding principles of the organiza-
specific legislation; their main objective is to conduct
tion, the functioning and operation of the market, as well
international financial operations in foreign currency with
as the conditions for access and running of financial
non-residents.
intermediation activities.
Mercado de Valores Imobiliários (Law no. 52/V/98 of 1st
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FINANCE & BANKING
e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
Bolsa de Valores de Cabo Verde has a joint stock of CVE
MAIN COMPANIES
50 million, fully realized by the state of Cape Verde.
BCA (BANCO COMERCIAL DO ATLÂNTICO)
INSURANCE Mr João Henrique Real Pereira In accordance with the Decree Law no. 52-F/90 of 4th
President and CEO
July, which governs access to insurance activities in Cape
Av. Amílcar Cabral,
Verde, insurance activities can only be exercised upon a
C.P. 474, Santiago
legal authorization. The public insurance companies that
Tel: +238-2600913
have been created by law are limited liability societies
Fax: +238-2614955
(Sarl).
Email: bca@bca.cv Website: www.bca.cv
Insurance companies must have as their exclusive goal the performance of activities linked to direct insurance,
Activity: Bank
and can provide ancillary insurance or reinsurance ser-
Date of Creation: 1st September 1993
vices. Insurance companies must be authorized by the government and the Bank of Cape Verde to be able to
BCA, Banco Comercial do Atlântico (Atlantic Commercial
run their businesses.
Bank) was created on 1st September 1993 as a result of the separation of Bank of Cape Verde’s (BCV) commercial
Currently, two insurers are up and running in Cape
and supervision departments. From 1993, BCA assumed
Verde: Garantia – Companhia de Seguros de Cabo Verde
the functions of a central bank, and following several pri-
Sarl and Impar – Companhia Caboverdiana de Seguros
vatization processes and alliances has become the largest
Sarl.
financial group in the country.
The Decree Law no. 101-P/90 of 23rd November 1990
Presently the shares of BCA are distributed between
regulates insurance intermediation activities. The insu-
Caixa Geral de Depósitos SA/Banco Interatlântico Sarl
rance companies compete to provide and assist negotia-
group (52.5%), public and emigrants (21.%), Garantia
tions for insurance policies between individuals and
Sarl (12.5%), the State of Cape Verde (10%), and BCA
collective entities and the insurers.
workers (3.6%). The group situation allows larger synergies in the activities of those institutions.
Three such insurance companies run their businesses in Cape Verde now: Assistência Global em Seguros (AGS),
By the time the commercial bank functions were transfe-
Protege – Corretora de Seguros Lda and Valor – Serviços
rred from BCV to BCA, the bank’s distribution channel
Financeiros e de Risco SA.
was limited to 12 branches and three extensions: branches in Ribeira Grande and Porto Novo in Santo Antão,
VENTURE CAPITAL
São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, Maio, Fogo and
Venture capital societies are governed by the Decree
Santiago and extensions at Mosteiros, Fogo, Tarrafal in
Brava, as well as Praia, Santa Catarina and Tarrafal in
72/94 of 12th December. Their main goal is to back and
São Nicolau and Amílcar Cabral Airport, Sal, making a
promote investment and technological innovation pro-
total of 15 counters.
jects or companies through temporary ownership in their joint stock. The joint stock cannot be less than CVE
BCA has since increased its distribution channel signifi-
60,000 million. Promotora – Sociedade de Capital de
cantly to 23 counters, with three more branches in São
Risco is the sole such society. It holds a capital stock of
Vicente (Praça Nova, Monte Sossego and Fonte Filipe),
CVE 450,000 million.
four more in Santiago (Santa Cruz, Achada de Santo
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e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e António and Avenida and an extension in São Domingos) and also the branch of Santa Maria in Sal.
w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m Finally, BCA offers special services for emigrants. It guarantees a personalized service with the best options for increasing money with safety and profitability, contribu-
In 2000, the bank introduced automatic machines as
ting, at the same time, to the development of Cape
another option in the diversification of the distribution
Verde.
channels and created the first debit card ever used in Cape Verde, called Vinti4. It also began the installation of TAPs (terminal of automatic payment). BCA, according to
BCN (BANCO CABOVERDIANO DE NEGOCIOS)
December 2002 data, is the market leader in debit cards, owning 59% of the total cards in circulation. 48% of the
Mr Manuel Chantre
TAPs installed in Cape Verde belong to BCA customers
President
and 49% of the ATM machines also belong to BCA, with
Av. Amílcar Cabral 97, C.P. 593, Praia
the remaining machines distributed by the other three
Tel: +238-2600900/ 2611662 / 2617499
commercial banks.
Fax: +238-2614006 Email: bcn@cvtelecom.cv
The bank provides a wide range of services for personal
Website: www.bcdenegocios.cv
customers. It thinks about client needs and puts at their disposal a complete and competitive group of products
Activity: Banking
and services. It always offers the experience and the soli-
Date of Creation: February 1996
dity of the largest commercial bank of the country. The history of the bank started in February 1996, when The company also provides services for enterprises. It
the Totta & Açores bank opened a branch in Praia,
offers the best options to save time and to make money
Santiago. The branch became a bank under Cape
grow, with options for the short, medium and long term.
Verdean law in January 2003. At this time it was called
BCN is going through a complete restructuring, BANIF being one of its main players
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FINANCE & BANKING
e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
BTCV (Banco Totta de Cabo Verde) and two more agen-
BCN is a very professional and transparent bank that listens to its clients’ needs. It aims to be a bank where
cies were opened in Mindelo and Assomada.
people feel good and satisfied with the wide range and A new phase began with the creation of BTCV, and in
variety of products offered.
October 2004 the bank was totally acquired by the Cape Verdean company SEPI (Sociedade de Estudos e
You can trust in BCN, which offers professional and qua-
Promoção de Investimentos SA, Investigation and
lity services. Moreover, BCN helps businesspeople in the
Promotion of Investments Company). With this negotia-
development of their activities.
tion was created the first 100% Cape Verdean private bank in all the history of the national financial system. In February 2005, for strategic reasons, SEPI decided to
BANCO DE CABO VERDE (NATIONAL BANK OF CAPE VERDE)
change the bank’s name to BCN – Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios (Cape Verdean Business Bank).
President Av. Amílcar Cabral,
BCN’s mission is to position itself as a universal retail
C.P. 101 Praia, Santiago
bank, with its own Cape Verdean roots. The company
Tel: +238-2607000/7183/7130/5529
reaches out to national segments, with a particular
Fax: +238-2614447
emphasis on employee training and promotion. BCN con-
Email: ffialho@bcv.cv / avarela@bcv.cv
sider itself as a proactive actor in Cape Verde’s economy.
Website: www.bcv.cv
Micro-credit helps to improve economic development and poverty reduction
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e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m The new subsidiary aims to develop a strong affiliation
Activity: National Bank of Cape Verde
with the Cape Verdean emigrant communities in USA, The BCV is Cape Verde’s central bank. It is located in the
Portugal, France and other European countries, facilita-
national capital of Praia on Santiago in Cape Verde.
ting the movement of capital generated by these communities.
The National Bank of Cape Verde was established by law in 1976, and maintains the initial aims defined in the cre-
In line with these objectives, the bank has defined the
ation charter. On 1st June 1976 the National Bank of
following priorities:
Cape Verde began a process of development and took
• Promote and develop tourism;
over the staff transferred from the old BNU (Banco
• Support the construction sector by promoting tourism
Nacional Ultamarino) and from the BF (Banco de
and local residences;
Fomento), along with their respective activities, while
• Support Portuguese companies that have business inte-
continuing its own activity in the central commercial and
rests in Cape Verde; • Finance bilateral commerce with other African coun-
development areas.
tries. The central bank of Cape Verde, Banco de Cabo Verde (BCV), is responsible for the supervision of the financial
BES SFE Cape Verde would like to directly participate in
sector, the setting of interest rates, and price stability (the
the economic development of the country by supporting
primary policy objective).
relevant projects of aiming to create and improve infrastructure through project finance and international finan-
BANCO ESPIRITO SANTO
cial operations structuring services.
Mr António Cerveira Duarte
BANCO INTERATLÂNTICO
General Manager Avenida Cidade de Lisboa,
Mr Lucas Filipe da Cruz
C.P. 35, Praia, Santiago
President
Tel: +238-2601290
Av. Cidade de Lisboa,
Fax: +238-2601291
C.P. 131A, Praia, Santiago
Email: aduarte@bescv.cv
Tel: +238-2614008 / 2613829 / 2614425 Fax: +238-2614752 Website: www.bi.cv
Activity: Comercial / Universal Banking Date of Creation: July 2006
Activity: Comercial / Universal Banking The official inauguration of BES (Banco Espírito Santo) Financial Exterior Branch in Cape Verde was in July 2006,
In the current globalization context of the worldwide
in Praia. The launch of this subsidiary has been one of the
economy, CGD (Caixa General de Depósitos – General
most recent and challenging initiatives of BES in the
Bank of Deposits) decided to spread its activities abroad
African continent since the opening of BES Angola Sarl in
and invest in Africa. CGD inaugurated a branch in Cape
2001.
Verde in February 1998, under the name of Banco Nacional Ultramarino (Ultramarino National Bank).
The main objective of the Cape Verde subsidiary is to pro-
Taking advantage of the potential of a developing eco-
vide Portuguese residents in Cape Verde with direct
nomy and contributing to the growth of the local finan-
access to BES services in Portugal and in other countries
cial system were the objectives of this opening.
within the BES network.
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FINANCE & BANKING
e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
In July 1999, to further its implementation in Cape Verde,
Firms, serving international clients. Each BDO Member
CGD transformed the branch with the creation of Banco
Firm is an independent legal entity in its own country.
Interatlântico (BI). This change represented a more solid BDO CapeAudit, founded in 1997, has a professional
presence in Cape Verde.
agreement with BDO Portugal, which allows the Cape CGD holds 70% of the capital stock of the bank. The
Verdean staff to attend the international BDO training
remaining part is distributed between a set of entrepre-
courses and the Portuguese staff to reinforce the Cape
neurs and local companies, recognized for their profes-
Verdean audit and consultancy teams whenever
sionalism, competence and credibility. The company has
required.
a quality structure: Banco Interatlântico’s know-how, the financial capacity of the CGD Group and the knowledge
As in the rest of the world, BDO CapeAudit offers ser-
and initiative of local entrepreneurs. This professional
vices with a high professional expertise and provides ser-
structure gives the institution a great capacity to partici-
vices to a wide variety of Cape Verdean clients in diffe-
pate in the process of modernization of the financial
rent sectors such as banking, insurance, government,
system of Cape Verde.
tourism, construction, transportation and non-profit organizations.
Banco Interatlântico is also present in Santiago, São Vicente and Sal, where its branches are all endowed with
BOLSA DE VALORES DE CABO VERDE
the most modern technology. Dr Verisimo Pinto Banco Interatlântico is the partner of choice for Cape
Director
Verdean residents and emigrants, as well as foreigners
Achada Santo António
who invest in Cape Verde. Clients can take advantage of
Tel: +238-2603030/31/33/34
all the benefits related to the international group of CGD.
Email: eunice.monteiro@bzc.cv Website: www.bvc.cv
BDO CAPEAUDIT Activity: Finances C.P. 63, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2613208
The Cape Verde Stock Exchange (XBVC) started its activi-
Fax: +238-2613209
ties in December 2005 trading 44 Treasury Bonds.
Email: bdo@bdo.cv Website: www.bdo.pt
BVC has a built-in and steady system of negotiation supported by credible, modern and efficient (computer) platforms, of which some are even used by the Euronext
Activity: Auditing, tax and consultancy services
Lisbon and Interbolsa. BDO is an international accounting, tax advice and consulting organization, which, since 1963, has grown to be
The operating structure combines the system of auctio-
the fifth largest in the world. From its European roots,
ning with a quote-driven one in order to encourage gre-
BDO has developed a worldwide network of about 600
ater market liquidity. For the current year, two Initial
offices in 105 countries. The group has approximately
Public Offerings (IPOS) are scheduled. The issuers are
28,000 Partners and staff, who provide professional audi-
companies trading oil and oil byproducts and pharma-
ting, accountancy, tax advice and consultancy services.
ceutical products.
Global fees income of BDO for the last year-end totalled €2,760 million. BDO International is a worldwide net-
Securities have been dematerialized with the Cape Verde
work of public accounting firms, called BDO Member
Center for Custody and Settlement of dematerialized
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e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m
securities. Settlement is conducted based on real time
Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde (CECV) and became a
gross value, according to the specification set by the
public company under the supervision of the Minister of
Committee of Systems of Custody and Settlement
Finance.
Systems of Central Banks of the G8 countries. In 1993 the company became an anonymous society, Following the establishment of BVC the government
allowing its participation in the financial system as a uni-
approved drafts of proposed new fiscal and legal legisla-
versal bank. The mission of CECV is to contribute to the
tions tailored to transform Cape Verde into an appealing
economic and social development of Cape Verde. To do
financial platform and a privileged destination for the
so, the bank develops its banking activities on a national
inflow of foreign capital. Everyone has easy and fast
and regional level, offering a high-quality service.
access to all these measures and to real time securities quotes upon consulting the BVC website.
CECV is the second-biggest universal bank in Cape Verde. The company is famous for its high level of tech-
Fiscal regulations in Cape Verde are appealing since, for
nological modernization and innovation. It is mostly
example, dividends are not taxed. Foreign investors
oriented to the retail market for personal residents and
willing to purchase stocks in Cape Verde must hold a
emigrants, and for enterprises, especially small and
bank account with one of the following banks:
medium-sized firms and micro-companies.
• Banco Comercial do Atlântico • Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios
CECV wants to play a major role in the economic deve-
• Banco Interatlântico
lopment of the country, and in this special economic
• Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde
growth environment linked to tourism and tourist property, it is willing and capable, alone or jointly with its
CAIXA ECONÓMICA DE CABO VERDE
valuable partner network, to propose financial solutions for any specific investment project.
Mr António C. Moreira Semedo
“Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde is committed to gran-
Executive Director Av. C. de Lisboa,
ting access to financial services to all the population, by
C.P. 199, Praia, Santiago
modernizing and expanding its branch network to cover all economic and demographic centres.”
Tel: +238-2603603/60/00/01
Mr António C. Moreira Semedo, Executive Director
Fax: +238-2615560 Email: antonio.moreira@caixa.cv Website: www.caixa.cv
CAPITAL CONSULTING
Activity: Banking
Mr Victor Cardoso
Date of Creation: May 18, 1928
Managing Director
Capital: CVE 1,696,864
Rua 20 de Janeiro 5, 2nd Floor, Espargos, Sal
Turnover: CVE 1,073,959
Tel: +238-2412457
Employees: 192
Fax: +238-2412458 / 2412456 Email: info@capital-consulting.net
Caixa Económica Postal (CEP) was created on 18th May
Website: www.capitalconsulting.net
1928. At this time it was entirely integrated in the Correios e telegráficos, the Post and Telegraph services, under
the
direction
of
the
Minister
Activity: Consulting agency
of
Telecommunications. On 30th December 1985 it was
Capital Consulting is an independent business advisory
transformed in an autonomous financial institution called
agency which has made its mission to promote Cape
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FINANCE & BANKING
e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
Verde, where the company is based, and attract foreign
Activity: Financial services
direct investment to the islands. Focusing on the tourism
Date of Creation: 2004
and property markets, Capital Consulting has an investment management portfolio of €1.5 billion.
Exchange Cabo Verde, or ECV, is Cape Verde’s leading exchange agency with a range of financial services and
For tourism investment, the opportunities vary greatly,
was established in November 2004. ECV has branches in
from airlines to resorts to spas. Capital Consulting there-
12 cities on six of Cape Verde’s islands.
fore offers a range of services, including Business Network to facilitate entry into the market, Management
ECV offers reliable, fast, effective services, and provides
Solutions to assist new tourism business as it operates in
solutions with a professional and confident team. The
Cape Verde, and Business Management, which is the hig-
core business of the company is in exchange services, but
hest level of Capital Consulting services for the tourism
it also offers transfers through the Ecobank Network
sector and helps investors manage companies with the
within Cape Verde as well as international transfers.
help of extensive years of experience and expertise in the sector from the Capital Consulting team.
With nearly 800,000 Cape Verdeans living abroad, almost twice the population of Cape Verde alone, inter-
With the rapid growth of Cape Verde’s property market
national transfers are a significant area of growth for
in recent years, there have been many corresponding
ECV. It is the official operator of Western Union in Cape
developments in the regulations and legislation of this
Verde, allowing Cape Verdeans access to international
sector. Capital Consulting uses its own in-house multidis-
transfers from the most established and reputable money
ciplinary team with local and international experience in
transfer agency. Incoming transfers are usually from
order to best serve its clients and advise them in all of
Portugal, the Netherlands, Luxemburg and the United
their property decisions. These services include advice on
States, where the majority of Cape Verdean expats
land acquisition, property transaction management, pro-
reside.
ject design, building approval and permits, project marketing, construction management, and cost consulting.
In the coming years, ECV plans to expand its financial services and be known as Ecobank, competing with other
Services from Capital Consulting are tailor-made to suit
commercial banks throughout Cape Verde. The company
each client’s need, enabling prospective investors access to
also expects to open several new branches throughout
the local knowledge needed to make the right business
the islands to better serve its clients and to attract new
decisions. Capital Consulting strives to be the local partner
customers.
of choice for all foreign investors who have discovered the natural beauty of Cape Verde and its abundant potential for growth in the tourism and property markets.
ECV FINANCIAL SERVICES AND EXCHANGE AGENCY
GARANTIA, COMPANHIA DE SEGUROS DE CABO VERDE SA Jorge Alves President Agência Chã de Areia,
Mr Abdel Kader Lawani
C.P. 138, Praia, Santiago
Director General
Tel: +238-2608627/28
43A Av. Amilcar Cabral, Plateau,
Fax: +238-2616117
C.P. 374/C, Praia
Email: garantia@garantia.cv
Tel: +238-2617849
Website: www.garantia.cv
Fax: +238-2627860 Email: ecvcambios@cvtelecom.cv
Activity: Insurance company
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e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
Garantia Companhia de Seguros de Cabo Verde SA was
role in the development of the Cape Verdean economy
founded in October 1991 and it was privatized in the late
and is one of the country’s main financial players.
1990s along with over 20 other state-owned enterprises in a government attempt to stimulate private sector
Impar is always at the head of technological evolutions in
initiatives and to open up to foreign investment. The sha-
order to provide excellent services to its clients. Impar’s
reholder structure of Garantia is currently as follows:
services cover all the needs of its clients from young to
• Agrupacion Caixa Geral de Depósitos / Banco
old.
Interatlântico 45.9% • Banco Comercial do Atlântico 35%
Impar is headquartered in Mindelo and has its main com-
• Instituto Nacional de Previdência Social 12.2%
mercial office on the island of Santiago and branches in
• Correios de Cabo Verde 4.5%
Sal and São Felipe (Fogo).
• Estado de Cabo Verde 2.4%
Its headquarters are in Praia, in Chã de Areia, but
INPS (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE PROVIDÊNCIA SOCIAL)
Garantia also has offices in Plateau, Assomada, in Santiago, Espargos and Santa Maria, in Sal and Mindelo
Av. Amílcar Cabral 65,
in S. Vicente.
C.P. 372, Praia, Santiago C.P. 393, S. Vicente
Garantia is the country’s leading insurance company and
C.P. 101, Sal
is currently developing new savings and credit products
Tel: +238-2609100 / 2303600 / 2411286
with life or risk insurance coverage for foreigners and
Fax: +238-2612366
locals. Garantia could become a significant player in the
Website: www.inps.cv
capital market as an investor in the stock exchange. Activity: Social protection
IMPAR, COMPANHIA CABOVERDIANA DE SEGUROS
The INPS works to guarantee the rights and the fulfilment of the duties of social protection of the workers in Cape Verde. There are two main pension schemes for formal
(Headquarters) Praça Amílcar Cabral, C.P. 344, Mindelo, São Vicente
sector workers, which together cover one quarter of the
(Commercial Direction) Rua Amílcar Cabral,
formal labour force and pay pensions to about 6,000
C.P. 469, Praia, Santiago
people.
Tel: Santiago +238-2603127/39/40; Mindelo +238-2304010/11
The Adminstragao Publica (AP) covers approximately
Fax: Santiago +238-2616025/3765
13,000 civil servants, while the Instituto Nacional de
Mindelo +238-2326643
Previdencia Social (INPS) covered over 36,000 in 2005.
Email: comercial@impar.cv / comercial.sv@impar.cv Website: www.impar.cv
The INPS was designed as a partially funded, defined-
Activity: Insurance company
pension scheme, previous governments had effectively
benefit scheme. While it continues to run surpluses in its
Date of Creation: 1992
forced the INPS to purchase government bonds in order to finance central budget deficits. As a result, the INPS
Impar Companhia CaboVerdiana de Seguros, Cape
portfolio is heavily weighted towards non-tradable
Verdian Insurance Company, is the first private financial
government bonds, which has a direct effect on the long-
institution in Cape Verde. The company has played a key
term finances of the scheme. A number of issues face the pension system. Civil service pension liabilities are high,
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w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m
MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT (MCA)
resources, and this has resulted in a large and increasing burden on the budget. Since only a fraction of annual
Mr Luis Maximiano
spending is covered by the 8% contribution levied on civil
Director
service salaries, and no assets have been set aside to
Achada Santo António, Praia, Santiago
meet this obligation, future pension spending represents
Tel: +238-2624973
a significant and unreported liability of the government.
Fax: +238-2624633
To cover its arrears to INPS, the government has issued
Email: mca@mca.cv
treasury securities to the INPS that cover most of the
Website: www.mca.cv
outstanding obligations. Activity: Development Once employees are registered with a work organiza-
Date of Creation: 2005
tion, they are obliged to pay 23% of their salary. The employer will pay 15% and the employee will pay 8%.
The Millennium Challenge Account is a programme cre-
The INPS will ensure the correct use of those funds by the
ated in Cape Verde to assist the country to reach its deve-
Social Security fund.
lopment goals. It was established by the Millennium
INPS’s mission is the protection of workers and their rela-
Government corporation designed to work with some of
tives in the case of disease, maternity and paternity,
the poorest countries in the world. Established in January
Challenge Corporation (MCC), which is a United States
adoption, disability, retirement and death.
2004, MCC is based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance, economic
“Protecting today and always.”
freedom and investments in people. MCC’s mission is to
Millennium Challenge Account Headquarters in Cape Verde
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FINANCE & BANKING
e B i z g u i d e s C a p e Ve r d e
reduce global poverty through the promotion of sustai-
More than 140,000 people in 149 countries across the
nable economic growth.
PWC network share its thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.
Before a country such as Cape Verde can become eligible
PricewaterhouseCoopers refers to the network of
to receive assistance, MCC looks at its performance on
member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International
16 independent and transparent policy indicators. Led by
Limited, each of which is a separate and independent
a Chief Executive Officer and overseen by a Board of
legal entity.
Directors, MCC is responsible for the stewardship of the Millennium Challenge Account, which receives funds
PricewaterhouseCoopers Cape Verde has always kept a close relationship with the Portuguese firm, which pro-
appropriated by Congress every year.
vides support in all service areas whenever needed, In Cape Verde, there are three goals set by the MCC, and
through working in teams, following common methodologies, accessing shared knowledge databases and rese-
to which the funds of the MCA are administered:
arch and calling on specialist expertise to respond to the First, the increase in the agricultural production in three
ever-more-complex needs of clients.
areas nominated: the Valley of Paúl in Santo Antão, the zone of Fajã on S. Nicholas and the Monasteries in Fogo.
The staff of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Cape Verde is composed of one Senior Manager, two Senior Associates
The second goal is the increase in the integration of the
and two Auditors, all of them with degrees. The firm pro-
national market and the reduction of the cost of trans-
vides services for the top companies of the country, both
port. This is done through the development of the agri-
in the private sector and public sector/international orga-
cultural roads and bridges, and the expansion of the port
nizations.
in Praia. Assurance services include statutory audit services, indeFinally, the MCA strives to support the development of
pendent audit opinions, global corporate reporting, inter-
the private sector through promotion of public and pri-
national accounting standards, technical accounting and
vate investment in the prioritized sectors of development,
regulatory advice, attestation services: independent vali-
as well as the reform of the financial system.
dation of financial and non-financial data, public services audit, and capital markets. Advisory services involve per-
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
formance improvement, crisis management and transactions.
Armando Rodrigues Senior Manager
With its tax services, PricewaterhouseCoopers specializes
Rua Andrade Corvo 17,
in transfer pricing, e-commerce taxation, expatriate taxa-
C.P. 303, Praia, Santiago
tion, private wealth management, deal structuring, out-
Tel: + 238-2615934/5
ward investment, inward investment, tax due diligence
Email: armando.rodrigues@pt.pwc.com
and tax compliance.
Website: www.pwc.com/pt
Activity: Financial consultancy
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) is a network of independent entities that provides industry-focused assurance, advisory and tax services that help to build public trust and enhance value for clients and their stakeholders.
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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E
Dentu di alguén ki ê alguén / Inside a person is the person Cape Verdean proverb
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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E
OVERVIEW
sector, the main driving force behind economic development, the role of the state in the economy has been res-
Cape Verde, a small island state of scanty natural
tricted to that of a regulatory agency and facilitator.
resources, weak production base and insufficient agricultural and industrial output to feed its exports, registers a
INDUSTRIAL ESTATES
balance of trade that is chronically negative (the difference between its imports and exports). In 2005 the
At present Cape Verde has two industrial estates (one in
volume of exports represented 4% (3.5% in 2004) of the
Achada Grande Trás in Santiago Island and the other in
volume of imports.
Lazareto in São Vicente Island) capable of supporting the installation and development of several manufacturing
From 1975 – the year of its independence – up to 1990,
units and trade company field offices.
Cape Verde had a one-party political system and its economy was under full control of the state.
TRADE PARTNERS
Import substitution was the economic policy adopted
External trade data on hand for the 2001–2005 period
during this period and the economy was kept under tight
show that imports represent, on average, 50% of the
control of the central authorities. In order to pursue that
country’s GDP; they also confirm that Portugal is Cape
policy, 19 state-owned companies and 14 mixed compa-
Verde’s main trading partner. Holland is its second-lar-
nies were created in various sectors of the economy –
gest supply market, while Spain is its second-largest
transport (sea and air), energy and fuel, agriculture and
export market. Exports are mainly seafood products. The
livestock grazing, fisheries, pharmaceutical, civil cons-
Cape Verde Clothing Company, a manufacturer of ready-
truction, shipyards, hotel businesses and external trade.
made clothes, exports to the USA market, thanks to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferen-
Procedures for import and export of commodities
tial trade agreement signed with that country.
required a prior permit and stringent control measures were imposed on the volumes assigned to individual tra-
Cape Verde imposes no restrictions on the volume of
ders (as a means of controlling scarce foreign reserves).
exports. Although not a member state of the Convention
The import and distribution in the country of essential
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
goods such as corn, rice, sugar, wheat and wheat flour
Fauna and Flora (CITES), the country sets restrictions on
were exclusive to public companies. Most of these were
the export of endangered species of wild fauna and flora.
donations from friendly countries.
Following the opening of the political regime (in line with
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
worldwide events in the late 1980s) the new multiparty democratic system of governance in 1990 led to the first
In terms of relative values, Brazilian exports to Cape
free elections in the country; a new political party took
Verde are sizeable and on a climbing trend (they
power and a vast programme of reforms was initiated,
amounted to €28.4 million or 8% of the export market in 2005 against 4.6% in 2004, €16 million). The
including reform of the economic system.
medium-term trade growth rate prospect is bright as the Trade liberalization gathered momentum with the imple-
sea transport connections between the two countries
mentation of important reforms in domains such as eco-
become more regular and frequent (monthly).
nomics, legislation, notary public services etc., all targeted at enhancing the institutional and economic condi-
With the country’s membership in the Economic
tions for fostering the development of private initiatives.
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the intro-
By encouraging the development of a strong private
duction of export and re-export incentives, as well as the
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MAIN COMPANIES
energizers of the Cape Verdean economy), it is reasonable to believe that Cape Verde can develop well eco-
ÁGUAS DE CABO VERDE – TRINDADE
nomically. Júlio Augusto P. Almeida The Directorate General of Commerce with the Ministry
Manager
of Economy, Competitiveness and Commerce is the
Zona Industrial Tira Chapéu,
government department charged with formulating, exe-
C.P. 896
cuting and evaluating the country’s trade policy as well as
Tel: +238-2628850/51
providing technical support and coordination on regional
Fax: +238-2628852
integration issues and international relations, bilateral
Email: mdaguas@cvtelecom.cv / djacv@cvtelecom.cv
and multilateral trade cooperation links. Activity: Spring water manufacturing The capital of São Vicente island, Mindelo, is a clear reference for international trade
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Trindade (meaning Trinity in Portuguese) is a company
The company is planning to supply the domestic market
that manufactures mainly spring water and serves Cape
as well as to export its products to foreign markets, such
Verde. It is one of the few spring water companies in the
as Guinea Bissau.
nation.
CAFÉS DE CABO VERDE LDA The Águas de Cabo Verde factory is located in Trindade on Santiago Island. It began operating in 2007 initially
Mr Joaquim Policarpo
producing cola soft drinks and later orange and lemon
General Manager
juices. The factory, which represents an investment of
Zona Industrial de Achada, Grande Trás,
around US $4.7 million, will also produce flavoured
C.P. 449, Praia, Santiago
waters. The concentrates used in producing the soft
Tel: +238-2634862/63/95
drinks are supplied by the German company Döhler.
Fax: +238-2634864 Email: mail@cafesdecaboverde.com
The factory’s production line is entirely automated, which
Website: www.cafesdecaboverde.com
will make it possible to improve the quality of the products and increase production capacity. The factory is in
Activity: Coffee production
line with the food hygiene and safety standards required by the European Union (EU). Modern shopping areas combine perfectly with local and traditional commerce
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Cafés de Cabo Verde (Coffees of Cape Verde) has pre-
Activity: Cement production
sented itself to the market as the first Cape Verdean
Date of Creation: 1996
coffee brand. Its coffee is roasted and packed in Praia
Employees: 70
city, Santiago Island, meeting the highest quality and rigour standards.
Cimentos de Cabo Verde was founded in 1994 and
Cafés de Cabo Verde’s production unit is one of the most
importer and distributor in the Cape Verdean cement
began operating three years later. It is the largest cement
modern roasting plants in Africa, with an annual production
market, a country without a cement plant. Cimentos de
capacity of 850 tonnes of coffee in 1,800 square meters.
Cabo Verde is owned by Cimpor Group, an international
The company has had the biggest quota of the coffee
cement group operating in 10 countries: Angola, Brazil,
market in Cape Verde since March 2000. Technology and
Cape Verde, Egypt, Morocco, Mozambique, Portugal,
know-how, as well as constant staff training, guarantee
Spain, Tunisia and South Africa. It is involved in manufac-
the highest quality of the product, which is the final
turing and marketing cement, hydraulic lime, concrete
result of the combination of the best brands from
and aggregates, pre-cast concrete and dry mortars.
