Cape Verde and Japan: Partnering for Fishing Industrialization
Cape Verde is looking to deepen its long-standing relationship with Japan, moving beyond traditional fishing agreements to build a modern, industrial maritime economy. Minister of the Sea Jorge Santos announced the ambitious goal on the island of São Vicente following a significant donation of maritime equipment from the Japanese government.
From Licenses to Industrial Partnerships
While Japanese vessels have long operated in Cape Verdean waters, Minister Santos emphasized that the future of the partnership must focus on infrastructure and business collaboration. Currently, 35 Japanese vessels operate under 42 licenses, fishing at least 18 miles off the archipelago’s coast. However, the Minister is now calling for a more integrated approach.
“We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. “The goal is not just to have Japanese boats operating in our waters, but to establish strategies between businesspeople from both nations to develop industrial fishing. We have the market scale; now we need the combined science and knowledge.”
Boosting the ‘Blue Economy’
The vision extends beyond catching fish. The Minister highlighted the potential for Japanese investment in the broader “blue economy,” including sustainable tourism, maritime technology, and logistics. By leveraging Japanese expertise, Cape Verde hopes to transform its strategic mid-Atlantic location into a hub for marine industry and innovation.
Immediate Support for Local Communities
The announcement coincided with the delivery of over €2 million ($2.15 million USD) worth of equipment intended to revitalize Cape Verde’s artisanal fishing sector. The donation, presented by Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu, includes:
- 100 outboard boat motors
- Three ice-making machines and 50 thermal preservation boxes
- Two refrigerated trucks to maintain the cold chain
- Two seven-meter fishing vessels
This equipment will be distributed to fishers’ associations and vendors across the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão, providing immediate improvements to local livelihoods and food security.
Strengthening Ties
The cooperation between the two nations continues to expand. Following the equipment handover, Cape Verde is set to sign a food assistance agreement with Japan worth approximately €913,000. This continued support underscores a growing diplomatic and economic bond that Cape Verde hopes will eventually lead to a full-scale industrial transformation of its maritime sector.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
