Cape Verde & Japan Partner to Industrialize Fishing Sector
Cape Verde is looking to transform its fishing industry from a traditional trade into a modern industrial powerhouse through a strategic partnership with Japan. Following a ceremony on São Vicente island, the archipelago’s Minister of the Sea, Jorge Santos, called for deeper cooperation with the Asian nation to modernize the sector.
Beyond the Coastline: A Vision for Industrialization
“We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Minister Santos stated on Thursday. He emphasized that the government’s vision extends beyond simply allowing foreign vessels into local waters; the goal is to foster direct collaboration between Cape Verdean and Japanese entrepreneurs to build a robust industrial infrastructure.
The minister noted that the partnership is ripe for expansion because Japan already possesses the “equipment, science, knowledge, and market scale” that Cape Verde needs to unlock its potential. Currently, a bilateral agreement allows 35 Japanese vessels to operate starting 18 miles off the coast, utilizing up to 42 licenses.
Equipping Local Communities
The call for industrialization came as Japan delivered a significant aid package worth over €2 million. To support artisanal fishing and improve the value chain, Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu handed over a variety of high-impact equipment, including:
- 100 outboard motors for local boats.
- Three industrial ice-making machines and 50 thermal preservation boxes.
- Two refrigerated trucks to ensure the cold chain during transport.
- Two seven-meter vessels.
This equipment is destined for fishermen’s and vendors’ associations on the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão, where local economies rely heavily on the sea.
A Broad ‘Blue Economy’ Strategy
Minister Santos highlighted that while fishing is the immediate priority, Cape Verde is seeking Japanese investment across the entire “blue economy.” This includes expanding cooperation into sustainable tourism, marine technology, and diverse business opportunities.
The partnership continues to grow. Following today’s equipment handover, the two nations are scheduled to sign an additional agreement on Friday—a €913,000 food assistance package—further strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties between the archipelago and Tokyo.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
