AGP Executive Report

Startup Ecosystem: Cabo Verde’s Afrikan Coders made the top five at the ECOWAS Startup Awards, where 60 finalists competed for $65,000 in prizes; the leading ventures may also access $5 million in investment opportunities. Air Connectivity: Azores Airlines says it will continue strengthening links between the Azores, Cabo Verde, Europe, Portugal and North America as its parent group pursues the airline’s privatization. Climate Resilience: Cabo Verde has validated a national multi-hazard early-warning roadmap after storm Gonzalo damaged coastal infrastructure in Santa Maria. The next step is securing resources and putting the plan into practice with businesses, public agencies and communities.

Regional Startups: Cabo Verde’s Afrikan Coders was among five finalists in the ECOWAS Startup Awards, which drew about 9,000 submissions. The competition offers winners access to a potential US$5 million in investment deals. Air Connectivity: SATA Group says Azores Airlines will continue strengthening links with Cabo Verde as it pursues stability and privatization; the company has received eight expressions of interest for a majority stake. Economic Lessons: Cabo Verde’s experience as a small, open economy exposed to external shocks offers lessons for Cambodia as it prepares to graduate from least-developed-country status, an IMF analysis says. Construction Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe has appointed Movicortes as its dealer in Cabo Verde, covering equipment sales, parts, technical services and aftermarket support.

Aviation & Connectivity: SATA Group is pushing for fleet, operational and financial stability as it advances the privatization of SATA Internacional-Azores Airlines, including a phase-out of one Airbus A320ceo, while SATA Air Açores focuses on reliability across the weather-sensitive Azores and connectivity links to Cape Verde, Europe, Portugal and North America. Climate & Legal Stability: A UN sea-level rise declaration adopted on Sept. 24—co-facilitated by Cabo Verde’s ambassador—aims to protect small island states’ legal rights and statehood as waters rise. Health & Preparedness: A hantavirus cluster aboard the MV Hondius led to evacuations near Cape Verde and highlighted WHO’s rapid, no-regrets public health response as cases were identified as Andes virus. Industry & Trade Tech: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding territories for MDA and Movicortes and adjusting coverage for Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe. Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment with a target to be ready for service by end-2029. Business & Startups: ECOWAS Startup Awards crowned Nigeria’s HubPharm Africa with a $30,000 prize, with Afrikan Coders from Cabo Verde among the finalists.

Aviation & Privatization: Cabo Verde-linked SATA Group is pushing for stability as SATA Internacional-Azores Airlines moves through its EU-backed divestment process, with the group prioritizing fleet reliability and financial resilience, including a planned phase-out of an Airbus A320ceo. Climate Law & Diplomacy: A UN sea-level rise declaration adopted by world leaders—co-facilitated by Cabo Verde’s ambassador—aims to clarify legal questions for inundated states, strengthening international certainty for small island nations. Disaster Preparedness: Cabo Verde has validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, focusing on multi-hazard risk monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness—now moving into implementation and resource mobilization. Construction & Mining Support: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding Movicortes coverage to include Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe, while MDA takes on a wider territory for equipment and aftermarket services. Connectivity Investment: EllaLink officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine cable system targeted for service by end-2029.

Engineering & Capacity Building: China says it will train 10,000 engineers from developing countries over five years, focusing on transport infrastructure and ICT—an approach framed as key to closing development gaps and supporting sustainable growth. Climate Diplomacy (Cabo Verde in the mix): At Fiji’s pre-COP31 meeting, Australia is pushing Pacific climate priorities, but outside attendance is thin; Cabo Verde is listed among confirmed leaders, underscoring the island focus ahead of COP31 in Turkey. LDC Graduation Watch (Cabo Verde cited): The IMF highlights that Cabo Verde’s LDC graduation (2007) offers partial lessons for small, shock-exposed economies, while warning that graduation alone doesn’t automatically change growth trends. Disaster Preparedness (Cabo Verde): Cabo Verde validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, starting the next phase of funding and implementation across monitoring, warnings, and response. Industry & Trade (Construction equipment): Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage to include Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Fuel Prices Watch: September’s oil-market pressure kept crude above $100, and Africa’s petrol costs diverged sharply—Malawi topped at $3.240/litre while Libya, Angola and Algeria sat far lower, reflecting weak refining, import dependence, FX pressure and transport costs. Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s pre-COP31 push in Fiji/Tuvalu drew criticism for limited outside-Pacific attendance; Cabo Verde is among the confirmed leaders, as Pacific states press for 1.5°C, climate finance and stronger ocean-focused action. IMF & LDC Graduation: The IMF says Cabo Verde’s LDC graduation (2007) offers useful lessons for small, shock-exposed economies, while graduation alone doesn’t guarantee faster growth. Connectivity & Telecoms: EllaLink officially launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment with service targeted by end-2029. Industry & Trade Links: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling dealers across West/Central Africa, expanding Movicortes to include Cape Verde and São Tomé & Príncipe. Water & Resilience: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, aiming to connect monitoring, warnings and preparedness. EU Support: The EU approved €60m to back Cape Verde’s armed forces via the European Peace Fund, with priority on coast guard maritime security.

