Cape Verde Eyes GDP Boost Through Stronger Digital Skills

The Secretary of State for the Digital Economy in Cabo Verde, Pedro Lopes, has stated that the country has the potential to double its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by strengthening its population’s digital skills. Speaking at a workshop on the “National strategy of skills and digital readiness” in Praia, Lopes explained that this initiative is part of the “Digital Cabo Verde” project, which aims to create a country well-prepared for the information age. He emphasized the need to focus on developing a strong digital skills strategy for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.

Lopes highlighted a key challenge: moving beyond mere internet access to a more impactful use of digital technology. While data from the Multisectoral Regulatory Agency for the Economy (ARME) shows a high internet penetration rate of 90 accesses per 100 inhabitants, the focus now is on what people are actually doing with that access. Lopes advocated for using the internet for learning, training, and entrepreneurship, rather than just for entertainment. He called for a collective effort from families, teachers, and institutions to promote the productive use of digital tools.

The government’s plan is informed by a recent study that assessed the digital readiness of Cape Verdeans. This analysis, which involved over a thousand people from different islands, will directly contribute to the new national strategy. The strategy will address emerging skills like artificial intelligence and data analysis, which are considered crucial for accelerating the country’s digital transformation. The government is also working to ensure wider access to connectivity by expanding the number of “digital squares” with free internet and strengthening infrastructure in educational and business spaces. The “Digital Cabo Verde” project is funded by the World Bank and is a collaborative effort involving several government agencies.