AGP Executive Report

CAF Funding: The Confederation of African Football is raising annual grants to member associations to $700,000, up from $525,000. Announced at its strategy conference in Sal, the increase means more funding for Cabo Verde’s football federation. Inter-island Connectivity: CVsky has received a new ATR 72-600, with a second aircraft due under its lease agreement. The added capacity supports essential travel between islands and wider economic activity. Trade and Investment: An Indonesia–West Africa business forum explored partnerships in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure. Indonesia’s ambassador is also accredited to Cabo Verde, though no specific deals were announced. Regional Investment Climate: ECOWAS’s investment review points to reforms and digitised investor services across the region, alongside persistent currency, infrastructure and climate risks. Cabo Verde’s report is still being processed. Economic Outlook: UNCTAD projects African growth of 4.1% this year, while warning that imported energy costs, high borrowing rates and reduced aid could weigh on businesses and public budgets.

Regional Investment: ECOWAS’s 2025 investment reports cite stronger investor services and modernised laws across West Africa, but flag currency volatility and infrastructure gaps. Cabo Verde is among the countries covered, though its report was still being processed. Business Climate: Cabo Verde remains off the EU’s tax blacklist, recognised for meeting tax-governance standards without outstanding commitments. Inter-Island Connectivity: A new ATR 72-600 is joining the CVsky fleet, adding capacity to domestic air links that support access to work, education and services across the islands. Living and Working: Cabo Verde ranked 36th among 63 countries in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, which assessed taxes, safety, residency access, climate and services.

Investment Climate: ECOWAS’s 2025 regional investment review highlights modernised rules and digital investor services, alongside foreign-exchange volatility and infrastructure gaps. Cabo Verde’s national report was still being finalised. Air Connectivity: A new ATR 72-600 has been delivered for CVsky under its lease arrangement, supporting plans to expand inter-island services—an important link for workers, businesses and public services across the archipelago. Tax Standing: Cabo Verde remains among seven African economies recognised by the EU for meeting tax-governance standards, with no outstanding corrective measures. Regional Trade: An Indonesia–West Africa business forum explored partnerships in sectors including agriculture, fisheries, energy and infrastructure; Indonesia’s ambassador is also accredited to Cabo Verde.

Air Connectivity: Cabo Verde’s CVsky has received a new ATR 72-600 under lease, adding capacity to its inter-island fleet and supporting links that are vital for work, healthcare and business across the archipelago. Trade Opportunities: An Indonesia–West Africa business forum explored joint ventures in sectors including agriculture, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, energy and infrastructure. Indonesia’s ambassador is also accredited to Cabo Verde, creating a potential channel for deeper commercial ties. Regional Outlook: UNCTAD projects African growth of 4.1% in 2026, but warns that costly imported energy, high borrowing costs and shrinking aid could weigh on businesses and public investment. Aviation Links: Lufthansa has been selected to acquire up to 49.9% of TAP Air Portugal in a deal valued at about $1.3 billion, subject to regulatory approval. TAP serves several Cabo Verde destinations, making its Lisbon connections important for travellers and companies. Tax Standing: Cabo Verde remains among seven African economies recognised by the EU for tax cooperation, with no outstanding corrective measures.

Regional Outlook: UNCTAD projects Africa’s economy will grow 4.1% in 2026, but imported energy costs, shrinking aid and high borrowing costs could limit gains. Inter-island Connectivity: CVsky has taken delivery of an ATR 72-600 under a two-aircraft lease with Avation, adding capacity to a fleet that supports travel for work, services and commerce across the islands. Trade & Finance: BAI Cabo Verde joined its wider banking group at Sibos 2026, where the group held more than 50 meetings on trade finance, correspondent banking and cross-border payments. Air Links to Europe: Portugal selected Lufthansa for a potential 49.9% stake in TAP, which serves several Cabo Verde destinations; the deal still needs regulatory approval. Business Climate: Cabo Verde was among seven African economies the EU recognized as meeting tax-governance standards with no outstanding commitments.