Colombia, Brazil and Africa. In April 2004, Cimpor acquired all the share capital of Its knowledge and experience allows it to reach the final consumer directly with its products.
Nordicave Trading Industrial Lda, which created a majority shareholding in the archipelago’s leading cement company. This acquisition gave the Cimpor Group an
Cafés de Cabo Verde’s mission consists in spreading
additional market position in the African continent.
Cape Verde’s wonderful tastes all over the world as a result of the fine and meticulous selection among the
Cimentos de Cabo Verde (CCV) employs 70 workers and
best coffee producers. Cafés de Cabo Verde aims to
runs a bulk cement depot and bagging centre, with a
make people feel totally relaxed while tasting a cup of
capacity of 50 bags per hour in Praia, the country’s
any of its wonderful brands, like Fogo and Crioula.
capital on Santiago Island.
Cape Verde’s coffee has an unforgettable taste that will
On São Vicente Island, the company has three ware-
forever be kept in your mind. Cafés de Cabo Verde aims
houses over 3,500m2 and a storage capacity of 10,000
to satisfy its clients and provides full and constant atten-
tonnes. Cimentos de Cabo Verde distributes and sells
tion to detail. It has managed to reproduce the Cape
cement on these two islands, the archipelago’s major
Verdean ambience, known for its hospitality, with a
cement consumption centres. On the other islands,
strong mixture of colours and tastes recreating a relaxing
cement is distributed and sold by sales agents.
tropical atmosphere. All the products distributed comply with national and
CIMENTOS DE CABO VERDE
international standards, particularly regarding product certification and the proper application of the Quality
Mr Miguel Frota Rodrigues
Management System. It plans to maintain excellent tech-
Managing Director
nical, economic and financial performance compatible
C.P. 14/A, Tira Chapéu, Praia, Santiago
with its adopted voluntary principles of sustainable deve-
Tel: +238-2603114
lopment.
Fax: +238-2612086 Email: mfrota@cimpor.pt Website: www.cimentoscv.cv
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ARE "Agência de Regulação Económica" as a Regulatory Finances Institution also controls the development of commerce & trade and establish quality standards like in the wine sector
In terms of development, the objectives of Cimentos de
Lazareto Industrial Park is located near Porto Grande Bay,
Cabo Verde are to consolidate current positions through
on the island of São Vicente, along the road connecting
internal growth, whilst increasing efficiency and capacity
the town of Mindelo to S. Pedro Airport. The Park takes
at industrial units, and to achieve greater penetration in
advantage of its excellent accessibility to the airport, the town of Mindelo and to the maritime harbour of São
islands where the company already operates.
Vicente.
LAZARETO INDUSTRIAL PARK The idea of constructing an industrial park at Lazareto R. Dr Martinho Nobre de Melo 9, Mindelo, São Vicente
arose in the 1990s, aiming to attract external investment,
Tel: +238-2300639
promote and encourage private initiative and national
Fax: +238-2319451
investment, promote industrial development, create jobs,
Email: sgzil@cvtelecom.cv
and increase exports.
Website: www.zil.cv The Park was planned and developed in an area having Activity: Industrial development
the characteristics of a condominium in order to meet the need of an infrastructure that allows a quick set-up of industrial establishments which will foster economic activity on the island.
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The tradition of industrial activity, which the Park will
Email: camaralp@cvtelecom.cv
cater towards, comes from several English companies
Website: www.camaralp.es
who have established themselves on São Vicente island, taking advantage of the location of Porto Grande (bet-
Activity: Business Fair
ween Europe, the Americas and Africa) and the skilled
Date of Creation: 14th June 2001
local workforce. The Macronesia Fair is one of most important business The Park will provide advanced infrastructure (electric
events in Cape Verde, organized by the Canary Islands
power, freshwater distribution, waste and rainwater drai-
Chamber of Commerce, together with the Canary Islands
nage, roadways) and will provide the necessary services
Government, the Cape Verde International Fair, the Madeira
including maintenance, security, public lighting, garde-
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the regulator of
ning and waste collection. The Lazareto Industrial Park is
the Cape Verde Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
managed by SGZ – Sociedade de Gestao da Zona Industrial do Lazareto SA.
The first fair was introduced in 2002 and its success convinced its organizers that the event should become a
MACARONESIA FAIR
multisector biennial event, and it now has the participation of more than 100 businesses and attracts a large public of over 6,000 visitors.
Dña Yanira Duque Delegada Av. Cidade de Lisboa 1D, Fazenda, Praia, Santiago
The Macronesia Fair is a demonstration of this Atlantic
Tel: +238-2600478
region’s products and businesses, which traditionally has
Fax: +238-2614165
been a gateway for the distribution of commodities betLocal commerce between Islands
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ween America, Europe and Africa. The zone’s potential for development has attracted enormous economic
SOCIEDADE CABO VERDIANA DE CERVEJA E REFRIGERANTES (SCCR)
growth, and is something the region is exploring further, along with its enormous tourism appeal. The Fair is an
Arnaldo Rocha
important event for taking note of the commercial
Manager
advantages of the area.
Praia Negra, Praia, C.P. 320, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2615575 / 2627299 / 2615574 / 2615576
The Macronesia Fair does not only include exhibitions but
Fax: +238-2614488
is also becoming a dynamic meeting place for businesses, with the technologically advanced Business Centre facili-
Activity: Production and distribution of drinks
tating business meetings, and promoting parallel activities through strategies designed to stimulate interest in
Sociedade Cabo Verdiana de Cerveja e Refrigerantes
the business sector. The Macronesia Fair brings new
(SCCR) was the first drinks producer in Cape Verde.
opportunities to entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde, with the intention
The company started exporting its star product Strela
of initiating industry in Macronesia.
beer to The Gambia. The West African state was chosen to market Strela beer because of a plant operated there
MOAVE – MOAGEM DE CABO VERDE SA
by the Equatorial CocaCola Company, SCCR’s parent company, and also an established market for the beer.
Av. Marginal, C.P. 90, Mindelo, São Vicente Tel: +238-2303100
SCCR has identified other potential markets for Strela in
Fax: +238-2323084
Portugal, where the beer will be sold in the near future,
Email: comercial@moave.cv
in addition to other West African states, such as GuineaBissau, and the Netherlands, which has a large community of expatriates from Cape Verde.
Activity: Cornflour production Date of Creation: 1972
A Moave – Moagem de Cabo Verde SA was founded in
SITA – SOCIEDADE INDUSTRIAL DE TINTAS SA
1972 and was initially composed of 18 partners, mostly former importers of cornflour. The factory started corn-
Zona Industrial de Tira Chapéu, Praia, Santniago
flour production in 1975.
Tel: +238-2627267/74/75 Fax: +238 2627273
In 1978 the state of Cape Verde was admitted as a sha-
Email: tintas_sita@cvtelecom.cv
reholder with a stake of 51% of the company’s capital.
Website: www.sita.cv
In 1998 the capital moved to private hands, ending a proActivity: Production and trade of tints and varnishes
cess of disposal of the state’s participation.
Date of Creation: 1983 The privatization of Moave brought with it the moderni-
Employees: 35
zation of manufacturing facilities and the diversification
With more than 20 years in the market, SITA (Sociedade
of activities (milling wheat), which has allowed the com-
Industrial de Tintas SA) continues to be a leader in the
pany to market other products, particularly rice, corn and
paint, varnishes and supplies market.
sugar. As a result of this strategy, Moave is today the main company marketing these products in Cape Verde.
The technological innovation of SITA Cape Verde is based on its excellent relations with important business partners, amongst which the CIN (Corporacion Industrial del
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Norte SA) stands out. CIN is the largest ink group on the
SITA Cape Verde has a presence on all the islands of the
Iberian Peninsula. Maintaining excellent relations with its
country. It guarantees customer satisfaction, maintains
allies is a fundamental element in the SITA philosophy.
the highest quality products and prides itself on excellent customer satisfaction.
The products of SITA do not contain any additives detrimental for health or the environment. SITA Cape Verde is
From the major architectural and engineering companies
environmentally friendly and scrupulously respects the
to small offices, its many clients are scattered in all the
international rules that regulate the preservation of the
corners of the country.
environment.
“With happiness colours, we aim to paint Cape Verde from Santo Antão to Brava.” SITA factory in Santiago Island
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P U B L I C S E RV I C E S
Ka bu dizeja alguém mal, pamodi di bo sta na kaminho Do not wish bad things on anyone, as those waiting for you are on their way Cape Verdean proverb 119
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HEALTH
subsequent appearance of certain illnesses demonstrates the sector’s fragility.
Hospitals, health centres and pharmacies are to be found
With a growing population, and in view of the govern-
on all the islands. Health care in Cape Verde is generally
ment’s economic liberalization policy, Cape Verde has
free, although patients pay a moderate fee on admission.
encouraged private enterprises to increase their participation in this sector. Private sector service providers benefit
Unlike some other countries in the African continent,
from a few fiscal and customs incentives that are
Cape Verde has high sanitary standards, with no conta-
renewed annually in the state budget.
gious or endemic diseases, and with good health service coverage on all the islands. For this reason, no vaccinations are required before entering the country. Serious
MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES AND CONTACT NUMBERS
medical problems are usually addressed in Portugal or other European countries if treatment is within a
(country code is +238; no city codes):
patient’s means. Santiago Island Since independence in 1975, Cape Verde has made sig-
Praia: Hospital da Praia 2612462
nificant progress in providing basic health care to its
Cuidade Velha: Posto Sanitario 2671120
population. The national health budget is one of the lar-
Pedra Badejo: Hospital de Pedra Badejo 2691330
gest in Africa, the government allocated 8% of budge-
Santa Catarina: Hospital de Santa Catarina 2651130
tary expenditure to health in the 2008 budget. The
Tarrafal: Hospital da Tarrafal 2661130
government’s efforts are meeting with some success. In the 1990s the country presented satisfactory health indi-
Boa Vista Island
cators (children’s vaccination coverage of 90%), but the
Sal Rei: Hospital da Boa Vista 2511167
The public hospital in Praia, Santiago island offers good services
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Brava Island
rates are unavailable for Cape Verde. While enrolment
Nova Sintra: Delegacia de Saude 2851130
rates indicate a level of commitment to education, they
Fogo Island
Textbooks have been made available to 90% of school
do not always reflect children’s participation in school.
Mosteiros: Hospital dos Mosteiros 2831034, 2811130
children, and 83% of the teachers have attended in-ser-
São Filipe: Hospital de São Filipe 2811177, 2812390
vice teacher training.
Maio Island
Although most children have access to education, some
Delegacia de Saude 2551130
problems remain. For example, many students and some teachers speak Creole at home and have a poor com-
São Nicolau Island
mand of Portuguese (the language of instruction); there
Tarrafal: Hospital do Tarrafal 2361130
is insufficient spending on school materials, lunches and
Ribeira Brava: Hospital da Ribeira Brava 2351130
books; and there is a high repetition rate for certain grades.
São Vicente Island The literacy rate in Cape Verde is about 75%, and the
Mindelo: Hospital de São Vicente 2311879, 2327355
demand for primary and secondary education is approxiSal Island
mately 85% and 48%, respectively. Most professionals
Espargos: Hospital dos Espargos 2411130
are college graduates with degrees from European and
Santa Maria: Delegacia de Saude 2421130
American universities.
Santo Antão Island Ribeira Grande: Hospital da Ribeira Grande 2211130 Porto Novo: Hospital do Porto Novo 2221130
EDUCATION The government of Cape Verde has launched several initiatives aimed at improving basic education and providing universal education to all children. The government’s current education reform plan contains strategies for improving the curriculum, training teachers and extending compulsory basic education. In July 2001, Cape Verde signed agreements with the sponsors of Education for All in Cape Verde, which include FAO, UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank and WHO, under which the sponsors will collaborate in preparing the National Plan of Action of Education for All, and will work to include more stakeholders in the system and share information better.
Primary school education is mandatory between the ages of 6 and 14 years and free for children ages 6 to 12. In 2005, the gross primary enrolment rate was 81%. Primary schooland 58% Secondary School. Attendance
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SAFETY
Fax: +238-2609020
Cape Verde is a destination where progress and stability
Website: www.unipiaget.cv
Email: info@unipiaget.cv
are clear to see. It is generally a peaceful and safe country. It has a stable, storm-free climate, enjoys reli-
Activity: Higher education – university
gious harmony and, as there is very little crime, Cape
Date of Creation: March 2001
Verde is an exceptionally safe and attractive tourist destination.
Cabo Verde Jean Piaget University was founded in March
The Cape Verdean Police are generally good-willed and
first college in the country. The institution has contri-
responsive, though capacity to assist and respond effec-
buted to avoiding the ‘brain drain’ and represents a big
2001. The University is situated at Praia City and was the
tively is limited by lack of resources and little language
step for Portuguese language learning in the science and
capability beyond Portuguese and perhaps French.
culture fields.
General Emergency Number: 132
The Cabo Verde Jean Piaget University belongs to the
MAIN COMPANIES
at the end of the 1970s is a reference in knowledge and
Piaget Institute. This education cooperative was founded
learning. The main objectives are to provide quality tea-
EDUCATION
ching, spread fundamental human values and prepare students to become professionals. The college has a firm
CAPE VERDE JEAN PIAGET UNIVERSITY
grounding for growth based on the theories of Jean Piaget Foi.
Jorge Sousa Brito Rector
The Cabo Verde Jean Piaget University offers the oppor-
Campus Universitário de Cidade de Praia,
tunity to develop Bachelor degrees across the main pro-
Palmarejo Grande,
fessional areas with well-qualified tutors. The courses
C.P. 775, Praia, Santiago
given are architecture and civil construction, economy
Tel: +238-2609000
and finance, medicine, and communication science.
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IEPF INSTITUTE OF EMPLOYMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m distribution of informative materials, to combat some prejudices that devalue non-university professional education.
Mr Mário Lima General Director
IEFP calls for vocational schools at this secondary level of
Rua Serpa Pinto Edifício dos TACV, 2nd Floor,
education, in scientific and technical areas such as maths,
C.P. 14, Praia, Santiago
chemistry and physics, linked to the professions in such
Tel: +238-2616446
subjects. These are the areas that offer more job oppor-
Fax: +238-2613658
tunities, especially having in mind the current priorities of
Email: iefp@iefp.gov.cv
Cape Verde, and it is in these areas where vocational
Website: www.iefp.cv
education prepares students better than general high schools, whether the pupils pursue university studies first
Activity: Professional education
or enter immediately into the professional market.
Date of Creation: 1994 There are vocational education courses available in the IEFP is a public institution created in 1994 and based in
sector of building construction, a sector of great demand
Praia. IEFP was born to combat the lack of professionals
at the moment; also tourism education is rising as a prio-
in certain areas, while other professional sectors are
rity to cater for the needs of the major hotels in Sal,
being inflicted with unemployment. One of the main cha-
Santiago and Boa Vista. There are also professional
llenges of the IEFP is to sensitize the different sectors of
courses, mainly in the area of public and domestic elec-
society, through meetings, debates, discussions and the
tricity, where the emphasis is on training technicians for
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domestic appliance repairs in general and for freezing
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UNIVERSIDADE DE CABO VERDE
equipment in particular. António Correia e Silva Besides the courses in vocational education and providing
Presidente da CNI-UniCV, Decano de la Universidad
guidance for candidates to work with companies, IEFP is
Pública de Cabo Verde
engaged with regulations and working out strategies for
Av. Cidade de Lisboa,
the sector of vocational education. Sustainability is one of
C.P. 379C, Praia, Santiago
the main concepts of IEFP along with careers guidance.
Tel: +238-2619904 / 2619894
This facility is also available in youth centres, and in a few
Fax: +238-2612660
secondary schools. Although in theory all the secondary
Email: Antonio.Silva@unicv.gov.cv / cni@gov1.gov.cv
schools should have an office for such goals, this is an
Website: www.uni-cv.cv
upcoming technique still in its implementation phase. IEFP offers a future for children with equal opportunities,
Activity: Education Terciary
and promotes a high appreciation of vocational education.
The University of Cape Verde (Universidade de Cabo Verde, Uni-CV) is a Cape Verdean university located in Cape Verde has always invested in the enhancement of its human resources as its main richness
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Praia, with a second location in São Vicente. The 2007–
The IILP’s fundamental objectives are ‘the promotion, the defence, the enrichment and the spread of the
2008 school year is its first.
Portuguese language as a vehicle of culture, education, Uni-CV is one of the greatest initiatives that the Cape
information and access to scientific and technologic kno-
Verdean government has undertaken to establish public
wledge and of official use in international forums’.
higher education in the nation. It is a major step forward to further economic development and independence.
The members of the IILP are the member states of the Portuguese-speaking nations, the CPLP: Angola, Brazil,
Uni-CV is now trying to coordinate the education in the
Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique,
whole country, and to reach people in other islands
Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
through technology. It is signing important agreements with foreign institutions like the American Bridgewater
HEALTH
State College and the Spanish University of Barcelona
AGENCY FOR THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF FOOD AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS (ARFA)
that will help to boost this new university.
THE INTERNATIONAL PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE (IILP)
Miguel A. Lima Casa Cor-De-Ropsa, Rua de Andrade Corvo 8,
Presidente do Conselho de Administração
Praia, Santiago
Achada de Santo António
Tel: +238-2619504 / 2619673
C.P. 296A, Praia, Santiago
Fax: +238-2619502
Tel: +238-2626410/6457/2453
Email: ilp.secretariado@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +238-2624970
Website: www.iilp-cplp.cv
Email: arfa@arfa.gov.cv
Activity: Lenguage Center
Activity:
Regulation
and
Control
of
Food
and
Pharmaceutical Products The
International
Portuguese
Language
Institute
(Instituto Internacional da Língua Portuguesa) or IILP is
Date of Creation: 18th October 2004 Employees: 10
the CPLP’s (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) institute supporting the spread and popularity
The liberalization of the economy, and the consequent
of the Portuguese language in the world. The Institute’s
regulation of the pharmaceutical and food sectors, led to
headquarters is located in Praia. Its president is the
the
Angolan linguist Amélia Mingas.
Administration Council took ownership, while in 2006
creation
of
PITCH
in
2004.
In
2005
the
the Agency received its core administrative and technical The institute is recently established and its statutes are
staff. In 2007 the main instruments of management and
still not well regulated. Its history starts in 1989 when the
regulation of the Agency were adopted.
Portuguese-speaking countries gathered in São Luís do Maranhão in Brazil to create a base for a Portuguese lan-
ARFA is constituted by statute as the national authority
guage community. The Brazilian president, José Sarney,
tasked with regulating the quality of medicines and foods
gave the idea of an international institute to promote the
for human and veterinarian use, as well as certification
language. Only 10 years later, in a meeting in São Tomé
and accreditation, in collaboration with the competent
and Príncipe, a small island-nation in the Gulf of Guinea,
entities, and the management of setting and control of
the institute’s objectives, implementation and location
prices of medicines and food. It intends to assume a pro-
(Cape Verde) were set.
motional role with regard to the areas under its regula-
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tion and to safeguard the interests of consumers, to
Emprofac is a state-owned enterprise, established in
assist the development of Cape Verde. The Agency is in
1979, which has a monopoly on the import and distribu-
charge of the central laboratory for quality control of
tion of medicines and medical equipment in the archipe-
food and pharmaceutical products, as well as the
lago.
national system of quality in Cape verde. It is now being totally privatized, after being one of the ARFA, in its mission to safeguard the interests of consu-
few companies not yet privatized as a result of reforms
mers, is in partnership with the economic operators in
introduced by the government in the 1990s. Selling its
the promotion of quality in the sectors under its regula-
stake in the company is part of the country’s plan to libe-
tion. In particular it aims to:
ralize the pharmaceutical sector of Cape Verde.
• Establish standard techniques in hygiene and safety to be followed regarding food and medicines.
Emprofac holds 40% of the shares of the pharmaceutical
• Promote the development of the national system of
company Impharma. The company has gone through
quality in the provision of food and medicines.
several stages of a process of privatization. In the first
• Activate systems of monitoring and act fast on risk
phase, its production activity was transferred to
situations.
Impharma. Later on, in 1996, Emprofac transferred its
• Promote the culture of the quality in order to ensure
distribution to the private sector, by ceding its two phar-
the protection of the public health.
macies (one at the beach and another in Mindelo) and its five points of sale.
“Quality is important for everything and everyone, and it is demanded of all Cape Verdeans, in order to streng-
Finally, in 1997, the public company Emprofac was trans-
then trust between the companies who supply the
formed into a stock corporation with public capital, con-
market with food and pharmaceuticals and the custo-
tinuing to exercise the business of wholesale in the phar-
mers, users and consumers of these products.”
maceutical sector.
Miguel A. Lima, Presidente do Conselho de
INPHARMA LABORATORIOS
Administração
EMPROFAC (EMPRESA NACIONAL DE PRODUTOS FARMACÊUTICOS SARL)
Paulo O.Lima Manager Zona Industrial Tira Chapéu, Praia, Santiago
Mr Francisco Jasso Xavier Santos
Tel: +238-2627162 / 2617251
Director of Administration and Finance
Fax: +238-2627191
C.P. 59 Praia, Santiago
Website: www.inpharma.cv
Tel: +238-2627700/7895/96/97
Email: inpharma@inpharma.cv
Fax: +238-2627899 Email: jasso.santos@hotmail.com
Activity: Health
Website: www.emprofac.cv
Employees: 45 Date of Creation: 1990
Activity: Import and distribution of pharmaceutical products and medical equipment Date of Creation: 1979
Inpharma was created in 1990 as a private company owned by three shareholders, Emprofac, Labesfal and private individuals.
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The company has 45 employees, among them pharma-
Both the production and know-how of Inpharma are
cists and engineers, who carry out a very important func-
consistent with the high standards of the world pharma-
tion for the company.
ceutical industry.
Inpharma produces a range of 66 products correspon-
In Inpharma, everything is supervised through a system of
ding to 58 active substances, including tablets, capsules,
quality control, which guarantees the safety and security
syrups, suspensions, drops and creams.
for both physicians and patients.
The company works according to the practices of the
The Government, at the end of 2007 announced, the pri-
proper manufacturing of medicines recommended by the
vatisation of these two companies for 2008
WHO (World Health Organization).
Medicines can easily be purchased in Cape Verde
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PU B LIC WOR K S & H OU SING
Ken ki ta disdenha, krê kumpra - Whoever disdains, wants to buy Cape Verdean proverb 129
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OVERVIEW
creation of new cities will help reduce the disparities between the country’s diverse regions and stimulate local
In 2006, construction represented 10% of GDP but due
development.
to the positive rates of economic expansion and several international donors’ funding, this sector is rapidly gro-
Under the improvements made in this area, there is a
wing. The market is shared by: small companies, which
general recognition of the inclusion of political and insti-
are in charge of residential and commercial construc-
tutional agents, the cities and social organizations and of
tions; and larger ones, which are involved in infrastruc-
the importance of the decentralization process as a posi-
ture and public works projects.
tive, crucial and irreversible process. Although the limita-
The part of foreign companies in the sector is also gro-
promoted so far has already been an enormous stimulant
tions of the country are recognized, the decentralization
wing, ensured by important projects financed by foreign
of the country’s social development, contributing to an
investors. Furthermore, the development of tourism will
increase in state shares, entrepreneurial creativity and a
inevitably foster the construction sector with its large-
renewal of the local and national economies, leading to a more stable democratic system and the country’s inde-
scale projects.
pendence.
DECENTRALIZATION However, the process is still incomplete, and all efforts Since the announcement of the nation’s independence
are directed to strengthening the decentralization pro-
on 5th July 1975, and particularly since the inception of
cess in Cape Verde.
the democratic system in 1990 and the accomplishment of the first free and multiparty elections in 1991, the suc-
Gradually, the government has been able to create con-
cessive governments of Cape Verde have invested signifi-
ditions for the construction of a strong local power base,
cantly in the decentralization process.
endowed with an adapted legal system, structures and
The government has promoted a systematic process of
trained staff, with the intention of continually empowe-
administrative relocation that attempts to create effective
ring the national citizens.
simplified procedures and with financial resources and
local participation together with the State, in the process of national development in all its forms. To that end,
To this end, various partnerships have been set up:
much of the legislation has been reviewed.
•
Partnership
with
the
National
Institute
of
Administration and Management (INAG) and the Four independent elections have been held, with the
National Association of Cities (ANMCV), with French coo-
increased participation of voters, independent groups
peration and with the Canary Islands.
and political parties. Already a significant volume of
• The government has a protocol with the Operational
human resources and financial support have been given
Nucleus for the Information Society (NOSI) and with the
to Cape Verde’s cities, strengthening the capacity of
ANMCV to provide information management to all the
municipal intervention in the areas of politics and com-
cities of the country, and is currently initiating projects in cities including: the islands of Santiago, Fogo, São
munity development.
Vicente, Sal and Bravo for the computerization of the serCape Verde has 22 cities, five of which have recently
vices of municipal management, which will provide the
been created. The creation of these five cities was carried
cities with greater effectiveness in planning and process
out by the government, with the administration of its citi-
management and with greater flow of information in the
zens in mind, constituting a strategic move for the rein-
provision of services to local government administration
forcement of democracy and the promotion of social
and rendering accounts to fiscal entities.
welfare and the economies of the local communities. The
• The financing of local developments was recently
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approved under a new local financial law, which is pro-
munity groups, and will also clarify the positions of the
portionate to the cities having greater chances of gaining
different parties cooperating in the relocation and decen-
financial resources, and is aimed at the transfer of state
tralization process.
budgets and for the exploration of alternative sources of
LAND USE
financing. • The Parliament’s approval of the Cidade da Praia Administrative Statute is another government initiative to
Land use was highlighted by the government, in its
allow Praia to have more favourable conditions for the
Indicative Program 2006/2011, as being a strategic eco-
organization of finances that increase the effectiveness
nomic and social factor of sustainable development and
and efficiency of the demands of the capital of the
able to contribute to efficient management of the terri-
country.
tory and the natural resources, and of sustainable eco-
• The Parliament has a proposal that will regulate the
nomic and social development, of the defence and safe-
relations between decentralized bodies, and help coordi-
guarding of the environment and the improvement of
nation between the central and local powers and com-
the quality of life of Cape Verde’s citizens’.
The real estate is one of the growing sectors of Cape Verde’s economy
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In the preceding years, strategic documents have
• Conception and building of a system of geographic
included an extensive legal framework; the establishment
information, and acquisition of software and hardware
of technologies (modernization of the national system
for its implementation; the creation of plans for land use
and cartography), and in 2005 and 2006 significant
and municipal urban plans:
urban and territory planning; competition for the crea-
• Creation of the regional projects for land use in
tion, for the first time in the history of Cape Verde, of the
Santiago, Santo Antão and Fogo;
regional projects for land use in Santiago, Fogo and
• Support to the cities in the creation of the terms of
Santo Antão and for support in launching these compe-
reference, in the launch of competition and a new gene-
titions and 10 urban town planning projects.
ration of municipal urban plans; • Creation of municipal directors and reinforcement of
Already the following objectives have been achieved:
the local state technician of Santiago and cities of the
• Effective ending of the laws on use of land and the law
interior of Santiago, with exception of Domingos where
of expropriation;
this is already completed; municipal modernization pro-
• The creation of a new law regulating land use and
jects (PMM II) for all cities of the country, including
urban planning, the land registry and cartographic pro-
modernization of cities to become areas of urban access,
duction;
and management and exploration of territory informa-
• The creation of the terms of reference for a new legis-
tion.
lative package on leases, condominiums, the general
• It is intended to conduct a ground survey of the urban
regulation of urban construction and the law of real
and agricultural centres of the country.
estate and agricultural promotion; modernization of the
• Cartography and survey for the land registry to create
national information system and production of digital
the basic legislation and to define a methodology of
cartography;
registering for the country, as well as supporting the
• The completion of preparatory techniques for the pro-
cities and the DGOTH in the reinforcement of the techni-
duction of 1:10000 maps of all the domestic territory and
ques concerning access, management and exploration of
1:2000 maps covering 5,000 ha of urban areas; and a
the geographic and land rights information.
national system for registration; • The creation of the law in principal of land registry and
HOUSING
the registration process; • Testing of this methodology and preparation for the
Urban policies and housing are other factors considered
publication, in 2006, of a manual of procedures; creation
key areas for the sustainable development of the country.
of a system of territorial geographic information;
In general, access to adequate housing has not been in
Substantial government aid is available to the population to promete housing rights
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step with other development of the country. The fast
C.P. 267, Praia, Santiago
growth of the urban centres has led as a consequence to
Tel: +238-2623634/35
an extreme growth of urbanization, which at a national
Fax: +238-2623632
level reached 53.3% of the total population in 2000,
Email: anmcv@cvtelecom.cv
with percentages of 89.3%, 89.4% and 92.8% respecti-
Website: www.anmcv.org
vely in the Beach, Sal and São Vicente. Activity: Promotion of local power and decentralization The government aims, through a policy of sustainable
Date of Creation: September 1995
housing, to ensure that the growth is followed by ade-
Employees: 7
quate policies, programmes, measures and shares in the domain of housing promotion, urban development and
The 16 municipalities of Cape Verde are all members of
urban management and administration as well as the
the Associação National dos Municípios Caboverdeanos
quality of life. Therefore, to reflect the deeper demo-
(ANMCV), an association that defends local interests
cracy, citizenship, patriotism, social justice and equity,
within the framework of the governmental policy of
the government has tried to create conditions so that all
decentralization.
citizens, particularly the most disadvantaged, can have access to proper housing.
ANMCV is a major actor in the decentralization process. Created in 1995, its goal is representing and defending
Housing is seen by the government as an instrument of
the interests of communities.
social inclusion, with the involvement of all the agents and operators appointed by the state, cities, property
It has already enjoyed cooperation and support from
developers, the IFH, private operators, financial groups,
France, both from the Priority Solidarity Fund and current
the ONG, and organizations of civil society and families.
support from the AFD in the amount of €200,000 to set up a credit line of €5 million for municipalities via the
A study has been completed to determine the best hou-
banking sector. The French support will mostly be
sing structure, as well as to determine the housing needs
focused on increasing ANMCV’s interface and coordina-
of the population in terms of income. Forthcoming pro-
tion roles, to develop decentralization initiatives and strengthen its advisory mission, particularly in public ser-
jects include:
vice delegation areas and autonomous service manage• A study for the the creation of a national housing plan;
ment.
• The definition of an efficient land policy; • Updating and modernizing of the urban legislation, the leases law and the creation of legislation that regulates
ENGIC (ENGENHEIROS ASSOCIADOS LDA)
property and agricultural development. Mr Tito Livio Santos de Oliveira Ramos
MAIN COMPANIES
Director Av. Cidade de Lisboa,
PUBLIC WORKS
C.P. 335C, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2611026
ASSOCIAÇÃO NACIONAL DOS MUNICÍPIOS CABOVERDEANOS
Fax: +238-2613493
Mr Valter de Sá
Activity: Project development and works surveys
General Director
Date of Creation: 1991
Achada de Santo António, IFH Building C R/C,
Employees: 6
Email: engic@cvtelecom.cv
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Engic Engenheiros Associados Lda is a limited liability
and roads, harbour and airport works (the VIP terminal in
society that, since its foundation in 1991, prepares stu-
Praia, for example). To fulfil those activities Engic has a
dies and draws up engineering plans and town plans,
team that is very experienced in coordinating and contro-
provides technical assistance and manages civil construc-
lling all project phases, and also project delivery, equip-
tion and public works.
ment supply and fitting up.
