Cape Verde Seeks Japan Partnership for Fishing Industry
Cape Verde is looking to transform its maritime industry through a deepened strategic partnership with Japan. Minister of the Sea Jorge Santos announced the country’s ambition to move beyond traditional methods and fully industrialize its fishing sector, inviting Japanese investment and expertise to the archipelago.
A Vision for Industrial Growth
The announcement followed a ceremony on the island of São Vicente, where the Japanese government donated more than €2 million worth of essential fishing equipment. While the donation supports immediate local needs, Minister Santos emphasized that Cape Verde’s long-term goals are much broader.
“We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. He explained that the objective is to move past a simple licensing relationship. “The goal is not just to have Japanese boats operating in Cape Verdean waters, but also to establish strategies between businesspeople from both countries to develop industrial fishing.”
Santos highlighted that the sector is ripe for expansion, noting that the “equipment, science, knowledge, and market scale” necessary for growth already exist. The current maritime agreement allows 35 Japanese vessels to operate starting 18 miles off the coast, utilizing up to 42 licenses.
Building the ‘Blue Economy’
The Minister’s vision extends beyond the nets, aiming to integrate Japan into various facets of Cape Verde’s “blue economy.” This includes seeking Japanese involvement in tourism, sustainable technology, and broader business opportunities.
The recent €2 million equipment package provided by Japan includes:
- 100 outboard motors for local boats
- Three industrial ice-making machines
- 50 thermal boxes for fish preservation
- Two refrigerated trucks for transport
- Two seven-meter fishing vessels
The equipment, delivered by Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu, is earmarked for fishermen’s and vendors’ associations across the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão.
Expanding Cooperation
The maritime partnership is just one pillar of the growing relationship between the two nations. On Friday, Cape Verde and Japan are set to sign an additional agreement worth €913,000 to provide food assistance to the archipelago, further strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