IMF & LDC Graduation: The IMF says Cabo Verde’s 2007 graduation from least-developed-country status offers lessons on managing shocks in a small open economy, but graduation itself isn’t a guaranteed driver of faster growth. Climate Diplomacy: Cabo Verde is listed among the confirmed non-Pacific leaders attending Australia/Fiji/Tuvalu’s pre-COP meeting in Fiji, even as diplomats say the guest list is thin and critics question whether the talks will match the urgency of fossil-fuel transition. Connectivity & Telecoms: EllaLink officially launches the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine cable linking French Guiana to Martinique/Guadeloupe (with branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire), targeting service by end-2029. Maritime Security (Cabo Verde): The EU approves €60m via the European Peace Fund to strengthen Cape Verde’s armed forces, with priority on coast guard maintenance, training, maritime operations, and surveillance. Industry & Trade: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe reshuffles its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding Movicortes to include Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe. Sports Administration: Cabo Verde hosts CAVB’s honour for Nigerian volleyball leader Engineer Habu Gumel, recognizing decades of development work across Africa.

ECOWAS Startup Awards: HubPharm Africa (Nigeria) won the US$30,000 grand prize at the 2nd ECOWAS Startup Awards in Abuja, beating finalists including Afrikan Coders (Cabo Verde), while the event also launched the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy and Startup Networks to boost cross-border entrepreneurship. Cabo Verde Climate Preparedness: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, aiming to strengthen the full chain from risk monitoring and forecasting to warning communication and preparedness. EU Support for Security: The EU approved €60m under the European Peace Facility to back the Armed Forces of Cape Verde, with priority on maritime security and Coast Guard training, logistics and surveillance. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a plan to tackle West Africa’s water crisis, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum as countries push stronger shared-river management. Construction Equipment Market Move: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe reshaped its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding Movicortes’ territory to include Cabo Verde and adjusting coverage for mining customers. Climate Diplomacy Spotlight: Reuters reports Australia’s pre-COP push for Pacific leaders is drawing limited attendance from outside the region, with Cabo Verde among the confirmed leaders.

EU Support for Cabo Verde’s Security: The EU approved €60m via the European Peace Facility to strengthen the Armed Forces of Cabo Verde, with priority on Coast Guard maintenance, logistics, training, maritime operations, and surveillance to boost regional maritime security. Water Resilience in Focus: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking hazard monitoring and forecasting to warning communication and preparedness, with a whole-of-society push to mobilize resources. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared agenda to tackle West Africa’s water crisis, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum after the Abidjan Declaration. Climate Diplomacy Pressure: Reuters reports that Australia’s pre-COP talks in Fiji and Tuvalu are drawing fewer high-profile leaders than hoped, though Cabo Verde is among confirmed attendees—highlighting how small island states are pushing for stronger climate finance and ocean-focused action. Industry & Trade Signals: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding coverage that includes Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau. Air Quality Watch: A Copernicus analysis says nearly 40% of the world’s population has been exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026, driven by heat and pollution—an issue for health and agriculture planning.