It has been acting in Cape Verde and neighbouring
It works in collaboration with the top professional
African countries, with an emphasis on countries where
experts, such as town planners, architects, engineers,
Portuguese is spoken.
economists, geologists, sociologists and demographers. In this way, Engic is able to answer its clients’ needs per-
Engic has a team of senior engineers and consultants ski-
fectly.
lled in various fields of engineering, who can manage projects and contract jobs.
“The Cape Verde construction sector offers the most interesting development opportunities. Our company
In the field of project management Engic has already
possesses the experience and the most prestigious part-
worked in several sectors such as infrastructure (water
ners necessary for the establishment of your project.
supply, sewerage, etc.), urban planning, civil and indus-
Given the international position of our company, we are
trial construction, school construction, geotechnical and
open to any collaboration or partnership.”
hydrogeology projects, environmental impact, housing,
Mr Tito Livio Santos de Oliveira Ramos, Director
The Government has established an Urban Plan to protect the coast regarding the expansion of real estate
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HBC
• Apply modern techniques and cost-effective methods to meet those goals and desires;
HIDRAULICA BETAO Y CONSTRUÇOES
• Deliver quality service in a timely manner; • Maintain and recruit high-performing, well-trained,
Alfredo Anselmo Rocha Moreira
loyal team members;
Manager
• Use its professional partners’ network well;
Terra Branca,
• Provide a safe working environment;
C.P. 28A, Praia, Santiago
• Offer opportunities for team members to reach indivi-
Tel: +238-2617232
dual goals.
Fax: +238-2617227
“Cape Verde’s construction market represents a strong
Email: hidraulicabo@cvtelecom.cv
economic potential for the country. Trust Cape Verde, trust HBC. Our doors are open to any collaboration or
Activity: Construction and public works
partnership.”
Date of Creation: 2002
Alfredo Anselmo Rocha Moreira, Manager
Employees: 10
HBC provides general construction and construction
INSTITUTO DE ESTRADAS
management in the private sector, and public control of engineering services. The company provides a variety of
Luis Nataniel Monteio Silva
services
Managing Director
to
meet
clients’
needs
and
goals.
Communication, listening and commitment by its team
Av Santiago 43–45, Palmarejo, Praia, Santiago
members are key throughout a project, whether they are
Tel: +238-2629951/2
building a new facility, making renovations, modifica-
Fax: +238-2629949
tions or additions to an existing structure, or rebuilding a
Email: do_rosario@hotmail.com
damaged property.
Website: www.ie.cv Date of Creation: January 2005
Committed to providing quality structures for its clients, HBC has built a solid reputation with its team approach
Activity: Road regulation and maintenance
to preconstruction and construction services. It works with the customer, and employs the right architects and
The road network and its quality are key socioeconomic
engineers to assure creative, cost-effective solutions. HBC
development factors for any country. At the same time,
meets and exceeds expectations – every time, on time. It
the country must ensure safety for road users. With a
is recognized for its commitment to quality projects and
view to economic development and quality improvement,
creative and fast-track solutions.
the Cape Verdean state has invested heavily in road restoration and construction throughout the country. In
HBC is committed to excellence in industrial, commercial,
order to face the situation of deficiency and poor quality
private individual or public projects by analysing cus-
in the road network, the IE (Instituto de Estradas, Road
tomer needs and providing tailored solutions through
Institute) was created in January 2005.
experience, craftsmanship, teamwork and technology. IE is an entity which takes care of the management, conThe company has developed partnerships with other offices in Santiago, such as Caixa Bank, Atelio A and KDR.
servation and investigation of the Cape Verdean road network, with the appropriate tools and in an effective frame of decentralization and flexibility. IE represents the
To reach this level of excellence, HBC pledges to:
road authority and the entity responsible for the manage-
• Listen to the goals and desires of each customer;
ment of the national road network. Its creation allowed
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significant progress in quality, in the management of the
inspection, using a team of six engineers, three archi-
national road system, and the setting up of a rigorous
tects, five designers, one topographer and an administra-
road investment economic plan, as well as the applica-
tion staff. This concept of ‘complete management’ sets
tion of an effective road network maintenance system,
Loid Engenharia apart as an enterprise ready to go above
and third party involvement in the road network.
and beyond for its clients.
The institute leads studies in order to provide modern
PROPERTY
management tools. As a public collective, IE is endowed with administrative and financial autonomy. IE’s principal
CAPE VERDE SOLUTIONS
objective is the conservation and investigation of roads and bridges within the roads infrastructure.
Ms Loide Monteiro Director – Cape Verde Office
LOID ENGENHARIA
R. Tenente Valadim 8, 2 Andar, C.P. 881, Praia, Santiago
Mr José Rebelo
Tel: +238-2616747
General Manager
Email: info@capeverdesolutions.com
Achada Santo Antonio,
Website: www.capeverdesolutions.com
C.P. 881, Praia, Santiago Activity: Property development
Tel: +238-2624327 Fax: +238 2624326 Email: jose-rebelo@loidengenharia.com
Cape Verde Solutions is a development company with a
Website: www.loidengenharia.com
unique structure. It is the only group of companies with legal entities in both Cape Verde and the United
Activity: Construction and engineering
Kingdom. It not only develops but also cooperates with
Date of Creation: 1999
indigenous developers in Cape Verde who want to do business with the EU.
Loid Engenharia (LE) specializes in project management and planning in Cape Verde’s construction and enginee-
Cape Verde Solutions Ltd has offices in Bath, United
ring sector. Founded in 1999, the company has been ser-
Kingdom, and its sister company, Cabo Verde Solucoes
vicing Cape Verde’s construction needs since the begin-
Lda, is located in the capital of Cape Verde, Praia.
ning of the country’s boom in property development, in the areas of project study, planning and management in
Cape Verde Solutions offers industry-leading technolo-
public engineering. LE is headquartered in Cape Verde’s
gical solutions that form the basis of its low-cost adminis-
capital city, Praia.
tration. The office staff and those accredited agents who are entrusted by the company are able to reserve proper-
The team at Loid Engenharia has been recognized as one
ties online through its secure servers, guaranteeing
of Cape Verde’s leading construction firms, and is well
100% administration, security and client satisfaction.
prepared for virtually any project. With property develop-
From the first contact to key delivery it is this attention to
ment on the rise across the islands, the company has
detail and client focus that governs every aspect of the
already proven its capacity, with many successful projects
company’s developments.
and satisfied clients. CVS prides itself on its values, which include efficiency, Because most of Loid Engenharia’s clientele are foreign
honesty, proactiveness, courtesy, high professional stan-
investors, the company offers all the services necessary
dards, and consistently reliable market-leading services.
for the development of projects, from inception to final
Its solutions provide the vehicle by which people can
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The "Ships Cementery"
launch their own profitable business, which in return will
CAPITAL COUNTRY CLUB
further benefit both tourists and locals alike. Monte Babosa, Tira Chapéu, CVS also actively supports ICASE, a Cape Verde charity
C.P. 223, Praia, Santiago
that enables Cape Verdean children to fulfil their educa-
Tel: +238-2628613 / 9910929
tional potential.
Fax: +238-2629874 / +44-2079006302 Email: info@capitalcountryclub.com
“We specialize in successfully uniting Cape Verde busi-
Website: www.capitalcountryclub.com
nesses with UK-based investment capital.” Ms Loide Monteiro, Director – Cape Verde Office
Activity: Property, tourist accommodation.
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Capital Country Club is located on Monte Babosa, on the
Email: jose.teixeira@editor-imobilaria.com
outskirts of Praia on the road to Cidade Velha, 195m
Website: www.editur-imobilaria.com
above sea level. It is an ideal location that offers one of Activity: Property development and real estate
the best views to the City of Praia.
Capital Country Club is composed of 120 lots of 500–
With the tourism sector of Cape Verde prospering more
800m2 in size. It is organized in the form of gated condo-
than ever, Editur has entered the market as an ambitious
miniums with their own security systems, street cleaning,
company, with extensive experience in the local property
gardening, rubbish collection and maintenance, among
market. Additionally, Editur is involved in the Cape
other services.
Verdean communities internationally. With this framework, Editur is positioned to become one of the most
The houses, built in the centre of the lots, will have a
prominent property management companies within easy
minimum distance of 10 metres between them; they will
grasp of international investors.
each have independent access with garages or parking spaces within their garden area, balconies and barbecue
Currently, Editur is involved with several projects on the
areas, as well as space for relaxing and even private pools
Cape Verde islands of Sal and Santiago. Several local and
if desired. Each lot also has external parking space for
international partnerships with experience in tourism and
guest vehicles.
resort development allow Editur a clear advantage over other property developers. Other projects in the tradi-
The condominium will offer pedestrian areas for jogging,
tional real estate market are focused in Praia, Cape
a sports complex, communal swimming pool, tennis
Verde’s capital city.
courts, clubhouse, nursery and shopping complex. A bus shuttle service will also run for the exclusive use of resi-
Editur’s main project is Ponta Bicuda, a premier, all-inclu-
dents linking the complex with the centre of the city and
sive development area including residential condomi-
running every 15 minutes. Last but not least, Capital
niums, shopping centres, a commercial area, and recrea-
Country Club offers the ‘key-in-hand’ system for those
tional facilities including a golf course, cinemas and a
who wish it.
marina. Within Praia, Editur is also building Praia Towers, which will be both a commercial and residential district.
The firm guarantees personalized and high standards of
Other residential projects include Calheta Bay, Murdeira
finishing. Capital Country Club also offers the possibility
Beach, Atlantic Project and Santo Antonia. Additionally,
of access to easy and affordable bank loans.
land has also been acquired in São Francisco for future
The construction will respect local styles as regards the
tions, Editur offers contractual construction services for
exterior, in a harmonious and natural style integrated
all property needs.
development. Outside these many projects and acquisi-
with the landscape. As more foreign investors discover Cape Verde’s poten-
EDITUR
tial in the tourism real estate market, the team at Editur,
Jose Antonio Teixeira
renowned as an established, reputable company with a
led by Chairman Mr Jose Antonio Teixeira, has become
Chairman
commitment to both creativity and quality. Competition
Achada de Santo Antonio,
in property agency is growing in Cape Verde, but with
C.P. 31A, Praia, Santiago
proven success in the market, the possession of conside-
Tel: +238-2623667/8
rable assets and human resources, as well as carefully
Fax: +238-2624303
chosen international partners, Editur is confident that it will soon be the leading property player in Cape Verde.
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IFH (INMOBILIÁRIA, FUNDIÁRIA E HABITAT)
Email: imor@cvtelecom.cv Website: www.imor-cv.com
Mr Helder Araujo Manager
Activity: Property development agency
Achada Santo António,
Date of Creation: 2003
C.P. 267, Praia, Santiago
Employees: 10
Rua Fernando Ferreira Fortes, C.P. 298, S. Vicente
Established in 2003 with the objective of meeting market
Tel: +238-26264/30/32 in Santiago
needs, IMOR initiated a new way of undertaking property
+238-2314477 in S. Vicente
business, which up to that date did not exist in the archi-
Fax: +238-2622853
pelago.
Email: ifh@cvtelecom.cv Website: www.ifh.cv
With a unique service in Cape Verde, IMOR offers an unrivalled service and product choice opportunity, thus
Activity: Construction
making it the best solution for all your property needs.
Date of Creation: 1982 IMOR’s mission is to conduct its property transactions IFH is a state-owned company in Cape Verde in the busi-
based upon efficiency and trustworthiness. IMOR pro-
ness of house and property promotion.
vides services in the areas of property sales, purchase, rentals, leasing and property management.
IFH also develops investments in the tourism sector, such as the project Caravela do Sol being implemented in
The company can offer a full management service for
2008 in the beautiful Beach Cabral on the island of Boa
your property:
Vista. Composed of 350 apartments, 8 commercial
• Condominium management;
spaces and 5 townhouses, Caravela do Sol is an innova-
• Architecture, engineering and electricity projects;
tive and exclusive concept, inspired by the history of the
• Property evaluation;
shipwrecks that have occurred in the seas of Cape Verde.
• Representations.
IFH aims to work with high-level property agents in nor-
IMOR assists clients in securing a range of buildings (fur-
thern Europe, especially the UK. Among other upcoming
nished or unfurnished), office and business spaces, as
projects there is Palmarejo Grande, Uma Cidade
well as building sites.
Autêntica, with 300 lots and 552 units for commerce and services, within an area of 54ha, and also Vila Cabral in
In order to handle matters with the maximum speed,
the north of Boa Vista and Laginha in São Vicente, close
security and transparency, IMOR has a highly qualified
to Baía do Porto Grande.
commercial, technical and legal team.
“IFH: Making your own house a dream come true.” Mr Helder Araujo, Manager
IMOR also offers its clients complete and personalized assistance through: • Guided tours;
IMOR
• Information on specialized areas and the Cape Verdean market;
José A. Santos Silva
• Preparing documents for bank loans;
Rua Andrade Corvo 30A R/C, Praia, Santiago
• Advice and solutions for real estate business.
Tel: +238-922815 Fax: +238-616871
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PARADISE BEACH
SAMBALA DEVELOPMENTS
Sal
Mr Piran Johnson
Tel: +238-2622066
General Manager
Website: www.paradisebeach-development.com
C.P. 406C, Predio Verde Hilario, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2648000 Email: info@sambaladevelopments.com
Activity: Tourism
Website: www.sambaladevelopments.com Paradise Beach, on Sal Island, has become one of the most anticipated new tourism developments, generating
Activity: Property development and real estate
much interest from investors. Cape Verde Development launched Paradise Beach in 2005. As an Irish company
As one of the premier developers in the Cape Verde
backed mainly by Cork and Limerick businesspeople,
islands, Sambala owns some of the most attractive sites
Cape Verde Development has been popular among Irish
in the country and is responsible for constructing the pro-
investors interested in the islands. The company also
perties and administering the properties upon comple-
attributes this popularity to the idea that Cape Verde is
tion. This includes managing property rentals for inves-
similar to what Ireland was years ago: it is a recently inde-
tors and also bringing tourists to the resort. Through its
pendent, politically stable nation with a huge diaspora,
work with the government, Sambala has created an envi-
from Portugal to the north-eastern United States, and
ronmentally-friendly plan to encourage tourism to
rapid economic growth based on tourism.
Santiago, while respecting the island’s natural resources
Paradise Beach is 34 acres of white sand bordering a tur-
employing over 250 people locally.
and maintaining a high level of social responsibility and
quoise sea about 10 minutes from Sal international airport. By 2008, Cape Verde Development expects to have
Located on Santiago Island, north-east of the capital city
built 449 low-rise units, including apartments, duplex
of Praia, the company’s major project, Sambala Resort,
penthouses and villas.
will encompass 12 square kilometres and will include top-quality luxury amenities. The resort is the first
Communal facilities include a 32-suite four-star hotel,
government-approved tourism development in Cape
conference centre, swimming pools, tennis courts, wind-
Verde.
surfing, gym, restaurants, bars and 24-hour security. A German-owned health clinic has also opened nearby.
Sambala’s success has been quickly evident, with a com-
There is no golf course in the development but three are
plete sell-out of Sambala Village apartments in Spring
being built within proximity. In fact, considering Sal is just
2006. Properties in the development area of Vivendas de
30km long and 12km wide, nearly everything is nearby.
Santiago complement those in the Sambala Village, offering a commercial setting of restaurants, bars, offices,
Because drought has been a major problem for Cape
stores and recreational facilities with an impressive view
Verde, which gets its water by desalinating sea water, the
of the Ribeira de São Francisco.
development has its own back-up power generator and water desalination plant.
Within the next several years, Sambala plans to build a total of four tourism villages, which will be integrated
The company is in talks with an agency which will
into the resort, as well as development areas for private
arrange lettings for buyers, and is forecasting net returns
villas and townhouses, luxury hotels, a marina, and a 36-
of 5–6%.
hole world-class golf resort.
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With these thriving projects under way and its ambitions
In the years to come, Tecnicil plans to continue building
for additional projects, Sambala has proven itself as one
strategic alliances in order to maintain its competitive
of the main contributors to Cape Verde’s rapid develop-
edge in the property market of Cape Verde. These part-
ment in the property market, and a main attraction for
nerships are allowing Tecnicil to reach its objectives as an
foreign investors.
innovative, detail-oriented property development com-
TECNICIL
light of its current projects and ambitions for the future,
Mr Alfredo de Carvalho
Cape Verde property management market.
pany in both the commercial and residential markets. In
Tecnicil is well on its way to becoming the leader of the
Managing Director
TURINVEST IMOBILIA
Achada S. Antonio, C.P. 152A, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2623600
Santa Maria, Sal
Fax: +238-2623605
Tel: +238-2422004
Email: email@tecnicil.cv
Fax: +238-2422005
Website: www.tecnicil.com
Email: imobilia@cvtelecom.cv info@turinvestimobilia.com
Activity: Property development Activity: Works and housing Tecnicil, a property development company headquartered in Praia, is an established property and land deve-
Stefanina Group first showed up in Cape Verde, more
loper. Branches are also available on the islands of São
precisely in Sal island, early in the 1990s, with the initial
Vicente and Sal. Operations began in 1996; since then,
objective of building villas, but ended up constructing a
the company has grown considerably and is well known
three-star hotel – Djadsal Holiday Club – along with the
in Cape Verde and abroad as the company of choice for
tour operator Cabo Verde Time. Since then tourism in the
long-term investment value and quality properties.
island, and also in the country, has climbed to another
Tecnicil offers clients personalized assistance in finding
level.
their ideal property and property sites, whether residential or commercial, through an extensive network of pro-
Considering the development rate of the country, after a
perty agencies. Architectural styles are in keeping with
study of the market, this major foreign private investor in
the Cape Verde atmosphere, with striking oceanic views.
Cape Verde decided to diversify its areas of interest. The group started investing in fields such as property, cons-
The success of the company and its dynamic growth in
truction, industry, transportation, imports and exports, as
the Cape Verde market is attributed to its skill in choo-
well as tourism and travelling.
sing ideal locations, along with its talent for developing the property concepts that are attractive to both inves-
The core of Stefanina Group is Turinvest Holding SA,
tors and inhabitants. Tecnicil is continuously seeking pro-
which participates in and administers all the other com-
perties to support single and multi-family, mixed use and
panies. Stefanina Group in Cape Verde is composed of
business enterprises.
the following companies: Turinvest Holding SA, Turinvest
Tecnicil prides itself on corporate individuality and ear-
Crioula Abastecimento, Salinas Pedra de Lume (mineral
nest pursuit of quality, the trademarks that set it apart in
salt industry), Crioula Hotel, Santantao Resort, Excelsior
the property development market of Cape Verde.
Praia Business Hotel.
Imobilia, Engeco, Inteco, Cabocem, TH Shipping, Eneral,
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VILA VERDE RESORT
and easy access to the central pedestrian boulevard encompassed by shopping and recreation areas.
Sal Tel: +238-2623600
Vila Verde has already attracted international attention as
Fax: +238-2623605
an investment opportunity. The appeal is due to the
Email: info@tecnicil.com
highly desirable design of the resort, the wide selection
Website: www.tecnicil.com
of properties, expected annual rise in value of 15–20%, guaranteed quality with a five-year warranty on all properties, and a return of 5% in the property rental pro-
Activity: Resort
gramme. The Vila Verde Resort, on the beautiful island of Sal, is a resort being built by the developers at Tecnicil. Sal Island
Additionally, the developers at Tecnicil offer full property
is considered to be one of the most picturesque of Cape
management and maintenance services, an excellent
Verde’s islands, ensuring the development resort of Vila
reputation for quality and integrity, business opportuni-
Verde will have stunning views and landscapes.
ties for entrepreneurs in retail and service sectors, and advance payment guarantees.
Vila Verde is planned to be a balanced mix of apartment, townhouse and villa communities, with direct access to
Prospective investors and property owners are invited to
the airport and urban centres. With careful planning,
come and see Vila Verde on the Island of Sal to fully
most units have unobstructed views of the sea, short wal-
understand the potential this development area holds.
king distances to the beaches via community pathways,
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TOURISM
Kau ke pé ka lebau, ka bu bai Where your foot doesn’t take you, don’t go Cape Verdean proverb 145
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OVERVIEW
NEW PROJECTS IN TOURISM
Tourism is becoming a major source of income for Cape Verde and will very likely be the backbone of the eco-
In order to boost the development of Cape Verde’s tou-
nomy in the coming years.
rism industry, a Tourism Utility Statute was drafted and is available to investors. The Statute sets up three tourism
Cape Verde is known as the land of ‘Morabeza’. This
categories, and offers incentives to each one of them:
Creole word translates the essence of any traveller’s emotional experience when on a visit to Cape Verde. Its
1) Tourism Set-Up
literal meaning is ‘heartily warm and kind people’,
• Exemption from the payment of unique property tax
although it holds a much deeper meaning, as it portrays
falling on the acquisition of real estate (land for construc-
hospitality, a warm welcome, gentle care and expression
tion) or acquisition of a building.
of appreciation for a stay. Morabeza is deeply embedded
• Exemption from customs rights on the import of mate-
in the livelihood of Cape Verdeans.
rials and equipment for infrastructure (such as civil cons-
Hotel accommodation in Cape Verde ranges from the
ment and tools, sanitation equipment, vehicles for the
very modest to the luxurious. The higher-ranked resorts
transport of tourists, recreational boats, spare parts and
traditionally cater to business travellers.
tools for culture and sports-related activities.
truction materials, electrical fittings and electronic equip-
Tourism is the major growth sector with in the Cape Verdean economy
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2) Tourism Operation – For projects that have already been approved and whose construction has complied
MAIN FEATURES OF THE ISLANDS
with the architecture’s plans. • Full exemption from income tax payment for the first
• Sal: Highlights are the beaches, water sports (entertain-
five years and 50% of income tax payment for the follo-
ment and sports), windsurfing, diving, fishing, swimming
wing 10 years; this period can be expanded if the tourism
(there are excellent pools), games rooms, mini-golf
facility is located outside the city limits of Praia and the
courses, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts.
municipalities of S. Vicente and Sal.
• Santiago: Attractions include historic sightseeing such as the ruins of Cidade Velha (old town, historical capital
3) Tourism Refurbishment – For projects undergoing
of Cape Verde), beautiful scenery, mountain landscapes,
refurbishment or expansion and whose budget is the
crafts, beaches and rich gastronomy.
equivalent of at least 25% of the initial investment and
• São Vicente: Attractions include historic sightseeing,
which have been running for at least five years under the
water sports, beaches (entertainment and sports), wind-
Tourism Operation status or two years if otherwise.
surfing, evening entertainment, music festivals, carnivals,
• The same incentives as under set-up during the refur-
crafts, monuments and horsemanship. • Maio: The main features are exploration tours and
bishment stage.
water sports, rich marine life, golden sandy beaches,
TOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE ISLANDS
ational fishing.
The country provides a wide variety of tourism products.
mountain tourism, nature exploration tours, sandy bea-
Each island is alluring with its own unique enchantments
ches, offshore deep-water fishing and cultural heritage.
crafts, beautiful scenery, walking, scuba diving and recre-
• São Nicolau: Recreational fishing, scenery and beaches,
and colours. Volcanoes, wonderful beaches, majestic
• Santo Antão: Beautiful scenery, mountain tourism and
mountains, small oases, lunar-type landscapes and a pro-
other adventures, walking trails, deep valleys, culture,
fuse cultural background are the main features.
traditional rum manufacturing sites and very agreeable countryside life.
The following potential tourism packages have been
• Fogo: Mountain tourism and spectacular sightseeing in
identified as part of the overall Cape Verdean tourism
the volcanoes and natural parks, walking and bicycling
industry products:
trails, volcano climbing, sandy beaches with coral reefs
• Sun and beach tourism (traditional and active): its main
and marine life; diving and scuba diving.
driving forces are the sea, swimming activities, the cli-
• Boa Vista: Beaches, sand dunes, monuments and water
mate and water-related sports such as diving, windsur-
sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving, underwater fis-
fing and offshore deep-water fishing.
hing and recreational fishing, historical fortress and
• Nature-oriented tourism: its main motivation is to per-
beautiful dune-covered beaches.
form nature-based activities such as trekking, climbing,
• Brava: Relaxing, exploration of landscape including
horseback riding, bicycle riding etc.
natural lagoons, flowering gardens, mineral resources,
• Touring: Its main objective is sightseeing and visits to
horseback riding, beautiful scenery, beaches, lovely fis-
sites of interest. Itineraries should provide stopovers at
hing communities and cultural activities.
specified resting places. Interesting and scenic itineraries are available in almost all the islands.
In all the islands, however, there is a fascinating mixture
• Culture-driven tourism: Provides useful opportunities to
of African and European customs and life. This is best
tourists to enter into contact with Cape Verdeans and get
reflected in the foods on offer, with Portuguese foods
to know their folklore, customs and habits through active
(such as fish and seafood dishes, olive oil, garlic, lemon
participation in traditional festivities, carnivals, music
and sausage) and African foods (stews, beans, maize and
shows, gastronomy galas, literature, craftsmanship, etc.
tropical crops) comfortably combined on most menus.
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Many of the towns on the islands have inherited and safeguard their colonial Portuguese architecture and are
TOURISM BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
worth a visit just to see the buildings. As Cape Verde is comprised of islands, it comes as no great surprise to
Demand comes mostly from European countries. Most of
learn that in the midst of a vibrant Creole culture are very
incoming visitors are from Italy (32.2%), Portugal
good conditions for water sports, such as windsurfing,
(25.4%) and Germany (10%).
diving (with shipwrecks dating back to the sixteenth century) and sailing adventures. However, many might argue
Sal Island is the most popular destination, followed by
that Cape Verde’s isolation is a blessing, leaving these
Santiago and S. Vicente.
islands unspoiled and comparatively undiscovered. On the supply side, there has been a significant increase
THE EVOLUTION OF TOURISM
in hotel capacity of around 52% in 2005. The number of establishments has increased by around 22% and the number of beds by approximately 42%. This increased
The inflow of tourists to Cape Verde continues to grow.
capacity is due, in essence, to foreign direct investment.
In 2005, almost 233,000 tourists visited the country. Italians, Portuguese and Germans lead the number of visitors. Sal continues to be the island most visited, wel-
TOURISM FUELS PROPERTY MARKET
coming 70% of the foreigners who choose Cape Verde as a tourism destination. In terms of accommodation
When Cape Verde reviewed its strategy to attract foreign
offered, the country has 132 hotel units. At present, its
investment for its tourism industry, it did so with Europe
lodging capacity is over 10,000 beds.
and the United States in mind. All the right conditions are there for companies to establish themselves in the
In 2005, the rate of incoming leisure travellers soared to
islands, but the export market is still underdeveloped and
about 26% (compared to 4.7% in 2004). As a result, the
most produce stays within the country’s borders, except
ensuing revenue topped CVE 9,565.9 million, which
for textiles, shoes and seafood, which are exported to
accounts for approximately 10.4% of GDP.
America.
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Sal island, the biggest attraction of tourism, without lacking small details
Apart from the customary tax breaks (fiscal reform intro-
Santiago. To learn more about these projects, please see
duced VAT in 2004), exemption on import duties for
the Fact Files further on in this chapter.
construction materials, and capital contribution declarations, the islands themselves are the true incentives for
CASINO
paying a visit. The recent Convention of Establishment signed between When a couple of UK media outlets earmarked Cape
Cape Verde and a Chinese entrepreneur will make pos-
Verde as the next hot property paradise, a veritable run
sible the construction of a small luxury hotel and casino
for the country’s property market developed, with coun-
in Santa Maria, in the bay of the City of Praia. The second
tless British investors and tour operators vying to capture
phase of this project will include a hotel as well as other
a plot on the tropical seaside.
tourist facilities. The investment is estimated at US $100
The origins of the tourist clientele will diversify in the
10 years.
million for the first two years and at US $300 million in
coming years, with growing interest shown by investors of English and Irish origin, as well as of Asian origin. With
HOTELS
year-round sunshine and a tropical climate, Cape Verde is set to be a big destination for UK and Irish holidaymakers within the next decade.
In 1999 the number of hotel rooms available was 1,825 and in 2005 approximately 5,000 (8,278 beds), and there are now more than 1,000 rooms under construction in
CONDOMINIUMS AND RESORTS
the islands of Sal and S. Vicente. Considering the investment projects in progress, this number will increase significantly in the next years.
There are many condominiums and resort projects under way in Cape Verde, mostly on the islands of Sal and
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The prices of accommodation vary between CVE 1,200
interested in buying properties, holiday homes that they
and 11,500 for single rooms, 1,500 and 15,217 for
can visit or let out when they are not around. On the
double rooms and 5,000 and 9,000 for triples and suites.
other, there are those who wish to invest in the develop-
Generally prices already include breakfast, which costs
ment of large-scale projects. Both forms are experiencing
between CVE 240 and 1,800.
a big boom, and there are a couple of local and international companies leading the market.
MARINAS Cape Verde’s government is now trying to develop the The Cape Verde Islands have historically been a popular
tourist industry, and the infrastructure is being expanded
place for sailors to stop on their voyage across the
to accommodate the increasing number of visitors
Atlantic from Europe, not just for its useful location but,
attracted to this unusual but attractive destination.
some say, for its native rum, known to many as ‘grogue’. The main ports are in Mindelo, Praia and Tarrafal, but
On 4th July 2005, Cape Verde became the third country
there are also marinas at: Porto da Praia, Porto de
to sign a compact with the US government-funded
Tarrafal, Porto Furna, Porto Inglês, Porto de Sal-Rei, Porto
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC); the three-year
Novo, Porto de Palmeira, Porto Grande and Porto do Vale
assistance package is worth over US $110 million in
dos Cavaleiros.
addressing rural economic expansion, infrastructure development, and development of tourism and a com-
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
munity college system.
The government is focusing on attracting foreign direct
Over the next three to five years the largest group of
investment to the tourism sector, which is taking two dif-
investors should come from the UK.
ferent forms. On the one hand, there are small investors Santiago island, perfect mixed example of a growing Tourism economy combined with local tradition
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Large-scale tourist developments contrast with old-fashioned services, here a traditional barber’s shop in Mindelo
There are now weekly direct flights from the UK on
MAIN COMPANIES
Astraeus from Gatwick and Manchester airports. Flight times are around five-and-a-half hours and the cost is
ANV (AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DE VIAGENS)
from GB £329 including tax and fuel surcharge. When the demand is sufficient it is expected that direct flights
C.P. 142, Avenida da República, Mindelo
from various airports in the UK will fly to Sal, Boa Vista,
Tel: +238-2311115 / 2321562 / 2321356
São Vicente and Santiago. TACV is the local Cape Verde
Fax: +238-2323083 / 2321445
airline, which operates both international and inter-island
Email: anvsv@cvtelecom.cv
flights. TAP also flies to Cape Verde daily from Lisbon.
