Cape Verde and Japan: Industrial Fishing Partnership Deepens
Cape Verde is looking to Japan to transform its fishing industry from a traditional trade into a modern industrial powerhouse. On Thursday, Minister of the Sea Jorge Santos called for a strategic deepening of ties between the two nations, emphasizing that the archipelago’s maritime ambitions extend far beyond its current artisanal roots.
Beyond the Shoreline: A Vision for Industrialization
Speaking on the island of São Vicente, Santos made it clear that while cooperation already exists, the future must involve large-scale investment and technology transfers. “We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. “It is a sector where equipment, science, knowledge, and market scale already exist.”
The Minister explained that the goal is to move beyond simply granting access to foreign fleets. He envisions a collaborative ecosystem where Cape Verdean and Japanese entrepreneurs form joint strategies to build a robust industrial fishing infrastructure. “We want investments not only in the fishing sector but also in the blue economy in all its aspects,” he added, citing tourism and advanced technology as key areas for growth.
Modernizing the Current Fleet
The call for partnership came as the Japanese government delivered over €2 million worth of essential equipment to support Cape Verde’s artisanal fishing communities. The donation includes:
- 100 outboard motors for local boats
- Three industrial ice machines
- 50 thermal preservation boxes
- Two refrigerated trucks
- Two seven-meter fishing vessels
Handed over by Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu, the equipment is earmarked for fishermen’s and vendors’ associations on the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão.
Strengthening Existing Ties
Japan is already a significant player in Cape Verdean waters. Under a current fishing agreement, Japanese vessels are permitted to operate starting 18 miles off the coast. According to 2024 data, 35 Japanese vessels are currently active in the region, utilizing up to 42 fishing licenses.
The diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations continues to expand. Following the equipment handover, Cape Verde is set to sign a food assistance agreement with Japan on Friday, valued at approximately €913,000, further solidifying Japan’s role as a critical developmental partner for the Atlantic nation.
Image: Pexels – Magda Ehlers