Regional Trade: Indonesia and West African businesses are exploring joint ventures in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, energy and other sectors. Cabo Verde was represented through Indonesia’s ambassador, who is also accredited to the country. Air Connectivity: A new ATR 72-600 will join CVsky’s fleet under lease, adding capacity to inter-island services that support mobility and economic activity across the archipelago. Banking: BAI Cabo Verde joined its group’s first Sibos appearance, which generated more than 50 meetings focused on trade finance, cross-border payments and international partnerships. Aviation Links: Lufthansa has been selected to buy up to 49.9% of TAP Air Portugal, whose network includes several Cabo Verde destinations; the deal still needs regulatory approval. Business Climate: Cabo Verde is among seven African economies recognised by the EU as meeting tax-governance standards, with no outstanding corrective commitments. Football Funding: CAF raised annual grants to each member association, including Cabo Verde’s, to $700,000, up 33%, to support development and financial stability.

Inter-island Connectivity: CVsky has received a new ATR 72-600, adding capacity to domestic air services. Two aircraft are due to join the fleet under a lease deal, supporting travel between the islands and access to jobs and services. Aviation Links: Lufthansa has been selected to acquire up to 49.9% of TAP Air Portugal, pending regulatory approval. TAP serves several Cabo Verde destinations, making the deal relevant to the country’s links with Europe and onward markets. CAF Funding: After a strategy meeting in Cabo Verde, the African football body raised annual grants to its 54 member associations by 33%, to $700,000 each. Business Networks: BAI’s first SIBOS appearance included more than 50 meetings through its group, which includes BAI Cabo Verde, focused on trade finance, payments and other cross-border services. Tax Standing: Cabo Verde remains among seven African economies the EU recognises as meeting its tax-governance standards, with no outstanding commitments.

Inter-Island Connectivity: ATR delivered a new ATR 72-600 for CVsky, Cabo Verde’s domestic carrier. Two leased aircraft are due to join the two already in service, adding capacity on routes vital to travel and economic activity across the islands. Aviation Investment: Lufthansa was selected to buy up to 49.9% of TAP Air Portugal for about $1.3 billion, subject to approval. TAP serves several Cabo Verde destinations, linking the islands to Lisbon and onward markets. Business Finance: BAI Cabo Verde joined its parent group’s international banking meetings at Sibos 2026, where the group held more than 50 discussions on trade finance, payments and other partnerships. CAF Funding: After a strategy conference in Cabo Verde, the football body raised annual grants to its 54 member associations by 33%, to $700,000 each. Tax Standing: Cabo Verde remains among seven African economies recognised by the EU as meeting its tax-governance standards, with no outstanding corrective measures.

Diplomatic Ties: Serbia approved a visa-waiver agreement with Cabo Verde for diplomatic, official and service passport holders, with both governments pointing to opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, tourism and technology. Financial Markets: Cabo Verde climbed six places to 13th in the 2026 Africa Financial Markets Index, the continent’s biggest rise, on stronger foreign-exchange reserves and sustainable-finance initiatives. Aviation: Lufthansa’s proposed stake in TAP Air Portugal could shape connections to Cabo Verde: TAP serves several islands, though the deal still needs regulatory approval. Banking: BAI Cabo Verde joined its group’s first SIBOS participation, which included more than 50 meetings on trade finance, cross-border payments and other international banking links. Sport Economy: At a strategy conference in Sal, CAF raised annual grants to each member association to $700,000, boosting resources for administration and development. Tax Standing: Cabo Verde remains among the African economies recognised by the EU for tax cooperation, with no outstanding corrective measures.

Financial Markets: Cabo Verde was the biggest riser in the 2026 Africa Financial Markets Index, climbing six places to 13th as stronger foreign-exchange reserves and sustainable-finance initiatives lifted its score. Aviation: Lufthansa won Portugal’s selection to buy an initial 44.9% stake in TAP for €1.025 billion. TAP serves several Cabo Verde destinations, though the deal still needs regulatory approval and does not guarantee changes to routes or fares. Airline Capacity: Cabo Verde’s CVsky signed an ATR72-600 lease with Avation, a move that could support its operations. Business Climate: Cabo Verde remains among seven African economies the EU recognizes for tax cooperation, with no outstanding corrective measures. Regional Business: Serbia approved a report on its visa-waiver agreement with Cabo Verde for diplomatic, official and service passport holders; both governments cite potential cooperation in areas including tourism and the economy.