Website: www.anv.cv
There are also direct flights from Italy, Germany,
Activity: Tourism
Denmark, USA, Holland, Senegal and Brazil to Cape
Turnover: US $30,000,000
Verde. Agência Nacional de Viagens SA (ANV) is the national Tourism has been growing at 25% annually in Cape
travel agency of Cape Verde. The ANV performs activities
Verde for the past four years, and growth is expected to
as an agent for all services concerning transportation of
continue well into the future. Sal and Boa Vista are both
passengers and cargo.
extremely popular with Italian tourists and a large percentage of all tourists visiting Cape Verde are from Italy.
ANV has two divisions, Marine and Air. Its Marine division
Many of the businesses and developments at the
is composed of Cape Verdean crew and offers the follo-
moment are run by Italians. The Germans tourists are
wing services: shipping agencies, forwarding, brokerage
increasing rapidly due to the expansion of the Riu Hotels,
and tour operator. The Air division offers Visa services,
and the British and Irish market is due to increase rapidly
travel insurance and excursions
because of the direct flights.
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The headquarters is located near the bay of Porto
EDITUR PONTA BICUDA
Grande, in one of the most characteristic buildings of Cape Verde, offering a unique view of the entire coas-
Rua Tierno Galvan, Torre 3, 10 Piso,
tline. It also has branches in all the islands of the archipe-
1070–274, Lisboa
lago.
Tel: +238-207-1932055 Email: info@pontabicuda.com
CALHETA BAY
Website: www.pontabicuda.com
Rua Sena Barcelos, Edifico Millenium, Mindelo,
Activity: Tourism
C.P. 501, São Vicente Tel: +238-2318988
Ponta Bicuda is a property development located on the
Email: svsales@capeverdedevelopment.com
island of Santiago in Cape Verde operated by Vilas
Website: www.capeverdedevelopment.com/calhetabay
Oceânicas SA, with an area of 65 hectares and approximately 3.5km of coastline. The aim of this company is to promote tourist residential projects for the European
Activity: Tourism
market. Calheta Bay is a €2 billion golf and leisure resort under development on the island of Sal’s west coast, within a
This exclusive development, with a masterplan developed
425-hectare site, 10 minutes from both the tourist town
by WATG – Wimberly Allison Tong & Go, lies just five
of Santa Maria and the international airport. The deve-
minutes from Cidade da Praia and the international air-
lopment has an eco-friendly design with excellent ocean
port. Ponta Bicuda is soon to be a much sought-after des-
views from 70% of the site and a mixture of landscapes,
tination, with developments in perfect balance with their
including sandy beaches and rocky coastline. Cape Verde
surroundings and aimed at the most demanding of
Development, along with its partners Turim and Editur,
clients. Most properties will have a view of the ocean. Ponta Bicuda is made up of nine different resorts, divided
are the developers behind this new golf resort.
into three residential areas (for individual use) and six The resort will feature two Ernie Els 18-hole cham-
hotels to be sold as investment properties.
pionship-standard golf courses and luxurious Els Residences, which are being developed as a joint venture
MURDEIRA BEACH RESORT
with the golfer. PGA Golf Management will manage all of the Cape Verde Development golf facilities, which will
Murdeira, Sal
include a PGA National Golf Course and PGA National
Tel: +238-2412550/2308
Golf Academy. Near the golf resort a commercial area is
Fax: +238-2411605
being developed called Nikki Beach Resort, along with an
Email: turimsal@cvtelecom.cv
aqua park, golf and spa hotel, a major resort hotel and a marina.
Activity: Hotel
The developers of the resort are determined to make
Murdeira Beach Resort is one of the newest property deve-
Calheta Bay one of the top 10 resorts in the world, and
lopments on the island of Sal – Cape Verde’s most popular
therefore every measure will be taken to use the highest
island for tourism – and is setting the standard for design
standards available while keeping the design and the
on Sal. The concept aims to deliver a home away from
construction environmentally-friendly.
home with all the modern conveniences, facilities and luxuries that guests would expect of a five-star resort.
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Seafront apartments and villas are being sold in this deve-
Novatur has a high-speed computer system at its disposal
lopment area, comprising one- and two-bedroom apart-
that enables the team to quickly consult on tariffs, reser-
ments, terraced and detached luxury villas in Spanish-
vations, confirmations and other services, namely trans-
Colonial style architecture. This resort catches the eye,
fers, city tours and other excursions, which renders it pos-
but is uncompromising in its attention to the laid-back
sible to offer total comfort to customers in terms of tra-
tranquillity that characterizes Sal.
velling and tourism.
In terms of luxury and positioning, the Murdeira Resort
In addition to local information and data provided by the
has some unique advantages. The developer aims to
Galileo and Amadeus communication systems (of which
deliver maximum comfort, style and modern conve-
Novatur is a member), all updated information can be
niences. The property, with its beachfront luxury villas,
conveniently accessed through the company’s website.
complete with their own private moorings, also offers
Novatur has established commercial agreements with all
facilities such as a golf course, 75-berth marina, shopping
airline companies that operate in Cape Verde.
centre and health and beauty centre. Aware of customers’ needs and the ongoing market The developers of Murdeira Beach Resort have received
changes, Novatur annually invests in the continuous
much interest from UK investors for this development,
improvement of the quality of its service, the capacity
most likely due to the fact that the island of Sal is home
building of personnel, as well as the provision of exclusive
to a new international airport with direct flights to the
services, in order to exceed expectations of its clientele.
United Kingdom. The effectiveness of the agency’s services, associated
NOVATUR TRAVEL & TOURISM AGENCY
with pleasant surprises and the Cape Verdean ‘morabeza’ (friendliness), places it in a good position within the market.
PRAIATUR LDA, TRAVEL AGENCY Alfredo Rodrigues Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, Praia
Director
Tel: +238-2618424
Av. Amilcar Cabral 36, Plateau, Praia
Fax: +238-2618344
Tel: +238-2615746
Email: agnovatur@cvtelecom.cv
Fax: +238-2614500
Website: www.novatur.cv
Email: praiatur.lda@cvtelecom.cv
Activity: Travel agency
Activity: Travel agent
Date of Creation: 2001
Date of Creation: 1st November 1989
Since entering the market in 2001, Novatur has
Praiatur is a travel and tourism agency composed of a
attempted to provide a unique quality service to the tou-
team of professionals that take care of all the details
rism and travel sector. The company is endowed with a
ensuring customers have a pleasant experience in Cape
young, qualified team and strives to supply an integrated
Verde.
and global service, not only in Cape Verde but also for any international destination.
The agency provides the following services: national and international air ticket sales, reception service at any airport in Cape Verde, welcome assistance, visas, luggage
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and check-in services, reconfirmation of flights, transfers
All 119 rooms in this four-star hotel have satellite TV, air
in and out, hotel reservations in Cape Verde, tours for
conditioning, mini-bar, safe and bathroom with bathtub.
groups, personalized tours for small groups, diving pro-
The hotel also has three suites with living rooms and king-sized beds. The Presidential Suite of the hotel
grammes, fishing programmes and trekking tours.
includes a meeting room well equipped for six people, It assists with all travel arrangements and tour packages
bedroom with double outlook, king-sized bed, and a
within all Cape Verde Islands. Praiatur works with several
living area with a couch, auxiliary desk, closet, and com-
airline companies, allowing customers maximum options
plete bathroom with hydro-massage bathtub. It also
and convenience. These airlines include TAP Portugal,
incorporates a specially prepared closet with refrigerator
TACV (Cape Verde Airlines), South African Airways, Hi-
and the necessary equipment to prepare cocktails and
Fly, TAAG (Angola Airlines) and Air Senegal International.
other drinks.
The tour packages on offer are interesting and include
Guests at the Praiamar Hotel can enjoy a panoramic res-
airfares and hotel reservations, transfers, group activities,
taurant, offering a taste of international and Cape
boat trips, fishing activities and the agency’s speciality,
Verdean gastronomy and a wide selection of drinks. For
adventure, cultural and religious activities. Just what you
a more casual meal, the hotel’s snack bar near the swim-
need to escape from the mass tourism and to see the real
ming pool is also available, along with several other faci-
Cape Verde.
lities including the Café Concerto, A Capital disco, a health club with sauna and Jacuzzi, and a reading centre.
“100% satisfaction! That’s our goal. We want you to have a very special moment in our country and enjoy
Praiamar is considered an ideal place for business stays; a
the real Cape Verde.”
conference room fully equipped for 200 people and a
Alfredo Rodrigues, Director
business centre with all necessary office equipment allow businesspeople the convenience to work efficiently, while
OÁSIS ATLÁNTICO PRAIAMAR HOTEL
living comfortably.
HOTEL OASIS ATLANTICO BELORIZONTE José Castilho General Manager
Luís Leitão
Prainha,
Director
C.P. 75, Santiago
Santa Maria,
Tel: +238-2612972
C.P. 63, Sal
Fax: +238-2612972
Tel: +238-2421439
Email: jose.castilho@oasisatlantico.com
Fax: +238-2421210
Website: www.oasisatlantico.com
Website: www.oasisatlantico.com
Activity: Hotel
Activity: Hotel
Date of Creation: 1998 Located in the magnificent Santa Maria pure sand beach Ideally located in the prestigious residential area of
in Sal Island, this hotel creates the ideal atmosphere for a
Prainha, in the city of Praia on Santiago Island, and over-
relaxing vacation or a business stay. The hotel comprises
looking the beach and ocean, Praiamar Hotel is one of
173 bungalows on the beach and 60 more superior
the most respected hotels in Cape Verde. Praiamar is a
rooms in the main building. They are all fully equipped
member of the Oásis Atlántico Hotels & Resorts Group,
with bathroom, individual air-conditioning units, hair-
which bought the property in 1998.
dryer, telephone, satellite television, mini-bar, safe and a
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Tourism has benefitted from massive international investment
small balcony, with views over the beach or swimming
people both in theatre or school layout. In this relaxing
pool for superior rooms. Belorizonte hotel offers you a
environment, you will find the ideal place for your confe-
wide range of services, such as diving lessons, sports
rence or your business meeting.
centre, sport fishing, tennis court, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, two restaurants facing the sea and four bars, a
PESTANA TRÓPICO HOTEL
children’s park, a games room, laundry, currency exchange and Internet access.
Mr Jorge Xavier General Manager
The hotel also has services provided by third parties:
C.P. 413, Praia
diving (Manta Diving Centre); car hire (Avis); medical ser-
Tel: +238-2614200
vices; excursions; handicraft and souvenir shops.
Fax: +238-2615225 Email: tropico.reservs@cvtelecom.cv
For businesspeople, the Oásis Atlântico Belorizonte hotel
Website: www.pestana.com
provides a fully equipped conference room with the most recent audiovisual technology. It has a capacity of 190
Activity: Hotel
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The Pestana Trópico Hotel, one of Cape Verde’s leading
Activity: Property development
business and leisure hotels, is situated on a clifftop on the island of Santiago, in the most distinguished district of
Santiago Golf Resort is a private company with two sha-
the town of Praia. Recently refurbished, this four-star
reholders: Group Sacramento Campos (Portugal), and Dr
hotel has excellent views over the historic part of the
Eugénio Inocêncio, an experienced Cape Verdean businessman and former diplomat. Encompassing 650 hec-
town, the sea and the Santa Maria Island.
tares of land including 5km of coastline, the resort is The hotel is close to the historic town centre on the
located on the southern end of the island of Santiago
Plateau, with its buildings dating back to colonial times,
and is within easy reach of the international airport as
and is just five minutes from the new Praia international
well as in close proximity to the capital city of Praia,
airport and from the country’s administrative and finan-
Ciudade Velha, and the village of São Martinho. The
cial centre.
resort is also ideally situated near private residential areas, harbours, the town centre, and the various hotels.
Pestana Trópico Hotel has 51 rooms, redecorated in
In and around the resort, prospective buyers have many
2005, including four suites and three executive rooms, all
options in the Santiago Country Club, a development of
with air-conditioning, satellite television, telephone, and
luxury villas and condominiums. All of these facilities and
mini-bar. The hotel’s restaurant serves international,
development areas have been carefully chosen for their
Portuguese and typical Cape Verdean cuisine throughout
accessibility balanced with a sense of privacy, the oceanic
the day. The bar is also available to guests, with poolside
views, and an intimate setting.
tables and picturesque views of the ocean. Other facilities include a fitness centre, two outdoor saltwater pools for
The villas and apartments can be custom-built and owners can choose from a range of architecturally
adults and children, and a solarium.
designed homes on their chosen spot. Using the most For business clientele, the hotel offers two rooms for
modern infrastructure, residents can be assured of com-
meetings and banquets with audio/video equipment and
fort, convenience and the highest quality for their homes.
a capacity for up to 120 people. The premises also has
To maintain the unique atmosphere of Cape Verde, the developers of the resort have made all efforts to enhance
wireless Internet access.
the landscape in order to protect and conserve the As a member of the Portugal-based Pestana Group, the
natural areas, and continue to provide an indigenous
Trópico Hotel is dedicated to high quality standards of
character. To complement the resort, a range of activities
service and comfort, encouraging guests to feel welcome
are available to residents. Besides extensive golf facilities
to return to any of the Pestana locations, for business or
including a golf academy, there will also be tennis courts,
pleasure.
sailing, windsurfing, diving, deep-sea fishing, an eques-
SANTIAGO GOLF RESORT
garden experiences. Boats and seaplanes will also be
trian centre, four-wheel drive safaris, and botanical
available to visit nearby islands. Dr Eugénio Inocêncio Managing Director
With so much to offer, Santiago Golf Resort’s property
Achada de Santo António,
opportunities have gained widespread international
C.P. 157A, Praia
attention, and the development is expected to rapidly
Tel: +238-2628321
expand during the next few years.
Fax: +238-2628356 Email: sacramento.campos.imobiliaria@clix.pt Website: www.santiagogolfresort.com
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TRANSPORT & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Si krê pé ten raiba kaminhu, ê tem ki anda’l Even if the feet do not like the way, they have to walk it Cape Verdean proverb 159
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TRANSPORT OVERVIEW
lities are considered very inadequate; consequently, an
At the crossroads of three continents – Africa, Europe
Vicente and Boa Vista Islands are scheduled f during
and America – Cape Verde is at the centre of the world’s
2008-9. Additionally, there are programmes targeted at
main air traffic route. TACV – Cape Verde Airlines, the
bringing in major improvements to the other airfields,
domestic flag carrier, assures flight connections between
including the ones in Sal and Praia.
ambitious infrastructure project is under way. Works for the construction of the international airports of S.
the islands (with the exception of Brava and Santo Antão Islands), and with the outside world. Brava and Santo
TACV – Cabo Verde Airlines, a fully owned public com-
Antão can only be reached by boat at the moment,
pany, is the sole provider of domestic flights to all the
though they possess airfields.
inhabited islands except Brava and Santo Antão Islands.
In respect of road transport, taxi services are widely avai-
to restructure the national airline TACV in preparation for
lable at reasonable fares in the main islands; bus routes
privatization. Since the beginning of March 2007, a
are run mostly in the islands of Santiago, São Vicente and
second airline, Halcyon Air, has started operations.
The government has selected a new management team
Sal. Car hire services are provided by several companies and are available in the main urban centres.
Cape Verde Express provides chartered flights.
Travelling in groups between the islands is possible as
The approximate travel times between the islands are as
Cape Verde Express, a private provider of air taxi services,
follows:
offers chartered flights.
• 50 minutes from Praia to S. Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista and S. Nicolau; same flight time from Sal to S. Vicente and
The entire domestic network of roads is over 2,250km
Fogo;
(some 1,400 miles) long, and a third of the roads are
• 15 minutes from Praia to Fogo;
paved. An ongoing road improvement programme is
• 8 minutes from Praia to Maio;
aimed at upgrading the roads. Road conditions and dri-
• 15 minutes from Sal to Boa Vista.
ving standards are in general of a reasonable quality, though paved roads are mostly narrow and winding.
ROAD TRANSPORT
Maintenance of national roads depends exclusively on the road funding institution and on a tax levied on fuel
Cape Verde has a sizeable road network. Most of the
consumption.
main roads are paved and are in need of maintenance. Depending on the level of traffic density, these are being
There are no railway services in the Cape Verde Islands.
replaced with asphalt roads. The roads leading to the airports in Sal, S. Vicente and Santiago Islands are treated
AIR TRANSPORT
with bitumen or asphalt; the main roads within the cities of Praia and Mindelo, as well as the road connecting the
The country’s main airports are located in Sal (Amílcar
cities of Praia and Assomada in Santiago Island, are
Cabral International Airport) and in Santiago (New
asphalt covered. A significant number of road projects
International Airport of Praia, running since 6th October
target the upgrading of the most important paved roads
2005). They assure direct flight connections with the UK,
to asphalt roads; future road building projects in several
Portugal, Canary Islands, Italy, Spain, South Africa, North
islands call for asphalt-covered roads.
America and some other international destinations. Macadamized roads usually become muddy and slippery With the expectation of an ever-growing number of inco-
during the rainy season. Very often such roads become
ming visitors in the next years, the domestic airport faci-
blocked by falling rocks in hilly areas.
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Road transport services are provided exclusively by pri-
road accident avoidance. Consequently, it is charged
vate operators. A few years ago urban road transport ser-
with the formulation of road safety and traffic flow con-
vices were provided by a state-owned road transport
trol plans and programmes; control of the process of
company. Following the execution of the privatization
licensing vehicles used for the transportation of cargo
programme this company was liquidated in 2002.
and passengers; regulation and control of automobile
Taxi, bus and car hire services are available at reasonable
driver licences; organization and updating of registered
driving schools; driving course exams and issuance of
fares in the cities of Praia, Mindelo, S. Filipe and Mindelo,
data, classification and inspection of automobiles; draf-
as well as in Sal Island. Likewise, car hire and taxi services
ting public road transport tariffs; etc.
are provided by private individuals, but not in an organized way, in the other islands. Passenger and cargo
The Economic Regulatory Agency (ARE) is the authority
transportation is mainly provided through minivans
charged with setting urban transport services fares pro-
(widely know as Hi-Ace) and pick-up trucks.
vided by taxis and buses. However, there is no efficient control over fares charged by taxi drivers. Fares for ser-
The Directorate General of Road Transport is the entity
vices provided by minivans and pick-up trucks are libera-
responsible for formulating and executing road transport
lized and drivers are free to set the fares they see fit.
policy in matters regarding traffic flows, road safety and The ship repair industry in Sรฃo Vicente is still today a major resource for maritime traffic
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Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Visitors
Portugal, Arnaud Logis and Portmar. The existing links
wishing to drive must hold an international driving
between these Cape Verdean and Portuguese companies
licence. Seatbelts must be worn at all times and children
makes it possible to provide a complete service.
under the age of 12 must sit in the back seat. These services are frequent and reliable, but most traveFinally, the urban bus transport system is very reliable,
llers still favour the quicker, hassle-free option of
and represents an inexpensive way of getting around.
domestic flights, leaving the ferries to play a more major
The cleanliness of the buses is of a reasonable standard,
role in industry rather than tourism.
particularly in the larger towns. A daily ferry service between the ports of Mindelo and
MARITIME TRANSPORT
Porto Novo offers the transport of passengers and cargo
The maritime transport system is central to Cape Verde’s
or twice a week ferryboat services convey passengers and
between the islands of S. Vicente and S. Antão. Weekly
economic development strategy on account of the
cargo from Praia (Santiago) and Mindelo to all the remai-
country’s geographic location. The existing international
ning islands. Meanwhile, the provision of services is fre-
air and maritime routes facilitate access to international
quently subject to change.
markets for the companies operating in the country. Sea conditions around Cape Verde are sometimes rough International maritime transport is regular, and between
and treacherous; submerged rocks represent a danger to
Cape Verde and Portugal is offered by various shipping
navigation. At certain times of the year, travel by sea
agents such as Agemar, an associate of the Portuguese
from any departure port to the southern islands of Brava
company
and Fogo can be a headache as routes change frequently
Marmod,
NCL
Cape
Verde
and
NCL
Transitários, Horus Cape Verde, a branch of Horus in
and the sea between Fogo and Brava is rough.
Porto da Praia is the starting point of cargo transportation to the different islands
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Internal flights are a safe and quick way to move around the country
Cape Verde’s major shipping ports are Porto Grande in Mindelo and Porto da Praia in Praia.
In this context, and as mentioned previously, some major maritime, air and road transportation development projects are under way and others are planned for the near
The shipping lines are operated using ships owned by
future.
Maersk, Portline, Transinsular and Cabomundo. The ports of Praia, Mindelo and Sal are connected to the
The country will soon have two additional international
ports of Leixões and Lisbon in Portugal on an almost daily
airports, one in S. Vicente and the other in Boa Vista. The
basis. Containerized cargo (20-foot containers) is the
international airports in Sal and Praia will undergo expan-
norm and the average cost of a container is €950.
sion and modernization. TACV – Cabo Verde Airlines, the
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
for domestic and regional flights. At present, the com-
state-owned airline, is in a process of renewing its fleet
pany is undergoing a restructuring process that may lead The Cape Verdean authorities are hoping to transform
to its privatization in the near future.
the country into a subregional transportation hub and mid-Atlantic transportation hub to provide passenger
A second private airline will also operate domestic flights.
and freight services, including transfer services for pas-
Recently, Cape Verde became the first and only African
sengers and trans-shipment of cargo between Africa,
country to receive the Civil Aviation Category 1 certificate
South America, the United States and Europe. The pro-
from the Federal Aviation Authority of the United States
ject has two main potential competitors, Dakar in
of America. As a result, TACV is now allowed to fly its
Senegal and the Canary Islands in Spain. It is important to
own aircraft to destinations where it was not possible
coordinate the integration of airports and ports in order
before. This fact will certainly increase investors’ confi-
to develop a global and fast coordination of these two
dence in Cape Verde.
transport modes.
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Significant investment programmes are under way that
Direct links with almost the whole world have become
target the expansion and modernization of the Port of
possible. Current services available include the submarine
Praia (total investment of around US $55 million), the
fibre optic cable, fixed and mobile communications,
Port of Palmeira in Sal Island and the Port of Maio in Maio
transmission of data, video-text and video-conferencing.
Island. In recent years, there have also been some impor-
The mobile communications network is growing signifi-
tant private investments, national and foreign, channe-
cantly. The national company Cape Verde Telecom is an
lled at the acquisition of ferryboats for inter-island con-
associate of Portugal Telecom, which holds 40% of the
nections for both passengers and cargo. Projects for the
capital and supplies the best technology and easy access
acquisition of catamarans, an alternative to air flights
to national and international destinations. Considering
between the islands, although ongoing, have not been
the quality of the technologies used and the central geo-
fully realized yet.
graphic situation, Cape Verde presents high potential in the regional and international markets for flexible and
The subsector of road transport is also benefiting from
competitive telecommunications services.
significant investment programmes. The main roads of the country are presently or will shortly be upgraded
The rapid evolution of the telecommunications sector
from paved roads into asphalt roads. New roads are
worldwide has led Cape Verde to establish telecommuni-
being built and additional ones will be built shortly. Many
cations, broadcasting, and information and communica-
roads will undergo improvements in order to make them
tions technology (ICT) development programmes. The
safer and practicable.
technical and legal framework has been periodically revised and adapted to take into account the evolution of
A significant portion of the investments tailored at upgra-
technologies, and to adapt to the world market as well as
ding the network of ports and roads comes from the
to the socioeconomic and political structure of Cape
Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Verde.
COMMUNICATIONS OVERVIEW
Cabo Verde Telecom is currently the only provider for fixed-line voice, mobile voice, data service, and Internet service (dial-up, ISDN and ADSL). Only major cities and
Cape Verde’s introduction to telecommunications goes
towns have Internet cafes; mobile phone services are on
back to 1874 when it was a landing point for the first
the GSM standard. International services in Cape Verde
telegraph submarine cable installed between Europe and
are dependent on transatlantic fibre optic cables, so in
Brazil. The first telephones were installed in 1919.
2004, when the main cable servicing Cape Verde was
However, not much was done to expand telecommunica-
severed, most international voice and data traffic was cut
tions for the next half century. In 1960, there were only
for approximately three weeks and satellite backup could
188 telephones in the whole nation and the first auto-
not handle the load. Visitors who need reliable commu-
matic telephone exchange was only installed a year later.
nication to other countries may consider bringing satellite-based voice or data equipment. The international
Since independence in 1975, things have changed.
country code for Cape Verde is 238. Fixed-line numbers
Network growth has been spectacular and today Cape
have seven digits and mobile phone numbers begin with
Verde has the highest telephone density of all MDCs
9. Telephone connections are good, but calls outside the
(Least Developed Countries). The nation’s telecommuni-
archipelago are very expensive.
cation infrastructure features fully digitized local exchanges, national and international fibre optic links,
There is broadband Internet connection on Sal, Santiago,
ISDN services and a second-generation GSM mobile
San Vicente and Boa Vista, but not yet on Maio. There
cellular network.
are also ISDN lines in Praia.
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Of contrary signal it is the trend of the Postal Services, to
FIXED LINES
the similarity of the generality of the markets, service that if finds the position of the Post offices of Cape Verde, in
The growth of fixed lines was substantial in the first years
narrow operational partnership with the CTT-Post offices
after privatization, but since 2003 that growth has
of Portugal.
reduced. This is also due to the appearance of mobile telephony and to the success of its implementation.
Meanwhile the telecommunications network guarantees conditions for global communication. Civil peace, poli-
A major challenge has been to connect the nation’s dis-
tical stability and great potential for business develop-
persed islands with high-speed fibre optic cable.
ment are some of the other advantages of Cape Verde in
Although 100% digital microwave and satellite connec-
the bid to transform the country both in its quality of life
tions were available for inter-island communication, in
and economic growth.
1997 CVT began linking the six most populated islands by a submarine cable fibre optic system. The US $7
The regulating agency for communications (CRA), a
million project was completed in 2002.
departament of ANAC (The National Communications Agency), is indispensable for the arbitration of emergent
The installation time for new telephones is approximately
conflicts, and will have to face the introduction of effec-
40 days. With a teledensity of 15.7% for fixed lines, one
tive competition, with a view to the reduction of costs,
of the highest among countries of similar income level,
the clarification of obligations in the rendering of ser-
Cape Verde Telecom aimed to achieve 17% coverage by
vices, and the modernization of the legislative package
2005. The number of public telephones is 431, and was
for the sector.
458 in 2003, and 448 in 2001 and 2002. Headquarters of Cabo Verde Telecom
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MOBILES
cations in Cape Verde. While the annual average growth
Mobile cellular communications came relatively late to
of fixed lines is below 20%, the growth of mobile ser-
Cape Verde. Unlike many other nations, analogue mobile
vices is catching up. Despite the higher cost of the ser-
technology was never introduced. CVT launched its
vice, the evolution of the mobile telephone network is
digital mobile Global System for Mobile (GSM) network
faster and was expected to exceed the fixed network by
in late 1997. At the end of 2001, CVT (Cape Verde
2005/2006.
Telecom) had 31,507 subscribers and a density of 7%. The growth rate was up 60% compared to 2000. The
There is no legal barrier to mobile competition as this ser-
network is available on all the islands and population
vice is not included in CVT’s monopoly. However the lack
coverage is estimated at around 90%. Prepaid was laun-
of an interconnecting system and doubts about a poten-
ched in 1998 and by 2001 almost all new subscribers
tial competitor being able to offer international services
were on a prepaid tariff.
have
delayed
the
introduction
of
competition.
Nonetheless, strategic mobile investors active elsewhere The instalment of this service for Cape Verde Telecom is
on the African continent have expressed interest in Cape
made under Decree Law no. 72/95, through a licence
Verde.
granted by the government member responsible for the area of telecommunications. The granting of a licence
ISP
must follow public competition, regulated by the Cabinet. Since 2004 it has been possible to grant more
The Internet developed differently in Cape Verde than in
than one licence for complementary telecommunications
many other nations. In most countries, the Internet
services.
started as an initiative of the academic community or a
Since 2000, all the islands are covered by the service and
incumbent telecommunications operator, Cape Verde
digital telephone. Area coverage is in the order of 70%,
Telecom (CVT), which first introduced the Internet. Cape
covering 80% of the population. The density of mobile
Verde’s entry into cyberspace was relatively late – it was
development assistance project. In Cape Verde it was the
the 29th African country to get connected to the Internet
terminals is 17 for each 100 inhabitants.
– which is surprising considering the rapid expansion it The launching of the terrestrial mobile service led to con-
had made in other telecommunications areas. Even
siderable alterations in the development of telecommuni-
today, the Internet is hardly visible in Cape Verde. There
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However, in comparison with other countries with similar economic conditions, Cape Verde has a good penetration in terms of subscribers to the Internet.
CVT is currently the only ISP so peering is not yet an issue. It is assumed that CVT has optimized the network so that national Internet traffic stays within the country rather than being routed overseas. CVT has also developed a portal to provide information locally to keep more Internet traffic within the country and hence reduce the need for expensive international connections.
The number of Internet points is bigger every day, though the access to the Net is still and unfortunately quite inconsistent
POSTAL NETWORK
are a few Internet cafés and the existing ones are difficult
The acceleration of the cycle of technological develop-
to locate.
ment, provoking great changes in the field of information technologies and communications, from the fax, to
Access to the Internet in Cape Verde has been slow but
the Internet and mobile messaging, has produced direct
it is important for the social and economic development
and indirect effects on postal activity, and represents the
of the country. The legal requirements for provision of
main threat for the traditional postal businesses.
Internet services in Cape Verde are not clear enough, and
However, new opportunities for business are also emer-
are currently solely provided by Cape Verde Telecom.
ging and postal businesses can tap into the new alternatives that the technology allows. Hybrid post, electronic
In addition to the subscribers of the service provided by
messaging, digital certification, postal ‘cyber-centres’ and
Cape Verde Telecom (extension cvtelecom.cv) there are
electronic commerce are examples of this.
about 2,500 government subcriptions (gov.cv). The total is therefore around 8,000.
With globalization, the postal services need a new
Assuming three users for every subscription, this means
tments to improve activities and manage them efficiently.
there are around 25,000 users of the Internet in Cape
The modernization of the operational systems, where
approach and need to carry through the necessary inves-
Verde, which represents 5% of the population. However,
computerization and automation are inevitable, will play
considering the state of development of the telecommu-
an important role in the re-establishment of postal ser-
nications infrastructure in Cape Verde and the use of
vices which add value for users.
other services, it is presumed that penetration of the Internet is still weak compared to the existing potential.
In the scope of the programme of privatizations initiated
This fact is the result of commercial politics and lack of
in January 1995, the government of Cape Verde divided
competitive conditions for access.
the company CTT (Correios de Cabo Verde ) into two
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companies: one for telecommunications, Cape Verde
This sector will see increasing liberalization following the
Telecom Sarl, and another for postal services, CCV
appearance of new operators of Internet and mobile tele-
(Correios de Cabo Verde Sarl). Previously, the postal
phony in 2006. Preparing for this new reality, CVTelecom
system of CTT had been transferred to a commercial
created two companies, CVMóvel and CVMultimédia, for
bank, the Caixa Económica of Cape Verde (CECV).
exploring mobile services and managing the links via Internet and television.
