AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Connectivity: Togo’s ASKY is plotting a big jump in scale—aiming for about 30 aircraft and 40 destinations within five years, plus first intercontinental routes (London, Paris, Dubai, Mumbai, Jeddah) and a planned $100m maintenance facility in Lomé. Anti-Corruption & Finance: In a Miami federal case tied to Venezuela’s CLAP food program, Nicolás Maduro ally Alex Saab pleaded guilty to money-laundering conspiracy, agreeing to forfeit $195m and cooperate with U.S. investigations—an outcome that follows his earlier arrest in Cabo Verde in 2020. Public Health: WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, now affecting about 1.9m people and costing families and society an estimated $15.6bn annually, with most care unpaid. Energy Costs (Diaspora angle): Massachusetts residents, including people connected to the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton, are seeking help as electricity bills climb and rate increases hit households.

Venezuela-linked corruption case: Alex Saab, Nicolás Maduro’s alleged “bagman,” pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court to money-laundering conspiracy tied to bribes and fake contracts around Venezuela’s CLAP food-and-medicine program, agreeing to forfeit $195 million and cooperate with U.S. investigations; sentencing is set for January 20, 2027, with prosecutors seeking reductions based on his help. Health & caregiving pressure: The WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people now and costing families and societies roughly $15.6 billion a year, largely driven by unpaid caregiving. Energy affordability (diaspora angle): In Massachusetts, residents—at a Cape Verdean community event—described soaring electricity bills and used utility assistance options to cut costs. Aviation leadership: Azerbaijan Airlines’ passenger subsidiary appointed Mario Chaves as CEO, with prior experience including acting roles at Cabo Verde Airlines. Sports development: FC Porto partnered with Sialkot Football Academy to launch Pakistan’s first Dragon Force Academy, backed by the ball manufacturer Forward Sports.

Venezuelan Food-Program Case: Alex Saab, a key ally of Nicolás Maduro, pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court to money-laundering conspiracy tied to alleged bribery and fraud around the CLAP subsidized food program, agreeing to forfeit $195 million and cooperate with U.S. investigations; sentencing is set for January 20, 2027. Aviation Leadership: Azerbaijan Airlines’ passenger unit appointed Mario Chaves as CEO, bringing experience including acting leadership at Cabo Verde Airlines, as the carrier pushes an expansion and customer-experience drive. Identity & Digital Services: Liberia plans to link its national ID with civil registration and vital statistics under a proposed $54m upgrade, noting Cabo Verde’s similar integration as a reference point. Energy Costs (Diaspora Angle): Massachusetts residents, including people connected to the Cape Verdean community, are seeking help over rising electricity bills through National Grid assistance events. Sports Business (Regional Travel Impact): Atlanta hotel occupancy fell during the FIFA World Cup months, reflecting broader travel-demand pressure from higher energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty.

Legal & Finance: Alex Saab, a Venezuela-linked businessman tied to food-import contracts under the CLAP program, pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court to money-laundering conspiracy, agreeing to forfeit $195 million and cooperate with U.S. investigations; prosecutors described shell companies, falsified shipping records, and bribes tied to public contracts. Aviation & Connectivity: Cabo Verde Airlines’ former acting CEO Mario Chaves was appointed CEO of Azerbaijan Airlines’ passenger subsidiary, a move aimed at supporting expansion and operational upgrades. Industry & Business Climate: A week of coverage also touched on how identity and infrastructure projects can shape services delivery, with Cabo Verde cited as a reference point for integrating civil registration and national ID systems. Sports & Culture (local relevance): The week included Cabo Verde-linked sports coverage, including WBLA qualifiers in Praia, Cape Verde, and broader regional business-and-tourism signals.

