AGP Executive Report

EU–Cape Verde Security Support: The EU approved a €60m aid package via the European Peace Fund to strengthen Cape Verde’s armed forces, with priority on maritime security and Coast Guard logistics, training, operations, and surveillance. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared agenda to tackle West Africa’s water insecurity and transboundary disputes, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum after the Abidjan Declaration. Climate Risk, Security Link: ECOWAS Parliamentarians in Accra urged swift action on climate change as a driver of displacement and insecurity, recommending a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and renewable energy. Ocean Data for the Blue Economy: The OceanEye International Alliance for global ocean observing was launched at the UN, with EU €92m and Canada C$82m pledged—supporting GOOS platforms, data gaps, and coastal protection. Cabo Verde in UN Sea-Level Talks: Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho helped secure a UN political declaration affirming continued statehood for countries threatened by sea-level rise. Maritime/Weather Pressure: Tropical Storm Gonzalo triggered tropical storm warnings for the Cabo Verde Islands, while broader Atlantic activity remains unusually quiet on hurricane formation.

Ocean Observation Funding: The EU and Canada helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at the UN in New York, with pledges of about €211–€220 million to keep ocean data flowing for weather, climate, maritime safety and coastal resilience. Climate Security in West Africa: ECOWAS Parliamentarians warned that shrinking water and degraded farmland are driving displacement and insecurity, urging a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and faster renewable energy rollout. Cabo Verde in UN Climate Talks: Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho backed a UN push for the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for small islands facing sea-level rise, stressing drought, water scarcity and ocean impacts as immediate realities. Recruitment Across ECOWAS: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals from its 12 member states across agencies including health, finance, energy and legal affairs, with no recruitment fees. Maritime Governance Angle: A commentary argues naval power can’t replace the rules and institutions that keep maritime order working—highlighting governance as the real battleground. Hurricane Disruptions: Tropical systems continue to threaten the region, with Tropical Storm Gonzalo triggering warnings across the Cabo Verde Islands.

UN Cooperation on Climate and Water: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho backed stronger cooperation as small island states face drought, desertification, water scarcity, ocean acidification and sea-level rise. ECOWAS Climate Security Push: ECOWAS Parliamentarians in Accra warned that shrinking land and water are fueling displacement and insecurity, urging a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, early-warning systems, agroforestry and faster renewable energy rollout. Ocean Observation Funding for the Blue Economy: The EU and Canada helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, with pledges of at least €211 million (including €92 million from the EU and C$82 million from Canada) to protect navigation, weather forecasting and coastal resilience—Cabo Verde listed among participating members. Cabo Verde’s Foreign Policy Signal: Cabo Verde reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its Autonomy Plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Cabo Verde in the Storm Mix: Tropical Storm Gonzalo triggered Tropical Storm Warnings across the Cabo Verde Islands, adding to a wider Atlantic and Pacific weather surge.

Climate & Security: ECOWAS Parliamentarians in Accra warned that climate change is now a security and governance crisis, linking droughts, floods, coastal erosion and degraded farmland to displacement and farmer-herder conflict, and urged a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and faster renewable energy rollout. Ocean Data for Industry: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance under the UN to back the Global Ocean Observing System, with pledges of at least €211m (EU €92m; Canada C$82m over five years) to keep ocean monitoring running for safer navigation, weather forecasting, climate prediction and coastal protection—key inputs for shipping and the “blue economy.” Cabo Verde at the UN: Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho backed a UN declaration affirming the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for climate-vulnerable small islands facing sea-level rise. Energy Access Snapshot: Afrobarometer data shows Cabo Verde has near-universal grid access (100%), while across Africa fewer than half get reliable electricity—highlighting the region’s uneven power reliability for industry and services. Maritime Weather Risk: Tropical Storm Gonzalo triggered Tropical Storm Warnings across the Cabo Verde Islands, underscoring near-term operational risk for ports and logistics.

Climate & Security: ECOWAS Parliamentarians meeting in Accra warned that climate change is now driving environmental degradation, displacement and insecurity across West Africa, with droughts, floods and shrinking resources intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and migration. Ocean Data for Industry: EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance to back the Global Ocean Observing System, with pledges of at least €211 million (including €92m from the EU and C$82m from Canada) to support safer navigation, weather forecasting and a stronger “blue economy.” Cabo Verde at the UN: Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho helped secure a UN political declaration protecting statehood for countries threatened by sea-level rise, backing the “presumption in favour of continued statehood.” Cabo Verde in Morocco Talks: Cabo Verde reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its Autonomy Plan after meetings in New York, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across specialised agencies, including health, finance, energy and legal affairs, stressing it charges no recruitment fees. Energy Access (Africa-wide): Afrobarometer data shows fewer than half of Africans get reliable electricity, with Cabo Verde at the top for grid access.

