Cape Verde & Japan: Partnering for Fishing Industrialization
Cape Verde is looking to transform its fishing industry from a traditional trade into a modern industrial powerhouse, and it wants Japan to lead the way as a strategic partner. Minister of the Sea Jorge Santos made the appeal during a ceremony on the island of São Vicente, where the Japanese government donated over €2 million in specialized equipment to support the archipelago’s maritime sector.
Beyond the Shoreline: A Vision for Industrialization
While Cape Verde has long benefited from Japanese aid, Minister Santos emphasized that the future of the relationship must move toward deep-seated industrial collaboration. “We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. He noted that the goal is not merely to host Japanese fleets, but to foster direct business-to-business strategies between the two nations.
The Minister highlighted that the foundation for growth is already in place. “It is a sector where equipment, science, knowledge, and market scale already exist,” he said, suggesting that Cape Verde is ready to scale up its operations with the help of Japanese expertise and investment.
Current Cooperation and Licensing
The maritime bond between the two countries is already active through a fishing agreement that allows Japanese vessels to operate starting 18 miles off the Cape Verdean coast. According to 2024 data, 35 Japanese vessels are currently active in these waters, utilizing a total of 42 fishing licenses.
However, Santos indicated that the archipelago’s ambitions extend beyond the net. The government is seeking Japanese investment across the broader “blue economy,” including sustainable tourism, maritime technology, and new trade opportunities.
Immediate Boost for Artisanal Fishers
The recent donation from Japan, delivered by Ambassador Izawa Osamu, provides an immediate boost to local communities. The €2 million package includes:
- 100 outboard motors for local fishing boats
- Three industrial ice-making machines
- 50 thermal boxes for fish preservation
- Two refrigerated trucks to maintain the cold chain
- Two seven-meter specialized vessels
This equipment is earmarked for fishermen’s and vendors’ associations across the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving the quality of the catch reaching the market.
Strengthening Food Security
The diplomatic ties between the two nations continue to expand beyond the maritime sector. On Friday, Cape Verde and Japan are scheduled to sign an additional agreement worth €913,000. These funds are specifically allocated for food assistance programs, reinforcing Japan’s role as a key development partner for the archipelago.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