This split represented one of historical landmarks in the life of CCV. It was a difficult challenge, but the outcome
The government of Cape Verde, in its strategy of deve-
is positive.
lopment, lends great weight to development of the information and knowledge society for the improvement of
Today, CCV offers traditional postal services and pro-
the competitiveness of the Cape Verdean economy.
ducts such as post offices, international mail (Correio
However, the legal framework for the sector of telecom-
Azul), services special and urgent post (EMS).
munications does not allow the creation of a conducive environment for the development of information and
For money transfers, it offers the traditional money order,
communication technologies.
the Eurogiro, and the service of the Western Union. CCV also offers diverse services to third parties, such as tele-
MAIN COMPANIES
phonic collection and payment of pensions.
TRANSPORT CTT (Correios de Portugal) and CCV (Correios de Cabo Verde) use the modern computer platform developed by
ASA (AEROPUERTOS E SEGURANÇA AEREA)
Nave and used in CTT post offices in Portugal. Mr Mario Paixão Lopes DHL is the only private operator of urgent deliveries in
Chairman
Cape Verde, alongside the service Urgent EMS offered by
Aeroporto de Sal
the post offices of Cape Verde.
Tel: +238-2411468 / 2633380 Fax: +238-2415770
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Email: mlopes@asa.cv Website: www.asa.cv
The legal framework of telecommunications allows for private market competitive business. The regulating
Activity: Airports and flight safety
agency
Date of Creation: 1984
for
communications,
the
Institute
of
Communications and Information Technologies (ICTI), is looking at introducing effective competition.
Aeropuertos e Segurança Aerea (Airports and Flight Safety National Company) was created on 17th February
In accordance with the most recent legislative initiatives
1984 and became ASA SA in June 2001. With its capital
of the government allowing the launching of a public
completely held by the state, ASA’s principal objective is
competition for licences for Services of Complementary
the exploration and development of air traffic manage-
Telecommunications, there is a new operator of mobile
ment. The organization guarantees the services of aircraft
services, T+, owned by a trust formed for ASG, an
departures and arrivals, loading management, and mail
American company and Access Telecom, the proprietor
terminal management. The company provides activities
of the biggest mobile operator in the Ivory Coast, Telecel.
and services in all the airports and public aerodromes of
Services were due to commence in December 2006 cove-
Cape Verde.
ring all the territory in ‘Dual Band’ GSM900/1800.
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Twenty-two years after its creation, ASA has progressed
51% of the company shares, with 49% being held by the
well on various levels. The company is in an important
Senegalese government. ASI has been a member of IATA
technological development phase, characterized by
since 28th May 2002, and is making a name for itself in
infrastructure modernization and human resources quali-
African air transportation as a competitive, punctual and
fication. ASA aims to be equipped with competitive
customer-friendly airline.
management tools to the same level as the most developed countries. This will allow ASA to keep up with the
The international destinations of the airline include
changes in the world air transport systems.
Abidjan, Accra, Bamako, Banjul, Bissau, Casablanca, Conakry, Cotonou, Lome, Lyon, Madrid, Marseille, Milan,
ASA’s strategic investments, totalling €100 million, are
Malpensa International Airport, Niamey, Nouakchott,
enabling Cape Verde to utilize its potential for economic
Ouagadougou, Paris (Orly Airport) and Praia.
growth by expanding the existing travel and transport routes and establishing Cape Verde as a destination for
Flights via Dakar allow travellers to take advantage of Air
business and tourism alike. These strategic investments
Senegal International as a gateway to both European and
include a new control centre in Sal Oceanic FIR and Sal
American destinations, from major destinations in West
TMA, based on SSR and the new CNS/ATM technologies.
Africa, including daily flights from Praia.
In addition to expansions being made to the existing international airports on the islands of Sal and Santiago
Air Senegal International takes special pride in its class
(where the capital city of Praia is located), ASA is also
etoile, which allows passengers – especially business tra-
upgrading the San Vicente and Boa Vista airports in order
vellers – to fly in complete comfort. Additionally, passen-
to accommodate further international operations.
gers have the option to join Club Horizon, Air Senegal’s fidelity pack for frequent flyers.
The air transport industry has played a major role in the development of the national economy, positioning the
The goal of the airline company is to exceed the expecta-
airports and ASA as fundamental catalysts for Cape
tions of its clientele, ensuring that all passengers on
Verde’s future growth.
board feel welcome to return and to use Air Senegal International for all of their travel needs, to, from and
AIR SENEGAL INTERNATIONAL
within West Africa.
Ms. Mariétou Ba
CABNAVE
Representative C.P. 810, Praia, Santiago
Baltazar Ramos
Tel: +238-2617539
Managing Director
Fax: +238-2615483
Mindelo, São Vicente
Email: maba@airsenegalinternational.sn
Tel: +238-2314122
Website: www.air-senegal-international.com
Fax: +238-2312874 Email: cabnave@mail.cvtelecom.cv
Activity: Airline Date of Creation: 2001
Activity: Ship repairs Date of Creation: 1983
Air Senegal International (ASI) is a West African airline established on 1st February 1971 as Air Senegal. It was
Cabnave is a modern ship repair yard on the island of São
restructured as an international carrier following the
Vicente in the thoroughfare of shipping between the
acquisition of a majority stake by Royal Air Maroc in
North and South Atlantic. The company started its activi-
2001. It is part of Groupe Royal Air Maroc, which owns
ties in 1983 and since then it has become one of the first
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The port of Mindelo is the most important of Cape Verde, it disposes of excellent infrastructures
choices for shipping companies wanting to make repairs
With modern support facilities and high standards of
along the west coast of Africa.
safety, Cabnave Shipyard has become a well-reputed establishment for West Africa’s shipping repair needs.
The yard is supported by good facilities, such as six repair
The Government has planned the privatisation of this
parks for any type of vessels and well-equipped mecha-
company for 2008.
nical, plate, electrical, pipe and carpentry shops, which allow the execution of quick and high-quality works.
CABO VERDE EXPRESS
The excellent weather conditions allow the company to
Amilcar International Airport, Sal
carry out all types of work throughout the year. Thanks
Tel: +238-2412600
to its slipway system, Cabnave Shipyard can guarantee
Fax: +238-2412603
four dockings in a day, allowing fast, efficient service.
Email: info@capeverdeexpress.com Website: www.caboverdeexpress.com
The shipyard contains a mechanical workshop, a plate workshop, an electrical workshop, a hull treatment divi-
Activity: Airline
sion and a storehouse where customs-free materials and paints are kept in stock in order to provide the best service.
Cabo Verde Express is a local airline company offering flights between the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, Maio,
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Santiago, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Fogo, and many other routes upon request.
For the uninitiated, arranging an air charter can be a confusing experience. Deciding which aircraft to use, pilot duty time limitations, pilot experience and the creditabi-
Cabo Verde Express specializes in daily excursions, trans-
lity of the service provider are all important considera-
fers, VIP flights, evacuation flights and cargo flights.
tions to get the safest and most beneficial solution for
Private charters are available from Cape Verde Express
customer needs.
air-taxi service.
DHL EXPRESS The airline is committed to providing customers with fivestar safety, service and comfort, which has set it apart
Mr Gilbert Gomis
from any competition.
Country Manager Avenida Oua 402, Achada, S. António
Cabo Verde Express is owned by Direct Air, an Australian-
C.P. 203/A, Praia, Santiago
based company. As an ISO 9001:2000 Quality Endorsed
Tel: +238-2623124
Company, Direct Air is committed to continually impro-
Fax: +238-2623125
ving the level of service, training and safety procedures to
Email: gilbert.gomis@dhl.com
ensure it provides the very best service for clients.
Website: www.dhl.com
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Email: enapor@cvtelecom.cv / adrianosoares@enapor.cv
Activity: Express courier transport
Website: www.enapor.cv Following Deutsche Post World Net’s acquisition of DHL in 2001, DHL is the world’s leading express and logistics
Activity: Administration and operation of ports
company offering customers innovative and customized
Date of Creation: 1982
solutions from a single source. The move brought together DHL’s traditional courier and express business, Euro
Enapor is a government-owned company responsible for
Express’ parcel business and Danza’s logistics business,
the administration and operation of ports in Cape Verde.
making a one-stop shop for all movement of mail, docu-
Enapor’s creation in 1982 conferred a new management
ments, packages and shipments.
style that contributed to the growth of the company and the country’s economy. The modernization and the
With global expertise in solutions, express, air and
improvement of its management in general are principal
ocean freight and overland transport, DHL combines
issues for Enapor. The company constantly invests in
worldwide coverage with in-depth understanding of
infrastructure, superstructures, equipment and staff trai-
local markets. The company continues to be at the fore-
ning. Enapor aims to maintain the level of technological
front of technology and, with more than 150,000
development and challenge demanded by constant reform of the markets.
employees, guarantees fast and reliable services aimed at exceeding customers’ expectations.
The company’s organizational structure has a decentralization underlying philosophy, which suits better the
The company has established a solid reputation and long-
nature of the archipelago of Cape Verde. This organiza-
term experience of operation on the African continent.
tion allows productivity profits. Enapor’s structure con-
DHL provides a service for all organizations, inbound/out-
sists of two principal ports that welcome international
bound for documents and small or large parcels.
traffic: Porto da Praia, Praia’s Port in Santiago Island, and Porto Grande in San Vicente, where the principal offices
DHL Cape Verde is part of a worldwide network that pro-
of the company are located. The society also has seven
vides fast and secure transportation of consignments.
other small ports – one in each island – which operate as
The company is always improving its service and client
national ports: Porto da Palmeira, Porto Novo, Porto de
support in order to meet the demand of a constantly
Tarrafal, Porto do Vale dos Cavaleiros, Porto Inglês, Porto
changing business environment.
Furna and Porto de Sal-Rei.
“Cape Verde is a young country offering good pros-
Enapor provides a wide range of services and equipment
pects for the future, especially in the courier transport
in all its different ports. This equipment aids good perfor-
sector.”
mance of the services requested by third parties. Enapor’s
Mr Gilbert Gomis, Country Manager
services include towing. The crew is prepared to work inside and outside the port offering open sea towing,
ENAPOR (EMPRESA NACIONAL DE ADMINISTRACAO DOS PORTOS)
mooring, fire fighting, investigation and rescue. The company also deals with both direct and indirect merchandise traffic, and Porto Grande and Porto do Praia ports offer
Mr Franklim Spencer
large storage facilities in covered or open warehouses.
Chairman
Enapor offers very interesting alternative transportation
Administration centre Cape Verde
solutions through the Atlantic Ocean maritime routes. It
Caixa Postal 82, centro historico, Mindelo, São Vicente
is also a trusted and reliable partner for foreign investors
Tel: +238-2307500 / 2324414 / 2324515 / 2609060
who want to invest in Cape Verde.
Fax: +238-2314661
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The government has decided the privatisation of
network of feeder vessels, trucks and dedicated trains
ENAPOR, foretold at the beginning of 2008
allows for a unique concept of door-to-door delivery.
HALCYON AIR
AP Moller–Maersk initiated coverage of the Cape Verde Islands in December 2005, offering fortnightly calls in both Praia and Mindelo, located on the two main islands
Jorge Spencer Lima Manager
of the archipelago, Santiago and São Vicente respecti-
Espargos, Sal
vely. The Cape Verde Islands are now able to access a
Website: www.halcyonair.com
truly global network of transport solutions.
Activity: Airline
Maersk Line is the only truly global shipping company
Employees: 35
represented in Cape Verde, offering one biweekly sailing to and from Praia. On these vessels there are direct biwe-
Halcyon Air is a new Cape Verdean airline that began
ekly connections to and from many locations such as
operating in March 2007 with an ATR 200 aircraft with
Dakar, Bissau and Gambia. For destinations in the
capacity for 48 passengers under an operational leasing
Americas, Europe, Middle East, Far East and Oceania
agreement. The company operates daily flights between
Maersk offers swift trans-shipments fully controlled by
the archipelago’s three largest islands – Santiago, Sal and
Maersk Line in Algeciras in southern Spain from Dakar’s
São Vicente – and runs four weekly flights to Boa Vista
weekly vessel calls. Maersk also specializes in refrigerated
Island and two flights per week between Sal and Fogo
containers. Backed by a global dedicated reefer organiza-
islands. Its prices are published with taxes already
tion Maersk provides the most advanced reefers in the
included.
world.
The airline is planning to increase its capacity with ano-
“Creating opportunities in global commerce.”
ther airplane for inter-island flights and, in the future, to
Mr Pedro Lima, Representante
have aircraft for international routes, namely to the most important markets for Cape Verdean tourism.
TACV (CABO VERDE AIRLINES)
MAERSK
Mr João Higino Do Rosário Silva Managing Director
Mr Pedro Lima
Amilcar Cabral,
Representante
C.P. 1, Praia, Santiago
Praia, Santiago
Tel: +238-2608200/71
Tel: +238-2619838 / 2612358
Fax: +238-2617275
Fax: +238-2619770
Email: info-tacv@cvtelecom.cv
Website: www.maerskline.com
Website: www.tacv.cv
Email: cverep@maersk.com Activity: Airline Maersk Line is the core liner shipping activity of the AP
Date of Creation: 1958
Moller–Maersk Group, and the leading container ship-
Employees: 750
ping company in the world. The Maersk Line fleet consists of more than 500 container vessels with a capacity
Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde SA (TACV), or Cabo
of more than 1,700,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent
Verde Airlines, is the flag carrier of the Republic of Cape
Unit – a container 20 feet long). This ensures a reliable
Verde, and is 100% owned by the government. The com-
and comprehensive coverage worldwide. The extensive
pany was created in 1958 when the Aero Club was trans-
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formed into Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde (Cabo
The National Communications Agency (ANAC) was cre-
Verde Air Transport – TACV). The main goal of the newly
ated in July 2006 and displaced the ICTI (Institute of
formed airline was to secure transportation by air of
Communications and Information Technologies).
people, mail and cargo around the archipelago of Cape Verde. Through the years the airline business has evolved
ANAC is an entity with administrative and financial auto-
to encompass not only travellers, mail and cargo, but
nomy and is responsible for the technical and economic
people living abroad, especially immigrants and people of
regulation of the communications sector.
Cape Verdean descent living abroad in the diaspora around the world.
The Agency’s main duty is to guarantee network access for communications operators under conditions of trans-
TACV is an entity established under the laws of Cape
parency and equality; to promote competition and deve-
Verde as a public enterprise for the purpose of conduc-
lopment in communications markets, namely in the con-
ting domestic and international air transportation. A
text of convergence of telecommunications, media and
public enterprise such as TACV is the closest Cape Verde
information technologies; to grant rights for the exercise
equivalent of a United States corporation. TACV has
of postal and telecommunications activities; to assure
throughout its history played a leading role in the trans-
management of the radio spectrum, guaranteeing coor-
portation of its citizens as well as in the development of
dination between civil and military communications,
tourism in Cape Verde.
along with management of numbering in the communications sector.
Today travel is one of the country’s biggest and fastestgrowing industries. TACV, as the country’s national
CORREIOS DE CABO VERDE
carrier, is one of the major contributors to the growth of the travel industry in Cape Verde. In 2004 TACV trans-
Mr Filinto Ilisio Alves Santos
ported some 560,000 passengers, 345,000 domestically
President
around the islands and 215,000 internationally. With a
Rua Cesário Lacerda, Plateau, Praia, Santiago
flight network covering destinations in Europe, Africa,
Tel: +238-2611049 / 2613275 / 2613676
and North and South America, TACV is positioned to
Email: cvc@cvtelecom.cv
continue its leading role in the development of the Cape
Website: www.correios.cv
Verde Islands. Activity: Post offices Date of Creation: 1849
This company became a private one since 2008
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Correios de Cabo Verde (CCV – Post Offices of Cape Verde) is one of the oldest institutions in Cape Verde’s
ANAC (THE NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY)
archipelago and was created in 1849 by the government of Cape Verde.
David Gomes
For 157 years the company has served the Cape Verdean
Director
people, inside and outside the country, with the same
Edifício do MIT, Ponta Belém,
high standards. This time has allowed CVV to strengthen
C.P. 892, Praia, Santiago
its space, place and role inside the country’s institutions.
Tel: +238-2604400/01/02/03
CCV is a sure, dynamic and prestigious company. A com-
Fax: +238-2613069
pany aimed at serving Cape Verde.
Email: info.anac@anac.cv Website: www.anac.cv
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T R A N S P O R T & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
One of the many Postal Offices in Cape Verde
In a constantly evolving world, CCV is the successor to
CABO VERDE TELECOM
the Post Offices and Telecommunications Public Company created in 1981. In 1995, following a privatiza-
Maria João Baptista Isidoro
tion process, this company was divided into two societies
Member of Gabinete Conselho Administração
with public capital: Correios de Cabo Verde Sarl, and
Rua Cabo Verde Telecom, C.P. 220, Praia, Santiago
Cabo Verde Telecom Sarl.
Tel: +238-2617222 / 9915106 Fax: +238-2613725
CCV’s objectives include the operation of the public
Email: mariajoao.isidoro@cvt.cv
post office services in all the national territory and to
Website: www.cvtelecom.cv
assure the execution of conventions, agreements and international regulations related to the sector of post
Activity: Telecommunications
offices. Cabo Verde Telecom is the sole supplier of telecommuniAccording to its statutes and in order to realise its objec-
cations services in Cape Verde and it reports to the
tives, CCV can engage in any other additional or supple-
Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The process of
mentary activity which is traditional or in the nature of its
transforming the public post and telecommunications
operations and that is beneficial to technical progress.
enterprise to form two limited liability companies started in 1995. These companies were Cabo Verde Telecom and Correios de Cabo Verde. By 1999 Cabo Verde Telecom was in its third stage of privatization. Accordingly, the shares were divided into:
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• Portugal Telecom (40%)
linked together by a fibre optic ring, which enables
• National Social Prov. Institute (27.9%)
advanced services like Internet access and ISDN.
• Other national private sector (13.7%) • State of Cape Verde (13.4%)
In rural areas, Cabo Verde Telecom operates remote
• Employees (5%)
digital line units, which are concentrators that route traffic to the central offices but do not need switching
Cabo Verde Telecom is an efficient, customer-oriented
functions of their own.
carrier. The company offers a wide range of services, including analogue and digital lines, Internet access and
The Mobile World reports that Cabo Verde Telecom had
mobile services. Its infrastructure is based on modern
134,000 subscribers at the end of September 2007 –
switching technology as well as a fibre optic ring that
which equates to a population penetration level of 32%.
links the six inhabited islands with one another.
DIRECTEL CABO VERDE In 2001, Cabo Verde Telecom launched a new ambitious project, a ring-shaped island network. Cabo Verde
Dr Pedro Gomes
Telecom financed the CVE 6.5 million venture on its own.
General Director
Siemens Austria installed the first part of the network in
Prédio Electra, 2 Andar, Achada Sto. António,
1996, and Siemens once again landed the new contract
Praia, Santiago
for laying the cable and implementing the optical compo-
Tel: +238-2603310
nents. Today, all the inhabited islands of Cape Verde are
Fax: +238-2625000
Cabo Verde Multimedia, one of the brands of CV Telecom
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T R A N S P O R T & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Email: directelpraia@cvtelecom.cv
The Institute is responsible for the collection, analysis,
Website: www.directel.cv
distribution and coordination of Cape Verdean statistics
Turnover: CVE 70 million in 2004
countries like Brazil and Portugal.
With headquarters in the city of Praia, Directel Cabo Verde
Cape Verde’s participation in the General Data
has as its main activity the publication of telephone lists.
Dissemination System (GDDS) of the International
and is in partnership with the World Bank, EU, IMF and
Monetary Fund (IMF) goes hand in hand with the reform Directel Cabo Verde edits the national telephone, fax,
of the National Statistics System started in 1996 and
email and Cape Verdean classified ads. It is also the offi-
bears witness to the commitment of the Cape Verdean
cial publisher of the Cape Verde Tourist Guide and the
authorities to produce statistics with the requisite availa-
Online Yellow Pages. The Yellow Pages offer a quick and
bility, quality and relevance to meet the needs of Cape
user-friendly way towards finding all the information for
Verde’s national development agenda.
professional interests about Cape Verde.
Group PT holds an effective participation of 60% in the capital stock of the company, and the remaining 40% is
NÚCLEO OPERACIONAL DA SOCIEDADE DA INFORMAÇÃO (OPERATIONAL NUCLEUS FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS, NOSI)
held by CVT. Eng. Jorge Lopes The company is thinking of developing new services to
Coordinator
build on the significant growth in Internet and electronic
Av. Amilcar Cabral, Predio do Ministerio de Economia &
mail, including publishing on the Internet and in hard
Finanzas, Praia, Santiago
copy the tourist maps for the main urban centres, and it
Tel: +238-2615558
will also carry out graphic design work.
Fax: +238-2615510 Website: www.nosi.cv
INE (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ESTATÍSTICA CABO VERDE)
Activity: Communication
Francisco Tavares
The Núcleo Operacional da Sociedade da Informação
President
(Operational Nucleus for Information Systems, NOSI) has
Av. Amílcar Cabral,
been established under the leadership of the Prime
C.P. 116, Praia, Santiago
Minister. The government of Cape Verde is using infor-
Tel: +238-2613827
mation and communication technologies (ICT) to esta-
Fax: +238-2611656
blish an information society and promote sustainable
Email: francisco.tavares@ine.gov.cv
development in the country.
Website: www.ine.cv The objectives of the Information Society Strategic INE is the national institute responsible for producing the
Program are to make government services more efficient,
national census. It has statistics on population, agricul-
effective, transparent and participatory.
ture, trade, consumer price indexes, energy use, transport, tourism, rainfall, etc. and a publications list.
Cape Verde has several key e-government successes, including: • The whole public administration is linked to a central network and all administration systems and databases are integrated.
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w w w. e b i z g u i d e s . c o m
OPAL (PUBLICIDADE DE CABO VERDE LDA)
all state institutions, and used to prepare and monitor the budget. Reports on budget execution are presented
Ms Ana Ribeiro
quarterly to Parliament.
Managing Partner
• Computerized fiscal management systems in three
Achada de Sto. António,
municipalities have boosted revenues. Projects under
C.P. 188, Praia, Santiago
development include a Citizen’s Portal (virtual) and a
Tel: +238-2624723/25
Casa do Cidadão (Citizen’s House) project, which will
Fax: +238-2624724
improve public services through a ‘One-Stop Shop’.
Email: opalcv@cvtelecom.cv
Priority processes are accessible online and include birth and marriage certificates, ID documentation, commercial
Activity: Advertising agency
activity licensing, commercial activities, firm creation in one day, and vehicle documentation and registration (DMV).
Opal – Publicidade de Cabo Verde Lda is a recently created company, the objective of which is the promotion of advertising, as well as providing services related to event
The NOSI aims to: promote good governance by impro-
organization. The company joined the Cape Verdean
ving the flow of resources and reporting, thus minimizing
entrepreneurial sector at the end of 2000, with its main
possibilities for abuse; promote competitiveness and
office established in the city of Praia, and it positions
growth through enhancing the enabling environment via
itself as a strategic partner for its current and potential
ICT and electronic commerce; and improve service deli-
clients.
very by bringing government closer to the population.
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The vision of Opal is that of a company driven by deve-
Email: rtcfm@cvtelecom.cv and tcv@cvtelecom.cv
lopment in the domain of communication and informa-
Website: www.rtc.cv
tion, being aware that only companies with high capacity to innovate and to add value will be successful in such a
Activity: National radio and television
competitive market. The needs of Opal’s clients command the company’s strategic action, and integrity is an
Radio e Televisão de Cabo Verde (RTC), Cape Verde’s
indispensable component for it to gain trust. Success in
television and radio network, is Cape Verde’s first radio
the maintenance of the union and motivation within the
and television station. It is a publicly owned company,
working team allows it to make the difference.
created in 1998 and dependent on the Cape Verdean state. It is located in the capital city of Praia, in Santiago
The values of Opal are based on a strategic vision, on the
Island.
entrepreneurial and managing capacity, on innovation and quality of the product, as well as on the strict respect
The radio services in Cape Verde began in the 1950s with
of deadlines/terms, integrity and qualification of the
the creation of Radio Cabo Verde. This company was the
work team. As an advertising agency, Opal’s mission is to
first radio service in the nation, and it began broadcasting
be a strategic partner for its clients, promoting and carr-
news and sporting events, including soccer games, from
ying out campaigns that correspond to the goals and
the nation of Cape Verde. In the late twentieth century,
strategies of the promoter.
a television channel was added: Televisão de Cabo Verde.
Opal’s services include: Strategic Planning – the study
archipelago. At this time, it broadcasted only a few pro-
It was also the first television company in all Cape Verde’s
and elaboration of communication strategies; Creative
grammes, such as sporting events, documentaries and a
Strategy – the adaptation of the communication strategy
few other shows.
to the creative study; Creation of Brands – production of printed advertising material as well as production of
Nowadays, the company broadcasts local programmes
advertising material for radio, TV, cinema and multi-
from Cape Verde, but also from Portugal, Brazil and the
media; Graphic Design – budget, management and
rest of the world. The RTC station also broadcasts news,
follow-up of the printed advertising material until final
sports and various television shows, and recently football
destination; Radio/TV commercial spots production –
coverage from Portugal and Brazil as well as Latin
budget, management and follow-up of the produced
America. RTC showed the World Cup games, which is
material until final destination; Event Management – cre-
one of the few international tournaments shown in the
ation, production, logistics and event supervision;
country. Until 2000 there was no international coverage
Merchandising – the creation and carrying out of promo-
except for the African sporting events. RTC has partners-
tional activities at the selling point; and Corporate
hips with some local affiliates in North America as well as
Imaging – the creation and production of internal moti-
Latin America, Australia and Europe.
vating and didactic campaigns. The company is undertaking various projects, such as the
RTC, RADIO E TELEVISÃO DE CABO VERDE
computerization of RTC. This will be cofinanced by Radiodifusão Portuguesa (RDP) of Portugal. This project
Mr Marcos Fortunato Oliveira
aims to improve quality and to provide audio streaming
President
over the Internet. Other plans include the publication of
Achada St. António, Praia,
RTC’s programme schedule on the Internet, the
C.P. 1, Santiago
exchange of radio programmes with other stations
Tel: +238-2623017/34/51/52/53
around the world, and digital production.
Fax: +238-2623035/54
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Headquarters of the Cape Verdean Radio & Television
The company is working hard on developing and expan-
mation, news and knowledge. RTC works hard to expand
ding its services and programmes, as well as restructuring
the culture and to reinforce values and national identity,
its installations and the renewal of its technologies. RTC
and to defend the peace, solidarity and friendship among
needs major renovation and improvement, but it is wor-
the population.
king hard on it.
“RTC brings radio and television in step with the RTC aims to contribute to the development of public opi-
country.”
nion and to help the civil education of all citizens. RTC is
Mr Marcos Fortunato Oliveira, President
working hard to promote democracy and broaden infor-
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LEISURE
Mel ê ka pa boca di burro - Honey is not for the donkey’s mouth Cape Verdean proverb
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LEISURE
CACHUPA RICA Ingredients: 1L or 4 cups of beaten corn without husks 1/4L broad beans 1/4L kidney beans 1/4L string beans 500g chicken 500g salted pork 2 beef sausages 3 small pork sausages 150g bacon 200g beef 2 onions 3 cloves garlic 200g dry beans 300g pig trotters 2 big potatoes 2 maniocs 200g Savoy cabbage 2 bay leaves 300g sweet potato 300g unripe bananas 200g carrots 200g pumpkin 200g fresh tomatoes 500g cabbage Oil Salt and paprika and parsley to taste Note: the dish can be made with milho de terra (white or yellow corn prepared in a traditional manner). Preparation: 1. Put the dry beans and the corn in a pot with water the day before. 2. The next day put the beans and corn with 2 bay leaves in a bigger pot, cover with fresh water and let them boil. Then make a stew with chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, paprika and salt and add to the corn and beans. Let this boil for a while. When the beans and corn are cooked, add the meat chops, bacon, pig trotter and sausages plus a pinch of salt and let it cook. When it is almost ready, add the potatoes, bananas, cabbage, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and parsley. Let the vegetables cook. Make sure you do not let the sauce dry, and check the salt level. 3. When everything is completely cooked, let it stand for a while and then it is ready to be served. Serve the meat and the vegetables on a different plate and the cachupa in a bowl.
OVERVIEW FOOD AND DRINK The combination of African and European cultures makes Cape Verdean food very original and much appreciated. Corn is the basic ingredient for the great majority of traditional dishes, such as cachupa, one of the most famous national dishes, xérem, and cuscus, corn patties filled with meat or tuna. A great variety of fresh fish is eaten, with tuna fish being the most popular locally, either in casseroles or fried with onions, in very spicy dishes or just grilled with a green salad. Lobster, squid, rock barnacles and various other kinds of fresh shellfish are the delight of seafood lovers. It is a good idea to try bafas, small portions of a variety of seafood served as starters or appetizers in many restaurants. Traditional tropical fruit jams such as papaya, redcurrant, coconut and sweet potato, cheeses, as well as a variety of cakes have an important place in Cape Verdean gastronomy. There is also a great variety of aromatic and fresh green teas, which are used therapeutically. The traditional dishes are always very well represented in regional feasts. In addition, the wellknown grogue, the local rum made from sugar cane, the great variety of pontches, homemade liqueurs made from all sorts of natural fruit and herb flavours, and tamarind and calabaceira juices complete the traditional Cape Verdean menu.
HANDICRAFTS Cape Verdean handicrafts are traditional objects made to meet the needs of the everyday life of the people, and the constraints caused by drought and the scarce natural resources of the country are reflected in the artisans’ creations. Basket-weaving plays a very important role in the archipelago, as well as sisal, which is used widely in decoration. Coconut shells are sculpted into different types of products by the most creative artisans. Jewellery made with shells, beautiful woven cloths with traditional patterns, and the colourful cotton tapestry or Batik are characteristic of the country’s handicrafts.
Clay is one of the most important material resources for the local artisans who create typical figures depicting the
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customs of Cape Verdeans, and items such as clay pots
The combination of European and African sounds makes
for plants or for home decoration, and kitchen utensils.
music the most evocative cultural expression of the Cape
Beautiful woven cloths with traditional patterns can also
Verdean people. The native sounds of Africa combined
be found on the island of Santiago, and the colourful cot-
with European instruments and later with Latin instru-
ton tapestry or Batik made specially on the island of São
ments resulted in the creation of Creole music, as mesti-
Vicente.
zo as the population of the archipelago itself.