Legal & Finance: Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuela’s former President Nicolás Maduro and a businessman long linked to the CLAP subsidized food program, pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court to money-laundering conspiracy, admitting bribes and illicit payments tied to contracts for importing food and medicine; he agreed to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors and forfeit $195 million, with sentencing still pending. Aviation & Connectivity: Azerbaijan Airlines appointed Mario Chaves as CEO of its passenger airline subsidiary, bringing experience that includes acting leadership at Cabo Verde Airlines—an expansion move aimed at improving operations and customer experience. Identity Systems: Liberia plans to link its national ID with Civil Registration and Vital Statistics under a proposed $54m infrastructure upgrade, while Cabo Verde is cited as a reference point for near-universal birth registration and identity coverage. Industry/Services Watch: Apple expanded iCloud+ into a broader bundle in 100+ countries by adding Apple TV, Apple Arcade and “Apple Music Select” at no extra charge in included markets. Regional Mobility: A residency-cost roundup lists Cabo Verde among African destinations offering residency pathways tied to business activity and investment thresholds.

Corruption & Food Supply Chains: Alex Saab, a close ally of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and previously arrested in Cape Verde, pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court to money-laundering tied to alleged bribery for Venezuela’s CLAP subsidized food contracts; he agreed to forfeit $195M and cooperate with U.S. investigations, with prosecutors linking the scheme to shell companies, falsified shipping records and diversion of funds, later expanding into PDVSA oil sales. Aviation & Regional Talent: Azerbaijan Airlines appointed Mario Chaves as CEO of its passenger airline, highlighting his past leadership roles including acting CEO of Cabo Verde Airlines—an example of how experienced airline management is moving across Lusophone and international markets. Identity Systems & Governance: Liberia plans to link its national ID with civil registration and vital statistics under a proposed $54M upgrade, noting Cabo Verde’s similar integration as a reference point for near-universal birth registration and identity coverage. Tech & Mobility in Public Services: Kenya announced a government vehicle management system to track state fleets in real time—fuel, mileage and maintenance—aimed at cutting waste and improving accountability.

Aviation Leadership: Azerbaijan Airlines named Mario Chaves CEO of its passenger airline, drawing on 30+ years of experience including acting CEO of Cabo Verde Airlines, as the group pushes an expansion and customer-experience drive. Identity & Digital Services: Liberia plans to link its national ID with Civil Registration and Vital Statistics under a $54m public-private partnership, citing Cabo Verde’s model of near-universal birth registration and ID coverage. Maritime & Clean Tech: Silent Yachts’ solar-powered Silent 62 completed a transatlantic crossing using under 1,500 gallons of fuel, highlighting efficiency gains from more solar panels and data-led product ideas. Weather Watch: The Atlantic’s disturbed central-weather area is being monitored by the National Hurricane Center, with low chances of tropical development and no expected threat to the U.S. Governance & Heritage: President José Maria Neves backed a technical and museological dialogue on including Tarrafal prisoners’ memory in the Resistance Museum’s program, routing the review to culture bodies and UNESCO-linked experts.

Aviation Leadership: Azerbaijan Airlines has appointed Mario Chaves as CEO of its passenger airline, with a background that includes acting CEO of Cabo Verde Airlines—signaling a push for expansion and improved customer experience. Identity & Digital Services: Liberia is planning to link its national ID with civil registration and vital statistics under a proposed $54m partnership, noting Cabo Verde’s similar integration as a reference point for near-universal coverage. Maritime & Energy Innovation: Silent Yachts says its solar-powered Silent 62 transatlantic crossing used under 1,500 gallons of fuel, highlighting efficiency gains from more solar panels and data-driven software improvements. Air Quality & Public Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief reports that Senegal and Cabo Verde were among the most affected by Saharan dust in 2025, with many West African areas exceeding WHO daily PM2.5 limits for large parts of the year. Tourism & Transport Demand: Data on Atlanta’s hotel occupancy shows World Cup hosting coincided with year-on-year declines, pointing to how geopolitical and travel-cost pressures can hit hospitality. Governance & Heritage: President José Maria Neves backs a technical and museological dialogue on including Tarrafal prisoners’ memory in the Resistance Museum’s program, routing the review through culture bodies and UNESCO-linked experts.