Climate & Resilience: Cabo Verde has validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking risk monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness/response through a whole-of-society plan led by national institutions and the Red Cross. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared agenda to strengthen control of shared rivers and climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum after the Abidjan Declaration. Maritime Security Funding: The EU approved €60m under the European Peace Fund to bolster the Armed Forces of Cape Verde, with priority for the Coast Guard—maintenance, logistics, training, maritime operations, and surveillance. Industry & Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding MDA and Movicortes territories to include Cape Verde and São Tomé & Príncipe, with a transition planned by end-2026. Business & Innovation: ECOWAS Startup Awards in Abuja named HubPharm Africa (Nigeria) overall winner, while Afrikan Coders (Cape Verde) made the top five. Air Quality Watch: A global analysis warns nearly 40% of the world’s population has been exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026, driven by heat and pollution—an issue with direct health and crop impacts.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are heading to Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) for pre-COP31 talks, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, more climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts as sea levels rise fast and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight: A Reuters report says Cabo Verde is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders attending the Tuvalu/Fiji pre-COP segment, underscoring how small island states are trying to keep climate priorities high. Water & Resilience at Home: Cabo Verde has validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, aiming to connect monitoring, warnings, and preparedness across institutions, local authorities, businesses, and communities. EU Support for Security: The EU approved €60m via the European Peace Fund to strengthen the Armed Forces of Cabo Verde, with priority on Coast Guard maintenance, logistics, training, maritime operations, and surveillance. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared agenda to tackle West Africa’s water crisis, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. Industry & Equipment: Hitachi is reshaping its construction equipment dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding coverage to include Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Climate & Resilience: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, aiming to connect risk monitoring, warnings, and preparedness across institutions, communities, businesses, and partners. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared agenda to strengthen control of shared rivers and climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. EU Support for Maritime Security: The EU approved €60m via the European Peace Facility to back the Armed Forces of Cape Verde, with priority on Coast Guard maintenance, logistics, training, and maritime surveillance. Industry & Infrastructure: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, expanding Movicortes’ reach to include Cape Verde and São Tomé & Príncipe while MDA takes on a wider territory. Health & Innovation (Regional): ECOWAS Startup Awards crowned HubPharm Africa as overall winner, with Afrikan Coders from Cape Verde among top finalists. Business & Trade: Chinese motor tricycles are expanding internationally with customization and services, including cargo and fuel adjustments for African markets.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for pre-COP31 talks (Oct 5–8) to push the 1.5°C goal, climate finance and ocean-focused action, as sea-level rise accelerates and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. Cabo Verde Disaster Preparedness: Cabo Verde has validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking monitoring, warning communication and preparedness to reduce coastal and community impacts. Water Security in West Africa: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional agenda to tackle the water crisis, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum and focus on shared river governance and resilience. Maritime & Ocean Data: The OceanEye International Alliance for global ocean observing was launched at the UN, with Canada pledging C$82m and the EU €92m to strengthen weather, climate and coastal protection data. Defense & Maritime Security (Cabo Verde): The EU approved €60m for the Cape Verde Armed Forces via the European Peace Fund, prioritizing coast guard logistics, training and maritime surveillance. Construction Equipment (Cabo Verde): Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling dealers across West Africa, expanding Movicortes to include Cape Verde and setting up direct support for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania. Health Innovation (ECOWAS): Cape Verde’s Afrikan Coders reached the top five at the ECOWAS Startup Awards, as HubPharm Africa won the $30,000 prize.

Maritime & Security Funding: The EU approved €60m for Cape Verde’s Armed Forces via the European Peace Facility, with priority on Coast Guard maintenance, training, maritime operations, and surveillance to boost regional maritime security. Water & Climate Resilience: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking monitoring, warnings, and preparedness; meanwhile ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS pushed a regional water agenda, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS Parliamentarians warned climate-driven water stress is fueling displacement and insecurity, urging stronger early-warning systems and a regional climate resilience fund. Construction & Mining Supply Chains: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe reshuffled its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes to include Cape Verde and setting up direct support for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania. Connectivity & Infrastructure: EllaLink launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine cable system targeted for service by end-2029. Industry & Trade Signals: Chinese motor tricycle makers are expanding overseas with customizable models and services, including cargo and fuel-tank adjustments for Central Asia and Africa. Health Innovation Spotlight: ECOWAS Startup Awards in Abuja crowned HubPharm Africa, with Afrikan Coders from Cape Verde among top finalists.

EU–Cape Verde Defense Support: The EU approved a €60m package via the European Peace Fund to back the Cape Verdean Armed Forces, with priority for the Coast Guard on maintenance, logistics, training, maritime operations, and surveillance. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared agenda to strengthen control of shared rivers and climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum; separate ECOWAS Parliament talks also pushed for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund and stronger early-warning systems. Storm Preparedness in Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness to reduce coastal damage and protect communities. Ocean Data for Industry: The OceanEye International Alliance launched to expand global ocean observing, with EU €92m and Canada C$82m pledged—supporting safer navigation, weather forecasting, and coastal protection, including Cabo Verde’s participation. Construction Equipment Market Shift: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West Africa, expanding Movicortes coverage to include Cape Verde and setting up direct support for mining customers in Morocco and Mauritania. Global Air Quality Watch: New analysis says nearly 40% of the world’s population has been exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026, driven by heat and emissions—an indirect pressure on health and agriculture.

EU Security Support: The EU approved a €60m package via the European Peace Fund to strengthen the Armed Forces of Cape Verde, with priority for Coast Guard maintenance, logistics, training, maritime operations, and surveillance. Water & Climate Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional agenda to improve shared river management and climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum after the Abidjan Declaration. UN Statehood at Risk: At the UN, Cabo Verde Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho backed a consensus declaration affirming the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for countries losing land to sea level rise. Ocean Monitoring Funding: The OceanEye International Alliance was launched at the UN, securing at least €211m in pledges (including EU €92m and Canada C$82m) to expand global ocean observing for weather, safety and coastal protection. Regional Climate Security Push: ECOWAS Parliament called for a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and renewable energy as droughts and floods drive displacement and insecurity. Telecom Connectivity: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre submarine cable system targeted for service by end-2029. Construction Equipment Distribution: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe reshuffled its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding Movicortes to include Cape Verde and setting up direct mining support in Morocco and Mauritania.