Painting is very much appreciated and is characterized by
It is said that batuko, the traditional dance to the rhythm
the use of beautiful combinations of strong colours. The
of African drums, was the first style of music played by
local artists normally paint the joys and sorrows of the
the slaves, and its rhythm had an impact on the bodies of
Cape Verdean people, as well as the landscapes.
the dancers. Stringed instruments were introduced by the
TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
sed and played, the morna, a much slower rhythm with
Europeans, and a new type of music began to be compo-
lyrics that are mainly about love and longing. The Latin influence in the music is shown in the use of wind instru-
Cesária Évora, the famous ‘barefoot’ muse, has made the
ments. Among the traditional and new instruments that
music of the archipelago internationally known, and this
are combined in the natural evolution of the music in
is the reason why she is referred to as the Ambassador of
modern times are conch shells and flutes used as wind
Cape Verdean music. There are plenty of artists, singers
instruments, and iron bars, drums, guitars and many
and musicians of different generations who have been
other acoustic instruments.
distinguished in the world of Cape Verdean music. Singers, musicians and composers have been introducing
This combination of sounds has led to the creation of
new sounds to the traditional and well-known rhythms,
very lively Cape Verdean rhythms such as coladeira, funa-
thus making the music lively and interesting.
ná and mazurca (a dancing style used mainly in the
The traditional dishes are always very well represented in the regional feasts
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A colour fest at the São Vicente carnival
islands of Santo Antão and S. Nicolau), considered to be
Tel/Fax: +238-2422050
the most reliable expression of joy and warmth of the
Mob: +238-9931332
Cape Verdeans and of the country itself.
Email: caboverdefishingcenter@yahoo.it
SPORTS AND LEISURE
Sal Sport Fishing Paulo Santos
The archipelago of Cape Verde offers excellent condi-
Tel: +238-9991062
tions for water sports and other sports or leisure activities of interest to tourists.
Trekking or mountaineering has gained popularity lately and trails have been established on the different islands
The waves and vast beaches of the archipelago are ideal
for this type of activity. The impressive mountains and
for body boarding and windsurfing. Line-fishing and
deep valleys invite long walks. Cycling, horseback riding,
deep-sea fishing are also excellent alternatives, and Cape
golf and tennis are also available in some of the islands.
Verde offers very good opportunities for lovers of this sport. The sea offers abundant marine life and clear and
INSURANCE
pure waters. Diving is very much appreciated due to the cleanliness and the mild temperature of the sea.
There are two insurance companies in the country with
Fishing center
rent insurance policies for stays in Cape Verde, should
Centro Atlantis, CP 23, Praia
any accident occur.
branches in the most important islands. They offer diffe-
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WATER
Airlines and other tourist agents and international airline companies.
Water is a valuable resource in Cape Verde, which should not be wasted. Bottled water is highly recommended for
ACCOMMODATION
drinking. There are many guesthouses, small hotels, bungalows,
CLOTHES
apart-hotels and hotels in the archipelago. Tourists will easily find a place to stay because there are various
Due to the country’s tropical and dry climate, and the tem-
accommodation options available on each of the islands.
peratures of about 25º the whole year round, casual and light clothes are recommended. Bikinis and swimsuits are
Even though the use of credit cards is not available in the
a must. The months of June, July, August and September
whole country yet, some of the hotels accept the most
are the warmest months of the year. Wearing a light coat
used international credit cards. The choice of currency to
at night may be necessary during the windy season.
be used is up to the tourist. Traveller’s cheques can also be used.
EXCURSIONS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES
The power supply used in the archipelago is 220W and the plugs are similar to those used in Europe.
There are many travel agencies available all over the country, working together with TACV Cabo Verde
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ISLANDS
on the island were carried out by Francis Drake, who organized an attack on the village of Ribeira Grande with
SANTIAGO
about 600 men, and the French pirate J. Cassard, who ordered the devastation of the town in 1712.
Santiago is the biggest island of the archipelago of Cape Verde with a surface area of 991km2. The longest point
Agriculture and cattle breeding have become the means
in the direction of north to south is 55km, and the widest
of economic subsistence since that time, and today, even
is 29km from east to west. The volcanic origin of this
though the island is affected by constant droughts, these
island is clearly shown in the different mountainous
activities play a very important role in its economy.
peaks of the island, with Pico d’Antónia being the highest point at 1,392 metres.
The City of Praia, or Praia de Santa Maria as it was called in the past, is the capital city of the archipelago and the
The first Portuguese colony of the archipelago was esta-
government headquarters. It was the second region of
blished in Ribeira Grande, known today as Cidade Velha.
the island to be settled but it only developed with the
Santiago was the first island to be populated. It went
economic decline of the village of Ribeira Grande. Such
through an economic growth as a commercial trading
progress was mainly due to the great flow of people from
post with the African continent during slavery, but as this
the rural areas of the island to the city, as well as from
activity stopped, the island suffered a decline. Besides,
the other islands of the archipelago, in search of better
pirate attacks were frequent, thus leading to a greater
life conditions. The City of Praia is today the major urban
economic decline of the village. The most famous raids
centre of the country.
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Cidade Velha in Santiago island was the first Portuguese city in Africa
TABANKA
Despite the attempts to ban it, Tabanka is still alive today but it is now seen just as a manifestation of folklore.
Tabanka is a cultural event, of African origin, that happens every year in the month of June. ‘Tabanka’ means
GETTING THERE
an association promoting cultural and festive activities, as well as mutual aid. One of the most well-known activities
There are direct flights from Africa, Europe and America
of Tabanka is the parade, with people wearing extremely
to Praia International Airport (ADP). There are also fre-
colourful clothes, walking in the streets to the sounds of
quent domestic flights to the islands of Fogo, Maio, Boa
drums, batuco and conch shells. Tabanka has many kings
Vista, Sal and São Vicente. Cargo and passenger ships
and queens, each one of them with a distinct role in the
arrive frequently at the port of Praia.
group, and a captain, soldiers, dames, figureheads, hornblowers, drummers and an orchestra. They are followed
ACCOMMODATION
by other people disguised as figures representing civil society such as priests, doctors and nurses. In the old
There are many accommodation facilities on the island of
days, the slaves were allowed to enjoy these activities to
Santiago. The city of Praia offers different alternatives
celebrate the religious days of specific saints, and to cri-
and visitors can choose among hotels of different stan-
ticize the society as well. There were some attempts by
dards to guesthouses. There are hotels and guesthouses
the colonial authorities to put an end to these cultural
in Santa Catarina and Tarrafal. Accommodation is also
events, frightened by the idea that they would lead the
available in Rui Vaz, Santa Cruz, Cidade Velha, Calheta
slaves to rebellion.
de São Miguel and Praia Baixo.
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PLACES TO VISIT
Aparthotel Praiabaixo San Domingos, Santiago Tel: +238-2687105 / 915020
Ethnographic Museum – this building was restored in
Fax: +238-2687106
1997 and displays panaria (woven cotton cloths with tra-
Email: aphotel-pbaixo@cvtelecom.cv /
ditional patterns). Located in Plateau.
praiabaixo@cvtelecom.cv Museum of Praia – this building opened at the beginning Hotel America
of the 1970s and became the Regional Handicrafts
Achada Sto Antonio
Centre after independence. At present, an exhibition of
Praia, Santiago
pieces that will feature in the future National Museum is
Tel: +238-2621431 / 2621524
being held there. Located behind the National Historical
Fax: +238-2621432
Archives.
Hotel Luar
Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça – a 200-year-old buil-
Terra Branca, Santiago
ding located in the heart of the city, next to the Palace of
Tel: +238-2615947/6019/6024
Justice, the City Hall, and the Military Headquarters Jaime
Fax: +238-2616038
Mota.
Email: hotelluar@cvtelecom.cv Praça Alexandre de Albuquerque – a square located in the Hotel Oasis Praia Mar
centre of the first residential neighbourhood of the city
Prainha C.P. 75
called Plateau, the commercial centre of the capital today.
Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2614355 / 2613777 / 2614153
Palácio da Cultura –located in Plateau, opposite the cul-
Fax: +238-2612972
tural garden, with a cyber café and a bookstore.
Email: reservashpm@cvtelecom.cv Website: www.oasisatlantico.com
Sucupira Marketplace – a very busy marketplace with
Excellent breakfast and delicious brunch. Ask for a room
people selling clothes, national and international music,
with balcony and sea view and you will enjoy unforgetta-
furniture, etc.
ble sunsets. Fortress of São Filipe – the fortress, built at the end of the Hotel Pérola
sixteenth century, is located on the cliff, before the histo-
Luís Alberto Jassy
rical centre of Cidade Velha, offering a breathtaking view
Director
of the village and the valley. It has been partially restored.
Prainha, Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2601440
Cathedral Ruins – one of the biggest religious structures
Fax: +238-2601448
built in colonial times in Cape Verde, currently being res-
Email: perola@cvtelecom.cv
tored.
Hotel Trópico Pestana
Pelourinho – traditionally a slave trading post and symbol
Prainha
of municipal power and royal justice, as well as the place
C.P. 413 Praia, Santiago
for public punishment and execution, which has been
Tel: +238-2614200
completely restored.
Fax: +238-2615225 Email: jorge.xavier@pestana.com
Church of Senhora do Rosário – a church built at the end
Website: www.pestana.com
of the fifteenth century, with a Gothic chapel initially
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built in the Manueline style. It has recently been restored
Serra Malagueta – a natural park with a rich diversity of
and is still the major place for worship and all types of
fauna and flora.
religious activities. Museum of Resistance (Concentration Camp of Tarrafal) São Francisco Convent – built in the seventeenth century
– built in 1936 to house political prisoners, it was closed
and mostly restored, with some remaining ruins in need
in the 1970s and has now become a national historical
of excavation and restoration.
monument. It is currently being restored.
National Botanical Garden – located in São Jorge dos
FOOD AND DRINK
Órgãos, with a small shop selling local handicrafts. The local food is rich and diverse, based on fresh meat Cultural Centre and Museum of Tabanka – a building res-
and fish. Delicious and traditional food is served every-
tored in the nineteenth century located in the heart of
where from Praia to Tarrafal, Santa Catarina, Rui Vaz,
the city of Assomada, with a museum displaying relics of
Cidade Velha, Santa Cruz, Calheta São Miguel and São
tabanka, a typical cultural festivity. Different cultural acti-
Jorge. The most popular dishes are barbecue chicken and
vities are held in this centre.
pintchos (spicy pork kebabs). Typical food, such as cachupa, lobster and other shellfish as well as international cui-
Municipal Marketplace of Assomada – a very busy mar-
sine are served in most of the restaurants. There are alre-
ketplace with local people selling a great variety of fresh
ady some ethnic restaurants in the capital city of Praia.
produce as well as other goods.
Ashes Day is an interesting gourmet celebration worth
Cidade Velha was for many centuries the capital of the archipelago
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Restaurant Alex Inside Hotel Trópico Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2614200 Fax: +238-2615225 Email: hotel.tropico@cvtelecom.cv Nice food and excellent service.
Restaurant Plaza Park Restaurant Pizzeria & Bar Achada Santo António Praia, Santiago Tel/Fax: +238-2621080 Mobile: +238-9922324 Email: plazapark@cvtelecom.cv Great varied menu. Best meat in the city.
Cermar Gamboa Chã d’Areia, Gamboa Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2612008 Mobile: +238-9912124
Snack Bar Bom Gosto Av. Santiago 32, Palmarejo Praia, Santiago Tel: +238-2628011 Fax: +238-2629039 Tearoom, pastries, bakery and coffee. Delicious chocolate cake. Spoil yourself with luxury breakfast at the magnificent veranda in Oasis Praimar in Praia
Snack Bar Pão Quente
experiencing. It is considered to be the most important
Av. Andrade Corvo, Plateau
religious and family celebration of the island and special
Praia, Santiago
dishes are prepared only for this day, the main dish being
Tearoom, pastries, bakery and coffee. Tasty carrot cakes.
trutchida, prepared with ground beans, and naturally dried and salted fish with xerém, and cuscus with melas-
Espaço Pôr do Sol
so for dessert.
Pedra Flupo, Achada Poça, Cidade Velha Rua Andrade Corvo 35, 1st Floor,
Restaurante Bar O Poeta
C.P. 7600, Praia, Santiago
Achada Sto Antonio
Tel: +238-2671622
C.P. 259A, Praia, Santiago
Mobile: +238-9912136
Tel: +238-2613800
Fax: +238-2617652
Fax: +238-2611603
Email: axa@cvtelecom.cv
Email: rest.poeta@cvtelecom.cv
Restaurant and hotel with nice swimming pool. Perfect
Nice view during the day.
for a relaxing Sunday lunch.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Community
Feast
Date
Tarrafal
Municipality Day
15th January
Nightlife in the city of Praia is livelier at the weekends.
São Domingos
Nho Febrero Feast
2nd February
The bars, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs are very popu-
Various towns
Ashes Day
Wednesday after Carnival
São Domingos
Municipality Day
13th March
Picos
São Salvador do Mundo
15 days after Easter
São Jorge dos Orgãos
São Jorge
23rd April
Serra Malagueta
São José
1st May
Santa Cruz
Nha Bela Cruz Feast
3rd May
Ribeira de São Miguel
São Miguel Arcanjo Feast
8th May
Assomada
Nossa Sra de Fátima
13th May
Ribeira da Barca
Imaculada Conceição
31st May
Santa Cruz
Municipality Day
25th July
Vila de Calheta and surroundings
Nossa Sra do Socorro
15th August
lar in the capital. Many entertainment places can also be found in Santa Catarina, Tarrafal, Santa Cruz, São Domingos and Calheta São Miguel. Live music is played by local bands in some bars, pubs and restaurants, both in the capital city and in other regions.
FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS Gamboa Festival is a musical event organized in the city of Praia around the festivities of Municipality Day on 19th May. It is a popular event, which has lately gained some international recognition. Music festivals are also organized in the different towns of the island, especially in the summer time. For instance, the Festival of Batuko and
Calheta São Miguel Municipality Day
29th September
Municipality Day, and in Praia Baixo there is a music fes-
Santa Catarina (Assomada)
Municipality Day
25th November
tival to celebrate the summer. Tabanka of São João is
Ribeira da Prata
Nossa Sra da Boa Esperança
18th December
Funaná takes place in Calheta São Miguel on
celebrated in June and is a very popular festivity in the rural areas of the island, especially in Santa Catarina.
and pots, and wood and basket products are made and sold in the Rabelados Centre in Calheta São Miguel.
SHOPPING
Weekly fairs are very popular and take place in Assomada on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and on Mondays and
All kinds of products, from handicrafts to toiletries, are
Fridays in Tarrafal.
sold both in the city of Praia and in Assomada. There are outlets in São Jorge and São Domingos that sell handi-
SPORTS
crafts. A great variety of handicraft products are sold in Tarrafal including interesting ceramic cooking utensils The major developing tourism economy helps local markets to also develop and growth - Sucupira Market in Praia worths a visit!
The island of Santiago is ideal for long walks and climbing up to the highest point of the island, Pico d’Antónia, which is best done with a tour guide as the trails are not yet marked. Sports like surfing, windsurfing and scuba diving are available in some places. Tarrafal and São Francisco offer good conditions for water sports, including fishing.
EXCURSIONS There are very interesting places worth visiting in the island of Santiago. Cidade Velha, the old town and the historical capital of Cape Verde, is a must. During the rainy season, from August to October, the island is cove-
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red with green vegetation, offering beautiful scenery to
Serra Malagueta at 1,064m, you will come to Boa
the visitor. Driving along the main road, you will come to
Entrada where you will see a magnificent tree of extraor-
São Jorge dos Órgãos and São Domingos, an interesting
dinary proportions and forms, the Kapok (Ceiba pentan-
community with a handicrafts centre where you can buy
da), considered to be the highest and oldest tree of the
very nice local souvenirs. Continuing up the road, you
archipelago. After Chão Bom, the village of Tarrafal is the
reach the mountain of Rui Vaz, and a bit further up
next attraction, with a beautiful and safe white sand
Monte Tchota, at 1,050m. Going towards the coast, you
beach surrounded by coconut trees.
will find Praia Baixo, a safe and interesting beach. On the way back to the city of Praia, by taking an alterAlong the same road is Santa Catarina, in the city of
native road along the coast, you can drive through the
Assomada, an urban centre that plays a very important
fishing villages such as Porto Formoso, Mangue de Sete
role in the economy of the island. Pico D’Antónia, the
Ribeiras, Calheta São Miguel and Pedra Badejo, some of
highest peak of the island, can be glimpsed from
them with black sand beaches, and glimpse at the valleys
Assomada. This city has been registering a steady growth
of cultivated farm lands with luxurious tropical vegeta-
in terms of economic and urban development.
tion, especially in the area of Santa Cruz. There is also an
From Assomada, turning left in the direction of Ribeira da
that easy due to the road conditions. There are also bea-
excellent beach in São Francisco, but access to it is not
Barca, to the next town is Achada Leite, which is only
ches such as Prainha and Quebra-canela located in the
2km away, where you can take a boat trip to the beauti-
city centre, which are very popular and lively at the wee-
ful and unusual grotto of Águas Bellas, with a small
kends and in summer.
beach inside. By driving along the main road, passing by Beautiful sunset over Praia. Oasis Hotel offers the best terrace in city!
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SAL The island of Sal, being the flattest of the whole archipelago, has Monte Grande as the highest point, reaching 406m. The island has a surface of 216km2, and from north to south the maximum length is 30km and 12km in width east to west. It is so called due to the salt that was produced in the lagoon in a crater of a volcano, which became the major source of development of the island, and its main export for many decades.
The construction of the international airport in the middle of the twentieth century led to the growth of the economy Diving is one of the main attractions for tourism. Don’t miss out!
of the island, and therefore to an increase in population as well as a significant growth of tourism. The number of
The Day of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Pity)
inhabitants has doubled in the past decade and the island
This is a popular festival of Pedra de Lume, promoted by
of Sal is today the second-largest of the country with the
the Sport Club Verdun, with a mass and procession, as
highest urban density (approximately 89%).
well as a sack-race and swimming contests, and a music festival on the beach with local musicians.
It is a very arid island, affected by constant erosion and very dry climate conditions, with a desert-like aspect;
GETTING THERE
however, the charm of this island is great. Travelling south you will reach Santa Maria, a magnificent and long
The Amílcar Cabral International Airport of Sal is the
white sandy beach and sea with excellent conditions for
main gateway to the whole archipelago. International
water sports. Santa Maria is a favourite with those who
flights from the United States, South America, Europe
arrive in the island, but there are many other excellent
and Africa arrive here. Domestic direct flights from the
places and tourist attractions that are worth visiting.
islands of S. Vicente, S. Nicolau, Boa Vista and Santiago are frequent.
SANTA MARIA FESTIVAL There is a port in the village of Palmeira with the capacity The Santa Maria Festival is held on 15th September,
to receive yachts and cargo ships.
Municipality Day, and it is one of the main events of the island and celebrates the patron Saint of the island of Sal,
ACCOMMODATION
Nossa Senhora das Dores. It has become an international festival in recent years, with the participation of a variety
There are many tourist complexes such as hotels and
of artists playing over three days, in a very lively, relaxing
guesthouses, most of them in Santa Maria, and some of
and enjoyable environment. Until very recently, the
them in the village of Espargos. A tourist village is also
patron saint was celebrated in a much more traditional
available in Murdeira.
form, with the promotion of different activities such as swimming contests, a Christian mass, and most impor-
The Oasis Hotels & Resort
tant of all a procession in the ocean, with decorated
Sal
boats following the boat carrying the image of Saint
Tel: +238-2421439
Nossa Senhora das Dores (Our Lady of Pains). At night,
Fax: +238-2421210
there are always groups of musicians playing in the tradi-
Website: www.barcelo.com
tional dances that are the heart of the festival.
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We recommend Hotel Riu in Sal island
Hotel Pension Les Alizées
Hotel Odjo D’Agua
Sal
Sal
Tel: +238-2421446
Tel: +238-2421414
Fax: +238-2421008
Fax: +238-2421430 Email: hodjodagua@cvtelecom.cv
Hotel Riu
Website: www.odjodagua.nete
Cabocan Lote A”-A3, Santa María, Sal
Ask for a room with sea view, you will enjoy the beautiful
Tel: +238-2429040
dawn.
Fax: +238-2429041 Email: clubhotel.garopa@riu.com
Hotel Novorizonte
Website: www.riu.com
Tel: +238-2421558 Fax: +238-2421574
Hotel Sab Sab Sal (Albatroz) C.P. 49, Santa Maria, Sal
Hotel Central
Tel: +238-2411301
Tel: +238-2421503
Fax: +238-2421161
Fax: +238-2421530
Email: sab_sab_reservations@hotmail.com Aparthotel Santa Maria Beach Hotel Morabeza
Tel: +238-2421450
Sal
Fax: +238-2421478
Tel: +238-2421020 Fax: +238-2421005
Residencial Central
Email: info@hotelmorabeza.com
Tel: +238-2411113
Website: www.hotelmorabeza.com
Fax: +238-2412581/1610
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Residencial Leme Bedje
from the island of Sal, lobster and much other seafood
Tel/Fax: +238-2421146
are very much appreciated by those who visit the island.
Residencial Alternativa
Funana ma Prot Sab Sal
Tel: +238-2421216
Santa Maria, Sal
Fax: +238-2421165
Tel: +238-2421119 Fax: +238-2421004
Residencial Nha Terra
ENTERTAINMENT
Tel: +238-2421109 Fax: +238-2421534
The hotels in Santa Maria offer different entertainment
PLACES TO VISIT
activities for those who want to have fun. Pubs and nightclubs in the hotels organize special Cape Verdean
Espargos – a village located 2km from the international
nights with live music, and they often invite local dancing
airport. It is a quiet place, and people enjoy gathering in
groups to show typical national dances. Nightlife is
the main square as well as in the bars and restaurants,
always very lively.
particularly in the evenings and at night. There is also a cinema and an amphitheatre in the village.
Entertainment places can also be found in the village of Espargos, particularly in the summertime (from June to
Salinas de Pedra de Lume –an enormous crater of an
September) when most local people are on vacation.
extinct volcano, at sea level, from which the water from
Evenings start in the main garden, where people get toge-
the sea manages to filter, producing a great salt pit. Entry
ther before they go to the different nightclubs, bars and
to the crater is possible by means of an artificial tunnel
restaurants where local and international music is played.
built in 1804. The salt that was produced and exported
The live gigs are a must for those who enjoy music.
was very important to the economy of the island until the
of Cape Verde, this economic activity ceased.
FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
Salinas – in Santa Maria.
The patron saint is celebrated in many different places
Farol – in the region called Fiúra.
sions, sports and public dances are usually promoted
middle of the twentieth century. After the independence
around the country. Activities such as masses, proces-
during these feasts. The music festival of Santa Maria is Buracona – a natural tidal swimming pool, formed in the
one of the most popular events of the island.
rocks next to the sea. It is recommended to visit this place
Community
in a 4x4 car because the road to it is very steep and with
Feast
Date
Palmeira
São José
19th March
Alto de Santa Cruz (Espargos)
Santa Cruz
3rd May
difficult access.
FOOD AND DRINK
Espargos
Santo António
9th June
São João
24th June
There are many bars and restaurants in the villages of
Alto São João (Espargos)
Espargos and Santa Maria, as well as very good restau-
Hortelã (Espargos) São Pedro
29th June
Fontona
Santa Ana
The last week of July
Pedra de Lume
Nossa Sra da Piedade (Our Lady of Pity)
15th August
rants in the hotels. Fresh fish and shellfish, grilled at the seashore, delight those who enjoy them fresh. Traditional dishes as well as international cuisine can also be ordered in many restaurants. Crab or craca, a typical shellfish
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re either on foot or on sand-bikes. The village of Santa Maria has grown economically based on tourism, and the biggest hotels in the whole country can be found in this region. Some hotels rent bicycles for great tours of the island as well as sand-bikes to discover other beaches and dunes.
Many hotels have programmed excursions for visitors who do not want to explore the island alone, with local guides who will accompany you to the most interesting places on the island, such as the salt pits of Pedra de Lume, where salt was extracted, the natural swimming pool of Buracona in the rocks, and nature walks, with the
Great waves make Cape Verde a favourite destination for surfers
opportunity to witness turtles laying their eggs on the
SHOPPING
gorgeous beaches of Parda, Serra, Negra and Igrijinha.
Local and African handicrafts are sold in shops in the
Murdeira bay is also a very beautiful place from where
villages of Santa Maria and Espargos as well as in the
Monte Leão, also known as Monte Jon Quintinha, can be
shops located at the international airport. There is a han-
seen.
dicrafts centre functioning as a training school for young people that uses local raw materials in the production of
The port of Palmeira, a community located 7km from the
original articles.
village of Espargos, is where cargo ships unload imported products, such as fuel to supply the aircraft that land at
SPORTS
the international airport. High-quality lobsters are also sold in this port.
The island offers excellent conditions for water sports. It is already well equipped for windsurfing, and facilities are
SÃO VICENTE
available on Santa Maria beach and on the beaches of Ponta Preta and Algodoeiro, which are also excellent for
Frequently known as the Porto Grande Island, São
sea sports. Every two years the International Windsurfing
Vicente has a surface area of 227km2, and it is the
Championship is held on these beaches.
second-largest island in terms of number of inhabitants. The furthest distance is around 24km from the east to
Fishing and scuba diving are popular because of the great
the west and 16km from the north to the south.
variety of fish in the sea. Scuba diving clubs provide instruction for beginners if required. It has become a very
This island remained uninhabited until the beginning of
popular sport because of the abundance of the marine
the nineteenth century. In 1838, when the coal deposit
life and the purity and transparency of the water.
was established in Porto Grande by the British to supply the ships on the Atlantic routes, some development was
EXCURSIONS
brought into the region.
Santa Maria beach is without doubt the biggest attrac-
Despite its volcanic origin, the island is quite flat, and the
tion of the island of Sal. It is an extensive beach of unique
highest point is Monte Verde at 774m.
beauty with golden sand and crystal-clear water, a perfect combination for those who want to relax and enjoy
Due to the scarce rainfall and lack of natural resources,
water sports. Long walks can be taken along the seasho-
economic development of the island is based on com-
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Take a peaceful break on the beaches in Sal
merce and services. Nevertheless, Mindelo, the capital
tars, violins, mandolins, and so on, walking through the
city, as the stopping point for many ships during the
streets and stopping at some homes and wishing a happy
Second World War, became an important cultural centre
New Year to everyone as well. These bands usually
where sailors from different parts of the world met toge-
attract many people who follow them everywhere. At
ther in the local bars, enjoyed the music and encouraged
midnight sharp, everybody goes out into the streets at
the development of literature and sports.
the lively sound of fireworks and whistles, and the youngest ones usually plunge into the ocean in order to ‘take
SÃO SILVESTRE DAY (NEW YEAR’S EVE)
the old ring to the bottom of the sea’. There are always many dances and parties to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
New Year’s Eve has always been a day of great celebration in the island of São Vicente. One of the oldest tradi-
GUARDA-CABEÇA
tions of this day is the playing of the racordai (a type of tambourine made on a piece of wood). Usually the chil-
Guarda-cabeça, or Sete, as it is known in the island of
dren get together in the evening in groups and go from
Santiago, the seventh day after the birth of a child, is very
house to house playing the tambourine and singing a tra-
much celebrated in most of the islands. It is an occasion
ditional song wishing happy New Year to everyone. They
for great celebration for the parents of the newborn
usually get some coins from those who live in the houses,
baby. There is a party with plenty of food and drinks, as
and at the end of the night they divide the coins among
well as music, reaching its highest point at midnight
the whole group. Many adults also get together in music
when all of the invitees get together around the newborn
bands, playing different acoustic instruments such as gui-
baby to sing a traditional song to ‘frighten the witches’.
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Hotel Mindel Av. 5 de Julho, C.P. 844 Mindelo, São Vicente Tel: +238-2328881/82 Fax: +238-2328887 Email: mihotel@cvtelecom.cv Website: www.mindelhotel.com
Hotel Oásis Atlantico Porto Grande Praça Amicar Cabral Mindelo, San Vicente Tel: +238-2323190/91/94 Fax: +238-2323193 Email: portogrande@oasisatlantico.com
Porto Grande Praca Amiral Cabral C.P. 103, São Vicente Tel: +238-2323198 Fax: +238-2323193 Mindelo, home town of Cesaria Evora
Email: portogrande@oasisatlantico.com The reason for this celebration is rooted in the high rate of infant mortality in the past due to the poor sanitary
PLACES TO VISIT
conditions, and the people would associate the deaths with witches and the evil eye. Today it is just an occasion
The city of Mindelo has plenty of interesting places worth
to get the family and friends together to celebrate the
visiting. It is a structured city with well-laid-out streets
special event.
and interesting architectural traits that show the early influence of the British presence and monuments that
GETTING THERE
date back to the colonial times.
There is an airport in the island of São Vicente with
Fortim D’El Rei – a small fortress located at the highest
domestic flights from Santiago, Sal and S. Nicolau. Cargo
point of the city of Mindelo, built in 1852, offering a view
ships and yachts can use the port.
of the city and of the Porto Grande.
ACCOMMODATION
Igreja de N. Sra. Da Luz – a Roman Catholic Church built in 1862, located opposite Pracinha de Igreja.
There are hotels and guesthouses in the city of Mindelo, as well as in São Pedro and Baía das Gatas.
Praça Nova (Amílcar Cabral square) – a garden located in the heart of the city built in 1894 by the British.
Foya Branca Resort Hotel & Vilas São Pedro, Mindelo
Paços do Concelho (City Hall) – the construction of the
São Vicente
City Hall started in 1862 and was finished in 1873.
Tel: +238-2307400 Fax: +238-2307444 Email: foyabranca@cvtelecom.cv
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Torre de Belem – a copy of the Belem Tower built as homage to the Belem Tower of Portugal, where the Port
FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
Authority, built in 1920, is established. Carnival is the most important cultural event celebrated National Handicrafts Centre – built at the beginning of the
in the island. Parades are organized in the other islands,
twentieth century as the first High School of São Vicente.
but the most interesting and lively parades happen in
Farol Ilhéu dos Pássaros – a lighthouse inaugurated in
val, but it has its own particular Creole features.
Mindelo. It is inspired a great deal by the Brazilian carni-
1882 named after Farol de D. Luís I. Carnival is a very popular celebration that brings people Municipal Marketplace – the marketplace was built in
together in spontaneous groups, which fill the streets
1874 and expanded from 1930–34. The works of resto-
with lively shows as well as with the noise of the drums.
ration of the Marketplace began in 1984 and it is still
Colourful parades and music are highly appreciated by
open to the public for fresh grocery products as well
the local population and by tourists who come to enjoy
other shops.
the shows and have fun.
FOOD AND DRINK
Besides this event, religious festivals are also important for the inhabitants of the island. The most lively is São
Many bars and restaurants with very good food can be
João (Saint John), which takes place in Ribeira de Julião,
found in Mindelo. Some good restaurants are also loca-
where people get together to dance to the rhythm of the
ted at the beaches such as Baía das Gatas, Calhau and
drums.
S. Pedro.
Feast
Date
Typical dishes include fresh fish soup made with a variety
Municipality Day
22nd January
of vegetables, such as sweet potato, unripe banana and
Santa Cruz
3rd May
São João (Saint John)
24th June
São Pedro
29th June
Baía das Gatas Music Festival
August (week of full moon)
manioc, rock barnacle stew, fried moray with a special onion and tomato sauce.
Chez Loutcha Rua do Coco, Mindelo, São Vicente Tel: +238-2321636
Mindelact (International September Theatre Festival)
ENTERTAINMENT WHERE TO STAY Nightlife in Mindelo is considered to be the most lively of the whole archipelago. People start the night by gathe-
Aparthotel Avenida
ring in the main square, Praça Nova, and continue to
Tel: +238-2321178
amuse themselves all through the night in different bars
Fax: +238-2322333
and restaurants that offer live music, as well as in the nightclubs where they can listen to good music or dance
Pensão Atlântida
to the lively rhythms of Cape Verdean and international
Tel: +238-2313918
music. There are many cultural activities in the city, with new shows, exhibitions, plays, dances, as well as other
Pensão Chave D’Ouro
activities happening frequently, making Mindelo the cul-
Tel: +238-2327050
tural centre of the archipelago.