Football Funding: CAF has raised annual grants to each of its 54 member associations to $700,000, up 33%. The increase was announced at a strategy conference in Sal and is intended to support administration and football development. Aviation: Lufthansa has been selected to buy an initial 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal in a deal valued at about $1.3 billion. TAP serves several Cabo Verde destinations, making its future network and fares important for passengers and businesses; the deal still needs regulatory approval. Financial Markets: Cabo Verde climbed six places to 13th in the 2026 Africa Financial Markets Index, with stronger foreign-exchange reserves and new sustainable-finance initiatives cited as gains. Air Connectivity: Local carrier CVsky has agreed to lease an ATR 72-600 from Avation, a step in its fleet plans.

Financial Markets: Cabo Verde made the biggest advance in Absa and OMFIF’s 2026 African Financial Markets Index, rising six places to 13th as stronger foreign-exchange reserves and sustainable-finance initiatives lifted its score. Banking: BAI Group, including BAI Cabo Verde, held more than 50 meetings at Sibos 2026 to explore partnerships in trade finance, cross-border payments and digital services. Aviation: State carrier CVsky has taken delivery of an ATR72-600 under a 12-year lease, backed by a government guarantee of up to $3.7 million. The aircraft is expected in Cabo Verde by the end of October; a second plane is planned for 2027.

Financial Markets: Cabo Verde made the biggest gain in the 2026 Africa Financial Markets Index, climbing six places to 13th. Stronger foreign-exchange reserves and sustainable-finance initiatives helped, though thin trading remains a continent-wide barrier to investment. CAF Funding: At its Sal conference, CAF announced annual support of $700,000 for each of its 54 member associations, up from $200,000—a combined $37.8 million a year. It aims to raise the figure to $1 million through commercial partnerships. Aviation: State-owned CVsky has taken delivery of an ATR72-600 under a 12-year lease with Singapore-based Avation, backed by a government guarantee of up to $3.7 million. The aircraft is expected in Cabo Verde by the end of October; a second is planned for 2027. Business Climate: Cabo Verde ranked 66th globally in a new capitalism index, placing among Africa’s ten highest-ranked countries.

Aviation: State-owned CVsky has taken delivery of an ATR 72-600 under a 12-year lease with Singapore-based Avation. The deal carries a government guarantee of up to $3.7 million, and a second aircraft is planned for 2027. Business Climate: Cabo Verde ranked 66th in a new global capitalism index, placing among Africa’s ten highest-rated countries for market conditions. Tourism: The islands are drawing growing attention from solo female travellers, adding to their appeal as a tourism destination. Regional Finance: At its Sal conference, CAF announced annual support of $700,000 for each of its 54 member associations, up from $200,000, and said it hopes to reach $1 million through commercial partnerships.

Aviation: Cabo Verde’s state-owned CVsky has taken delivery of an ATR72-600 under a 12-year lease with Singapore’s Avation, backed by a government guarantee of up to $3.7 million. The aircraft is due in Cabo Verde by the end of October; a second is planned for early 2027, subject to a separate guarantee. Tourism: Cabo Verde is attracting more solo female travellers as visitor numbers grow, pointing to expanding demand for tourism services. Across Africa, ports are also seeking a bigger share of cruise passengers’ spending by connecting port calls with inland experiences—a potential model for island destinations.

Aviation: State-owned carrier CVsky has taken delivery of an ATR72-600 under a 12-year lease with Singapore-based Avation, backed by a government guarantee of up to $3.7 million. The aircraft is due in Cabo Verde by the end of October; a second is planned for early 2027, subject to a separate guarantee. Football Funding: At its strategy conference in Sal, CAF said each of its 54 member associations receives $700,000 annually, up from $200,000, and aims to raise that to $1 million through sponsorships and commercial partnerships. The increase dates to 2021, not the recent conference.