AGP Executive Report

Debt and ratings watch: Africa raised over $14bn on international markets in H1 2026, but much of it went to budgets, debt service and liability management rather than productive investment; Cabo Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa saw foreign-currency rating upgrades, while others like Botswana and Mozambique were downgraded. Child marriage on the UN agenda: The UN General Assembly set 27 November as an annual International Day to eliminate child, early and forced marriage, with Cabo Verde among the co-sponsors. Women’s economic push (incl. Cabo Verde): A women’s summit in Abuja called for more investment in leadership and skills for the future of work, with a next phase planned for Cabo Verde in late November. Digital ID gap: The World Bank warns 2.8bn people remain shut out of government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps and low real-world usage even where IDs exist. Aviation connectivity: Luxair says it will invest more than €1bn to renew its fleet, including longer routes to destinations such as Cabo Verde. Tourism pressure from heat: Extreme heat is already reshaping African travel patterns, forcing operators to adjust schedules and rethink seasonality.

Child Marriage Push at UN: The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution setting 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Cabo Verde among the co-sponsors. Sovereign Debt Pressure: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating review says African states raised over $14bn on international markets in H1 2026, but much went to budgets and debt servicing rather than productive investment; Cabo Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa saw rating upgrades. Coris Bank Surge: Coris Bank International in Burkina Faso crossed 1,000bn CFA francs in market value, reaching about $1.85bn, after strong first-half profits and a sharp share-price run. Maritime Health Response: Oceanwide Expeditions’ Antarctic cruise crisis showed how quickly firms are escalating to evacuate patients to Cape Verde and screen/quarantine guests and crew after a hantavirus outbreak. Port Digitalisation: Indra is digitising the Port of Bilbao to meet EU customs rules, a reminder of how compliance tech is reshaping logistics across the region. Women’s Empowerment Funding: A women’s summit in Abuja outlined a next phase of leadership and skills programmes, with Cabo Verde scheduled for late November.

UNESCO & Tourism Investment: São Tomé and Príncipe’s newly listed “rocas” plantation estates (built on slavery and forced labor) are drawing private investors, alongside a 10-year restoration push—an angle that matters for regional heritage tourism and long-term job creation. Maritime Health Response: Oceanwide Expeditions says it evacuated critically ill patients to Cape Verde and later disembarked guests and crew for screening and repatriation after a hantavirus outbreak onboard an Antarctic cruise, highlighting Cabo Verde’s growing role in emergency logistics. Digital Identity Divide: A World Bank report warns 2.8bn people remain excluded from government-recognized digital ID, with digital ID gender gaps re-emerging in some middle-income countries—relevant for Cabo Verde’s digital services planning. Women’s Economic Agency: A summit in Abuja outlined increased investment in women’s leadership and skills, with a next phase planned for late November in Cabo Verde. Aviation & Connectivity: Luxair announced a €1bn+ fleet renewal to expand routes including Cabo Verde, as it takes delivery of new Boeing 737 aircraft.

Digital Identity Divide: The World Bank warns 2.8 billion people still lack government-recognized digital ID, with new gender gaps reappearing in ownership and day-to-day use. Port Modernisation: Indra is digitising the Port of Bilbao to meet EU customs rules, aiming to cut transit times via real-time data sharing and a “single declaration” approach. Women’s Economic Push (Cabo Verde in the plan): A women’s summit in Abuja calls for bigger investment in leadership and skills for the future of work, with a next phase scheduled to include Cabo Verde in late November. US Visa Policy Shift (includes Cabo Verde): A US court lifted the January 2026 immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including Cabo Verde, after a judge ruled the pause exceeded the State Department’s authority. Google AI Access (Cabo Verde included): Google expanded its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, adding higher Gemini usage limits and shared cloud storage. Maritime Safety Training (West Africa): IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training programme to strengthen seafarer certification examiners ahead of upcoming audits.