Air Medical Response: A medical expert says Nigeria needs purpose-built domestic ambulance helicopters, arguing that relying on road evacuations and cross-border aircraft from places like Cape Verde can mean delays of hours. Maritime & Clean Tech: Silent Yachts reports a solar-powered transatlantic crossing using far less fuel than an earlier trip, pointing to efficiency gains from more solar panels and data-driven software ideas. Hurricane Watch: The Atlantic disturbance is being monitored, but forecasters say there’s little chance of tropical development and no expected threat to the U.S. Aviation/Shipping Safety Culture: A family’s 6,000-mile catamaran voyage included stops in Cape Verde, highlighting how practical navigation and preparedness matter for long-distance routes. Governance & Heritage: President José Maria Neves backs a technical, museological dialogue to include Tarrafal prison memory (1974–75) in the Resistance Museum’s program, with UNESCO-linked specialist review. Air Quality: A new Africa Air Quality Brief flags that Senegal and Cape Verde saw unsafe air for over 120 days in 2025, driven largely by Saharan dust. Women in Politics: INEC urges parties to support female candidates more strongly ahead of 2027, noting women dominate voter registration but lag in leadership roles.

Air Medical Response: A medical expert says Nigeria’s lack of purpose-built ambulance helicopters is hurting survival chances, with critical evacuations sometimes taking hours and even requiring aircraft from Nairobi, Casablanca or Cape Verde. Hurricane Watch: The U.S. National Hurricane Center is monitoring a central Atlantic disturbance, but says conditions look unlikely to produce a threat to the Lower 48. Maritime & Energy Innovation: Silent Yachts’ solar-powered Silent 62 completed a transatlantic using under 1,500 gallons of fuel, highlighting efficiency gains from more solar panels and lessons for future software. Clean Air Pressure: A new Africa Air Quality Brief reports Senegal and Cape Verde saw more than 120 days in 2025 above WHO daily PM2.5 limits, driven largely by Saharan dust plus pollution sources. Cabo Verde Policy & Heritage: President José Maria Neves backs a technical and museological dialogue to include the full memory of Tarrafal prisoners (1974–75) in the Resistance Museum, routing the review to the Culture ministry and heritage institute with UNESCO advisory input. Road Safety: At least 25 people died in a Cape Verde bus crash carrying schoolchildren on a field trip, with national mourning announced.

Maritime & Tourism: World ARC 2026-27 has kicked off its second half after departing Darwin, with the fleet sailing a 920-nautical-mile leg across the Timor Sea to Lombok, then heading for Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands—an industry-relevant boost for ports and marine services. Heritage & Creative Industries: President José Maria Neves backed a technical and museological dialogue to include the memory of Tarrafal prisoners (1974-1975) in the Resistance Museum, sending the matter to the Culture ministry and the Cultural Heritage Institute for review with UNESCO advisory bodies. Transport & Safety: Cape Verde mourns after a bus crash killed at least 25 schoolchildren on a field trip from Curral Grande to Ponta Verde; the president announced two days of national mourning while authorities investigate the cause. Energy & Innovation (Global, with Cabo Verde links): A Silent Yachts solar-powered crossing reported far lower fuel use than an earlier Atlantic attempt, highlighting efficiency gains from more solar capacity and data-driven software ideas. Air Quality (Regional): A new Africa Air Quality Brief flags Senegal and Cabo Verde among the worst affected by Saharan dust, with many days exceeding WHO daily PM2.5 limits.

Maritime & Tourism: World ARC 2026-27 has kicked off the second half of its 15-month, 26,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation, with the fleet departing Darwin on 8 September and heading across the Timor Sea to Lombok, then onward to Christmas Island and Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Culture & Heritage: President José Maria Neves says the Tarrafal Resistance Museum should include a technical and museological dialogue to properly reflect the memory of prisoners held there between 1974 and 1975, with review involving the Culture ministry, IPC, and UNESCO advisory specialists. Aviation & Connectivity: Reuters reports Portugal’s TAP is tied to a final round of negotiations after two groups submitted offers for a 44.9% stake, with TAP’s Africa network including Cabo Verde among key Portuguese-speaking routes. Road Safety: Cape Verde mourns after a bus crash killed at least 25 schoolchildren, with a national two-day mourning announced by President Neves. Shipping Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority pushes for stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards, running a regional training that includes Cape Verde.