Climate Resilience & Coastal Risk: Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho helped secure a UN General Assembly declaration backing the “presumption in favour of continued statehood” for countries threatened by sea level rise, stressing that losing land shouldn’t mean losing UN membership or sovereign rights. Regional Climate Action: ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a weeklong Accra seminar calling for urgent, coordinated climate measures across West Africa, including a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry, and faster renewable energy adoption. Ocean Economy Funding: EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at UN HQ, with EU adding €92m and Canada pledging C$82m over five years, bringing total pledges to about €211–€220m to support ocean data platforms and close observation gaps, with Cabo Verde listed among participating countries. Energy Access Snapshot: Afrobarometer data highlights that while Cabo Verde has full grid access, across Africa fewer than half get reliable electricity, with rural and low-income households most underserved. Industry & Trade Context: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across specialised agencies (including health, finance, energy, and legal affairs), signaling continued institutional capacity-building for regional services.

Ocean & Climate Finance: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at the UN in New York, with pledges of at least €211m (EU +€92m; Canada C$82m) to back ocean monitoring, close data gaps, and strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System. ECOWAS Climate Action: ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a seminar in Accra calling for urgent regional steps on droughts, floods, coastal erosion and insecurity, pushing a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, early-warning systems, agroforestry and renewable energy. Recruitment & Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across its agencies, with vacancies spanning health, finance, energy, legal affairs and anti–money laundering roles (no recruitment fees). Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS met in Abidjan to review integrated water resources management across shared river basins and set recommendations for ministerial follow-up. Cabo Verde Diplomacy: Cabo Verde reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Energy Access: A new Afrobarometer profile highlights that only 43% of Africans report reliable electricity “most” or “all” of the time, while Cabo Verde is among the few with full grid access.

Ocean & Blue Economy Funding: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance in New York, backing the Global Ocean Observing System with almost €220m in pledges so far, including €92m extra EU seed funding and Canada’s CA$82m over five years, to support sensors, vessels, data hubs and closing ocean data gaps. Climate Resilience Push: ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a seminar in Accra calling for urgent regional action on climate-driven droughts, floods and coastal erosion, urging a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, stronger early-warning systems, agroforestry and faster renewable energy uptake. ECOWAS Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for nationals across 12 member states for roles in specialised agencies, covering sectors like health, finance, energy and legal affairs, with a warning that it charges no recruitment fees. Cabo Verde–Morocco Diplomacy: Cabo Verde reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Electricity Access Reality Check: Afrobarometer data shows Cabo Verde stands out with grid access at 100%, but across Africa fewer than half report reliable electricity, with many turning to alternatives like solar.

ECOWAS Careers: ECOWAS has opened recruitment for qualified nationals across 12 member states, with vacancies spanning health, finance, energy and legal affairs, and a clear warning that it charges no recruitment fees. Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS convened in Abidjan for a key IWRM technical experts session, reviewing regional water-resources implementation and setting recommendations for ministerial follow-up. Energy Access: Afrobarometer data highlights that fewer than half of Africans get electricity that works reliably, with rural and low-income households most affected and many turning to solar alternatives. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight: Cabo Verde reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and backed Morocco’s autonomy plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Maritime Trade Reminder: World Maritime Day spotlights safer shipping and marine protection, underscoring how commercial logistics still underpins most global trade by sea. Industry Finance Lens: A commentary on Cabo Verde’s financial depth notes progress alongside constraints from the small domestic market and limited diversification of financial instruments. Sports Governance: CAF invited FIFA President Gianni Infantino to a Cape Verde strategy conference on Oct 7–8 as he faces political pressure ahead of next year’s FIFA election.

Electricity Access: Afrobarometer data shows Cabo Verde is among the few African countries where grid coverage is universal (100%), but only 43% of people overall report reliable power “most” or “all” of the time—rural and poor households lag badly, pushing many to solar and other alternatives. Foreign Policy & Trade Links: Cabo Verde’s FM Manuel Lima Amante da Rosa reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797, as both sides also signal stronger economic cooperation. Aviation & Connectivity: Tui expects Cape Verde to be a top winter destination, even as bookings remain pressured by geopolitical and cost uncertainty, with the company pointing to a later booking pattern. Sports Governance: CAF invited FIFA President Gianni Infantino to a Cape Verde strategy conference on Oct 7–8, as he seeks to keep African support ahead of next year’s FIFA election. Finance & Development: A BCN–Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios analysis highlights Cabo Verde’s improving financial depth but flags limits from the small domestic market, banking concentration, and lack of diversified instruments. Energy Policy Context: A US report on rising power bills notes households are turning to rate changes and assistance programs—an angle that resonates with Cabo Verde’s electricity reliability debate.

Aviation & Tourism: Tui says it’s seeing a late-booking rebound, but winter demand is still weaker—UK bookings down 7% and Germany down 4%, with Cape Verde flagged as a key destination for the season. Diplomacy: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Sports Governance: CAF invited FIFA president Gianni Infantino to a Cape Verde strategy conference on Oct 7–8 as he faces political pressure ahead of next year’s FIFA election. Finance & Business: A new analysis highlights Cabo Verde’s improving financial depth alongside constraints like a small domestic market and limited diversification of financial instruments. Energy & Industry Links: The U.S. Exchange Visitor Skills List now includes Cabo Verde, meaning some nationals may face a two-year home-country requirement tied to specific skills. Trade & Security: A West Africa editorial warns that port-by-port enforcement gaps let major trafficking networks operate, urging shared regional tools.