US Immigration Policy: A federal judge has lifted the January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Cabo Verde, after ruling the suspension exceeded the State Department’s authority—meaning visa processing can resume under existing rules. Women & Skills for Work: A women’s summit in Abuja is pushing for bigger investment in women’s economic agency, with a next phase planned across Abuja, Lagos and Cabo Verde later in 2026 to build leadership and future-of-work skills. EU Diplomacy: Sofia Moreira de Sousa, previously EU head of delegation in Cabo Verde, has taken up her post as the EU ambassador to Albania as membership talks advance. Aviation & Connectivity: Luxair says it will invest over EUR1bn to renew its fleet by the mid-2030s, with new B737 deliveries aimed at longer routes including Cabo Verde. Climate Pre-COP Logistics: Australia’s pre-COP 31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu is drawing scrutiny over high costs and attendance, with Cabo Verde named among leaders expected to participate. Digital Access: Google expanded its free AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving access to Gemini tools and cloud storage.

Climate & Tourism: Extreme heat is already pushing African tourism schedules toward early mornings and later evenings, forcing operators to rethink seasonal travel patterns—an issue that matters for Cabo Verde’s coastal economy too. Aviation & Connectivity: Luxair says it will invest over EUR1bn to renew its fleet by the mid-2030s, with new B737-8s configured for longer routes including Cabo Verde. Pre-COP Climate Spending: Australia’s pre-COP 31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu is drawing scrutiny over high accommodation and event costs, even as Cabo Verde is reported among leaders confirmed for the Pacific summit. US Immigration Policy: A US court ended the January pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Cabo Verde—appointments resumed after the August 21 ruling. Digital Skills for Students: Google expanded its free AI offer to 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving students access to Gemini tools and cloud storage. UN Leadership: Nigeria’s Ahunna Eziakonwa took over as UN Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde. Maritime Safety: IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training push to tighten seafarer certification standards across West Africa.

Aviation & Tourism Links: Luxair says it will invest over EUR1bn to renew its fleet by the mid-2030s, with new Boeing 737-8s and 737-10s configured for longer routes—explicitly including destinations such as Cabo Verde—and claiming lower fuel burn and emissions. Digital Skills for Cabo Verde: Google expanded its free one-year Google AI Plus subscription to students across 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, boosting access to Gemini tools and cloud storage. UN & Regional Diplomacy: A UN leadership handover places a new Africa-focused adviser at the UN, with the role previously held by Cabo Verde’s Cristina Duarte. US Immigration Policy: A US court ended a Trump-era immigrant visa pause covering 75 countries, including Cape Verde, restoring appointment processing. Maritime Standards: IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launched regional training to tighten seafarer certification assessment—relevant for West African trade competitiveness. Sports Media Deal: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons, expanding premium football access in the region. Governance Watch (West Africa): Guinea-Bissau’s referendum on a stronger presidency is underway amid opposition calls for boycott, with potential knock-on effects for regional stability and business planning.

US Immigration Policy: A US court struck down the immigrant visa pause for 75 countries, and the Department of State says the ban is no longer in effect as of Aug. 21, 2026—meaning applicants, including from Cape Verde, can continue under normal rules. UN Diplomacy: UNGA 2026 opens Sept. 22 amid wars and funding pressure, with expectations that President Trump’s agenda will shape debates on Iran and the UN’s role. Guinea-Bissau Politics: Guinea-Bissau holds a referendum on Sunday on a new constitution that would boost presidential powers and shrink parliament; opposition and rights groups call for a boycott over legitimacy and campaign restrictions. Maritime & Trade Skills: The IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launch a regional training push in Accra to tighten seafarer certification standards and exam integrity across West Africa. Tech & Education: Google expands its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, with Gemini tools and cloud storage. Sports Media Rights: DAZN secures LaLiga EA SPORTS broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), adding 380 matches per season to its platform.