Fax: +238-2327050
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Mindelo is internationally renowned for its fabulous Carnival
Pensão Chez Loutcha
Residencial Sodade
Tel: +238-2321636
Tel: +238-2303200
Fax: +238-2321635
Fax: +238-2314019
Residencial Novorizonte
SHOPPING
Tel: +238-2323915 Handicrafts and traditional products are easy to find in Pensão Semedo e Brito
Mindelo, including paintings, batiks and so on. An incre-
C.P. 413
asing number of local artists are very productive and
Tel: +238-2312674
teach the younger people to create their own items.
Residencial Amarante
SPORTS
Tel: +238-2313219 Fax: +238-2326995
Undoubtedly, the island has excellent conditions for windsurfing, especially at S. Pedro beach, which has alre-
Residencial Maravilha
ady been used by international championships. Body
Tel: +238-2322203
boarding has lately become the favourite sport. Cycling
Fax: +238-2322217
and horseback riding are new alternatives that are gai-
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LEISURE
Those who prefer to walk can climb up to the highest point of the island, Monte Verde, a mountain measuring 774m, which is an ideal place for a breathtaking view of the Porto Grande Bay.
MAIO Maio is as flat as the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. There are very small vestiges of volcanic activity in the island, with Monte Penoso being its highest point at 436m. It has a surface area of 269km2, the longest point north to Beach-volleyball in Laginha beach in São Vicente
south being 24km, and the widest east to west being
ning more and more fans every day. The British presence
16km.
in the island left its mark on sports, particularly golf, which is very much appreciated by the local residents.
Maio was discovered in 1460, and it was basically used for cattle breeding, mostly goats. The settlement of the
EXCURSIONS
island started at the end of the sixteenth century with the extraction of salt that was exported to different parts of
One of the great landmarks of the island of São Vicente
the Portuguese Crown, including Brazil. This activity was
is the Monte Cara (Face Mountain), named for its resem-
carried on until the nineteenth century.
blance to a human face. This can be better appreciated on a relaxing walk along the length of the beautiful
The climate of the island is arid and dry and there are very
Avenida Marginal.
few irrigated lands. A project of reforestation has been carried out in the island, mainly with acacia trees. The
As far as beaches are concerned, Laginha is located in the
island has the largest reforested area of the whole archi-
heart of the island and it is the most popular beach. At
pelago, measuring about 3,500 acres.
the weekends and in summer time it is very lively and crowded. However, the most beautiful beaches of the
There many beautiful white sand beaches with crystal-
island of S. Vicente are located a bit farther from the city
clear waters. The people of Maio are known for their
centre. Baia das Gatas is like a natural swimming-pool,
honesty and cheerful hospitality.
with crystal-white waters, and very safe. It is also very
SANTA CRUZ FESTIVAL
popular at the weekends and in summer.
Calhau is a small bay with excellent conditions for fishing
A popular festival on the island of Maio that celebrates
and for family barbecues at the weekends, being a very
the day of Santa Cruz on 3rd May. Thirty days prior to the
nice option for those who want to spend a relaxing day
celebration, a group of women playing drums (batuca-
on the beach. One of the best roads of the island links
deiras) and other players go from house to house playing
Calhau to the city centre, and en route a very well-preser-
and collecting donations of either money or food that
ved crater of an extinct volcano can be seen.
will be kept in the house of the judge of the party until two days before the party, when they prepare cotchida
The São Pedro beach is internationally considered to be
(pounding ground corn). On that day the people of the
one of the best places in the world for windsurfing. It has
whole area come to the village in order to participate in
an extensive white sandy beach with excellent waves,
the festival, the dances and decoration of the house of
ideal for sea sports. Caution is, nevertheless, recommen-
the judges of the party. On the day of the festival, in the
ded when swimming there.
morning, the judges, escorted by the crowd and by a
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group of men, walk with the Saint in procession towards
Pottery Cooperative – located in the village of Morro.
the cross where the religious ceremony will take place. Once there, they transfer the ramo (testimony) to the jud-
Zoo – located in Calheta, a small fishing village with a
ges who will organize the festival in the following year.
black sandy beach.
On their way back, the women drummers and players parade in the streets and the festival lasts until very late.
FOOD AND DRINK
One week after, the new judges return to the house of the old ones to collect the Saint (Santa Cruz) and they
Meat is the basis of most dishes on the island of Maio.
head towards Dona Ilizabete’s house, where the first
The main dishes are tchassina, which is salted goat meat
cross was built, in order to leave the Saint there.
eaten with cachupa, stewed beans, and goat stew with
GETTING THERE
hes. Lobster and a variety of fresh shellfish are offered in
The island of Maio is located only 25km from the island
the hotels.
xerem. Fish soup and tuna steak are also traditional dis-
the local restaurants and bars, and in the restaurants of
of Santiago and you can get there on a 10-minute flight from the capital city of Praia. Both the airport and the
ENTERTAINMENT
port are located in the village of Maio. Maio is a very quiet island but there are nightclubs in the
ACCOMMODATION
villages of Maio, Pedro Vaz and one in Barreiro. Private parties and dances are organized in some places to enter-
Some guesthouses and hotels are available in the village
tain the local residents at the weekends. Some of the
of Maio, and there are two tourist villages in Morro.
hotels organize nights with live music.
PLACES TO VISIT
FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
Village of Maio – traces of the colonial times and the British presence are marked in the architecture of the
Municipality Day is celebrated everywhere on 8th
island.
September, the day of the Patron Saint Nossa Senhora de Luz (Our Lady of Light). The celebrations start at the end
Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz – a Roman Catholic
of August with masses, processions, feasts and lots of
Church built in 1872, on a high part of the centre of the
celebrations. Similar to the other islands, most of the
village, where the devoted ones get together for religious
celebrations are religious in nature, but music, dance and
activities. Maio was discovered on the 3rd May 1460
Fortress of São José – located near the port, well preserved, and a reminder of the frequent attacks by pirates on the island.
Old Bridge and Lighthouse (Ponte Velho e Farol) – in the village of Maio.
Architecture Cooperative – a house built like African houses made of straw, located in Maio.
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Handicrafts made of clay are produced and sold in a cooperative society in the community of Morro. In most of the small villages, small grocery shops in some of the local residents’ houses sell bottled water and snacks.
SPORTS The villages of Maio and Porto Cais, located between Calheta and the beach of Santana, offer good conditions for fishing, especially at the small ports nearby where fish is abundant. Local fishermen can escort visitors on fishing trips. There is currently no windsurfing or scuba diving
Salt mine in Maio island
equipment available on the island. Bicycle riding is an the sound of drums are always present. A different
excellent choice to tour around the island. However, just
patron saint is celebrated in each of the different com-
like Boa Vista, you should be prepared to face long dis-
munities of the island.
tances. Walking around the island is a good choice as
Cristo Rei (the King Jesus Christ) is celebrated on the last
water, snacks and a sunscreen protector. Sports fields are
Sunday of the month of November and the Sacred Family
available in most of the villages.
well, but be aware of the long distances and always bring
day on December 26th.
EXCURSIONS The Beach Rotcha Music Festival is celebrated on the last Friday of May.
Nearby the village of Maio are the large salt pits where in the past there was a thriving industry in the extraction of
SHOPPING
salt. There are many unexploited beaches such as Morro, which is close to the village of Maio. Handicrafts are avai-
There are many grocery shops and small shops in the villa-
lable, and a visit to the Bay of Santana, where turtles arri-
ge of Maio. Handicrafts are sold in some of these shops,
ve in summer, is recommended.
especially handmade embroideries and needlework. Food, clothes and a variety of items are sold in the grocery shops in Calheta. There is a weaving business in this region.
Calheta is the second-most-populated village of the island. Fishing and agriculture are the main activities of the local population. Even though it is a very quiet place,
Community
Feast
Date
there are already signs of investment and benefits from
Cascabulho
Twelfth Night
7th January
the excellent tourist conditions of the island.
Alcatraz and Pilão Cão
Nossa Sra do Rosário
2nd February
Continuing towards Morrinho, a fishing village, there is a large salt pit and excellent beaches such as Calhetinha
Calheta
São José
19th March
Vila do Maio
Santa Cruz
3rd May
Santo António
Santo António
13th June
Ribeira de João
São João
24th June
such as Praia Real. Leaving Morrinho on the way to Praia
Pedro Vaz
São Pedro
29th June
de Galeão, there is a better view of the reforested area
Morrinho
Santa Ana
26th July
and Pau Seco, and towards Porto Cais there are two beautiful beaches named Tartarugas and Cais.
Going north you will find beautiful and safe beaches,
and of the islet Laje Branca. An off-road vehicle is recommended to get to some of these beaches. The golden
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sand beaches such as Praiona (in Praia Gonçalo), Prainha (in Pedro Vaz) and Boca Ribeira (between Pedro Vaz and Alcatraz) are worth visiting for their beauty and their turquoise blue sea.
BOA VISTA The island of Boa Vista has a surface area of 620km2 and it is the third-largest island of the archipelago. Similar to the island of Sal, it is flat. The Peak of Estância is the highest point of the island measuring about 390m. It is covered with white sand dunes. Oases of date palms are
Oases of date palms are the common vegetation in Boa Vista
found here and there, and are the typical vegetation of the island. Boa Vista has 55km of white sand beaches
THE CROSSES (PADRÕES)
and crystal-clear water. The Crosses are approximately 1m high and are made of This island is considered to be the birthplace of morna,
stone with lime plaster with a cross on the top known as
one of the main musical genres of the country. It saw
Cruz de Almas (Soul Crosses), the majority of them being
some economic improvement at the beginning of the
in very isolated places or serving as signs of communica-
seventeenth century when great amounts of salt were
tion. On 3rd May they are used to commemorate the day
found. At that time, salt was already sold in the island of
of freedom for the slaves. They are also visited by pil-
Maio. Before the discovery of this product, the island’s
grims.
economy was based on cattle breeding, just like the other arid islands of the archipelago, which had little or
GETTING THERE
no water available. The first settlement was called Povoação Velha, and the salt extraction in the island was mainly carried out by the British.
Domestic flights from the islands of Sal and Santiago arrive at the airport in Rabil, and there is a port in the village of Sal Rei.
SANTA ISABEL DAY ACCOMMODATION The 4th of July is the Day of Santa Isabel, the patron saint of the island, and this day has recently become
There are hotels and guesthouses in the village of Sal Rei
Municipality Day. Besides the procession all along the
and a modern tourist complex on the beach at Chaves,
streets, with houses decorated with colourful quilts and
with a swimming pool, bar and rooms.
leaves of date palm trees, one of the most important moments is the blessing of the sea in Sítio de Santa
Boa Vista Resort Hotel
Bárbara where there is a community of fishermen and in
Praia de Chaves
the past there was the Padrão de Cruz (Stone Cross).
Euroturística: 7km from Vila de Sal Rei, Boa Vista
There are other activities such as swimming and fighting
The biggest hotel on the West African coast.
contests (known as pigâ queda), horse races, fairs and a public dance.
Estoril Beach Resort Hotel Tel: +238-2511078 Fax: +238-2511046
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Dunas Hotel Resort
Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Dores – ruins located in
Tel: +238-2511225
Estância Baixo.
Fax: +238-2511384
FOOD AND DRINK Resort Hotel Marine Club Tel: +238-2511285
Fish and shellfish, especially lobster, are the basis of the
Fax: +238-2511370/90
traditional menu of the island. There are bars and restau-
Pousada Boa Vista
and international food. A variety of traditional dishes can
Tel: +238-2511145
be tasted in the bars in Sal Rei and Rabil. Dried mackerel
Fax: +238 2511423
baked in the oven is a speciality. Soup made with goat
Residencial Bom Sossêgo
of a sheep or goat) are the favourite dishes for the most
rants in the hotels and guesthouses that serve traditional
meat (capado) and botchada (prepared with the stomach
C.P. 31
demanding gourmet. Boa Vista is also well known for its
Tel: +238-2511155
tasty cheese.
Residencial Boa Esperança
Dunas and Resort
Tel: +238-2511170
Rua Amílcar Cabral, Boa Vista
Fax: +238-2511225
Tel: +238-2511225 Fax: +238-2511384
PLACES TO VISIT
Email: dunas@bwscv.com
Village of Sal Rei – the village was known as Porto Inglês
Restaurante Oasis
in the early days, with houses and buildings showing tra-
Sal Rei, Boa Vista
ces of European culture.
Tel: +238-2511314
Fortress Duque de Bragança – a fortress located in the
ENTERTAINMENT
islet of Sal Rei, just opposite the Port, and built in order to defend the village from the frequent attacks by pira-
There are nightclubs in Rabil and they are normally busy
tes.
at the weekends. There are also some pubs in the villages of Sal Rei and Rabil and some restaurants and hotels offer
Igreja Matriz de S. Roque – the oldest Roman Catholic
traditional nightlife and music. People get together in the
Church on the island, built in 1801 and located in the
main square in the village of Sal Rei, especially during the
village of Rabil, the capital of the island in the past.
academic summer vacation and at weekends.
Pottery Factory – a ceramic factory with a handicrafts
FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
centre for young people in Rabil, with products manufactured using typical African methods.
Municipality Day and the Feast of Santa Isabel, the patron Capela de Santo António – a chapel located in Povoação
saint of the island, are both celebrated on 4th July in the village of Sal Rei, one day before the celebration of
Velha, the first settlement of the island.
Independence Day. It is a great celebration. The Praia de Farol de Morro Negro and Farol de Ponta do Sol – light-
Cruz Festival happens every year in August, in the week
houses located in Rotchona, which are worth a visit for
after the Baia das Gatas Festival on the island of São
the beautiful view they offer.
Vicente.
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Community
Feast
Date
João Galego
Twelfth Night
6th January
Rabil
Santa Cruz
3rd May
Rabil
Pedrona
4th May
EXCURSIONS There are many local beaches on the island worth visiting. Take a boat in the village of Sal Rei to the islet of Sal Rei where you will find the Fort. From the village, head south along a road with lots of dunes, located close to
Povoação Velha
São Roque
8th May
Estância Baixo
Cruzinha Lolo
28th May
Vila de Sal Rei
Santa Isabel
4th July
Vila de Sal Rei
Praia d’Cruz Festival
August
the Rabil community, to Estoril beach and Chaves beach. Ribeira de Rabil is located near Chaves beach and it looks just like a natural lagoon. The extensive areas of sand and dunes are permeated by oases of date palm trees.
A bit away from Povoação Velha, all along the coast, there are many beautiful beaches, such as Curralinho and
SHOPPING
Santa Mónica, the latter being considered one of the best beaches of Cape Verde. Further along the coast is
There are handicraft shops in Sal Rei selling a variety of
Lacação and Curral Velho, access to which is very diffi-
products, such as clay pots, decorative cooking pots,
cult; however, you can get there by taking the Povoação
straw hats, as well as products carved out of coconut
Velha road, preferably in an off-road vehicle. The island
shells and jewellery with all sorts of sea shells. All of these
has many other beaches like these, which offer the
products can be found in Rabil, and basket-work pro-
opportunity to enjoy the turquoise blue sea and the suns-
ducts such as straw hats in Bofareira. Local handicrafts
hine of Cape Verde, as well as the quietness and tranqui-
are also sold in the shops at the hotels and at the airport.
llity of the small villages of the archipelago. Turtles are
There are no shops, not even a place to buy water, at the
also frequent visitors to the beaches of this particular
most remote beaches. Plenty of drinking water and
island, and it is estimated that approximately 70% of
snacks are highly recommended when visiting beaches
those that reach the archipelago choose the beaches of
such as Santa Mónica.
the island of Boa Vista on which to lay their eggs. From the beach of Curral Velho you can glimpse the islet of
SPORTS
Curral Velho and the birds that live there, such as albatross, magnificent frigatebird, and water hen, one of the
Boa Vista offers a great alternative for water sports.
rarest birds in the world, which produces offspring only
Scuba diving is a very popular activity for tourists because
in Cape Verde, and specifically in the islets of Boa Vista.
of the crystal-clear waters and the rich marine life, and the great number of shipwrecks from past centuries
Leaving Rabil, drive along the road to João Galego and
along the shore. Line-fishing and deep-sea fishing and
turn to the north to arrive at the small communities of
windsurfing are also among the favourite sports. Some
Bofareira and Espingueira, or to the south for Fundo de
clubs provide scuba diving and windsurfing instruction
Figueiras, a small village from where you can easily reach
for beginners, with private instructors and equipment.
Praia das Gatas and see the islets of Pássaros and
Beach volleyball is played on some beaches. Long nature
Baluarte. Rare sea birds can also be found in those islets.
walks and cycling are also recommended, but be prepa-
There are some salt pits near the beach.
red to face long distances. Water and snacks, as well as sunscreen lotion, are required. Horseback riding is usually
SANTO ANTÃO
included in the local religious feasts. The surface area of Santo Antão is 779km2 and it is the second-largest island of the whole archipelago. Its maximum length is 43km, and the widest point is 24km. The
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branches, ears of corn and gifts to be offered to the Church. The group makes nine stops during the journey (known as stations) until it reaches the Chapel of São João Baptista in Porto Novo. It is said that the Saint was taken from Ribeira das Patas to be placed in the new Chapel, but Saint John did not like it and fled to Ribeira das Patas, a much calmer corner. When the image of the Saint was not taken to Porto Novo, Saint John would be angry (San Jon Revoltód). It is also said that this is the reason why there is too much wind and heat of the sun on the day of the feast. The mass is celebrated on 24th June The impressive high mountains are a tourist attraction
in the main Church. Then the feast begins with the races,
impressive high mountains are an attraction to those who
contests between the drummers and dancers, as well as
visit the island, in the heart of which is a mountain range
with public dances. On 25th June, the image of Saint
running from the north-east to the south-east culmina-
John is brought back to Ribeira das Patas. The group lea-
ting in a volcanic peak known as Topo de Coroa, 1,979m
ves Novo before dawn and walks back 21km until it arri-
high, one of the highest points of the island.
ves in Ribeira das Patas, where crowds welcome them with festivities, a mass, a bazaar and drums. This feast is
Santo Antão was discovered in 1462, but the Portuguese
known as San Jonzin (little Saint John) as there are fewer
Crown started its settlement around 1548. Major deve-
people celebrating compared to the feast of São João.
lopment of the island and a network of new roads to improve the connections between the different commu-
GETTING THERE
nities have not yet been possible due to the height of the mountains.
There is a port in Porto Novo on the island of Santo Antão, which can be easily reached on a one-hour boat
The landscape is desert to the south, but with the vege-
trip from the island of S. Vicente.
tation becoming very lush towards the north of the Island, which is also the most agricultural area of the
ACCOMMODATION
whole archipelago. Sugar cane, manioc, banana, breadfruit, mango, papaya and many other crops can be found
Besides one hotel, different types of accommodation
on the island. Grogue, the local rum made from the
such as guesthouses and rooms to rent can be found in
sugar cane, is produced here in a traditional way in trapi-
different places on the island.
ches (machines powered by cows that grind the sugar cane), which can still be found in some of the islands. The
Pedracin Village
people’s hospitality is usually shown in the warm way
Santo Antão
that foreigners are welcomed everywhere in the island.
Tel: +238-2242020
FEAST OF SÃO JOÃO IN PORTO NOVO
PLACES TO VISIT
The feast starts on 23rd June in the region called Ribeira
ding located in the centre of the village of Ribeira Grande,
das Patas, where annually a person fulfils his or her pro-
with some colonial architecture. Recently restored.
Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário – a 19th century buil-
mise to carry the image of the Saint on his or her head, walking 21km on foot to Porto Novo. This person is
Dr Roberto Duarte Silva’s House – one of the oldest buil-
escorted by drummers, dancers and people carrying palm
dings in Povoação, where this Cape Verdean scientist
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was born. There is a project for the restoration and trans-
area, as well as tasting the different liqueurs that are pro-
formation of the house into a Cultural Centre.
duced from coffee and lemon-scented verbena and orange flavours. The guesthouses normally offer good food
Ponta do Sol – remnants of the colonial times can still be
and there are different alternatives for eating out in the
found here, namely the restored building of the Tourist
restaurants and bars located in the main villages.
Information Centre of the village, which is of great historical value.
ENTERTAINMENT
Terrace – located 1km from Pico da Cruz, offering a
Nightclubs, bars and restaurants, for those who want
beautiful view of Vale do Paul, Porto Novo and the island
nightlife entertainment, can be found in Ponta do Sol,
of São Vicente.
Vila de Ribeira Grande and Porto Novo. Tocatinas (tradi-
Farol de Boi (Fontes Pereira de Melo Lighthouse) – one of
in these places.
tional music played by local bands) is also very frequent
the biggest and oldest lighthouses of the archipelago,
Located in Pontinha de Janela.
FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
inaugurated in 1886 to mark the São Vicente channel.
Santo António Monument – located near Vila a das
Most of the feasts of Santo Antão are religious.
Pombas with a view of the whole region as well as of the
Processions usually take place during these feasts and
Vale do Paul.
after the religious part they become very lively with sounds and rhythms of drums and whistles.
Mesa – until the 1970s Mesa was one of the most important agricultural and cattle-breeding centres of the
Community
Feast
Date
country. It secured all of the water supply to Porto Novo.
Ribeira Grande
Municipality Day
17th January
Coculí
Santa Cruz
3rd May
Paúl
Santo António das Pombas
13th June
Porto Novo
São João Baptista
24th June
Chã de Igreja
São Pedro
29th June
Janela
Nossa Sra da Piedade
15th August
Ponta do Sol
Nossa Sra do Livramento
24th Sept.
UNESCO.
Ribeira Grande
Nossa Sra do Rosário
7th October
FOOD AND DRINK
Ribeira da Cruz
Santo André
29th November.
Cova – formed in the crater of an extinct volcano, located on the road from Porto Novo to Ribeira Grande.
Miradouro de Delgadiñho – provides a beautiful view of the valley of Ribeira da Torre on the one side, and of part of Ribeira Grande on the other side.
Planalto Leste – a reforested area due to be listed by
The island’s gastronomy is rich and based on a great
SHOPPING
variety of fish and meat. A stew made with goat meat and beans is one of the most traditional and favourite
Regional products can be bought in Ribeira Grande, but
dishes prepared during festivals. Traditional sweets are
a better selection of products, from handicrafts to diffe-
also very rich and tasty, with special recipes such as
rent flavours of liqueurs, traditional candies and jams, as
melasso, fruitcake and banana pudding. Tasting the
well as the famous grogue, can be found in Paúl.
famous grogue is recommended as it is considered as the best alcoholic drink of the country by the experts in the
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SPORTS
reach Topo de Coroa and Campo Redondo with beautiful
Trekking is the main sport activity on the island of Santo
scenery for a pleasant walk.
landscapes. The green valley of Tarrafal offers beautiful
Antão, due to its impressive mountains, and especially to some of the excellent trails that have already been iden-
You can also drive from the valley of Ribeira Grande to
tified in the island.
Chã de Pedra and Cai-bros then walk up to the valley of Garça and down to Chã de Igreja and Cruzinha.
Bicycle riding or walking through the valleys is an excellent option for those who want to do sightseeing.
BRAVA
EXCURSIONS
The island of Brava is the smallest of the whole of the archipelago, with a surface area of 64km2 and a maxi-
Ponta do Sol is a small and quiet village located on the
mum length of 9km east to west. It is very mountainous,
north-east side of the coast, and fishing is the main acti-
with deep and abrupt valleys, and its highest point is Pico
vity of the local population. The airport of the island is
Fontainhas, measuring 976m. The coastline is very rug-
located there, but it is closed at the moment. There are
ged and many bays form there. The island of Brava is
two beaches nearby this village, Aranhas and Motche,
definitely the most humid island of the archipelago, very
and the latter is nearby a community with the same
well known for its rich vegetation and diverse flower spe-
name. You can reach the beaches on foot or by boat.
cies, and thus referred to as the ‘Island of Flowers’.
Porto Novo is the entry point for visitors to the island of
The island was populated in 1620, mainly with the inha-
Santo Antão. It is characterized by activity based on tra-
bitants of the island of Fogo, which is located only 20km
ding and on entry and exit of goods. It also has a very dry
away, and who fled from the sporadic eruptions of the
landscape. Fishing is the main activity of the local popu-
volcano on Fogo, especially the great eruption of 1680.
lation. On the way to Porto Novo and Tarrafal is a beach named Praia Formosa.
The constant droughts were the main cause for the emigration of the local people to the United States in the
The capital of the island, Ribeira Grande, normally refe-
whaleboats at the end of the eighteenth century. Most of
rred to as Povoação, is a small village that can be toured
the emigrating people were local men recruited to work
on foot. It has been through some significant economic
in the whaleboats because they were considered to be
growth. There are two beautiful valleys nearby the villa-
good sailors. Many of those men from the islands of
ge, Ribeira Grande and Ribeira da Torre, rich in water and
Brava and Fogo settled in the USA and together they
crops, inviting the visitor to take long and pleasant walks.
constitute the largest Cape Verdean community of the diaspora.
Tarrafal de Monte Trigo is well known for its excellent beach, one of the longest of the island. Nevertheless, the
In the past the main economic activities were the extrac-
greatest attraction of the island is the beauty and magni-
tion of earth orchid, and agriculture and fishing, which
ficence of its mountains. The valleys and streams provide
are still today the basis of the economy of the island,
excellent place for walking. The valley of Paúl is one of
together with the remittances of money from the emi-
the greenest valleys of the archipelago and one of the
grant community in the United States to their family
most beautiful places.
members.
There are many excursions that can be done on foot or by car, preferably in an off-road vehicle. For instance, drive from Porto Novo to Tarrafal de Monte Trigo to
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FEAST OF SÃO JOÃO BAPTISTA IN BRAVA Usually, the celebrations start three days before with the pilão, or pestle (to grind the corn so as to make enough xérem for the day of the feast). On 23rd June the bonfires are lit in all of the houses in order to illuminate the night of Saint John and thank him for all of the fortunes that were granted to the population during that year. The dancers and drummers escort the horseman who carries the flag of Saint John to the church to be placed in the altar. The horse dances at the sound of the drums.
The small island of Brava can be crossed in a few days
Having left the flag in the church, the group heads towards the festeiro’s house (the owner of the feast) to
in the village of Nova Sintra on 18th October 1867, and
witness a show of flare rockets. On 24th June, they pre-
died in the same village in 1930.
pare the mastro (pole), attaching gifts brought by the girls (cakes, bread, fruits and candies, etc.). Around
Garden Eugénio Tavares – one of the oldest squares of
10am, the procession takes place and the mass is cele-
the village, built in homage to the famous Cape Verdean
brated in the church. In the afternoon the horse races
poet, a great writer and composer of mornas as well.
begin, and in the evening the boat feast starts with the boys trying to catch the gifts brought by the girls and
Nazarene Church –the oldest Nazarene Church, located
attached to the pole. Then the flag is handed in to the
in the village of Nova Sintra.
new festeiro who will be responsible for the organization Escola Materna (Maternal School) – located in Nova
of this festivity the next year.
Sintra, where young women make embroidery and nee-
GETTING THERE
dlepoint laces.
Presently, the only way to get to the island of Brava is by
Centenary Trapiche – the cow-driven machine that grinds
boat from the islands of Fogo or Santiago, and the main
the sugar cane, located in Ferreiros, an agricultural area
port is located in Furna.
where the very famous Djabi from Brava, an alcoholic drink made from sugar cane, is produced.
ACCOMMODATION Nascente do Encontro – the biggest water spring of the There are some guesthouses in the village of Nova de
island located on the upper side of Fajã d’Água.
Sintra and in Fajã D’Água. Rooms for rent are available in private houses, especially the houses belonging to people
FOOD AND DRINK
who have emigrated. The food is rich and varied on the island of Brava. Many
PLACES TO VISIT
types of fish and high-quality shellfish may be enjoyed in
Eugénio Tavares’ House – built at the end of the ninete-
traditional food includes dishes like xerém com capa, the
enth century, this is the house where Eugénio de Paula
most traditional one, and djagacida. American pies were
the villages of Nova Sintra, Furna and Fajã D’água. The
Tavares, an honourable son of the island, a distinguished
introduced to the island as a dessert by emigrants visiting
musician, composer, poet and writer, lived. He was born
from the United States, but some of the ingredients have been replaced by local fruits such as mango and squash.
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LEISURE
ENTERTAINMENT
people. The Carnival is gaining more and more significance in the cultural calendar of the island.
The villages are normally very calm in the evenings, with some activity around the main squares, especially at the
Fest-Morna, a music festival dedicated to the morna
weekends. Sometimes local bands play live music in the
songs of the island of Brava, was inaugurated in April
bars. Private dancing parties and serenades are popular
2003, and it is the intention of the organizers to promote
and frequent. There are two nightclubs on the island, fre-
this festival every year in the first fortnight of June.
quented mostly on Fridays and Sundays.
SHOPPING FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
Local handicrafts, consisting mainly of embroideries and crochet, can be found almost everywhere on the island.
The most important feast celebrated on the island is São
Basket products, as well as traditional cloth puppets and
João, on 24th June, but the festivities start on the day of
stone sculptures, are also made and sold on the island of
Santo António, on 13th June, and last until the day of
Brava.
São Pedro, on 29th June. The biggest celebration takes place in the village of Nova Sintra on 24th June, coinci-
SPORTS
ding with the celebration of the patron saint of the island, São João Baptista. A mass and processions, as well
Walking towards the mountains can be a great pleasure,
as drums and music, are indispensable to the festivities of
especially to the spots from where the beauty and
São João. Many emigrants from all over the world choose
majesty of the island can be enjoyed. Fishing is also a nice
this time of the year to visit their families and homeland
alternative. There are sports fields in different areas, and
and to enjoy themselves at these feasts. The feast of
one football field in the village of Nova Sintra.
Culinha is celebrated in different places during the month of May, and it is a cultural demonstration conside-
EXCURSIONS
red by the authorities in the past an act of rebellion of the A complete view of the beautiful village of Nova Sintra Community
Feast
Date
Various places
Dia de Reis
5th January
Various places
São Sebastião
20th January
can be seen from the terrace of Nova Sintra. Access on foot to the Peak of Fontainhas is available by excellent nearby paths, which offer a truly magnificent view of the whole island as well as of the sea. Vinagre is a small place
Various places
São Paulo
1st Sunday in July
worth visiting because of the large extensions of cultivated farmlands that are irrigated by water coming from
Various places
São Paulinho
2nd Sunday in July
the springs, rich in fluoride and bicarbonate. The fishing
Mato Grande, Baleia and Garça
Santaninha
Last Sunday in July
in a while by the movement of boats from Santiago and
Mato and Escovinha
Sant’Ana
Last Sunday in July
Furna
Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes e Conacry
First fortnight in August
port in Furna is a peaceful and calm place, disturbed once
Fogo anchoring and leaving the port. There is an interesting local church that overlooks the sea.