Diplomacy & Trade Links: Cabo Verde’s foreign affairs and defense minister reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and pointing to stronger bilateral ties, including Morocco’s consular outreach in Dakhla. Tourism Demand: Tui reported a late-summer booking lift (+2% over four weeks) but warned winter bookings are still down (UK -9%, Germany -4%), with Cape Verde among the destinations it expects to perform best. Finance & Development: A new analysis highlights Cabo Verde’s progress on financial depth while stressing limits from the small domestic market, banking concentration, and a need for more diversified financial instruments. US Immigration Rules: The US State Department’s Exchange Visitor Skills List includes Cabo Verde, meaning some nationals in covered fields may face a two-year home-country requirement before certain immigration benefits. Sports Governance: CAF invited FIFA president Gianni Infantino to a Cape Verde strategy conference on Oct 7-8 as he faces political pressure ahead of FIFA’s next election. Regional Security: Commentary argues West Africa must move beyond one-border-at-a-time responses to trafficking networks, calling for shared tools across ports and patrols.

Diplomacy & Trade: Cabo Verde reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, backing Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, after talks in New York with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Sports Governance: CAF invited FIFA president Gianni Infantino to a Cape Verde strategy conference on Oct 7–8 as he faces pressure ahead of next year’s FIFA election. Finance & Inclusion: A commentary on Cabo Verde’s financial depth highlights progress but flags limits tied to the small domestic market, banking concentration, and a need for more diversified financial instruments. US Immigration Rules: The US published its Exchange Visitor Skills List, including Cabo Verde, where certain J-1 participants may face a two-year home-country requirement. Aviation & Connectivity: Asky Airlines says it aims to grow to about 30 aircraft and 40 destinations in five years, with plans for first intercontinental routes and a $100m maintenance facility in Lomé, with Cabo Verde in its current network. Energy Costs (Diaspora Link): In Massachusetts, residents at Cape Verdean community events sought help as electricity bills rose sharply, including one switch to a lower-rate supplier and income-based assistance.

Financial Depth in Cabo Verde: A BCN–Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios board member argues Cabo Verde’s financial system has improved and sits above the Sub-Saharan average, but still faces limits from a small domestic market, banking concentration, and a narrow range of financial products. US Immigration Rules: The U.S. State Department’s Exchange Visitor Skills List adds Cabo Verde to countries whose nationals may face a two-year home-country requirement under the J-1 programme for certain skills. CAF & FIFA Politics: CAF invited FIFA president Gianni Infantino to a Cape Verde strategy conference on Oct 7–8, as he seeks to keep African support ahead of next year’s FIFA election. Energy Costs Link: A report highlights how high electricity prices are squeezing households, with a Cape Verdean association event in Brockton used to help residents switch suppliers and access assistance. Health & Care Burden: WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, costing families and societies about $15.6 billion annually, with heavy unpaid caregiving—an issue that affects long-term human and economic capacity.

Football & Governance: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been invited by CAF to a two-day Strategy Conference in Cape Verde on Oct. 7-8, with CAF backing him as he faces a potential challenge ahead of next year’s FIFA election. Energy Costs & Local Support: In Massachusetts, residents are feeling the squeeze from rising electricity bills; one Cape Verdean Association of Brockton event helped people switch suppliers and access income-based energy assistance. Digital & Industry Events: TICON Africa is set to focus on AI, cybersecurity, data governance and skills at its Sept. 23-25 conference in Zambia, reflecting how tech policy is becoming an industry issue across Africa. Aviation & Routes: Asky Airlines says it plans to grow to about 30 aircraft and 40 destinations in five years, including first intercontinental services, with a planned $100m maintenance facility in Lomé. Global Trade & Food Systems: A UN debate is set to vote on extending Least Developed Country status for Bangladesh (and likely others), raising questions about how long-term development support is structured.

Drug Trafficking Watch: A South African man was arrested at OR Tambo Airport after arriving from Accra, with drugs suspected to be heroin found in his luggage—another sign that West Africa is increasingly used as a cocaine route into Europe and America, with seizures and market scores rising sharply in 2025-26. Football & Governance: CAF invited FIFA president Gianni Infantino to a Cape Verde strategy conference on Oct. 7-8 as he faces political pressure ahead of next year’s FIFA election, with Africa’s 54 votes seen as pivotal. Air Connectivity & Logistics: Togo’s Asky Airlines says it plans a major fleet and route expansion—about 30 aircraft and 40 destinations in five years—plus a move toward intercontinental services, with a planned $100m maintenance facility in Lomé. Energy Costs (Community Impact): In Massachusetts, residents including members of the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton are seeking help as electricity bills spike; one attendee cut costs by switching suppliers and accessing assistance programs. Industry & Trade Risk: A major U.S. corruption case continues to unfold as Alex Saab pleaded guilty in Miami over alleged laundering tied to Venezuela’s CLAP food contracts, with $195m forfeiture and cooperation promised.