US Immigration Policy: A US court ruling has ended the January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Cape Verde, with the ban lifted as of Aug. 21, 2026 and interviews continuing under standard rules. Regional Politics: Guinea-Bissau is holding a referendum on Sunday that would strengthen presidential powers and reduce parliament ahead of December elections, with opposition calling for a boycott over legitimacy and power concentration. Maritime & Trade Capacity: The IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training push in Accra to tighten seafarer certification assessment standards across West Africa, aiming to protect credibility as Africa’s shipping role grows. Tech & Education Access: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus student offer to 27 African countries, adding Cabo Verde among new markets. Cabo Verde Links to Global Business: Angola’s foreign minister met Cabo Verde’s Manuel Rosa in Luanda to review bilateral cooperation, including political consultations and defense/security accord updates. Sports Media Rights: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons starting 2026/27, boosting premium football access across 48 markets.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Vote: Guinea-Bissau went to the polls in a referendum that would shift the country from a semi-presidential system to a stronger presidency, boosting the president’s control over the Council of Ministers and the prime minister while shrinking parliament—moves the opposition says are a power grab and has urged voters to boycott amid claims of limited freedoms and a lack of legitimacy. Maritime Skills for Trade: The International Maritime Organisation and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training push in Accra to tighten seafarer assessment and certification standards, aiming to protect international credibility ahead of an IMO audit in 2027—an issue that matters for West African shipping competitiveness. Tech Access for Students (Including Cabo Verde): Google expanded its free Google AI Plus student offer to 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving eligible students a year of Gemini tools plus cloud storage. Tourism Heritage Signal (Sao Tome): UNESCO-listed colonial “rocas” plantations in Sao Tome and Principe are drawing private investor interest, as preservation challenges collide with tourism potential. Business & Mobility: Angola and Cabo Verde reviewed bilateral cooperation in Luanda, including political consultations and defence-security cooperation.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Vote: Guinea-Bissau is holding a referendum on Sunday that could strengthen the presidency and reshape the electoral system ahead of December’s return to civilian rule, but turnout is low after opposition calls for a boycott, arguing the draft was produced by the military junta without broad consultation. UN & Regional Diplomacy: Cabo Verde’s President José Maria Neves met Angola’s João Lourenço during the AU summit in Luanda, as leaders discussed bilateral ties and the AU’s push to improve Africa’s peace and security capacity. Tech for Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving access to Gemini tools and cloud storage. Sports Media Deal: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), bringing all matches live and on-demand to 48 markets. Tourism After the World Cup: Cabo Verde’s World Cup spotlight is already boosting global interest, raising the key question of how to convert attention into tourism without straining local capacity. Legal Appeal in Cabo Verdean Case: The family of Odair Moniz, a Cape Verdean citizen killed by PSP police officer Bruno Pinto, has appealed a suspended jail term and is seeking higher compensation.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau is voting Sunday on a new constitution that would strengthen the presidency and reshape the electoral system ahead of December’s elections, with turnout reported as low after opposition calls for a boycott over concerns the draft was produced by the military junta and could concentrate power. Cabo Verde in Regional Diplomacy: Cabo Verde President José Maria das Neves met Angola’s João Lourenço during the AU summit in Luanda, with both sides discussing bilateral relations and cooperation mechanisms. Google AI for Students (Cabo Verde Included): Google expanded its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students across 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving access to Gemini tools plus cloud storage after verification. Tourism & Global Spotlight for Cabo Verde: Coverage highlights how Cape Verde’s World Cup exposure could translate into more visitors, while stressing the need to manage demand sustainably. Sports Media Deal: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons, starting this weekend.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau votes Sunday on a new constitution that would strengthen the presidency and reshape the electoral system ahead of December’s elections, following the November coup; authorities say it will clarify authority and reduce instability, while the opposition and civil society call for a boycott, warning the process lacks democratic legitimacy. Cabo Verde–Angola Diplomacy: In Luanda, Cabo Verde’s foreign minister Manuel Rosa met Angola’s counterpart Téte António to review bilateral relations, including high-level political consultations, the mixed commission agenda, and a defence and security cooperation agreement signed in 2013. Google AI Access for Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving access to Gemini tools, higher usage limits and shared cloud storage. Cape Verde Tourism After the World Cup: A look at how Cape Verde’s World Cup visibility could translate into more visitors and investment, with leaders pushing for more direct flights from the U.S. TAAG Restructuring Update: Angola’s TAAG reported 53% global execution in its restructuring plan, with 263 of 698 targets completed and operational cash generation, signalling progress toward financial sustainability. Remote Work Listings: A Remitly study using LinkedIn data ranks remote job availability across Africa; Cape Verde appears among the highest remote-vacancy markets, while South Africa ranks lowest.