Cultural Heritage & Creative Industries: President José Maria Neves backed a technical, museological dialogue to include the memory of Tarrafal prisoners (1974–1975) in the Resistance Museum’s founding document, sending the matter to the Ministry of Culture and Creative Industries and the Cultural Heritage Institute for review with UNESCO advisory specialists. Maritime & Skills for Shipping: Ghana Maritime Authority opened a one-week regional training on assessment, examination and certification of seafarers under IMO guidance, bringing together assessors and institutions from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to strengthen competency standards for global trade. Aviation Connectivity: Reuters reports Portugal’s government is running a final negotiation round over bids for a 44.9% stake in TAP, with the airline’s Africa network including Cabo Verde and other Portuguese-speaking markets. Road Safety: Cape Verde’s President Neves condemned a deadly bus crash killing at least 25 schoolchildren, announcing national mourning and calling for clarity on the cause. Air Quality & Public Health: AfriCAN’s Africa Air Quality Brief flags Senegal and Cabo Verde among countries with unsafe air for over 120 days in 2025, pushing for better monitoring and action.

Maritime & Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority pushed for tougher seafarer assessment and certification standards, running a regional familiarisation training with assessors and examiners from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to keep pace with international competency needs. Air Quality & Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says Senegal and Cape Verde were among the worst hit by Saharan dust in 2025, with parts of West Africa exceeding WHO daily PM2.5 limits for more than 120 days. Small-Scale Fisheries: FAO’s 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome highlighted how better governance and implementation of the 2014 SSF Guidelines can strengthen livelihoods and sustainability, with Cabo Verde among the ministers engaged. Economy & Credit: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review reports Cabo Verde among countries that received foreign-currency rating upgrades in the first half of 2026, citing stabilization and reforms. Transport & Safety: Cape Verde’s president called a deadly school bus crash a major catastrophe after at least 25 people were killed.

Maritime Skills & Safety: Ghana’s Maritime Authority launched a one-week regional familiarisation on seafarer assessment and certification, bringing together assessors and training institutions from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to strengthen standards under IMO guidance. Small-Scale Fisheries: FAO convened the 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, with Cabo Verde among the ministers engaged on how to secure sustainable fisheries for food security and livelihoods. Air Quality Pressure: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says Senegal and Cape Verde were among the worst hit by unsafe daily air pollution in 2025, with West Africa seeing more than 120 days above WHO daily PM2.5 limits in parts of the region. Public Finance & Credit: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review reports Cabo Verde among countries receiving foreign-currency rating upgrades in the first half of 2026, citing stabilization and reforms. Transport & Connectivity: Portugal’s TAP is set to face a final round of negotiations after matched bids for a stake in the airline, with its 14 African destinations including Cabo Verde. Road Safety: Cape Verde reported a deadly bus crash killing at least 25 schoolchildren, with authorities still investigating the cause.

Maritime & Fisheries Policy: A new push for better-managed fisheries is taking shape ahead of FAO’s 37th Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in Rome (7–11 Sept), with a focus on how global value chains can improve transparency, governance, and adoption of credible standards—relevant for Cabo Verde’s seafood and coastal livelihoods. Small-Scale Fisheries: FAO also hosted the 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit (4–6 Sept), highlighting that small-scale fisheries support food security and jobs for hundreds of millions, and urging stronger implementation of the 2014 SSF Guidelines—Cabo Verde was among the ministers engaged. Air Quality Pressure: A new Africa Air Quality Brief reports Senegal and Cape Verde faced unsafe air for over 120 days in 2025, driven largely by Saharan dust and compounded by everyday pollution sources. Shipping Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority called for tougher assessment and certification standards for seafarers, running a regional training that included Cape Verde—aimed at keeping crews competent for global trade. Finance & Credit: An Africa sovereign credit review says Cabo Verde received an upgrade in foreign-currency ratings in the first half of 2026, tied to stabilization and reforms. Transport Safety: Cape Verde’s president mourned a deadly bus crash killing at least 25 schoolchildren, with authorities still investigating the cause.