You can go on foot or by car to the village of Nossa Senhora do Monte, and if it is not too foggy you can have the most beautiful views of island. This is a typical and quiet mountain village, with hospitable people and
Nossa Senhora do Monte
Nossa Senhora da Graça
15th August
very beautiful scenery. Fajã d’Água is also a small village with a privileged location at the base of a mountain, on
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a small bay sheltered from the north-east winds, where
similar to Santo Antão, has majestic mountains. Monte
the whaling boats coming from the United States used to
Gordo is the highest peak of the island with an altitude of 1,304m, from where two separate clusters of peaks
anchor.
part. The valleys are narrow and deep, except the Vale de
SANTA LUZIA
Fajã, which is wide and fertile enough for agricultural activity.
Santa Luzia is the only uninhabited island in Cape Verde, with a surface area of 35km2. The highest point measures
Settlement of this island started in the seventeenth cen-
395m. It is 5km wide and 13km long.
tury, after the islands of Santiago and Fogo, especially
Vegetation is very scarce, and the climate of the island is
was water and therefore offered good conditions for
particularly dry and arid. It has, however, interesting
activities such as agriculture and cattle breeding.
because, like Santo Antão, it was an island where there
landscape contrasts, the south offering beautiful scenery of beaches and dunes, and the north with rugged moun-
Undoubtedly, São Nicolau was for many years the inte-
tains.
llectual centre of Cape Verde, and the birthplace of the literary movement Claridade (Clarity), a major turning
Lack of water has been one of the main constraints of the
point for the literature of Cape Verde, founded in 1936
island, the major cause of it not being inhabited.
by famous writers and poets such as Baltasar Lopes,
Nevertheless, the island played a role in the economy of
Manuel Lopes, João Lopes and Jorge Barbosa.
the archipelago in the past, especially with the cattle breeding. For many years, plots of land were rented out and
DIVINAS
contracts issued to run these activities on the island. Divinas are ancient chants sung a capella (with no instruAlthough different initiatives were taken so as to imple-
ments) by women and men, either solo, in three voices,
ment projects that would allow for the promotion of fis-
or in unison, with a reply by a choir, outside the churches
hing and cattle breeding activities in the island, the inten-
at particular times. Divinas are sung on the island of São
tion to settle the island with people was put aside due to
Nicolau with three voices in archaic Latin, although con-
the long droughts and the permanent lack of water.
sidering that they are transmitted from generation to
In the nineteenth century, 20 people lived on Santa Luzia
sions. Versions of this type of chant are found in the
generation, there has been some loss of the original ver-
and dedicated themselves to the trade of meat, dairy pro-
island of Santo Antão referred to as Ladainhas (litany)
ducts and leather known for their good quality. This small
and Salvé Rainha, and in the island of Santiago as Rezas
population was forced to leave due to the frequent
or Ressas (prayers). All of them are liturgical chants sung
droughts. However, in the twentieth century, up to the
by the people outside the churches.
1960s, a couple of shepherds, a husband and wife, lived
island public property, and nowadays it is a nature reserve.
KOLÁ SANJON NA PRAIA BRANCA
SÃO NICOLAU
The playing of the drums in Praia Branca is a serious mat-
Located to the north of the archipelago, the island of São
João, guided by a maestro who is highly respected, who
there. In 1990, the government declared this uninhabited
ter. Trials are done some days before the feasts of São
Nicolau covers an area of 343km2. Its widest point north
does not allow those who do not know how to play, and
to south is 25km, and it is approximately 50km long east
keeps the faster ones out.
to west. Volcanic activities in the past were very frequent and are visible in the physical aspect of the island, which,
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Barril Beach is well known on the island for its sand, reputed to have therapeutic properties
In Praia Branca the rhythm is slower and has a typical
ACCOMMODATION
choreography consisting usually of two rows of women who move their bodies towards each other sensuously,
There are guesthouses in Ribeira Brava and Tarrafal, the
saying at the same time malicious words, almost always
two most populated villages of the island. A hotel is
lustful and directed to the men. This slower pacing is
being built in the village of Tarrafal, with over 200 rooms.
done on purpose so that there is time for the choreo-
Rooms are available for rent in many different places.
graphy that would not be possible with a faster rhythm. This centuries-old cultural tradition stood up against the
Pensão Cruz
Inquisition and is re-enacted every year during the reli-
C.P. 36
gious feasts in the month of June.
Tel: +238-2351228
GETTING THERE
Pensão Jardim Tel: +238-2351117
There is an airport in Preguiça where domestic flights
Fax: +238-2351949
from S. Vicente and Sal land. There is one port in the island located in the village of Tarrafal.
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Pensão Jumbo
Ruins of the first concentration camp of Cape Verde –
Tel: +238-2351315
closed in 1935 and located in alto João Baptista.
Pousada Mana Guimara
Forte – a fortress located in the bay of S. Jorge, in the
Tel: +238-2351830
small village of Preguiça, the place where the population
Pensão Alice
nineteenth century to defend the region from the fre-
C.P. 12
quent attacks by pirates.
of the island would leave for the sea. It was built in the
Tel: +238-2361187 Ruins of Porto da Lapa – the first settlement of the island, Pensão Tocely
also worth visiting.
Tel: +238-2361220 Fax: +238-2361313
FOOD AND DRINK
Residencial Natur
Bars and restaurants with typical Cape Verdean food can
Tel: +238-2361178
be found both in Ribeira Brava and in Tarrafal. Bars offe-
Fax: +238-2361175
ring good food can also be found in Preguiça and in other places on the island. Although fish is naturally the
PLACES TO VISIT
base of the local cuisine, one of the most traditional dishes of the island is Modjo, a soup made with goat meat.
Village of Ribeira Brava – an interesting place worth visi-
However, diverse dishes, all fresh and tasty, are offered in
ting. There are still clear traces of colonial architecture
most of the restaurants. Seafood is very much apprecia-
and the place was chosen by the inhabitants as a shelter
ted, and lobster is the favourite.
in the middle of the seventeenth century because access Cuscús Caboverdiano is a type of cake made with butter and honey
to it was very difficult so they could easily flee from the frequent attacks by pirates.
Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário – built in the same century as the foundation of the village (1700), but restored later between 1891 and 1898.
Seminary High School – the first high school of the archipelago, where renowned figures of the Cape Verdean intellectual community studied. The house belonged to Dr Júlio José Dias and it was donated for the foundation of the seminary in 1866.
Praça Cónego Bouças – the main square with a bust of Dr Júlio José Dias, the island’s famous and respected medical doctor and benefactor.
Miradouro – located in Cachaço on the Caminho novo, offering a view of the whole valley of Ribeira Brava as well as of the village.
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ENTERTAINMENT
The most popular religious feast is Nossa Sra. de Monte Cintina, celebrated in the region of Cachaço, on the
There are two nightclubs in Ribeira Brava and one in
second Sunday of May, characterized by long walks from
Tarrafal, but most of the time local residents of both villa-
one community to another, processions and religious
ges amuse themselves getting together in the main squa-
masses. The religious feasts in June and on Municipal Day
re, or in the locally organized dances and private dancing
are special celebrations. Most of the festivals are of a reli-
parties. Saturday nights are normally lively, but week-
gious nature and celebrate popular saints, and conse-
nights are usually very quiet, except in summer during
quently processions and masses are always included,
the school holidays, and in the Carnival when there is
followed by popular games, races and dancing parties.
much activity in the streets as well as a lot of parties.
SHOPPING FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
Local handicrafts, as well as handicrafts from the other
Dancing is an integral part of all events in S. Nicolau, and
smaller communities such as Preguiça, Ribeira da Prata and
islands, are sold in Ribeira Brava and in Tarrafal. In the
people enjoy all sorts of dancing, from the waltz and
Juncalinho, basic goods such as water, food, toiletries etc.
square dance, with instructions in French, to the mazur-
are sold in most of the small local bars. The sugar-cane-
ka, traditions which have been passed from generation to
based alcoholic drink known as grogue and canned tuna
generation.
fish produced in this island are very much appreciated at the national level for their very good quality.
Carnival is a very animated and typical event in this island, and is considered the second-best street festival of
SPORTS
the archipelago, with street parades and the lively rhythm of drums.
The majesty and impressive altitude of the mountains offer excellent conditions for trekking or mountaineering
Community Estância Baixo and Caleijão
Feast Easter
Date
in S. Nicolau, and some trails have already been identi-
April
fied. The deep valleys invite people for long walks and horseback riding. Fishing is a popular sport in Tarrafal, which is already frequented by lovers of fishing. It is pos-
Preguiça
Santo António
13th June
Praia Branca and Carvoeiros
São João
24th June
Ribeira Brava and Campinho
São Pedro
29th June
Praia da Prainha
São Pedrinho
1st Sunday after São Pedro
the direction of the airport you will come to Ribeira
Praia da Telha
Music Festival
August
streets and colourful houses. Continuing towards the
Ribeira Prata
Water Festival
September
Ribeira Brava
Nossa Sra do Rosário
1st Sunday in October
round due to good agricultural conditions.
Tarrafal
São Francisco
1st Sunday in December
From Cachaço, a village near Fajã, you can get to Monte
Ribeira Brava
Municipality Day 6th December
sible to catch big fish such as the blue marlin.
EXCURSIONS By taking the road from the small village of Preguiça in
Brava, the island’s administrative capital, with narrow
east is Juncalinho, and to the north is the valley of Fajã where plots of farming land are cultivated almost all year
Gordo (1,304m), a natural park and the highest point of the island. A magnificent view can be enjoyed from the peak of this mountain, varying from deep valleys to
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impressive mountains, to the Raso and Branco islets, the
The Dragoeiro, a rare tree in danger of extinction, still
island of Santa Luzia and, on bright sunny days, even a
exists on the island of S. Nicolau and can be seen in dif-
glimpse of the islands of S. Vicente and Santo Antão. The
ferent places. A curative substance is extracted from this
fishing village of Tarrafal, located towards the south, is the
tree and it is known in traditional alternative medicine for
island’s most populated area. It is developing well, and it
its power to alleviate pain. The Dragoeiro has become a
offers different attractions, especially its black sand bea-
national symbol of resistance to the constant droughts.
ches rich in iodine and titanium, which is very well known, both in the country and abroad, for its capacity to minimi-
FOGO
ze the ailments caused by arthritis and rheumatism. The sea is rich in big fish and is known internationally by those
Fogo (Fire) was originally called the island of São Filipe,
who enjoy line-fishing as a sport. Baixo Rocha, one of the
and it was discovered in 1460. Its settlement started right
best beaches of the island, is located near this village.
after that of Santiago. The island is round and it looks like
By driving towards the north, through Barril, you will get
active, and the last eruption happened in April 1995. The
to Ribeira da Prata, a small village with signs of some
surface area of the island is 476km2, and it is the highest
development, where there are shops and grocery stores.
point of the archipelago, with the top of the volcano
Carriçal, located at the extreme east point of the island,
measuring 2,829m.
a volcano in shape. There is, in fact, a volcano that is still
is also worth visiting. There is important agricultural activity in the valleys of Fajã and Ribeira Prata, the two gree-
After its occupation, Fogo played a very important role in
nest areas of the island.
the economy of the country. The agricultural activity of The main tourist attraction on Fogo is the giant volcano
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LEISURE
Santiago was expanded to Fogo, and the cotton cultiva-
GETTING THERE
ted there served as money to buy slaves from the African coast, thus fulfilling the rules of the Portuguese Crown
The airport is only 2km away from the centre of São Filipe
dictating that slaves could only be bought with goods
and the port is in Vale dos Cavaleiros (locally known as
produced in the archipelago. Clothes made of the cotton
Barc’a Balêro).
produced in Fogo were very popular. The frequent droughts also affected the island of Fogo, so that the
ACCOMMODATION
people had to search for better life conditions. Many inhabitants joined the American whaleboats that fre-
There is one hotel and many different accommodation
quently anchored in Fogo in search of food and other
alternatives in São Filipe and its suburbs. There are some
provisions. At the end of the eighteenth century, the
guesthouses in Mosteiros and one country house hotel in
whalers recruited workers from the island of Brava, and
Chã das Caldeiras.
during the nineteenth century many inhabitants of these two islands emigrated to the United States of America.
Many local residents, who are usually very hospitable, rent rooms and one meal is normally included in the
FESTA DAS BANDEIRAS (FEAST OF THE FLAGS)
so as to assure more privacy to the guest.
On the occasion of the feast for the day of São Filipe,
PLACES TO VISIT
price. Most of the rooms are located outside the houses
many different rituals are organized by the local residents. The first one is the Coletcha, bringing women
Catholic Church – built at the end of the nineteenth cen-
together who start to peel and pound corn – cutchir – to
tury and functioning as the main church, it is being res-
make xerém in the pestle, working to the sound of the
tored and reflects the architecture of Portuguese colonial
drums.
times.
On 30th April, in the evening, is the beginning of
Sobrados (colonial houses with verandas) – these houses
Cavalhada, which is the horse race. Right after the first
can be found in the city of São Filipe and they are a sign
race, people head towards the church for the blessing of
of prosperity of the great landowners of the past. There
the flag. Then they have a second horse race and head
is a project aimed at the restoration of the old houses so
towards the house of the organizer of the festival (festei-
as to make them life memories of the past, especially
ro) so that the women involved prepare and ornament
through the ‘reading’ of the history of Cape Verde in the
the framework to carry the statue of the patron saint of
old pieces of furniture, paintings, objects, etc.
the feast. The drummers and the dancers walk towards the hall of the church to light the candles with pieces of
Casa da Memória (Memory House) – this house was built
white cloth soaked in oil. On 1st May, the horse riders go
during the first half of the nineteenth century and was
to the festeiro’s house to collect the flag and start the
restored in 2001. It is a unique cultural space in the city.
races, which last for the whole day. Before lunch, there is a mass and a procession in the streets of the city of São
Alto da Aguadinha – a place from where you can have a
Filipe Antes with people carrying the statue of the patron
wonderful view of the City of São Filipe.
saint. After the last race, the flag is handed in to the festeiro who will have the responsibility to organize the fes-
Espigão (Cliff Spigon) – a view of the volcano is in the
tival next year. The flag has been transferred from hand
background as well as of the sea. On bright sunny days
to hand of different festeiros since 1917.
you can easily grasp the view of the island of Santiago. Located in the region called Cova Figueira.
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with small agricultural areas.
FEASTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Socorro – a small private struc-
The most important local feast is the São Filipe feast, or
Monte Genebra – a mountain located in Achada Malva,
ture from the nineteenth century that belonged to the
the Festival of Bandeiras, which starts in the last week of
ancient landowners of the island. In need of restoration.
April and ends on 1st May.
FOOD AND DRINK
The patron saint of Mosteiros is celebrated on 13th May with a mass and a procession as well as a great party full
The food in the island of Fogo is rich in typical dishes. The
of music, drums and whistles. Music festivals are promo-
festivities always include typical dishes prepared in a tra-
ted in the summer time on the beach at the Port of Vale
ditional manner and meat is the basis of most of them,
dos Cavaleiros.
for instance gigoti, prepared with pork, cabbage and manioc, and djagacida, prepared with beans, freshly
SHOPPING
pounded corn (rolão), national sausages, and xérem de festa. The local desserts are also very rich, with options
The typical handicrafts of the island of Fogo are made
such as coffee pudding, papaya, sweet potato and
with the lava that poured out of the chimney of the vol-
squash jams. The white and red wine of Fogo, as well as
cano. Different pieces and figures are sold almost every-
coffee at the end of the meal, are a must on the table.
where but mostly in Chã das Caldeiras. The Fogo Coffee,
There are many bars and restaurants with good food in
organic and of limited production, is well known for its
São Filipe, but not too many alternatives in Mosteiros and
quality and will last in the memory of those who drink it.
Chã das Caldeiras.
Other types of handicrafts as well as shops with other goods can be found in São Filipe.
ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS While Mosteiros is a very quiet place with no nightlife, some activity happens around the main square. São Filipe
The magnificent landscape of this island is an invitation
has many alternatives for nightlife. In Chã das Caldeiras
to take a nice walk or a bicycle ride. For those who are in
there is one place where local bands are invited to play
physical shape, climbing on foot to the top of the volcano
for dancing. Some places like Patim and Santo António
is quite a challenge. Fishing is another alternative for
have nightclubs as well.
those who like this activity, and it can be carried out in many places, particularly in the Vale dos Cavaleiros and
Community
Feast
Date
in Alcatraz.
Various places
São Sebastião
20th January
Various places
São João
24th June
Various places
São Pedro
29th June
Chã das Caldeiras
Santa Rainha de Cabo Verde (Santa Teresinha)
The second Sunday in July
Nossa Sra do Socorro
Nossa Sra do Socorro
5th August
island in terms of economic development, where the
São Lourenço
São Lourenço
10th August
especially producing the famous Fogo Coffee, known for
Mosteiros
Municipality Day
15th August
its good quality and delicious aroma. Chã das Caldeiras is
24th November
a very picturesque place, where nobody would think that
Cova Figueira
Santa Catarina
EXCURSIONS You can get to Chã das Caldeiras (known as Tchã) driving from São Filipe or from Mosteiros (also known as Vila de Igreja), the second-most-important community of the
local population’s activity is mostly based on agriculture,
there could be either human life present or agriculture
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activity. In fact, there are two small communities called
craters, some of them still well preserved, but it is recom-
Portela and Bangaeira, with a local population that exce-
mended to do this in the company of a guide, who can
eds 600 people and very fertile land, and it therefore has
easily be found in the local population.
a diverse agricultural production, particularly the vineyards that allow for the production of the well-known
The natural park of Monte Velha is also located in Chã
Fogo wine. Nevertheless, these communities are located
das Caldeiras. Many different species of trees can be
in a risky area, on the way to the top of the volcano, and
found in this area, such as eucalyptus, jacaranda and aca-
despite them being aware of the need to move to other
cia, greatly contrasting with the arid nature of the areas
places, the local population insist on staying.
to the south.
From Chã das Caldeiras you can either walk up to the top
For those who want to swim, Salina in São Jorge is a nice
of the volcano, at an altitude of 2,829m, or explore the
and safe alternative beach surrounded by caves and reefs.
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BASIC VOCABULARY Cape Verdean Glossary/Creole Expressions Creole is the language most spoken all over the Archipelago. The accent may differ from island to island, with the accent of Creole spoken in Santiago mostly accepted in the islands that comprise the Sotavento group, and the accent of the Creole spoken in São Vicente mostly accepted in the islands of the Barlavento. English
Krioulo (Santiago)
Krioulo (São Vicente)
English
Krioulo (Santiago)
Krioulo (São Vicente)
Yes
Sin
Sin
Come here
Ben li
Ben li
No
Nau
Nau
Wait a minute
Perhaps
Talves
Talves
What is your name?
Spera un Esperá um minut momentu Mó ki bu tchoma? Mané ke bo nome?
Please
Pur favor
D’favor
Excuse me
Kon Lisensa
kolsensa
Pardon me
Disculpam
Dsculpam
Thank you
Obrigadu
Brigadu
You’re welcome
Es é ka nada
Es ne nada
Do you speak Portuguese/ English/French?
Bu ta papia Português Inglês/Francês?
Please, speak slowly
My name is…
Nha nomi ê…
Why? When?
Pamódi? Kuandu? Purque? Kondé?
Who? What?
Ken? Kuzé?
Ken? O ke?
It is all right / It is not all right
Sta dretu / Ka sta dretu
Ta dret / Ka ta dret
Bo ta falá Português Inglês/Francês?
Several / Few
Txeu / Poku
Tcheu / Pok
More / Less
Mas / Menus
Mas / Mens
Pur favor, papia divagar
Fala d’vagar, d’favor
Right now
Gosi li
Grinhasin
I do not understand
N ka ta konprende
Un ka intende
I do not know
N ka sabi
N ka sabe
Do you want?
Bu kre ?
Bo kre?
Repeat it, please
Torna fla, pur favor
Fala ot vez, d’favor
I don’t want
N ka kre
N ka kre
I don’t know
N ka sabi
N ka sabê
What do you want?
Kuzé ki bu kre?
Cze ke bo kre? Where is?
Ê na undi?
Ondê?
How much is it?
E kantu?
How are you?
Modi ki bu sta?
Ke Mane bo stâ?
Listen / look here Obi li / Djobe li
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
um/uma dois/duas três quatro cinco seis (seysh) sete oito nove dez
Uvi li / Oiá
Can you help me? Bu pode djuda-m? Bo pode jdame
Ê tonté?
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Nha nome ê…
onze doze treze catorze quinze dezasseis dezassete dezoito dezanove vinte
21 22 23 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
223
vinte-um/uma vinte-dois vinte-três trinta quarenta cinquenta sessenta setenta oitenta noventa
100 200 300 500 1000 2000 1,000,000
cem duzentos trezentos quinhentos mil dois mil milhão
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BASIC VOCABULARY Number
número
A table for one person/
Uma mesa para uma/
Half
metade
two people, please
duas pessoa(s), por favor
Less
menos
More
mais
Can I look at the menu,
Posso ver o menu,
Now
agora
please?
por favor?
Later
depois
Before
antes de (ANtesh deh)
Breakfast
pequeno-almoço
Lunch
almoço
Morning
manhã
Supper
jantar
Afternoon
tarde
I want...
Quero...
Evening
Use afternoon (tarde) for early evening,
Chicken
frango
and night (noite) for late evening.
Beef
bife
Unlike English, “boa noite” is used as an
Fish
peixe
initial greeting and not just to say goodbye.
Ham
fiambre
Night
noite
Sausage
salsicha
Today
hoje
Cheese
queijo
Yesterday
ontem
Eggs
ovos
Tomorrow
amanhã
Salad
salada
This week
esta semana
Vegetables
vegetais
Last week
a semana passada
Fruit
fruta
Next week
próxima semana
Bread
pão
Toast
torrada
Sunday
domingo
Rice
arroz
Monday
segunda-feira
Salt
sal
Tuesday
terça-feira
Black pepper
pimenta negra
Butter
manteiga
Quero um copo de...?
Wednesday quarta-feira Thursday
quinta-feira
Friday
sexta-feira
May I have a glass of...?
Saturday
sábado
May I have a cup of...?
Quero uma chávena de...?
May I have a bottle of...?
Quero uma garrafa...?
January
Janeiro
February
Fevereiro
Coffee
café
March
Março
Tea (drink)
chá
April
Abril
Juice
sumo
May
Maio
(Bubbly) water
água com gás
June
Junho
Water
água
July
Julho
Beer
cerveja
August
Agosto (AGOSH-too)
Red/white wine
vinho tinto/branco
September
Setembro
The bill, please
A conta, por favor
October
Outubro
November
Novembro
December
Dezembro
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SOURCES & USEFUL WEBSITES The majority of the information compiled in this guidebook is first hand information collected by our team in the country through a number of interviews
PricewaterhouseCoopers Cape Verde Cabinet of the Minister of Housing, Relocation and Territory Directel Cabo Verde
Comissão Instaladora da Universidade de Cabo Verde: www.cniunicv.cv Direcção de Formação e Qualificação de Quadros: www.dfqq.cv Página Oficial do Governo de Cabo Verde: www.governo.cv Ministério da Educação e Valorização dos Recursos Humanos: www.minedu.cv Secretaria de Estado da Juventude: www.juventude.cv Instituto Nacional de Desenvolvimento das Pescas: www.indp.cv Universidade do Algarve: www.ualg.pt Escola Náutica Infante D. Henrique: www.enautica.pt Instituto Politécnico de Leiria: www.ipleiria.pt Universidade Marítima Mundial: www.wmu.se Câmara Municipal de Sâo Vicente: www.cmsv.cv Câmara Municipal da Praia: www.cmpraia.cv Câmara Municipal do Sal:www.cmsal.cv
www.caboverde.com www.caboverde24.com www.ingrh.cv www.capeverdepropertyworld.com www.investinpropertycapeverde.com www.caboverde-fishing.com www.virtual-capeverde.com www.capeverdeportal.com www.pj.cv www.presidenciarepublica.cv www.parlamento.cv
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COMPANY INDEX AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES ANSA ..........................................................................................................................................................PAGE 76 INPD (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DAS PESCAS) ............................................................PAGE 76 INIDA (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE INVESTIGACION E DESARROLLO AGRARIO) ..............................................PAGE 77 INERF (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ENGENHERIA RURAL E FLORESTAS) ..........................................................PAGE 78 FRESCOMAR SA ..........................................................................................................................................PAGE 78 MILOT HYDROPONICS LDA ........................................................................................................................PAGE 78
ENERGY ELECTRA SARL ............................................................................................................................................PAGE 85 ENACOL (EMPRESA NACIONAL DE COMBUSTÍVEIS) ....................................................................................PAGE 86 INGRH (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE GESTIÓN DE LOS RECURSOS HÍDRICOS) ..................................................PAGE 87 SHELL CABO VERDE SARL ..........................................................................................................................PAGE 88 SONANGOL ................................................................................................................................................PAGE 89
FINANCE BCA (BANCO COMERCIAL DO ATLÂNTICO) ................................................................................................PAGE 96 BCN (BANCO CABOVERDIANO DE NEGOCIOS)............................................................................................PAGE 97 BANCO DE CABO VERDE (NATIONAL BANK OF CAPE VERDE) ....................................................................PAGE 98 BANCO ESPIRITO SANTO ............................................................................................................................PAGE 99 BANCO INTERATLÂNTICO ..........................................................................................................................PAGE 99 BDO CAPEAUDIT ......................................................................................................................................PAGE 100 BOLSA DE VALORES DE CABO VERDE ......................................................................................................PAGE 100 CAIXA ECONÓMICA DE CABO VERDE ......................................................................................................PAGE 101 CAPITAL CONSULTING ............................................................................................................................PAGE 101 ECV FINANCIAL SERVICES AND EXCHANGE AGENCY................................................................................PAGE 102 GARANTIA, COMPANHIA DE SEGUROS DE CABO VERDE SA ....................................................................PAGE 102 IMPAR, COMPANHIA CABOVERDIANA DE SEGUROS ................................................................................PAGE 104 INPS (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE PROVIDÊNCIA SOCIAL) ............................................................................ PAGE 104 MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT (MCA) ............................................................................................PAGE 105 PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS ..................................................................................................................PAGE 106
INDUSTRY & TRADE ÁGUAS DE CABO VERDE – TRINDADE ......................................................................................................PAGE 111 CAFÉS DE CABO VERDE LDA ....................................................................................................................PAGE 112 CIMENTOS DE CABO VERDE ....................................................................................................................PAGE 113 LAZARETO INDUSTRIAL PARK ....................................................................................................................PAGE 114 MACRONESIA FAIR ..................................................................................................................................PAGE 115
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COMPANY INDEX MOAVE – MOAGEM DE CABO VERDE SA ................................................................................................PAGE 116 SCCR (SOCIEDADE CABO VERDIANA DE CERVEJA E REFRIGERANTES) ......................................................PAGE 116 SITA – SOCIEDADE INDUSTRIAL DE TINTAS SA ..........................................................................................PAGE 116
PUBLIC SERVICES EDUCATION CAPE VERDE JEAN PIAGET UNIVERSITY ....................................................................................................PAGE 122 IEPF (INSTITUTE OF EMPLOYMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION) ........................................................PAGE 123 UNIVERSIDADE DE CABO VERDE ..............................................................................................................PAGE 124 IILP (THE INTERNATIONAL PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE)................................................................PAGE 125
HEALTH ARFA (AGENCY FOR THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF FOOD AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS) ....PAGE 125 EMPROFAC (EMPRESA NACIONAL DE PRODUTOS FARMACÊUTICOS SARL) ..............................................PAGE 126 INPHARMA LABORATORIOS ......................................................................................................................PAGE 126
PUBLIC WORKS & HOUSING PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIAÇÃO NACIONAL DOS MUNICÍPIOS CABOVERDEANOS ................................................................PAGE 138 ENGIC (ENGENHEIROS ASSOCIADOS LDA) ................................................................................................PAGE 138 HBC HIDRAULICA BETAO Y CONSTRUÇOES ............................................................................................PAGE 135 INSTITUTO DE ESTRADAS ..........................................................................................................................PAGE 135 LOID ENGENHARIA....................................................................................................................................PAGE 136
PROPERTY CAPE VERDE SOLUTIONS ..........................................................................................................................PAGE 136 CAPITAL COUNTRY CLUB..........................................................................................................................PAGE 137 EDITUR......................................................................................................................................................PAGE 138 IFH (IMOBILIÁRIA, FUNDIÁRIA E HABITAT) ................................................................................................PAGE 140 IMOR ........................................................................................................................................................PAGE 140 PARADISE BEACH......................................................................................................................................PAGE 141 SAMBALA DEVELOPMENTS ......................................................................................................................PAGE 141 TECNICIL ..................................................................................................................................................PAGE 142 TURINVEST IMOBILIA ................................................................................................................................PAGE 142 VILA VERDE RESORT..................................................................................................................................PAGE 143
TOURISM ANV (AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DE VIAGENS) ..................................................................................................PAGE 151 CALHETA BAY ..........................................................................................................................................PAGE 152
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COMPANY INDEX EDITUR PONTA BICUDA ............................................................................................................................PAGE 152 MURDEIRA BEACH RESORT ......................................................................................................................PAGE 152 NOVATUR TRAVEL & TOURISM AGENCY ..................................................................................................PAGE 153 PRAIATUR LDA, TRAVEL AGENCY..............................................................................................................PAGE 153 OÁSIS ATLÁNTICO PRAIAMAR HOTEL ......................................................................................................PAGE 154 OÁSIS ATLÁNTICO BELORIZONTE HOTEL ..................................................................................................PAGE 154 PESTANA TRÓPICO HOTEL ........................................................................................................................PAGE 155 SANTIAGO GOLF RESORT ..........................................................................................................................PAGE 156
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS ASA (AEROPUERTOS E SEGURANÇA AEREA) ............................................................................................PAGE 168 AIR SENEGAL INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................PAGE 170 CABNAVE ................................................................................................................................................PAGE 170 CABO VERDE EXPRESS ..............................................................................................................................PAGE 171 DHL EXPRESS ............................................................................................................................................PAGE 172 ENAPOR (EMPRESA NACIONAL DE ADMINISTRACAO DOS PORTOS) ..........................................................PAGE 173 HALCYON AIR ..........................................................................................................................................PAGE 174 MAERSK....................................................................................................................................................PAGE 174 TACV (CABO VERDE AIRLINES) ..................................................................................................................PAGE 174
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANAC (THE NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY) ..............................................................................PAGE 175 CORREIOS DE CABO VERDE ......................................................................................................................PAGE 175 CABO VERDE TELECOM ............................................................................................................................PAGE 176 DIRECTEL CABO VERDE ............................................................................................................................PAGE 177 INE (INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ESTATÍSTICA CABO VERDE)........................................................................PAGE 178 NÚCLEO OPERACIONAL DA SOCIEDADE DA INFORMAÇÃO, NOSI ............................................................PAGE 178 OPAL (PUBLICIDADE DE CABO VERDE LDA) ..............................................................................................PAGE 179 RTC, RADIO E TELEVISÃO DE CABO VERDE ..............................................................................................PAGE 180
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