Google AI for Students: Google expanded its free one-year Google AI Plus subscription to students in 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, with access to Gemini tools and 400GB cloud storage. Cabo Verde–UN/Multilateral: A new UN Special Adviser on Africa role went to Nigeria’s Ahunna Eziakonwa, succeeding Cabo Verde’s Cristina Duarte, with a mandate to boost UN coordination and attention on Africa’s Agenda 2063. Cabo Verde–Angola Diplomacy: Angola’s foreign minister met Cabo Verde’s Manuel Augusto Lima Amante da Rosa in Luanda to review bilateral ties, including high-level political consultations and defence/security cooperation. Cabo Verde Economy & Labour: Cabo Verde’s unpaid work is estimated at 9.6% of GDP, with women doing most of the unpaid care and domestic work, according to ICIEG and UN partners. Regional Business Signals: TAAG’s Angola restructuring reported 53% global execution and 263 of 698 targets completed, alongside operational and commercial updates. Global Tech & Sports Spillovers: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, while a Cape Verde World Cup spotlight is expected to shape tourism demand.

Sports & Media Deal: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), bringing all 380 matches per season live and on-demand to 48 markets, with English and Spanish commentary. Aviation Restructuring: Angola’s TAAG says its transformation plan is 53% executed, with 263 of 698 targets completed, and reports lower operating expenses alongside cash generation and fleet recovery. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister met Angola’s counterpart in Luanda to review bilateral cooperation, including high-level political consultations and the Angola–Cabo Verde mixed commission, plus a defense and security agreement review. Labour & Gender Economics (Cabo Verde): A Cabo Verde gender institute report estimates unpaid work at 9.6% of GDP, with women far more likely to do unpaid care and domestic work. Politics in Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau’s military-backed government holds a referendum on Aug. 30 on a new constitution that would strengthen the presidency; the opposition calls for a boycott. Hurricane Watch (Cape Verde-linked): Forecasters track Invest 96L near the Cabo Verde area, with a chance it could become Tropical Storm Dolly, bringing potential heavy rain to parts of the Leeward Islands and beyond.

Aviation & Restructuring: Angola’s TAAG says its transformation plan is 53% executed, with 263 of 698 targets completed, and reports operational cost cuts tied to a $25.7m budget gap plus $19.2m in operating cash, alongside the return to service of five aircraft and a 30% expansion of its African route network. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister Manuel Rosa met Angola’s counterpart in Luanda to review bilateral relations, including high-level political consultations, the Angola–Cabo Verde joint commission, and a defense and security cooperation agreement signed in 2013. Tourism & Global Spotlight: A World Cup run has boosted Cape Verde’s visibility, raising the question of how to convert attention into tourism without overwhelming capacity, as leaders push for more direct flights and record hotel demand. Labor & Gender Economics: Cabo Verde estimates unpaid work at 9.6% of GDP, with women far more likely to do unpaid care and domestic work, prompting calls to strengthen national care policy. Remote Work Market Signals: A Remitly study finds Cape Verde among Africa’s most remote-friendly job markets (94.7% of listings tagged remote), while South Africa ranks lowest (17.6%). Weather Watch (Cape Verde-linked): Atlantic forecasters track Invest 96L near the Cabo Verde area, with “Dolly” now the next name on the list if development reaches tropical-storm strength, though land risk remains low for now.